Focus + Flow with Karen Olson | Fibre Arts Take Two

Karen Olson is a gifted empath who has deliberately honed her skills to bring out the authentic, artistic voices of her students. She creates workshop magic by curating a classroom atmosphere that encourages exploration and creative play. My time with Karen has led me to think about light and structure as I “feel” the elements rather than as I see them.

- Astrig Tanguay

Karen is one of those artists who understands how to teach other artists. That is to say, she is technically helpful and clear, as well as knowing how to gently and gracefully make safe space for others to fulfill their own vision. Her work is inspiring, and so is she.

- Jen Appleby

Karen Olson was just about the best thing that ever happened to me. At 70, I thought I never had and never would have a creative bone in my body. What joy and delight to find something inside me, at long last, which I took to like ducks to water.

You cannot find a better inspirational teacher anywhere, in my humble opinion.

-Catharine McCann

It took a course with Karen Olson last summer and was impressed. She was very prepared, brought a lot of material for the course and was very good at demonstrating to us all as well as helping us individually. Highly recommend it.

- Vivian Pratt

Karen is a talented artist who generously shares her expertise in a way that is both accessible and encouraging. Her approachable nature makes it easy to collaborate with her, and her positive attitude ensures that every session is enjoyable. She listens carefully, solve problems, and suggests thoughtful solutions that move my work forward.

- Fehmida Chipty

Karen is a marvellous teacher. She’s always present for her students. Her teaching is gentle and filled with positive encouragement. I am constantly surprised at the level of competence and skills she develops to make her work.

- Elizabeth Tranzillo

- Astrig Tanguay

- Jen Appleby

Sign up for exclusive course previews and updates

When you register your interest in Focus and Flow, when it's closer to enrolment in 2026 you’ll:

Unlock a special five-part video series on creativity and eco-art therapy.
Experience a hands-on tutorial with Karen straight from her studio.
Enjoy behind-the-scenes sneak peeks of Focus and Flow before it opens for enrolment.
Be notified when enrolment opens so you can secure your spot before the course fills up.

Karen Olson is a lens-based mixed media artist whose work explores the dialogue between human emotion and the natural world through photography and mixed media. Her series Heart Song won the 2024 Rfotofolio Portfolio Award, and she was named one of Maine Magazine’s “18 Up-And-Coming Maine Artists to Watch” in 2022. Her work has been exhibited at the Griffin Museum of Photography, Waterfall Arts, and DUCommons, and she is a Board Member and Web Editor for the International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA).

In Focus and Flow, Karen will help you use eco-art therapy as a tool for emotional healing, creativity, and resilience. Instead of waiting for inspiration, you will learn how to create creative flow on demand, using nature and art as grounding forces. Through forest bathing, expressive photography, papermaking, and unconventional mark-making techniques, you will translate emotions into tangible, meaningful artwork. With Karen’s guidance, you will build a creative practice that supports your focus, flow and wellbeing long after the course ends.

What sets a Take Two Signature Course apart from others?

Joining Focus & Flow with Karen Olson includes:

Lifetime Access: Revisit the course content anytime to refresh your skills or find new inspiration. Learn at your own pace!
Student Community Group: Engage with like-minded artists and form connections that could last a lifetime.
Two Live Q&A Sessions: Get direct feedback and insights from Karen herself.
8 Weeks of Tutor Support: Karen will be there to guide you, answer your questions, and help you overcome any artistic hurdles.
Showcase your artwork: Your enrolment includes an invitation to participate in an online exhibition.

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

: Enrolment has closed for 2025 and will open again in 2026. As soon as you enrol you’ll get instant, lifetime access to the complete course.

Karen will be available in the student community Facebook group for live engagement for the first 8 weeks when the course commences in 2026.
: 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 mixed media fibre art, 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.

Please note: This materials list may be updated.
: Karen will be available in your private student community group on Facebook during the live tutor interaction period.
: For a Take Two Signature online course with lifetime access, 8 weeks of guidance from your tutor, access to a private online student community, access to live Q&A sessions, hours of video course content, comprehensive resource guides and the opportunity to submit work for an online exhibition, you can expect a one off investment of between $348 USD and $450 USD when you pay in full.

We will also have two and five-month payment plans available.
: 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 Karen 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.

Register your interest
Receive helpful insights about this course, and be notified when enrolment is open.

By submitting your email address and registering your interest, you agree to receive information about this course, our monthly eNewsletter and weekly Friday Feature Artist updates via email, in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We will never share or sell your personal information.

Photography, papermaking and printing.

Ready to practice creativity as self-care? Register below to find out more!

In this online course with Karen Olson you'll:

Sign up for exclusive course previews and updates

Meet your tutor

What sets a Take Two Signature Course apart from others?

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

Register your interest
Receive helpful insights about this course, and be notified when enrolment is open.

Photography, papermaking and printing.

Ready to practice creativity as self-care? Register below to find out more!

In this online course with Karen Olson you'll:

Sign up for exclusive course previews and updates

Meet your tutor

What sets a Take Two Signature Course apart from others?

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

Register your interestReceive helpful insights about this course, and be notified when enrolment is open.

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

Register your interest
Receive helpful insights about this course, and be notified when enrolment is open.