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Post by Shakti on Feb 10, 2023 1:00:28 GMT
Has anybody participated in an Altenew retreat? How was it?
They have an upcoming one (May) with Jennifer McGuire as one of the six instructors. I'm mighty tempted, despite the price -- my husband will have indulged one of his hobbies with a week-long sailing trip the prior month, so it will seem comparatively frugal!
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Post by melanieg on Feb 10, 2023 6:14:28 GMT
I wanted to see how much shipping to Canada is, but I can only see an 'add to wishlist' button, no 'add to cart'.
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Post by Shakti on Feb 10, 2023 10:15:56 GMT
Should have a black “preorder” button above the lighter “add to wishlist”.
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Post by melanieg on Feb 10, 2023 16:14:21 GMT
No, but I was on my phone last night. I will check it out again on my computer.
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Post by Shakti on Feb 11, 2023 12:11:00 GMT
I registered.
I find the videos introducing the instructors to be much too long and a bit tedious, but I am kind of intrigued that the two I saw had interesting day jobs — a lab scientist and an RN. Somehow that’s more relatable to me than a career crafter.
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Post by cmpeter on Feb 11, 2023 19:12:54 GMT
Looking forward to hearing what you think about it Shakti. For me, it was a little pricey for a one day event. |
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Post by Shakti on Apr 20, 2023 0:39:59 GMT
I've just received my box for the event.
Six full-size ink pads. This is not necessarily something I like, but it's certainly high-value/helps justify the cost.
Eight blending brushes in two sizes -- I've been eagerly awaiting these. They are the straight up style rather than the handle style, if that makes sense, but smaller head size, and I've been feeling the need for more small brushes. I look forward to seeing how this style of brush handle works for me. Another tool included is a stamp-conditioning eraser set.
A seven-stencil layering set with coordinating dies. This looks INTENSE! I know folks who attended C&C were frustrated at the number of different layers on one stencil in that set. You know what I mean, right? One stencil would have to be moved here to do this part and there to do that. This set has four that seem to do the layer in one go and three that have two sections on one piece of plastic stencil and will need to be moved. But really, that's just an amazing number of stencils. I don't think I've ever seen a 7-stencil set, never mind the 3 additional sort-of-layers!
There's a background stamp/embossing folder combo, which is something I've never seen. Not sure how that's going to work, but I'm fascinated. The stamp set has sentiments in addition to the background and there's a die set for those. Those three products look very art deco style -- very different from what I'm used to from Altenew and very much of interest to me!
There's another embossing folder with coordinating adhesive enamel shapes. This one seems a little weird; does the folder hold its own when the embellishments are used up? The last crafting item is a floral spray layering die set.
Last item is an enamel pin for the event.
On the whole, I'd say there's a reasonable cost-to-value ratio. I don't personally desire full-size ink pads, but I can't say that makes them worth less on the market in general. I see no outline stamps/coloring opportunities, but there also seems to be only a single ink-blending opportunity (that honkin' stencil set). I find myself really intrigued. How will all the things get used?!
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,796
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Apr 20, 2023 2:24:26 GMT
Sounds like a nice mixture of products. I hope you will share the cards with us when you are done with them and some new tips and tricks you learn.
The folder and embellishment combo sounds interesting. And the layering floral die sounds good....I'm a suckered for those 😊.
Have fun!
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Post by mbanda on Apr 20, 2023 13:31:18 GMT
Shakti yes please share the projects once the event is over! Can't wait to see what that stamp/embossing folder combo is all about...
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Post by Shakti on Apr 20, 2023 16:53:20 GMT
Registration is reopened.
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azcrafty
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,796
Jun 28, 2019 20:24:21 GMT
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Post by azcrafty on Apr 20, 2023 18:25:04 GMT
I just got an email with the picture of all the goodies. Those inkpad colors are very pretty.  |
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Post by don on Apr 21, 2023 5:11:02 GMT
My idea of a Retreat is, you go away someplace and meet with like minded people and learn things or just have fun and craft. I don't think sitting at home, with all the everyday distractions, can in any way be called a retreat.
I think the Retreat the are selling, for an exorbitant price, would be more like being under fire on the front line, with all the day to day distractions.
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Post by melanieg on Apr 21, 2023 5:12:48 GMT
I just priced it out. With delivery and exchange it's almost $800 CAD! I can buy a lot of product for that.
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Post by don on Apr 21, 2023 5:20:04 GMT
I just priced it out. With delivery and exchange it's almost $800 CAD! I can buy a lot of product for that. You could go to expo, get a motel room, pay the fee, and shop for that kind of money. |
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Post by melanieg on Apr 21, 2023 15:21:31 GMT
I just priced it out. With delivery and exchange it's almost $800 CAD! I can buy a lot of product for that. You could go to expo, get a motel room, pay the fee, and shop for that kind of money. I can do a cruise for that price too! hahaha |
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Post by Shakti on Apr 21, 2023 15:50:35 GMT
I'll take a hard pass on the cruise, thanks.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,133 
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Post by scrapnnana on Apr 21, 2023 16:19:02 GMT
While I think such “retreats” sound interesting, I’m in Don’s camp. It’s $275, if you sign up early. It looks like the price goes up to $500 if you are too slow. Or maybe they are just trying to make you feel like you are getting a great deal.
The 6 classes are “valued at” $600, or $100/class. They are online, right? It’s not like they are having to pay for a fancy convention room at a hotel. I understand that they aren’t really charging $100/class. They just appear to want you to feel like you are getting a great deal instead of being shocked by the price.
The supplies are valued at “over $250” and that might be on target, based on how expensive Altenew products tend to be, but of course, they make sure you know that these products are “exclusive,” so they are playing on your FOMO.
In reality, you are paying about $46/class, which isn’t necessarily a bad deal, since it includes the supplies and how to use them, but you don’t get to see what you are making ahead of time. Even if you make 3 to 4 cards in each class, I don’t think it’s a great value. Why not? Because for only $4 more, you can buy a Silhouette Cameo 4 electronic cutter.
Or, as Don suggested, you can take the money, go to a convention, and buy a lot of fun things of your own choice.
My comments are for those who might still be trying to decide. If your budget, like mine, is tighter than it used to be, these are simply some things that you might want to take into consideration before you spend that kind of money.
However, if you have already signed up and paid the money, I sincerely hope that you are thrilled with the classes, projects, and products, and that you have a lot of fun doing them. If you feel that you have gotten your money’s worth, that is what counts.
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Post by scrapperal on Apr 21, 2023 17:26:56 GMT
In reality, you are paying about $46/class, which isn’t necessarily a bad deal, since it includes the supplies and how to use them, but you don’t get to see what you are making ahead of time. Even if you make 3 to 4 cards in each class, I don’t think it’s a great value. Why not? Because for only $4 more, you can buy a Silhouette Cameo 4 electronic cutter. When you break it down like that, it actually sounds reasonable to me, haha. But I'm too busy right now to be taking classes (and then trying to find a spot for the new stuff). |
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Post by MichyM on Apr 21, 2023 19:29:41 GMT
While I think such “retreats” sound interesting, I’m in Don’s camp. It’s $275, if you sign up early. It looks like the price goes up to $500 if you are too slow. Or maybe they are just trying to make you feel like you are getting a great deal. The 6 classes are “valued at” $600, or $100/class. They are online, right? It’s not like they are having to pay for a fancy convention room at a hotel. I understand that they aren’t really charging $100/class. They just appear to want you to feel like you are getting a great deal instead of being shocked by the price. The supplies are valued at “over $250” and that might be on target, based on how expensive Altenew products tend to be, but of course, they make sure you know that these products are “exclusive,” so they are playing on your FOMO. In reality, you are paying about $46/class, which isn’t necessarily a bad deal, since it includes the supplies and how to use them, but you don’t get to see what you are making ahead of time. Even if you make 3 to 4 cards in each class, I don’t think it’s a great value. Why not? Because for only $4 more, you can buy a Silhouette Cameo 4 electronic cutter. Or, as Don suggested, you can take the money, go to a convention, and buy a lot of fun things of your own choice. My comments are for those who might still be trying to decide. If your budget, like mine, is tighter than it used to be, these are simply some things that you might want to take into consideration before you spend that kind of money. However, if you have already signed up and paid the money, I sincerely hope that you are thrilled with the classes, projects, and products, and that you have a lot of fun doing them. If you feel that you have gotten your money’s worth, that is what counts. I think the products look lovely. That said, there just aren't enough of them to make this event worth the $$$ to me. And nothing in that grouping that I feel like I must have. Since I'm planning on adding a Scan n Cut to my arsenal in the next few months, I'll pat myself on the back for the $$$ I'm saving by not signing up (LOL)! Also, I think they may be having a hard time selling this event since they've taken the time to tell us how much it's *worth.* Sounds like a hard-sell tactic to me. |
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lindas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,152
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Post by lindas on Apr 21, 2023 23:33:32 GMT
I like Altenew products but for $275 I can but quite a bit and know it will be what I want and what I’ll use. As far as the instructors go, they have plenty of videos on YouTube showcasing different techniques, I don’t need to spend money to be shown how to use a layering stencil.
I know some people like these online classes and that’s great and I hope you enjoy the classes then share with us what you made. It’s just not my cup of tea.
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Post by Shakti on Apr 21, 2023 23:55:13 GMT
To those asking to see cards -- thanks! I just hope I finish some. Some of those products look a little intimidating.
For those of you vigorously expressing your cynicism about this retreat, I'd just like to remind you that it's not nice to yuck other people's yums.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,133
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Post by scrapnnana on Apr 22, 2023 8:16:20 GMT
To those asking to see cards -- thanks! I just hope I finish some. Some of those products look a little intimidating. For those of you vigorously expressing your cynicism about this retreat, I'd just like to remind you that it's not nice to yuck other people's yums. I’m guessing this is your first experience seeing that the Peas tend to speak their minds. If you enjoy the many card making events and can afford them, that’s great, and I’m sure that it’s more fun if others here join you. By posting about it, you are essentially inviting/encouraging others here to sign up, too. There is nothing wrong with doing that, but there seem to be a LOT of retreats, classes, etc., being posted recently, and this one is rather costly. Actually, a lot of them are pretty expensive, and the costs can add up fast. Some of us explained that we prefer to spend our (presumably more limited) funds differently. We aren’t trying to “yuck your yums.” I suspect that the overhype on this class (from them, not you) really rubbed some of us the wrong way. Altenew does make nice products. As I mentioned in my first post, it’s not a bad deal, and I do look forward to seeing your cards. |
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Post by MichyM on Apr 22, 2023 17:22:07 GMT
Shakti, I am very sorry if anything I said about the cost to value (FOR ME) caused you to feel that I was yucking on your yums. TRULY! I hope it is a fun-filled time and that you learn and apply lots of new tips and tricks! I do want to point out, that the C+CD thread is now 3 pages long, and is filled with peas expressing their thoughts about it as well. Same happens with PF, C+9th, Hero Arts, TE, and pretty much any company that holds their own weekend of classes. I think you've been around here long enough to realize that. Basically, I pretty much agree with what scrapnnana said above. Again though, I hope it is a fabulous time and that we're all wishing we had signed up by the time it's done!
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Post by cmpeter on Apr 22, 2023 17:48:59 GMT
I am sure it will be a very fun class and informative. I look forward to seeing the projects you make! It's just to pricey for my budget.
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Post by Shakti on Apr 22, 2023 19:04:08 GMT
It is certainly true that I spent months after returning to paper crafting bemoaning that I didn't want FaceBook so I couldn't register for anything. And then once I was convinced to set up a bare-bones FB account I registered for Everything Everywhere All at Once (and didn't even get an Oscar nod, golldurnit!).
And I am probably over-sensitive because I am having doubts about this event:
*I had NO IDEA that I would be the only Pea attending.
*Altenew attracted me as a customer with their artist's alcohol markers and this retreat has zero coloring.
At least their C&C box had an outline stamp -- it came with a coloring stencil set, but that doesn't mean you HAVE to use the stencil.
*I really don't prefer full-size inks; I would have loved it if this came with the option to get cubes at a lower price point, like C&9's summer camp package.
I am really, really hoping that the classes around this massive stencil set go smoother than the one at C&C did. I certainly AM at the point where I need someone to teach me how to effectively use a layering stencil and that didn't really cut it.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,133
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Post by scrapnnana on Apr 22, 2023 21:46:49 GMT
I’m sorry we added to your doubts about the class. I hope that it is everything you want and need it to be. I hadn’t realized that you were the only one here that had signed up. Maybe someone else will still sign up at the last minute, maybe not, but Altenew makes some wonderful products, even if they are a bit expensive. I like most of Jennifer McGuire’s YouTube classes. I’m not familiar with the other teachers. If your cards turn out really gorgeous, then perhaps next time more people will sign up. I hope you make us wish we had signed up with you.
I could be wrong, but I think alcohol markers generally work the same, so Copic techniques should work for the ones you have. I think there are some free Copic videos on YouTube that offer tips and techniques, if that is what you are looking for. I have Copic markers. I’m not particularly adept at using them well, but I love the look when done right.
Events like this are always fun. Enjoy the event and make the most of it. You’ll have a fun day, learn some new techniques, and the kit contents look very nice. Don’t second guess having signed up at this point. Just enjoy it and make us envious when we see your finished cards!
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Post by Shakti on Apr 22, 2023 22:10:50 GMT
Thanks for the kind words, scrapnnana . I know that there are other places to get instruction on the markers. Actually I just watched a great video on their site on coloring florals with their markers. I'm just disappointed that none of these products are going to be good for coloring later, regardless of whether they're colored in the class. |
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Post by Shakti on Apr 23, 2023 0:16:03 GMT
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Post by melanieg on Apr 23, 2023 0:23:28 GMT
You could go to expo, get a motel room, pay the fee, and shop for that kind of money. I can do a cruise for that price too! hahaha I would LOVE to be able to take this. I have been drawn to their stuff a lot lately and they are one of the few companies I follow online. It is just out of my budget at this time. I hope you enjoy every moment of it and all of the classes. The products you received are great! I can't wait to see your cards.  |
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Post by Shakti on Apr 23, 2023 0:31:04 GMT
Thank you, melanieg . I do understand that international shipping and exchange rates are real and out of individual control and don't help at all in this case as well. |
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