Fodder School Muse-of-the-Month: Sharon Wisely
New year, new Muse of the Month!
This month we're celebrating Sharon Wisely, a longtime Fodder School student, mixed media artist, paper crafter, and creative entrepreneur from Missouri. Sharon is also the owner of @redleadpaperworks, a beloved creative business and proud sponsor of Fodder School.
Through years of creative exploration, Sharon has built an art practice centered on curiosity, experimentation, and the joy of making. Whether she's creating handmade cards, tags, collage art, or mixed media projects, she's always looking for new ways to push her creativity further and discover what's possible.
What part of the world do you currently live in?
I live in Sunset Hills, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis.
When did your art or crafting journey begin?
My creative journey started with needlework. In my late teens, I spent hours stitching cross-stitch samplers from kits and embroidering denim work shirts.
My love of paper arts began later when I was visiting Chicago and discovered Paper Source. That experience opened up an entirely new creative world for me and sparked a lifelong fascination with paper crafting, collage, handmade cards, and mixed media art.
How long have you been in Fodder School and what keeps you coming back?
I joined Fodder School during Fodder School 2.
One of the things I love most is that every teacher brings a completely different perspective to the creative process. The variety of instructors, techniques, and artistic approaches means there's always something new to learn.
A perfect example is a slot-card technique taught by Liz at Book Arts during Fodder School 2. It seemed like such a simple idea at the time, but it's become a technique I still use regularly when creating handmade cards and tags. Those small discoveries often end up having a lasting impact on my work.
How has Fodder School influenced your creative journey or daily art practice?
Fodder School has encouraged me to challenge myself creatively.
Instead of sticking with what I already know, I find myself constantly asking questions while I create:
What if I try this?
What if I combine these materials?
What if I approach this differently?
That mindset has changed the way I make art.
It has also reinforced the importance of creating regularly. Taking even a little time each day to make something has become an important part of both my personal life and my work life. Creativity isn't something I wait for anymore—it's something I actively make space for.
What’s one project, technique, or lesson from FS that completely lit you up?
Choosing just one is nearly impossible!
Some of my favorites over the years include:
Tiffany Sharpe's handmade washi tape lessons from Fodder School 2
Jack Ravi's Memory Medals project from Fodder School 4
Ricki Ticki Tavi's collage clusters lessons
And, of course, Fodder-Dex projects
Each of these lessons introduced techniques and ideas that I still revisit in my own mixed media practice today
How would you describe the Fodder School community in three words?
Inspire. Create. Encourage.
One piece of encouragement for a brand-new student?
Fodder School is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
The creative challenges are unique, the lessons are thoughtfully taught, and every instructor encourages you to interpret projects in your own way rather than simply copying what they create.
If you're new to mixed media art, collage, or creative experimentation, trust the process. Give yourself permission to learn, play, and explore.
You might be surprised by what you create.
I know I am grateful every day that I joined.
About Sharon Wisely
Sharon Wisely is a mixed media artist, paper crafter, and creative business owner based in Sunset Hills, Missouri. As the founder of Red Lead Paperworks and a longtime Fodder School student, she is passionate about handmade cards, collage art, mixed media techniques, and encouraging others to embrace creativity through experimentation and daily art-making.
We’re endlessly inspired by our Fodder School superfans and the heart they bring to this community. Stay tuned for more spotlights!
