Once upon a time I was extremely fortunate to learn the ropes of online teaching at Big Picture Classes and for a number of years I thought to myself, “I wonder if I could ever do this stuff on my own?”
Time and again, the answer was a resounding, “Aw hell to the no!” I don’t know web design. I don’t know business stuff. I just know how to make kick-ass classes and let other people handle the details.
And yet part of me thought, “You’ll never know unless you try, Cathy.” So I decided to stop being so afraid of failure (oh, did I neglect to mention that part?) and figure out what I needed to learn to bring my brand of crap-free education to the online memory keeping educational pool. And that pretty much brings everyone up to speed.
CZ Classes officially launches today and it does so with a class I’ve taught before and am really excited to offer as my first self-paced e-course: Me: The Abridged Version for Project Life. Yes, it’s a class that some of you have already taken and if you are a former student, I’m happy to offer you free access to the classroom. Just email me proof of registration to gain access to my new platform.
You can read the full description here, but I’ve added in a brand new bonus lesson to show you how to make a fully digital project with the end goal being a printed book. The bonus lesson features 8 tutorials that take beginners from the start all the way through the process of creating a digital book. And once your files are ready, the good folks at AdoramaPix.com are offering my students a 20% discount as part of the class.
I know many of you missed out on the chance to take this class last Fall and I’m happy to finally be able to bring it back and host it here, in my online home.
It bears repeating, but I believe that scrapbookers need to tell their own stories and this album project is one of the most fun, liberating and do-able ways to achieve that result. While this is a self-paced e-course, I am always just an email away if you are stuck or need help. Anyone who’s ever taken a class with me kind of knows I don’t have much of a social life and I answer email ridiculously fast. I may be a little slower on the uptake as the only CZ Classes staff person, but my goal will always be that you have the best experience possible. To that end, here are a few items from my class FAQ page that students will see in the classroom:
Oh, how I wish I were a Cullen… moving right along!
SAVE $5 NOW! Because a class launch is just more fun with a discount, you can save $5 off the $30 registration price through April 15th. The price change will be reflected when you check out through Pay Pal. On that note, right now I’m only set up to take PayPal, but as you know, you can use your credit card to pay via PayPal.
And now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to working on brand new classes that I will be rolling out over the next several months. Digital scrapbooking basics, a brand new 10 Tips for Better Type class, plus a completely overhauled Design Your Life series… oh, I have plans, people.
If you want to stay up to date on what’s coming down the pike, subscribe to my newsletter today.
As always, thank you for your support and enthusiasm. I would not be doing any of this without the support of students all these years. I appreciate each and every one of you. I don’t need to be the biggest and most successful online education provider. But I will be committed to bringing you the best classes with inspired and memorable projects that will elevate your ability to document your life with style and authenticity. And of course, with zero crap.
Let’s take the crap out of scrapbooking together.
Questions? Comments? By all means, fire away.
MichelleGB says
Yeah!!! Looking forward to seeing your class plans come to life! I could use some inspiration!
Pam Merry says
Really looking forward to seeing what you have in store! Bring on the magic!
Julie says
OH MAN! Redesigned Design Your Life???? I’m so excited!!
Cathy Zielske says
Yep. It’s just in the infant stage (i.e. I have an adorable class logo) but I have a different concept and approach to offering this class. Stay tuned…
Heather D says
I already posted this on your FB post, but please, please, please create an affiliate program. I love to recommend your classes, you’re one of the best teachers out there.
Cathy Zielske says
Heather, I saw that post! So this is where I am not very business savvy. If I create one, how does this work? Do I pay affiliates from the income I make?
I know how affiliate programs work for big companies (I am in a handful of programs) but I don’t understand how it would work for me. I’m not making much money here. 😉
Katina says
Here is some great information:
http://marketing.about.com/cs/internetbasics/a/createaffiliate.htm
Katina says
Cathy … I am with Heather – I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it if you crated affiliate program and would love to promote your classes on my website even without an affiliate program.
If you had a button or logo of some kind please let us know so we can spread the word!!!
Christine says
Go Cathy Go!!
Susan W. says
Woohoo!! SO excited for you!! And a big thank you for not following the crowd. Don’t get me wrong, I love what SC has done for our scrapbooking community, and I still love Big Picture, but it’s so refreshing to see someone going at this on their own. I’ve been following your blog for well over 10 years and you constantly amaze and inspire me. I can’t wait to go along on your newest adventure and take your classes. Congrats lady!!
Jen says
Count me in a million times over when you re-release Design Your Life!!! There are only two classes I have ever taken that completely shaped my scrapbooking – Design Your Life and Nic Howard’s Dimensional Details class.
Very cool Cathy! Congrats!
michelle meisenbach says
Congrats girl! I’m super excited for you and proud you’re going for it. Going to purchase the class now 🙂
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Pat says
Does this mean you won’t be teaching on Big Picture anymore? Fine with me, as I wasn’t sure I like the new system of paying every month even when there’s nothing I want to take… I just want the confirmation? 🙂
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Pat, I do have one class at Big Picture (though it’s not available just yet) and it’s my Move More, Eat Well Jumpstart. 🙂 Right now, I’m just working on classes for my site, but I may something into BPC in the future.
heidig says
A new DYL?! Sign me up!
Holly Corbett says
This is really exciting news, and so happy that you have your own class program now! And I have been waiting patiently for a new Typo class and DYL!!! Wow! Just all around wonderful news! Congratulations on your new adventure.
Ktber says
Excited to see this and excited for you! Go Cathy! DIY only goes so far–instruction makes a huge difference. Thanks for sharing your gifts!
Alicia McMahon says
Very excited for your future classes.
CarrieH says
Congratulations on your new venture and thanks for continuing to offer your classes. I still refer to the layouts from DYL whenever I get stuck and every time I use them I am more than happy with the results. Clean and Simple rules my scrapbooking world. Thanks!
Teal says
So excited!!! It is very generous of you to allow access to those of us who took this class at BPC, I was a little freaked out when I heard that it would not have forever access. Also super duper stoked that I will have another chance at Design Your Life – I didn’t take it when I had the chance and have regretted it! Yay for you on this new chapter!
Cheryl says
Wonderful news! I have taken most of your classes and love them all! You are the BEST! I will be praying for your new venture.
kre8tivekate says
I often feel like we are twin daughters of different mothers, because the way we seem to view the world and our place in it seems very similar. Also, our parenting philosophies are right there, too. So I want to take this opportunity to tell you how much I love your blog, your classes, your crap-free scrapbooking and your projects. And I want to offer you my full support and best wishes as you enter this new place in your business. GO CATHY!
Cathy Zielske says
Thank you. 🙂
Sherrie says
Oh this is totally awesome new can’t wait!! I took this class over at BPC in the fall how do I get proof of that anyone know?? I never even got time to do it over there before they made the big announcement of their change. So I would love to get it on your site Cathy without having to repurchase again??
Thanks
Cathy Zielske says
Sherrie, it’s super easy. Go to: http://my.bigpictureclasses.com/ and just log in and take a screen shot of your classes that show this class. Email it to me and I’ll pop you into the class!
Jackie Strange says
You go girl, you can do this! You are my all time favorite teacher. I am so excited for you! I adore your sense of humor and how you keep it real.
Andrea W. says
Yay!!! So happy to hear this great news, Cathy! Your classes are the best! Looking forward to them.
Isabel says
Woohoo! Go Cathy go! I´m so happy for your new adventure. I did my first class (Me: The Abridged Version for Project Life) last fall with you at BPC and I love it. I whant to do the other ones you have but they announce the change of the site and I don´t have the chance, now I have. Yay!!! You are so kind to give us access to the class, thank you so much for that. You have my full support and wish you all the best in this new path in your life.
Jill B says
Oh count me as one of your many followers. DYL is still one of my goto classes. It surprises me how often I will go back and look up a lesson and reapply it to today. I am looking forward to any of your classes. Keep reaching, you are doing great!
Kim Smith says
So excited for you Cathy!! And so very happy that you’re developing several new classes!
Jocelyn Thompson says
So very glad you are taking this step! Love your style and I love your classes! Looking forward to this class and many more in the future!
…..and I am with you – Oh to be a Cullen…..sigh
kerrianne says
Hi Cathy – so excited for your upcoming classes ! I was wondering if there are any other size options for all digital? I do my PL 12×12 (using your Minimalist Templates of course) and am feeling the need to try another size… – I would be happy to purchase the templates – just didn’t know if they will work for the first class or perhaps another class will be offered in an alternate size?… Either way, best of luck on this new adventure!
Cathy Zielske says
I’ll be exploring size options, yes. For example, the Digi Basics class which is coming soon (which is designed to be a beginner course) will have 8.5 x 11 templates for instruction and easy printing, but we’ll convert them to 12 x 12s as needed. 🙂 Still working out the details. I have a lot of work to do! LOL!
Carolyn says
That’s why we love you. Honest, to the point, and no crap!
Keianna says
So awesome. Congrats and I am rooting for you.
Regina K. says
Cathy, I’m so excited to see this because I missed your class last year!
One question: Will the PDFs / journaling cards be printable in European A4 format? I’m asking this because sometimes I get printables that are so crammed with cards that the edges are cut off by my printer.
By the way: I will be doing this project in German and I’m already racking my brains trying to think of a meaningful way to fill the Y cards, since I don’t own a yacht or grow yaks. Think, think, think…!
Cathy Zielske says
Absolutely! All you need to do is email the request to me directly. I have the printables set up as A4 on request.
Audrey V says
Oh but you are a timeless, classic beauty, and you never seem to age so I thought that maybe you were a Cullen … 😉
Cathy Zielske says
Ha! I love it! 🙂
Teri says
Show me a cute photo love the layout of the class site. Cant wait to see what other classes you offer.
Teri says
ok well i should preview…meant to say the show me a cute photo made me smile.
Justene says
Yaaay! Congrats on the official launching of CZ Classes! I’m so excited to participate! I would love to take the ‘Me: The Abridged Version’ class again with you! I have emailed you proof of registration from when I took it through BPC. Looking forward to more classes and more fun! 🙂
DebH says
Yay! So happy to hear about this new venture. Some many years ago I stumbled upon your blog and discovered your PSE tutorials. I watched them over and over and still refer to them sometimes. I’ve also taken several of your classes and loved every one of them. You are an awesome teacher! It just seems like a natural progression of your business. So, no doubting yourself- you are awesome!!
CarlajinAR says
Yea for CZ classes…Cathy I love your teaching style and have always enjoyed the classes. I can’t wait to see what is in store for us.
Valerie white says
Can I do this class entirely digitally using the project life app in an iPad? I don’t use a desktop anymore…
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Valerie,
I would say no, only because the App isn’t set up to create custom leading at this time, which you would need to do the journaling cards. 🙂 Sorry! I would love to bring these designs and this whole concept to the PL app some day!
Ari says
So pumped about this! Your crap-free style has really resonated with me lately and has me scrapbooking more than I have in the past couple of years… looking forward to more classes from the great Cathy Z.!
Karen says
Thrilled to see you back teaching. Your classes are always jam-packed with content and entertaining to take. I took “Me: The Abridged Version” in 2009. Do you know whether the “new” Big Pictures will be providing me access to this version of the class?
Cathy Zielske says
Karen, I believe that they are. You should have gotten an email from them about this. Email admin@bigpictureclasses.com and they should be able to confirm this.
You can log into my.bigpictureclasses.com and see all of your classes!
Shawna Zervos says
Many years ago I purchased the book An Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life based on your recommendation (thank you, by the way.) I have always wanted to take this class. I just want to be sure I understand correctly. I am unable to manage at the moment, but can I purchase it now and complete the class say this summer when time abounds? Thank you so much for sharing your time and talents. You are a true gift!
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Shawna, absolutely yes! And you can email me at any time during the summer, too.
Also, when you join, you can request to be added to our private Facebook community. The ladies there are so great at sharing advice and answering questions!
Ylemons says
Yay! .. can’t wait for your future classes! Just love, love, love your scrapbook your style. I actually did most of my layouts from your classes becoz it’s so clean, simple and contemporary! I have so many album ideas sometimes not sure where to start. Hoping you be my guide throughout all my album making journey!
Ruth says
I think DYL was the first class i took of yours ~ eagerly awaiting Version 2. MTAV has neeb another great class ~ I completed my album in 2010 (I think) and am now about 80% of the way through one for my son.
So glad you’re setting up on your own, you’re going to be brilliant. Well, more brilliant than you already are!!
Ruth says
I should proof read before hitting submit …
Abby P says
To anyone above thinking about taking one of Cathy’s classes: when she says that she gets back to you immediately when you e-mail, I can confirm that it absolutely true! She NEVER leaves you hanging or confused. I’ve learned a lot from this chica over the years and highly recommend anything with her name on it!
Gypsy Chaos says
Wow. Fantastic. I’m so thrilled, I don’t know what to say. You are inspiring me to kick fear to the curb and just DO!
First taxes, FAFSA (the LAST year!). Then the promised cover up of baby shit green walls. Fixing some curtains – reference points for fabric placement need to be consistent…. THEN I’ll have time to play. Unless I get a FT job.
Thank you for always being you.
Marilyn says
So pleased about your classes! Your teaching style resonates on every level for me…things like PSE were so confusing until you walked us through it.
A few requests:
1) Some basic photography and photo editing instruction. You could make manual easier to understand! I’ve taken a couple of photography classes on this, but they didn’t click for me, and photographs can make or break a layout.
2) Would you do some 10×10 templates? I prefer this size for my Adoramapix books. The 12×12 is just too big for the kind of books I do. For years I’ve been reducing your 12×12’s down to 10×10’s and altering them a bit within your parameters to allow for larger but fewer photos. I would like to see what you design specifically for 10×10.
3) More PSE instruction. I can’t remember the name of the class you taught a couple of years ago that included PSE. I’m old. Anyway, the class was wonderful, and I hope you’ll expand on it.
There’s my Christmas list. Love you Cathy!
JennieB says
So happy that you’re giving this a try; I have no doubt that you’ll be successful and all your faithful followers will be cheering you on.
Jen says
I am super pumped to take this class Cathy! Thanks for everything you do to keep the crap out of scrapbooking!
Rhonda says
Cathy, after discovering your books around 2006 I have been a fan (stalker) ever since! The happiest day of my life is when you started selling your “crap-free” amazing templates on Designer Digitals. I have no doubt this latest venture will be a success. You are an inspiration to so many. Congrats!
Alicia McMahon says
Just brainstorming here:
Zielske, Cathy – is just an amazingly awesome teacher & designer.
s/a scrapbooker, inspiration.
Just did lesson 1 of MeTAV(PL). Wonderful and better than when I did it in 2010.
Thanks so much Cathy. I love your class site platform.
Cathy Zielske says
Aw, thanks for the feedback! I do love this workshop. I’m working right now to figure out an even better way to set it all up!
Caroline says
You are awesome Cathy. I always wondered why you have not done this years ago!! Your classes are the best! So well planned & thought out & with so much content. You get your money’s worth. Your Clean & Simple book changed my scrapping & card making forever.
You start trends & others follow. In your words — you rock!!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Caroline! That means a lot. 🙂