Coming 2026 - August 6th @ 2pm through August 9th @ 6pm!
Imagine four days surrounded by people who speak your creative language. Fodder School Live isn’t about chasing the latest technique or walking away with a brand-new skill you’ve never seen before. Instead, it’s about something rarer: the chance to slow down, make a handmade book in the company of friends, and enjoy the kind of connection that only happens when our community gathers in person.
This is your invitation to step away from the screen, bring your love of mixed media to life, and share it with people who understand just how much joy a table full of paper, paint, and glue can bring. The “curriculum” is simple: relax, create, laugh, and connect. You’ll come home with a finished book, new ideas sparked from the group, and a heart full of memories!
Fodder School Live is about the people, the play, and the magic that happens when we’re all in one place. If you’re craving inspiration through community and the joy of making together, this is the experience you’ve been waiting for.
Make all this a reality by joining us at Fodder School Live!
Let’s meet our event coordinator: Heather Kojan!
Heather Kojan is a Five-time Fodder School participant, award-winning quilt designer, and teacher who travels the world sharing her love of her art. A lifelong crafter (Heather was an accomplished crocheter by first grade) she has dabbled in All.The.Crafts. Yet it’s quilting that has turned her passion into a career (then back into a passion!). Heather is published in magazines and books. She has taught on cruise ships (yes, that’s a thing!) and at quilt shows and for quilt guilds all over the Americas. And for the first time ever, Heather brings her wealth of experience in organizing craft conventions to the Fodder School community.
Heather’s teaching style is approachable, laid back, very meet-you-where-you-are, and she’s not afraid to admit she doesn't know everything about her craft. “I love when students can teach me something new. Then it becomes a collaboration.”
When she’s not quilting and teaching, Heather loves to make handmade books & collages, work in her garden (anyone have a good cucumber recipe?), kayak, bake sourdough bread, read and travel.
Heather lives in Virginia Beach, VA, USA with her husband of 40 years, her dog Chase, and her 6 sewing machines.
Now, let’s get into some FAQs!
DISCLAIMER! The pictures you see here are for aesthetic purposes only. They are all of my past Fodder School projects, and do not represent the work we will be doing at the live event.
When and Where?
Where is Fodder School Live located?
We’ll be at the beautiful Doubletree Resort by Hilton in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (check out what all the city has to offer here). Less than a day’s drive from New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Connecticut, and parts of Maine, Michigan, Indiana… even Canada!
Where are the closest airports?
Baltimore Washington International Airport is approximately 80 miles away. Philadelphia International Airport is about 66 miles away.
What are the dates?
The art room opens at 2 PM Thursday, August 6, 2026, and remains open until 6 PM Sunday, August 9, 2026 (with the exception of midnight to 6 am – so your organizers can sleep!)
How much will this cost?
What is the cost of Fodder School Live?
The ticket price is $497 USD + tax and fees.
What's included in the ticket price?
Your ticket price includes a handmade book projecty class co-lead by Fodder School's headmistress, Wendy Solganik and COS (Chief Organizer and Sewist) Heather Kojan. You'll have a 6 foot wide table all to yourself to create all.the.art. Your ticket also includes a welcome cocktail party, a pizza party as well as several (optional) activities.
What’s on the Itinerary?
What activities are planned?
Thursday night we'll have an icebreaker game (or two or three) of LCR (left, right, center) where we'll play for Posca pens! We also have a few swaps planned, as well as a make and take. We will have breakout rooms available if cohorts would like to gather to work on similar projects.
Anything else?
Yes! We're planning a collaborative art project that everyone can participate in. Of course, all activities are optional. The main focus of the event will be creating community with real live Fodder School enthusiasts as we work on our book projects.
Social Opportunities?
How many people will be there?
We have room for approximately 70 people.
Can I sit with a friend?
We cannot reserve seats. However, on the day of check-in at the event, we do give everyone the opportunity to grab a seat for one friend. We hope you'll also make a new friend (or 70!) during the event!
Can my child or friend join me and share my table?
After Fodder School Live has been open for registration for a while to all Fodder School participants, we will determine if there are any open spaces for friends and family over 18 years old. All participants must purchase their own ticket, and will have their own table.
Accommodations?
Do I need to book a hotel room?
Yes, staying at the hotel is required for participation. We have arranged for a room block price of $159 double occupancy at the hotel. All attendees are required to stay at our host hotel. Please book only through our booking link (provided after you complete your registration). You may not use points nor book through a third party such as Expedia.
Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. We will have a cocktail party with light hors d’oeuvres on Friday night and a pizza party Saturday night. The hotel has a restaurant, and there are a few restaurants and a Starbucks within walking distance. There's also a grocery store across the main street. We will have a community snack table, where attendees can bring and share grab and go snacks and treats! You can also UberEats/Doordash to the hotel.
Additional Questions?
What about refunds?
We are not be able to offer refunds unless we are able to fill your spot. We do expect this event to sell out. Once the event is full, we will begin a waitlist. If you need to cancel, we will make every effort to fill your spot. If we are able to, we will refund your ticket price minus a $50 administration fee. You are responsible for your own hotel room cancellation.
I have more questions. Who can I ask?
Please email Heather at fodderschoollive@gmail.com. Heather is the main organizer and keeper of all the knowledge!