Meet Connie Fong: Mixed Media Artist & Paper Doll Maker

Meet Connie Fong: From Fodder School Student to Fodder School Instructor

What happens when you stay curious enough to keep learning?

For Connie Fong, five years of taking Fodder School classes has led somewhere pretty special: she's now one of our Fodder Challenge 2026 and Fodder School 6 instructors.

And honestly, we couldn't be more excited.

Connie is a lifelong crafter and mixed media artist who has spent decades exploring just about every creative medium imaginable. From knitting and needlepoint to quilting, jewelry making, painting, book making, doll making, paper art and stained glass, Connie has never been afraid to try something new.

Now, after five years as a Fodder School student, she's bringing her own playful approach to paper dolls, mixed media and book making to the classroom.

Connie lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband. They're recently retired empty nesters who enjoy spending their free time playing pickleball, but creativity has been a constant throughout Connie's life.

She's been crafting since she was young and still works on some kind of art project almost every day.

Creativity is also a family affair for Connie. She's the youngest of six sisters, and all of them live within about 45 minutes of one another. Her sisters and daughter are fellow crafters, and the family often celebrates birthdays by taking a craft class together—usually one hosted by Connie.

How wonderful is that?

That spirit of sharing and learning together is a big part of what makes Connie such a natural fit for Fodder School.

She's also a perfect example of the kind of student who makes the most of the Fodder School experience. Connie has taken classes for years because she loves learning new techniques, experimenting with different materials and working at her own pace.

And now she's on the other side of the classroom.

From Fodder School Student to Instructor

One of the things we love most about Connie's story is that she's been a Fodder School student for the past five years.

She's experienced Fodder School from the student's perspective, learning from instructors, experimenting with new techniques and discovering her own creative direction along the way.

Now she's bringing that experience into her own teaching.

It's a pretty wonderful reminder that you don't have to have everything figured out before you start making art. You can simply stay curious, keep learning and see where your creative journey takes you.

Connie's Fodder Challenge 2026 Project: Joan Walsh Anglund-Inspired Paper Dolls

If you've been following the Fodder School 6 lineup, you may already know that Connie's Joan Walsh Anglund-inspired Paper Dolls have been one of the most anticipated Fodder Challenge projects of the year.

And it's easy to see why.

These little paper dolls are absolutely adorable.

Connie will share a simple, approachable formula for drawing faces, making it easy to create a whole collection of charming paper dolls without having to worry about being an expert at drawing faces.

They're perfect for adding to an art journal, but don't stop there. These little characters have so much potential for becoming the stars of cards, collage pieces, handmade books and all kinds of other mixed media projects.

You may find yourself completely addicted to making them.

Don't say we didn't warn you.

Connie's Fodder School 6 Lesson: Multipurpose Mixed Media Calendar

Connie isn't stopping with paper dolls.

In Fodder School 6, she'll show you how to turn your creative fodder into something you can actually use every day with her Multipurpose Mixed Media Calendar.

You'll begin with a collection of Make Fodder lessons—including more paper dolls in a completely different style—before Connie teaches you how to assemble everything into an ingenious calendar, binder and journal hybrid.

And there's plenty of room to make it your own.

The pages offer lots of potential for adding artwork, notes, lists, memories and other useful details, making this much more than a decorative project.

Personally, I'm already imagining mine as a colorful birthday and anniversary calendar—something beautiful enough to leave out where I can see it every day and useful enough to make sure I never forget an important date again.

What Is Fodder Challenge?

Fodder Challenge 2026 is our month-long October creative event featuring inspiring mixed media artists, creative projects and plenty of opportunities to experiment. It's a fun, low-commitment way to discover the Willa Workshops community and try new techniques, whether you're new to mixed media or an experienced artist.

What Is Fodder School 6?

Fodder School 6 is our year-long mixed media art experience, featuring lessons from a diverse group of artists and instructors. Each teacher brings their own style, techniques and creative perspective, giving you a full year of inspiration and opportunities to develop your own mixed media practice.

How Can You Join?

You can join us in one of two ways:

Fodder Challenge 2026— A month-long creative experience and a great introduction to our community.

Fodder Challenge + Fodder School 6 Bundle — The best value if you're ready to continue creating with us throughout the year.

If you're curious about Fodder School but aren't ready to commit to a full year, Fodder Challenge is a wonderful place to start. And if you're already thinking, This is exactly what I need, the bundle lets you experience both.