True Scrap 4 Class Review: “The Art of Layering” by Nichol Magouirk

As I posted HERE, I’m very excited that “TRUE SCRAP 4” individual classes are finally on sale.

I was especially excited (but somewhat apprehensive, honestly) to take this class: “THE ART OF LAYERING” by Nichol Magouirk (scroll down til you find it). I’m a pretty simple scrapper and layering? Yeah, not a talent I naturally posses. When I’ve tried to do layering before, my layout ends up looking like a red hot mess.

I’ve never taken a class by Nichol but I’ve always heard great things about her classes offered at Two Peas. I figured if anyone could teach me layering, Nichol could, LOL! So here is what’s included in the class, along with my random thoughts about it:

– A 38-minute video, which is on the longer side for a True Scrap class.

– Beautiful, long, and detailed handout with color photos, instructions, and supply lists.

– Great techniques Nichol uses to make her amazing layered layouts.

– I learned a great new way to computer journal on stickers (super happy about that one), a cool new way to use border stickers, and about the art of “tucking.”

– She made me want to buy a TINY ATTACHER by Tim Holtz.

– Nichol uses a lot of the embellishments I already have, adding them on to the page in ways I wouldn’t think of on my own – but I’ll be coming back to this video again and again to remind myself how to use what I have.

– As a bonus – because it’s a video – I finally learned how to properly say “Magouirk” . . . hee hee.

I have to say that one technique/layout was a bit too much for me. One attendee in Chat called it Extreme Diecutting. But if you’re into Silhouette, shadows, etc., you will LOVE it.

You know how scrapbook classes are so different, and different things appeal to different scrappers? This is not a class I would normally have taken. I’m a simple scrapper for a reason {well, other than the fact that I have as much design talent in my whole body as people like Nichol have in the tip of her pinky finger} . . . it’s because FOR ME it’s about the photos and journaling.

For others, it’s about making each page a work of art that stretches your talents and gives you a massive creative outlet. I’ll be honest and say that this class would be more geared toward the latter, if you intend to copy Nichol’s layouts or style very closely.

That said, I think it’s worth taking even for simple scrappers like me. I can take her overall concepts and pieces of her ideas to improve my own layouts, relax a little, and have more fun. Oh, and use product! ‘Cuz I’m a scrapbook product hoarder and lawdy knows I need to use up some product (so I can . . . . erm . . . shop some more).

I have mad respect for people who can scrapbook with layers and make layouts that are so gorgeous, I would want to frame them. It’s like a scrapbook isn’t good enough :) So overall, I do recommend you take Nichol’s class, “The Art of Layering.” She is an amazingly talented gal and now I see what all the fuss was about.

As much as I love Nichol now, and her amazing scrapbooking advice and techniques, even she is not going to get me machine stitching on my pages . . . not even with the cutest teal-colored Hello Kitty sewing machine ever! {There is a link to where you can buy one for yourself}.

Gosh, I look back at her layouts on the class handout and I’m just amazed at her talent. What an inspiring scrapbooker! Color me a Nichol Magouirk fan from now on :)

So if I’ve convinced you to take Nichol’s class, you can buy “TRUE SCRAP 4” individual classes here.

If you have taken or do take Nichol’s class,please leave a comment and let me know what YOU thought about it! I’m sure readers would love all perspectives as they decide whether or not to take this class.

Don’t forget: Buy True Scrap 4 individual classes by 12/25/12 and save $3 per class {$9.95 instead of $12.95}.