The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage with Donna Watson

I'm 67 and have been a practicing artist for 40 years. My 3 year Diploma, and 4 year Degree in Visual Arts didn't lead me to the personal depths that this course did.

- Su Berghuis-Garde

I was struggling to create and find my voice, Donna helped me discover it and create art that had a deep meaning to me. I have loved watching and immersing myself in this course, it has been life altering in my approach to just about everything

- Wendy Steward

If, like me, you struggle with great difficulty in composition I'd say it's not to be missed! I have been enriched by this wonderful course! It felt tailor made for my journey. I can’t thank you enough Donna.

- Di Burch

Before this class I stumbled around trying all kinds of approaches to collage but achieved nothing coherent. Now I feel that I have the building blocks for a considered and meaningful practice that suits my personal aesthetic.

- Robyn Colman

It is one of the best courses I have taken so far and I definitely had a breakthrough in my artwork.

- Randi Pettit

This entire course has been a joy, giving me both the knowledge to better understand composition and design, and the confidence to trust my own choices and to be true to my own identity and style.

- Katherine Boyle

In a calm & very pleasant way Donna has shown me how to find my own artistic path.

- Ute Vorrath

A truly inspiring teacher. Donna Watson is a joy as a tutor…It isn't often that a tutor will freely share their personal background, which is so necessary to create art.

- Caroline Evans

I was at a point where I had many skills and a rich imagination, but was unsure how to focus this into meaningful works. Donna's encouragement to reflect on my interests and explore what matters to me has been incredibly helpful in finding a way to express myself and tell a story, create something that has some depth to it.

- Maggie Leggoe

Have you ever felt like most art workshops just teach you to copy the instructor's style?
Award-winning mixed media collage artist and teacher Donna Watson takes a different approach to artist education in her online self-paced course The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage. Prepare to be inspired, not instructed. To explore, not imitate, as you investigate your rich inner world and create collages with honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity.

To fellow lovers of wabi-sabi, of the rustic, textured, imperfect, natural world, I invite you to discover a world where life is art and art is life. - Donna Watson

Join a quiet rebellion against the pressure of creative perfection.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy, aesthetic, and way of seeing the world. Wabi speaks to a life of quiet simplicity and connection to the natural world, while Sabi reflects the passage of time; the way things become more meaningful as they age. Together, they embody the quiet poetry of imperfection and the art of finding harmony in the worn, the torn, the weathered, and the beautifully broken.

The Way of Wabi-Sabi Collage with Donna Watson is your invitation to let go, create with intention, and curate the profound in the ordinary. Through this course, you’ll deepen your understanding of wabi-sabi philosophy, and learn how to introduce it into your creative practice to create more meaningful and personal collages.

Making mistakes is crucial as an artist; it's how you discover and learn. - Donna Watson

Over eight weeks, you’ll explore how ancient crafts can inform and inspire your modern art practice.

Free your creative practice.

Connect your personal experience with your collage artwork, discover the beauty of working in a series, and find freedom in imperfection and simplicity.

Discover new (and old) techniques

Join Donna on a virtual visit to an 800-year-old paper factory, and learn how the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi can add more depth and emotion to your collages.

Find your voice.

Collage is about so much more than assembling materials - it’s about telling your story, your way. This is your chance to develop an artist voice that’s unmistakably yours.

Hi, I’m Donna Watson.

I’m based in the US and have 45+ years experience as a mixed media artist, creative storyteller and passionate mentor through different mediums and styles.

I have spent many years exploring my Japanese heritage and Japanese aesthetics, Zen concepts and themes. I’m interested in the passage of time, and what remains. I explore the effects of time on memory, identity and nature and my work is a reflection of the transient cycle of life and the seasons.

I follow the tenets of wabi-sabi, which is an appreciation of the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. With the passage of time, there is a transience depicted with traces, recollections, faded memory, and layers. There is also an enduring permanence to the recurring cycle of life.

Collage art is about versatility and expression. My approach to collage has evolved from integrating Japanese-inspired papers into my paintings to embracing collage fully, discovering the tactile joy of papers.

I believe everyone has a story to tell, and I can’t wait to help you embrace wabi-sabi and tell your own story through collage.

- Donna Watson

Module 1: What is wabi-sabi

Begin your journey into the world of wabi-sabi with an exploration of wabi-sabi philosophy, and discover the beauty found in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity.

Join Donna in uncovering the rich history of Boro, a traditional Japanese textile art rooted in mottainai (waste nothing). Study the time-honored techniques of patching, repurposing, and layering, then find inspiration in naturally aged materials - worn textiles, weathered books, and organic textures that tell a story of time and transformation.

Module highlights: Exploring wabi-sabi philosophy and its relevance to collage, studying the history and influence of Boro textiles, finding inspiration in naturally aged and weathered surfaces, and experimenting with hand-painted papers and layered compositions.

Module 2: Washi

Donna's transition from watercolours and acrylics to collage was shaped by her search for materials that carried depth and character. Drawn to the aged textures of Boro fabric, she turned to Japanese washi, experimenting with acrylic paints to create surfaces that echoed the richness of timeworn textiles.

In this module, you’ll discover the beauty and significance of Japanese washi papers, and explore their history, craftsmanship, and creative potential.

Module highlights: Exploring the history and traditional craftsmanship of Japanese washi, discovering the unique textures and properties of different washi papers, learning how to source high-quality materials, and experimenting with hand-painting techniques to create custom textures for collage.

Module 3: More discoveries

With a growing collection of hand-painted washi papers at your disposal, it’s time to explore new ways to enhance your collage work. This module builds on your foundation by introducing techniques that go beyond traditional hand-painting, allowing you to incorporate new textures, materials, and personal elements into your compositions.

You'll experiment with innovative approaches, from integrating imagery and text to working with fabric papers, pressed botanicals, and vintage ephemera. Whether adding the delicate beauty of dried flowers or the charm of handwritten letters and vintage postcards, you’ll discover how to infuse your collages with layers of meaning and tactile depth.

Module highlights: Experimenting with advanced hand-painting techniques, including the Japanese momigami method using Konnyaku paste, expanding your collage material repertoire with fabric papers, pressed botanicals, tea bag papers, and stitched embellishments, and discovering new ways to add texture, colour, and personal expression to your work.

Module 4: Elements and principles of design

Understanding the elements and principles of design is essential for creating visually compelling collages. Just like ingredients in a recipe, design elements serve as the building blocks of artistic expression, while design principles provide the framework for arranging them in a way that feels balanced, engaging, and true to your vision.

In this module, you’ll explore key design elements—line, texture, shape, space, value, and colour—and learn how they influence mood, movement, and storytelling. You'll also discover how principles like unity, balance, contrast, dominance, pattern, rhythm, and movement guide composition, helping you organise and harmonise your work with confidence.

Module highlights: Using line, texture, shape, space, value, and colour to enrich collage compositions, applying design principles to create cohesive and engaging artwork, and making intentional choices that align with your artistic vision and message.

Module 5: Composition

Arranging the elements of a collage is an art in itself. In this module, Donna will guide you through the process of arranging design elements with intention, ensuring that colours, shapes, and textures work together harmoniously. Just as in Japanese gardens, where each stone placement influences the entire landscape, every element in your collage plays a crucial role in shaping the overall composition.

You’ll learn that composition isn’t about placing elements at random; it’s about making thoughtful choices that reflect your personal style and artistic vision. Whether you're seeking balance, contrast, or unity, understanding composition techniques will help you create collages that feel dynamic, cohesive, and engaging.

Module highlights: Exploring different composition styles and their impact on collage aesthetics, learning techniques for creating dynamic layouts, including focal points and the rule of odds, and understanding the role of simplicity and thematic coherence in strong composition.

Module 6: Content & series

In the realm of collage art, the amalgamation of design elements and principles creates a language through which artists express their unique visions. But beneath this creative surface lies a deeper exploration of self - who you are, what you like, and what stories you want to tell. This module delves into the heart of personal expression, guiding you to discover the content that speaks most profoundly to you.

Through a thoughtful exploration of design elements and principles, you’ll uncover the themes, textures, and colours that best represent your artistic voice. By focusing on what excites and moves you, you’ll gain clarity on how to create work that is both personal and impactful.

Module highlights: Exploring your interests, hobbies, and memories to identify meaningful content, discovering the elements and principles of design that best express your artistic vision, and creating a series of collages that foster self-discovery, growth, and creative breakthroughs.

Turn your collage practice into a mindful act of self-inquiry and self-expression.

A lifetime of learning and exploration awaits.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

6 Modules with Individual Video Lessons
Comprehensive Resource Guides
2 Live Q&A Sessions
8 Weeks of Tutor Engagement*
Lifetime Access
*Private Facebook Group
Learn at your own pace
Professionally Filmed content

Today's Price

$379 USD

ENROL ME NOW

Payment Plans

available at checkout

I have overcome my hesitation that work would not be good enough & now dare to express what I feel inside. Donna's course forms the backbone of my further creative journey. What a gift that is.

- Jeannet Kool

Before this course I had been exploring multiple approaches and styles – trying to find a theme in my style and voice. This course helped me to hone this and pushed me to focus on more meaning and intention in my work. This was a breakthrough for me and has ignited more purpose in my pieces.

- Sue Puhlhorn

The course provided me with a deeper understanding of my art practice, challenging the way I see my art and improving my knowledge of design techniques and principles.

- Leanne Gardner

My practice had stalled. After viewing the videos of Donna Watson in Japan, the beauty of simple objects, the spiritual path that she was undertaking, I reconnected to what had influenced me in the early stages of my arts practice... an acceptance and appreciation of the impermanent, imperfect and incomplete nature of everything.

- Mary Donnelly

The course encourages you to look deeper at what you are trying to say with your work and how to say it. Donna has a way of drawing this from you and her personal encouragement through the facebook group is invaluable.

- Caroline Moore

This course will help you to discover your artistic voice within and the content will enable you to experiment with new techniques and tools for making collages.

- Pam Finlay

I was working mostly from my intuition in the past. Donna's thoughts about 'Intuition vs. Intention' set me off on a conscious path where intuition starts from a more thoughtful place.

- Marlis Kraft

Helpful FAQs
Have another question? We’re here to help! Please contact the Take Two team at support@fibreartstaketwo.com

: As soon as you enrol you’ll get instant, lifetime access to the complete course.

Donna will be available in the student community Facebook group for live engagement between 7 April and 30 May 2025.
: Not at all. This course was created for creatives who want to watch in their own time, hit pause, re-watch, take a break, and then return for more!

While you will receive live support during the first eight weeks of enrolment, there is no set schedule to complete this course. Plus, you’ll have all the material for life!
: You can download our suggested materials guidelines here.

If you’re already creating collages, you’ll likely have these materials on hand. Once you’re enrolled, we’ll also send a comprehensive list of materials used in each module, including links to suppliers, if you’d like to purchase additional supplies.
: Donna will be available in your private student community group on Facebook during the live tutor interaction period. For your course, this period will be between 7 April and 30 May 2025.
: At this stage, we choose to host our student community groups on Facebook as it’s a free, accessible platform that allows ease of communication for both students and tutors.

To ensure an inclusive experience, we live stream our Q&A sessions through YouTube and send regular updates via email for those unable to create a Facebook account.

We also have multiple moderators actively engaged within the group to ensure our communities remain safe and welcoming learning environments.

This community is not compulsory, but it’s highly recommended - and our students love it!

“FATT have put together this fabulous format that nurtures the interactions among us. I didn’t even do Facebook before!” – Chris Carlson
: That’s okay - you don’t need to be a tech whiz to enjoy our online fibre art courses!

Our students regularly report (with much relief 😉) how easy it is to use our online learning platform. We’re also proudly well-known for our top-notch customer service and are always just a message away if you need support.
: Absolutely. Our course content is fully responsive, so you can access your course wherever you feel most comfortable - your computer, phone, or tablet. All you need is an internet connection.
: Because we have students from all around the world, we have set up geolocation to accommodate your local currency where we can. We currently accept USD, AUD, GBP, Euro, CAD and NZD… with more to come! If your currency wasn’t mentioned, your bank will still automatically convert it to your local currency once the charge goes through.

(And on the topic of being international, the Take Two team are based in Australia… hence the spelling of things like fibre, realise and enrol!)
: Great question. You can post your questions about the course in our private Facebook group; either someone from the community, Take Two or Donna herself can help you.

If you have more technical questions or are unable to join the student group, please don’t hesitate to contact support@fibreartstaketwo.com.

Layer, let go, and find creative freedom with
wabi-sabi collage.

Honour your inner voice through collage.

Connect with the soul of your creativity.

Join a quiet rebellion against the pressure of creative perfection.