Big Box vs Cloth, Paper, String

During the government shutdown, I had an abundance of free time, and did not have a long commute each day. I did all the crafts, but after a few weeks, I needed to get out of the house. Helpfully, Facebook suggested a DIY event st a local big box hardware store. My kids used to go to the Make and take workshops there when they were little, so I signed up and eagerly waited for the day to come.

I had a great time at the workshop, but noticed a few things that were similar to the workshops I offer in the Cloth, Paper, String studio, and a couple things that were very different. So I wanted to share them with you.

First, the things were the same:

1) The staff hosting the event worked hard to put together a good project. It turns out that the corporate planned project was actually kind of lame. The local staff tasked with presenting the workshop knew that the people coming to the workshop would want something better. So the staff scrapped the lesson plan and instead prepared three real life options at different price points and technical difficulties to demonstrate. In the Cloth, Paper, String studio, I work hard to plan projects that I think our community of crafters will like and that teach fun new techniques. Every workshop takes hours of project planning, design, and preparation. And I love every minute of it, because I know I will soon be sharing it with you!


2) The instructors were really eager to share their knowledge and skills. It was snowing on the night of the workshop. When I walked in, the instructors were so welcoming and happy that I was there. Between the two of them, they had so much knowledge about the tools and supplies. They answered all of my questions about the project, and also answered some questions about other projects I had underway at home. I also love to help people have successful crafting experiences. I have decades of personal knowledge and experience in many crafting mediums, but I also have access to a worldwide network of professional crafters to draw on when I don’t know the answer to your questions.

3) Small classes mean personal attention. I mentioned the snow. In the DMV, snow means all activity stops. However, as a Montana girl at heart, I was not deterred by the snow. The other seven people that signed up were not so brave. I was the only student! And we had a great time anyway. it was also reassuring to learn that even with all their corporate resources, advertising budget, and reputation plus being located in our very populous suburb, they attracted only eight attendees to this workshop. My biggest event was 12 students, but we most often have between one and four people. This means I am able to give personal attention to each person and ensure that they master the techniques and successfully create their project.



Now for the differences:

1) The workshop is not designed to be a hands on workshop.  The advertisement for the “DIY” workshop was a little misleading. The instructors ask for volunteers to help with various stages of the demonstration, but for the most part, it is just that, a demonstration. In the Cloth, Paper, String studio you do ALL of the crafting (though I have been known to tie a bow here and there). I prepare projects and instruction to teach you new skills and techniques that you can use in the studio and at home.

2) You do not leave with a finished project. The instructors demonstrate building one project, and at the end of class, they often give the finished project to one of the attendees as a prize. The advertisement suggested that I could purchase the supplies and build my own project, which I could do, but I couldn’t build it at the workshop. Because I was the only student in the workshop, I was luck to both build the whole project, I also got to take it home, so it turned out great. But it would have been a completely different experience if the other registrants had shown up. When you come to a Cloth, Paper, String workshop, you will have the supplies to do the project advertised, and you will take it home when the workshop is over. Every. Single. Time!




3) You have to buy all the tools and supplies to make the project at home. Normally, if I wanted to actually build the project demonstrated at the workshop, I would not only have to buy the wood and hardware, but I would also have to have the saws, hammers, and screwdrivers on hand. All to make the project I thought I was going to make at the workshop. However, when you craft in the Cloth, Paper, String studio, I have all the tools! (my husband is nodding in agreement) In my workshops you use my supplies to create your projects. No need to amass huge collections of tools and supplies. But if you already have a craft room and want to build your collection, or learn how to use what you already have, I can help with that to.

All in all, I had a wonderful experience at the big box DIY workshop. I left with a great whiteboard that helps,me stay organized during my studio work sessions. And I also left with more confidence and pride about what I offer in the Cloth, Paper, String studio. I want everyone who comes to craft in the studio to have a fun and successful creative experience, and I think most, if not all, would say they do just that. If you’re in Northern Virginia, I hope you will join us in the studio and see for yourself.