Fodder Challenge 2026
10 Artists. 10 Brand-New Mixed Media Projects. One Incredible Month of Making Together.
Join us this October for a joyful month of mixed media, collage, creative play, and community!
Whether you're brand new to mixed media or you've been making art for years, Fodder Challenge is an invitation to try new things, learn from 10 incredible artists, and spend a little more time making with your hands.
Come spend October making with us—10 artists, 10 brand-new projects, all for just $37 USD + tax through September 30.
Watch This Preview to See What’s Waiting for You!
Check out 2026’s Challenge Projects!
Yes—you get ALL TEN of these brand-new projects for just $37.
Here's What Happens in October!
Throughout October 2026, you'll receive 10 fun, approachable mixed media projects from our incredible group of Fodder Challenge artists.
Each project is intentionally bite-sized and designed to fit into real life. You don't need huge amounts of time, fancy supplies, or years of experience—and you definitely don't need to make all 10 projects to have a wonderful Fodder Challenge experience.
You'll explore different materials, techniques, styles, and creative approaches—and because every artist teaches differently, you never know which project might spark your next creative obsession!
Your Fodder Challenge experience includes:
10 brand-new, pre-recorded mixed media projects
10 wonderful artists with completely different creative styles
Invitations to LIVE Q&A Zoom gatherings
Giveaways from some of our favorite art suppliers
A creative community making right alongside you
Access to all Fodder Challenge 2026 lessons through November 15, 2026
And the entire experience is just $37 USD + tax through September 30.
Looking for the full year of Fodder School? If you already know you want the year-long Fodder School 6 experience, you can find all the details and enrollment options here.
Meet the Fodder Challenge 2026 Teachers
Every reveal brings a new creative adventure!
All 10 Artists. All 10 Brand-New Projects.
Just $37.
The Fodder Challenge 2026 Supply List will be available at the end of August. The Challenge begins on October 1st.
$37 USD + tax
Experience the Joy of Creative Transformation!
Mixed Media Art Looks Hard. We Make it Feel Like Magic.
You know that art you’ve seen online—the dreamy, layered Mixed Media art that feels soulful, alive, complex?
It looks intimidating, right?
But here’s the truth: with the right guidance, it’s easier than you think.
And that’s what Fodder Challenge is all about.
So, what exactly is “Fodder”?
“Fodder” is our name for the beautiful handmade materials you create to use in your mixed media art—painted papers, hand-drawn elements, fussy cuts, textures, patterns, marks, and more.
During Fodder Challenge, our teachers show you step-by-step how to create these elements and turn them into finished projects. You don't need mixed media experience. We'll show you exactly what to do.
Think of it like:
Making your own beautiful art supplies from scratch
Cutting, layering, painting, drawing, stitching, and playing with all kinds of materials
Having a creative play-date—with an expert holding your hand
“It looked complicated. But with the teachers showing me exactly what to do—it was shockingly easy and so much fun!” – Emilee S.
Here’s Why Fodder Challenge is so Awesome!
You Can’t Fall Behind: Please don't turn Fodder Challenge into another thing on your to-do list! Even though the word “challenge” is in our name, this is truly just for pleasure. Do three projects. Do all ten. Watch every lesson and make only one. There are no prizes for keeping up or finishing. These are ten new invitations to make something—and you get to decide which ones inspire you.
Use what you have: You don't need to go out and buy a whole new studio full of art supplies! Our teachers will share their suggested materials, but substitutions are always welcome. Part of the fun of mixed media is experimenting with what you already have and making it your own.
We'll Show You Exactly What to Do: Every teacher gently walks you through their project step-by-step. You don't need to figure it out on your own, and you don't need any previous mixed media experience.
No Judgment. No Pressure: This is a place to experiment, learn, make imperfect things, and enjoy yourself. You'll be surrounded by people cheering you on—not critiquing your brushstrokes.
Ten Artists for $37:One of the best parts of Fodder Challenge is getting to learn from 10 completely different artists. Every teacher brings their own style, techniques, ideas, and way of seeing—and you get all 10 brand-new projects for just $37.
Looking for the full year of Fodder School? If you already know you want the year-long Fodder School 6 experience, you can find all the details and enrollment options here.
How it Works
Supply list drops in late August (it will be in our classroom, plus you’ll get an email reminder from us with a link so that you can download it and print it if you’d like).
Starting October 1st, one new Fodder Challenge project is released every few days into our Willa Workshops Teachable Classroom. You can preview the entire month’s schedule on the supply list, and you will get an email notification every day a new lesson goes live.
Watch lessons on your schedule—no need to complete them as soon as they come out!
Make the projects work for you! Follow along with the teacher step-by-step, use the suggested supplies or substitute materials you already have, and choose the projects that excite you most. You don't have to make every project for Fodder Challenge to be a wonderful creative experience.
Optional: Share your work on Instagram or in our private Facebook group, or not at all! It’s totally up to you.
Attend the totally optional, relaxed Zoom gatherings! Have your questions answered live, enter giveaways from our sponsors, connect with the community, and enjoy all the creative energy. No instructional content is delivered live on Zoom—these are bonus gatherings just for fun! They're recorded and added to the classroom so you can watch them later.
Access all Fodder Challenge lesson content, bonus content, and Zoom recordings through November 15, 2026.
Already Know You Want to Keep Creating With Us After October?
Fodder Challenge 2026 is also included with enrollment in Fodder School 6, our year-long mixed media program.
Fodder School 6 begins with the Challenge in October and continues with 11 additional months of brand-new lessons from this year's incredible group of teachers. Fodder School enrollment also includes lifetime access to the Fodder Challenge 2026 lessons.
If you already know the full year is for you, you can learn more about Fodder School 6 here.
From Intimidation… to “I Did It!”
Fodder Challenge isn't about making perfect art or getting every project “right.”
It’s about experiencing what it feels like to create freely, with joy, and without fear.
It’s about discovering:
You’re more creative than you thought
You don’t need to know what you’re doing to get started
You can make meaningful, soulful art with simple materials
Done Fodder Challenge Before? Welcome Back!
Every Fodder Challenge is completely new—new projects, new ideas, new techniques, and new creative possibilities.
And please don't feel like you need to have finished a previous Challenge before joining us again. You don't need to “catch up.” You don't need to complete all ten projects this year, either.
Fodder Challenge isn't ten new things for your to-do list.
It's ten new invitations to make something.
Choose the ones that light you up. Watch the others just because you're curious. Make three. Make ten. Make one.
You don't need another course to finish. You just might need something new that makes you want to create. Come spend October playing with us for $37.
Explore color, play with pattern, build up texture, add botanical motifs, and more!
Whether you're brand new to mixed media or you've been making art for years, Fodder Challenge is simply an invitation to play, experiment, and make something that brings you joy.
Come Make Art With Us This October! →
Looking for the full year of Fodder School? If you already know you want the year-long Fodder School 6 experience, you can find all the details and enrollment options here.
Real words from real students!
“I knew I probably wouldn't do all the projects, but the price even with those things factored in was unbeatable.
I also didn't want to buy a lot of art supplies, so I challenged myself to use what I already had—even if that meant substituting materials. I only bought a couple of things for the entire Challenge.
Getting to watch all the teachers, each with their individual teaching styles, was great. Even watching projects I wasn't planning to make was valuable because I learned new techniques and ways of approaching artmaking.
Fodder Challenge was absolutely worth it.”
-Mindy
“I am a brand newbie to the world of mixed media, and Fodder Challenge was my VERY first foray into this world—and WHAT A WAY TO START!
From the incredible teachers and their creative classes to all the fun I had making something totally new and different, it was worth every moment. I found myself in a stressful time, and this was exactly what I needed to relax and have fun.
It opened up a whole new world for me. So. Much. Fun.”
-Carrie
Meet Wendy - Your Gentle Guide
Hi, I’m Wendy Solganik—mixed media artist, teacher, and founder of Willa Workshops, Fodder School, and Fodder Challenge.
I spent years wanting to make mixed media art but feeling overwhelmed by how complicated it looked. Once I finally found my way in, I wanted to create the kind of experience I wish I’d had when I was beginning: welcoming, encouraging, approachable, and genuinely fun.
That’s what Fodder Challenge is all about. You don’t need to be an experienced artist. You don’t need to make every project. You just need to bring your curiosity and give yourself permission to play.
We’re happy to have support from these amazing brands!
Still Have Questions? We've Got Answers.
How long do I have access to this course if I purchase it?
By purchasing Fodder Challenge 2026, you will begin gaining access to the new lessons starting on October 1st, with more lessons released every few days. Once a lesson is released, you will have access to it through November 15, 2026.
November 15 is a firm end date for standalone Fodder Challenge access. Fodder School 6 enrollment includes lifetime access to the Fodder Challenge 2026 lessons.
Does this class have subtitles/closed captioning?
Lesson videos have English, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Italian, and German subtitles. Some lessons may have more language options. Reach out to me if you’d like the video captions transcribed to your language!
How do I watch these classes?
All Fodder Challenge lesson content is delivered through our Willa Workshops classroom on Teachable. As soon as you enroll, you'll have access to the classroom and some fun bonus content to explore. Your 10 Fodder Challenge 2026 project lessons will begin releasing on October 1st, with a new project released every few days throughout the month.
You can access Teachable and watch the lessons in your browser (PC, Mac, Android) or download the Teachable app for iOS (recommended for iPhone and iPad)
What is your refund policy?
Because Fodder Challenge is a digital course with immediate access to classroom content, all purchases are final and we are unable to offer refunds.
Can I use the Fodder Challenge lessons to inspire my YouTube/TikTok/etc. tutorials?
All Fodder Challenge videos, documents, and other associated content are the property of Willa Workshops. Duplication, modification, distribution, transformation, or reproduction of any part of the Fodder Challenge educational content (for example, filming yourself recreating a Fodder Challenge lesson in whole or in part and posting that tutorial on social media) is a violation of copyright and may result in your removal from the course or legal action.
Are the class videos downloadable?
No, at least not available as local downloads to your device. The Teachable app for iOS allows you to download lessons for offline playback.
Can I post images of what I create from these courses on social media?
Please do! Always tag @fodder.school, @willa.wanders, and the teacher who gave the lesson in your post description—use #fodderchallenge2026 on your posts!
Can I sell the art projects that I learn to make in these courses?
Yes! Please keep them for yourself, give them as a gift, or sell them.
