Q. I registered for a workshop, but did not get around to listening to or downloading the files, what now?
A. While our goal is to bring you super-convenient online education, it is very important that you "come to class" and get the materials while the classroom is open. It might be a good idea to schedule a download time that is convenient for you, and put it on your calendar! If your classroom has already closed, please email admin@bigpicturescrapbooking.com and request an access pass. This will allow you 7 additional days in the closed classroom to print or download all of the materials you may be missing.

Q: I can't find the link to the free class, where is it?
A: From the home page (www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com), click on "classes", and then on "give it a try". Here you will find our free classrooms. Simply register or login, add the class(es) to your cart, complete the checkout process, and you will be able to view the classrooms under "my account."
From time to time, we offer additional free classes that can be found under "Workshops," "Projects Now," and "Simple Scrapbooks Features" as well!

Q: What materials are available in your classes?
A: We try our best to describe what each class contains within the class description. Please be sure to read through the description to get a specific idea of what materials are included within the class. Typically, a class includes a welcome letter from your instructor, an audio message in multiple formats (streaming, transcript, and downloadable MP3), PDF project handouts, and a class gallery. Other class features include private message boards, chat rooms for live interaction with your instructor, videos, web presentations, downloadable templates, books and/or kits, and whatever else our creative minds can come up with!

Q: Is there a specific time during which each class/workshop is available?
A: Yes and No. Our Projects Now and Simple Scrapbooks Features are available for immediate access, and will permanently remain in your class list. Our workshops have a start and end date. These dates are posted within the class description. Once you are a registered participant, you will be able to access the virtual classroom anytime during those dates. Classes that last four to eight weeks, have weekly lessons each available from Thursday morning to Wednesday night (Pacific Time Zone.) The weekly lessons in a four or eight week class are archived in the classroom for the duration of the class. If for some reason you miss a particular lesson, you can email us at admin@bigpicturescrapbooking.com and request an access pass. When you choose to view, listen and download the class is entirely up to you, as long as you do it during the time it is posted. It does not matter what time zone you live in, you can take and enjoy Big Picture classes!

Q: I live outside the United States, can I take classes at bigpicturescrapbooking.com?
A: Of course you can! That's the beauty of the Internet. We are so excited that we can share and learn together, across this BIG world of ours. Read the answer to the question above.

Q: Is there a limit to how many people can take a class?
A: Most of the time, there will NOT be a limit to the number of people that can sign up for a Big Picture class or workshop. Occasionally, an instructor may choose to limit class/workshop size so that she can interact personally with each student via e-mail. In these instances, the limit will be posted with the class description.

Q: If I miss a chat with my instructor, will transcripts be available?
A: Yes. Transcripts from the instructor chat will be archived under the "Chat" button in your classroom, typically within 72 hours of the chat.

Q: Will there be transcripts of the audio files available?
A: Yes. If you have a slow internet connection, hearing impairment, or just don't want to listen to your instructor talking, you'll have the option of viewing the audio transcripts.

Q: Will classes feature step-by-step instructions?
A: Our downloads will have written step-by-step instructions, feature multiple "process" photos and images of the final project. We strive to make our instructions clear & simple so that you'll be guaranteed phenomenal results!

Q: What if I miss a whole week of my workshop? How can I get the materials?
A: All of the materials are archived within the classroom, which means you can go back to previous weeks assignments. If your workshop has ended, and the classroom is now closed you may email us at admin@bigpicturescrapbooking.com and request an access pass.

Q: I have dial-up internet access; will I still be able to take Big Picture classes? How will my slow connection speed affect my experience?
A: Our classroom area was designed with simplicity and load-time in mind so that everyone can enjoy these classes. We will include an option to view transcripts of both the audio files and live chats, in case load-time is cumbersome with your connection speed. All downloads are saved at a manageable file size. All students will be able to view the classroom pages quickly & easily.

Q: Can I share a class or workshop with my friend?
A: Not if you want us to stay in business. When you register for any class or workshop, you will be asked to read and agree to our terms. We trust you will be good to your word, so that we can continue to grow and bring you top-notch education! Think of entering our virtual classroom as you would enter a classroom at your local scrapbook store. You wouldn't be able to bring a non-paying friend with you - plus, sharing your personal password can be a scary thing. It's best to keep your private information exactly that - private!

Q: Can I see a picture of the page or project we will be creating?
A: The short answer is No. Here's the long answer: We want you to realize that this is a new model of scrapbook teaching. It is not designed to replace classes you take at your local scrapbook store. It cannot replace the excitement of being with a large group of people at a live event. Big Picture scrapbook classes are designed to extend the reach of quality, interactive instruction to an online community.

Once you have access to the virtual classroom, you will see the page or project designed by your instructor. Part of what makes Big Picture education unique is that regardless of what the page or project is, you will be inspired to customize it to your needs, your style and your life! You will be given a generic list of materials that you will need to complete the page or project. You may choose to gather these materials from your own stash - we'd love to help you use up what you have; or you may choose to purchase them from a retailer. In some cases, we will provide links to a specialty item or a kit of products as a matter of convenience to you.

Q: I'd love to learn about new products and techniques. Can I do that at Big Picture Scrapbooking?
A: YES! We often partner with scrapbook manufacturers to bring you fresh ideas designed around their products. To find out if there are any new classes, be sure to check out our "Coming Soon" section.

Q: Will I get feedback from my instructor or other students on my work?
A: If, within the class description, it lists "instructor feedback" as an included item, you are guaranteed to receive critiques. Otherwise, your instructor may offer general comments on your gallery postings. Within the gallery you will be able to post your work, see the work of others. Feedback from fellow students is sent via e-mail directly to your inbox. Instructor comments are posted directly below your gallery image.

Q: Will you host a message board where I can interact with other members of my class?
A: Some of our longer workshops include private message boards. Often times, our classrooms will also include a chat room, which will allow you to interact live with our instructors on scheduled dates (or in some cases, view a live moderated feed.) You will also have full access to your classroom's chat area at all other times. So sign-up with your girlfriends, or get ready to make new friends…and chat away!

Q: Do you offer PayPal as a payment option?
A: We do! We are very excited to offer two different payment options. We have an integrated registration system, which will allow you to register for you class right up to the day it starts! You can either checkout directly from our site using our secure payment terminal, or you can use PayPal. Our system is safe, secure and so easy to use. Credit & debit cards are accepted.

Q: Will I be able to see my instructor, or just hear her?
A: Most of our classes include an audio file only. But we do offer some classes that have integrated videos and presentations. Just check the class description to see what it includes!

Q: I'm having technical difficulties with the classroom, where do I go for help?
A: Please start off by viewing our support page. We have listed the most common problems students encounter, and solutions. If further help is needed, there is also a link in the support section to contact our technical department.

Q: What do I need to have installed to view your classes?
A: While our classes are designed to be as compatible as possible with all systems, we encourage you to use either Explorer, Firefox or Safari for your browser. You will also need Adobe Acrobat installed to view our PDF handouts, and in some classes you will need Flash Player. We also recommend having Windows Media or QuickTime installed for viewing video.

Q: I am having trouble logging in...help!
A: Typically, if you are having trouble logging in, it is a problem with the user name or password. Please remember, the information is case-sensitive, so if you have letters capitalized, when they should be lowercase (and vice-versa), it will give you an error. You can always click "forgot password", type in your email and press "submit". The system will send a temporary password to the email address you have on file. If it takes a while, be sure to check your junk mail folder. Once you receive your new password, it works best to copy and paste it into the password box. This should do the trick and you will be able to log in, you can always go into "my information" to change your password back from the computer generated one to one that is easily remembered. If this doesn't work, please contact us at admin@bigpicturescrapbooking.com.

Q: What sort of payments do you accept?
A: We accept Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express and PayPal. We also accept personal checks (e-checks) via PayPal, but e-checks are not instant like credit cards, so it may take a few days for the class(es) to appear in your account. Our system is extremely secure and we run our Credit Cards through Authorize.net which is one of the most used and most secure processing websites available. If you are an International customer and our system is not accepting your card (actually it is typically your billing address which it doesn't accept), we recommend using the PayPal option. You do not need a PayPal account to use PayPal. Just click the PayPal payment option in the checkout process. After you confirm your order, the system will send you to PayPal. Click the link under "Don't have a PayPal account?", to pay with a Credit Card.