Meet the Fodder School 6 Teachers: Karen Elaine Parsons
Meet Karen Elaine Parsons: Art, Joy and the Magic of Making
What if making art wasn't just about creating something beautiful, but about taking care of yourself?
For Karen Elaine Parsons, that's exactly what it is.
A mixed media artist, author, teacher and two-time cancer survivor, Karen Elaine has built her creative life around the belief that making art is an act of joy and self-care. From her studio in Cottonwood, Arizona, she creates and teaches with the goal of helping others discover what their own hands and imagination can do.
And this year, she's bringing that spirit of playful experimentation to both Fodder Challenge 2026 and Fodder School 6.
Karen Elaine works across a wonderfully diverse range of creative mediums. She paints, creates mixed media artwork, works with origami and incorporates watercolor, acrylics and hand lettering into her projects.
Through Kumomi Studio, her creative consulting and design company, Karen Elaine works with makers, brands and students who want to bring more creativity into their lives.
She's also a longtime artist for Yasutomo and a respected voice in the art materials world. But whether she's teaching a class, experimenting in her studio or folding a piece of paper into something unexpected, her mission remains the same: to encourage people to make, play and discover what they're capable of creating.
Karen Elaine's Fodder Challenge 2026 Projects: Paper Gems and Origami Pop-Up Boxes
Karen Elaine is bringing two projects to Fodder Challenge 2026!
You'll start with her wonderfully addictive Paper Gem Fussy Cuts. These colorful little pieces are not only fun to make, but wonderfully meditative. In fact, don't be surprised if you find yourself making far more than you originally intended!
Then, a few days later, Karen Elaine will take you into the world of grungy Gelli printing as you create Origami Pop-Up Boxes with matching belly bands.
And these aren't just pretty boxes. They're collapsible, making them perfect for storing small, flat pieces of collage fodder.
It's the kind of project that combines creativity and practicality in a way that feels very Karen Elaine.
Karen Elaine's Fodder School 6 Lesson: Magical Accordion Book & Journaling Insert Cards
If you love the projects Karen Elaine is bringing to Fodder Challenge, you'll get to take that creative exploration even further in Fodder School 6.
Her Magical Accordion Book & Journaling Insert Cards lesson brings together so many of the techniques that make Karen Elaine's work irresistible.
You'll explore watercolor, acrylics, origami and hand lettering, learning how to combine these different mediums into a beautiful interactive book project.
Karen Elaine has a gift for making techniques that might initially seem complicated feel approachable and effortless. Her lesson isn't just about making an accordion book—it's about discovering how different materials and techniques can work together to create something personal, useful and full of character.
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.
Want to listen to Karen Elaine and I discuss her journey with mixed media art? Tune into my podcast, "Show Up or Shut Up."
Currently available for listening on the Willa Wanders website here, or on Apple Podcasts, Amazon and Spotify:
Get all of the information about joining us in Fodder School by clicking this button below:
Where are you on your Mixed Media Art journey? Leave a comment and let us know!