Muse of the Month: Connie Fong

Meet one of our long-time students Connie Fong, @myartfulplay, whose creative journey has been deeply shaped by the magic of Fodder School.  

What part of the world do you currently live in? 
I live in Piedmont, CA - a small city in the San Francisco Bay Area.

When did your art or crafting journey begin? 
I’ve crafted since I was in middle school...maybe 10 yrs old. I remember sewing stuffed animals when I was little and one Christmas, when in high school, I sewed wrap-around skirts for each of my 5 sisters. I've probably tried every craft from quilting, needlepoint, stained glass, leather work, jewelry making, knitting, etc...but mixed media is now my favorite. 

How long have you been in Fodder School and what keeps you coming back? 
"This is my fifth year in Fodder School and I’d continue taking it as long as Wendy and the team produce it. I love everything about it—the monthly excitement of new teachers and projects, the outstanding quality and quantity of the videos, and the amazing value. The community is so creative, kind, and encouraging. I learn just as much from students’ interpretations as I do from the instructors!" 

How has Fodder School influenced your creative journey? 
"I've been crafting most of my life and taken hundreds of classes, but I've learned so many new techniques here—from both teachers and students. I love exploring different mediums, and this year-long structure keeps me creating daily. It’s perfect for someone like me who always needs something meaningful to work on." 

What’s one project that completely lit you up? 
"That’s hard—there are so many! But one standout is Jack Ravi’s The Alchemy of Memory journal. It led me to follow Jack’s creative journey. His teaching style and the way he uses old family photos in unique, expressive ways really inspired me. Working with vintage photos in an artistic, unforced way is something I’ll always return to." 

Describe the Fodder School community in three words. 
Creative, Sharing, Kind 

One piece of encouragement for a brand-new student? 
"Be flexible. Go at your own pace, use what you have, and bring your own vision into every project." 

We’re endlessly inspired by our Fodder School superfans and the heart they bring to this community. Stay tuned for more spotlights!

More about Connie! 

Connie has had the joy of being published more than 50 times in Stampington & Co. magazines, including Somerset Studio, Art Journaling, Somerset Life, GreenCraft, and more—one of her projects even landed on the cover. 

Connie has taught numerous craft classes in her home studio and has also had the opportunity to collaborate with Tim Holtz. Her work appears in one of his books and was once featured in a display at Joann’s craft store. 

And for a fun twist: her college degree is actually in Computer Science… go figure!