Friday, November 30, 2018

The Holiday Sale is coming right up!

It's that time of year again, where a bunch of hand-picked local artists gather their wares and help turn the studio into a magical holiday boutique.

We'll have beautiful, contemporary ceramics from Vancouver's Ruby Farms, gorgeous bags and totes by Beaverton's Sew Sisters,  jewelry and accessories by Kris Zorko, Sharon Wing, Lulu and T, and 45th Avenue's own Iris Lomax. Hand knit scarves of impossibly soft German wool by Caitie Brown, tiny Fairy shoes and dresses, and Fern's Famous Fudge, too.

Check back here for a sneak peek at lots more... I'll be taking pics and sharing them as the goods are delivered, so stay tuned!

Here are the details:

Sale Hours:
Preview evening and Artist reception:
Friday, December 7th 
6 - 9 pm
Saturday & Sunday, December 8th & 9th
10 am - 6 pm
Remember, the Holiday Sale comes but once a year, so drop by and say hello!


Friday, November 23, 2018

November news!

Time really flies these days... Thanksgiving is over, and December is coming up FAST!
I've been so busy with classes and planning for our upcoming Holiday Sale (more info on that coming up very soon!), I've neglected this space completely.

Thanksgiving Eve, Camp Cactus Studio hosted a Fairy Furniture birthday party (for 11 grownups!).
It was goofy, and fun and they created some amazing furniture for some very sophisticated Fairies.
The magic is alive in the studio!
There were Adirondack chairs & rocking chairs
Tables, lamps and tiny books
A bar, complete with stools and goodies
A cushy fainting couch and floor lamp
A fantastic Fairy chandelier
A bathtub complete with shower and seat
And even a tiny macrame wall hanging!

All in all, it was a fun birthday party, with lots of laughter and delight.
If you're interested in booking the studio for a party (any classes, not just Fairy stuff!)
check out the website:
Cheers!






Saturday, September 29, 2018

what's coming in october?

The last two days of September are upon us (already!?) and it feels like summer might soon become a distant memory. I woke up this morning to cool temperatures and gray skies, with the inevitable rain in the forecast. Yesterday was one of those perfectly warm days under radiant blue skies, that only seem to occur on the cusp of changing seasons.

No worries, though...the studio is bright, cozy and snug with a fireplace to keep us warm while we make some creative magic!

There is still one spot available in next Saturday, October 6th's Botanical Watercolor class, so if you've been thinking of signing up, do it soon!

On October 12th, (No school for Portland Public Schools) check out the morning Printmaking Workshop and in the afternoon, Haunted Pumpkins, just in time for your Halloween decorating...



Click here to read the descriptions for these and all the other Fall offerings in the studio.
I hope to see you soon!

Sunday, September 2, 2018

september in the studio

Autumn is coming!

I'm writing this on Labor Day weekend, and even though summer doesn't officially end until September 22, there's already a nip in the air and the local squirrels are busy burying walnuts all over my garden.

I've also been working on a new website all summer and I'm happy to say, "Yay, it's finally live!" 


With a better designed class schedule, links to the Camp Cactus blog, my Etsy shop and a brand spankin' new checkout system, I'm pretty jazzed with all the changes, and I hope you will be too. 

Here's the link: 


I'm also excited to announce that I'm offering a very special weekend Santa Doll Workshop in October.

This all-inclusive class features two full days of instruction, lunches, materials, and lots of tips and tricks. By Sunday afternoon, you'll come away with a beautiful St. Nick of your own design.
There are only 8 spaces available, so sign up soon!

Here's wishing you a warm and happy end of summer, 

Cheers,
Jane

Saturday, July 21, 2018

There's magic afoot!

Get ready for the Seventh Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour!
Join us on Saturday morning, July 28th for a guided tour of quaint and tiny Fairy homes located in the neighborhood surrounding Camp Cactus Studio.

Once again, the Fairies have been busy building in front yards, trees, and under bushes all over the Grant Park and Hollywood area, and we'll supply you with a map and stories about the Fairy families who live in these homes.

We'll start out at Camp Cactus Studio and walk around the neighborhood, ending up back at the studio for a snack. I hope you can join us for this very special and magical event.

The tour is open to all ages, but you must be able to walk a fair distance (about a mile in all).

This year we're donating all profits from the tour to Schoolhouse Supplies, an award-winning nonprofit that supports public education in Portland by giving students and teachers free classroom supplies. If you can't make the tour, but want to contribute directly, donate here: Schoolhouse Supplies.

Saturday morning, July 28th (all ages)  •  10 am - noon  •  $10
Please note: children under 6 are free,
but must be accompanied by a (paying) adult.
Meet at Camp Cactus Studio, 4458 NE Brazee, Portland, OR 97213.
The tour will begin at 10:15


Saturday, June 23, 2018

Getting warmed up for World Watercolor Month

World Watercolor Month starts July 1st!
 I'm shooting for 31 days of tiny watercolors...will I make it?
Follow me on Instagram: @campcactus

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Summer Classes start June 23rd!

Botanical Watercolors
Learn the basics of watercolor painting and forage in my garden for leaves and flowers to paint. We'll discuss papers, brushes and materials, and I'll guide you step by step through a simple method of drawing leaves and flowers. Even if you're sure you can barely draw a stick figure, you'll come away with a beautiful botanical watercolor painting, and the discovery that you truly are an artist!
Various types of paint, brushes and papers provided, but feel free to bring your own if you like.
No experience necessary, just come and play!

This class is being offered on a variety of dates:
Saturday morning, June 23rd (adult only)  •  10 am - noon          
Sunday afternoon, July 1st (adult only)  •  1 - 3 pm          
Friday evening, July 6th (adult only)  •  7-9 pm            

Each 2 hour session is $25  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited
Registration for this class is closed




Paper + Printmaking Workshop
Come on over to the studio for this incredibly popular combination hands-on paper and printmaking workshop.
First, we'll make paper using post-consumer waste, and then we'll carve linoleum blocks to print with.
You'll come away with several beautiful art prints of your own design.
No experience necessary.  Adults and kids ages 8 and up welcome! All materials provided.

Sunday, June 24th  (ages 8-adult)  •  1 - 4 pm   
Saturday, August 11th  (ages 8-adult)  •  1 - 4 pm

Each 3 hour session is $45  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited to 6

choose a date



Recycled Papermaking
A stand-alone version of our popular Paper + Print Workshop.   Make beautiful handmade papers embellished with dried flowers, leaves, and other natural materials.

Friday, July 13th  (ages 5-adult)  •  10 am - noon
Thursday, July 19th  (adult)  •  7 - 9 pm
Registration for this class is closed
Each 2 hour session is $25  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited to 6



Intro to Block Printing 
Another stand-alone version of our popular Paper + Print Workshop, we'll design and carve linoleum blocks and print our art on a variety of papers.
No experience necessary.  Adults and kids ages 8 and up welcome! All materials provided.

Friday, July 13th  (ages 8-adult)  •  2 - 4 pm
Thursday, August 9th (adult)  •  7 - 9 pm 

Each 2 hour session is $30  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited to 6


choose a date





Succulent Centerpieces 
Make a beautiful low-maintenance centerpiece for your patio table, porch or deck.
Choose from a variety of succulents, pebbles, shells and other embellishments to create a personalized miniature landscape, and enjoy a Saturday morning Mimosa while you work!
No experience necessary.  All materials provided.
Registration for this class is closed
Saturday, June 30th  (adult)  •  10:30 am - noon   
$45  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 







Exploring Pen + Ink 
We'll play around with different types of inks, pens and papers, and learn line and shading techniques.
All materials provided. No experience necessary.
Registration for this class is closed
Thursday, July 12th  (ages 14 - adult)  •  7-9 pm  
$25  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 
 



Mixed Media Wax Encaustic
Make paintings using paints, photos and drawings on wood, then seal them with wax as an introduction to the wax encaustic process.
All materials provided.
Registration for this class is closed
Thursday, July 26th  (ages 14 - adult)  •  7-9 pm  
$35  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 






Collage on Canvas
In this class, we'll be using papers, paints, and glue to design an urban cityscape or rural landscape on canvas. All materials provided.

Monday, July 16th  (ages 7- adult)   •   2-4 pm
Thursday, August 16th  (ages 14 - adult)  •  7-9 pm  

Each 2 hour session is $30  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 


choose a date





Contemporary Vegetable Prints
Learn how to make and print patterns using materials found in any grocery store. We'll carve beautiful stamps and use them to print striking modern designs on fabric and paper. Paint, tools, cotton tea towels and various papers provided. Feel free to bring your own pre-washed cotton or linen fabrics to print on.
Extra tea towels will be available for purchase during class.

Thursday, August 2nd  (ages 14 - adult)  •  7-9 pm  
Monday, August 6th  (ages 7- adult)   •   1-3 pm
Registration for both classes is closed
Each 2 hour session is $35  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 


Concrete Leaf Casting Workshop
Discover the secrets of casting beautiful decorative leaves in concrete! Perfect for garden decor or to make a fountain. You'll come away with at least two beautiful leaves to grace your garden.
All materials provided. No experience necessary.
*If you'd like to learn how to paint your leaves, we're also offering a class to do just that on Thursday evening, August 23rd (see class listing below)

Saturday, July 14th  (ages 14 - adult)  •  10 am - 12:30 pm  
Sunday, August 5th  (ages 14 - adult)  •  10 am - 12:30 pm

Each 2 1/2 hour session is $50  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 



Concrete Leaf Painting
Here's your chance to paint the leaves you've cast! We'll cover different techniques to paint realistic or just plain colorful interpretations. Bring your clean concrete leaves and we'll provide the rest.
No experience necessary.
All materials provided.

Thursday, August 23rd  (ages 14 - adult)  •  7-9 pm  
$25  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 




Painting Aboriginal Art:
Symbols and Stories
Learn about dreamtime and walkabouts, and how the native people of Australia use traditional symbols and paintings to tell the story of the world around them. We'll paint our own dream images and stories on canvas using traditional aboriginal art techniques. All materials provided.
No experience necessary.
Registration for this class is closed
Monday, July 16th  (ages 6 - adult)  •  10 am - noon
$30  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 




Altered Book Poetry
Also known as Redacted, Blackout, or Found Poetry, this mixed media, recycled and somewhat free- form class engages our imagination in two ways: with both visual art and creative word work.  Using pages from discarded books and magazines, words are redacted to create poetry from those remaining, and then the background is painted and colored to enhance the poem.
It's challenging and highly addictive!

Sunday, July 15th  (ages 14 - adult)  •  1 - 4 pm  
Friday, July 27th  (adult)   •   6:30 - 9:30 pm
Registration for this class is closed

Each 3 hour session is $35 •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 


*  ~   *  ~  *  ~   *  ~  SUMMER FAIRY FUN  ~   *  ~  *  ~   *  ~  *



Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour
Get ready for the Seventh Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour!
Join us on Saturday Morning, July 28th for a guided tour of quaint and tiny Fairy homes located in the neighborhood surrounding Camp Cactus Studio. Once again, the Fairies have been busy building in front yards, trees and under bushes all over the Grant Park and Hollywood area, and we'll supply you with a map and stories about the Fairy families who live in these homes.

We'll start out at Camp Cactus Studio and walk around the neighborhood, ending up back at the studio for a snack. I hope you can join us for this very special and magical event. (If we're lucky, we may even spot a Fairy or two!) 
The tour is open to all ages, but you must be able to walk a fair distance (about a mile in all).

Please note: children under 6 are free, but must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

This year we're donating all profits from the tour to Schoolhouse Supplies, an award-winning nonprofit that supports public education in Portland by giving students and teachers free classroom supplies. 


Saturday morning, July 28th  (all ages)  •  10 am - noon  •  cost: $10
Meet at Camp Cactus Studio, 4458 NE Brazee. The tour will begin at 10:15. 
 



Fantastical Fairy Architecture
Along with our imagination, we'll use natural, recycled and found materials to design and build tiny dwellings for those magical beings who live all around us. Feel free to bring materials from your own garden, such as pine cones, acorns or seed pods. We'll provide ample building materials for everyone.
This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100.
Registration for this class is closed
Sunday, July 29th  (ages 7-adult)  •  1 - 4 pm  
$35  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited 



Fanciful Fairy Furniture
Come and use twigs and moss and leaves and flowers to build a tiny chair or bed or table (or whatever else your might be inspired to create for a fairy house or garden). Set your imagination free and let it fly!
All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own materials for embellishments, like acorns, moss, and twigs from your garden.
Registration for this class is closed
Sunday, July 29th  (ages 7-adult)  •  10 am - noon 
$25  •  Preregistration required  •  Class size is limited  
 





Thursday, May 3, 2018

Mother's Day and more at Camp Cactus!

*Updated Friday, May 11th: Please note that the PayPal site was down temporarily this morning, but never fear, if you are experiencing a problem, you can email or call me directly and I will reserve a space for you in any of these classes! (see sidebar to the right for contact info)

Spring has finally arrived in Portland, and the weather today is glorious! The studio doors are open wide, the birds are singing with utter abandon, and creative inspiration is everywhere. I've added several classes to the schedule, including two on Mother's day. A lovely art class and a Mother's Day Mimosa could be just the ticket for a unique gift for any mom.
Happy Spring everyone!


Botanical Watercolors
Learn the basics of watercolor painting and forage in my garden for leaves and flowers to paint. We'll discuss papers, brushes and materials, and I'll guide you step by step through a simple method of drawing leaves and flowers. Even if you can barely draw a stick figure, you'll come away with a beautiful botanical watercolor painting, and the discovery that you truly are an artist!
No experience necessary, just come and play.

Friday afternoon, May 11th (ages 10-adult)        1-3pm                 cost: $25
or
Sunday morning, May 13th (adult only)            10am-noon           cost: $25
(Includes a complimentary Mother's Day Mimosa!)
or
Friday evening, May 18th (adult only)               7-9 pm            cost: $25
(Only 2 spots left!)
Ages 10 - Adult  •  Class sizes are limited  •  Preregistration required

number of students
Date






Painting the Masters: Monet
Continuing our Painting the Masters series, we'll learn about one of the most influential Impressionists, Claude Monet. Over a 30 year period, Monet made over 250 paintings of water lilies in the pond at his home in Giverny, France.
In this class, we'll paint a beautiful version of his famous water lilies.   All materials provided.

Sunday afternoon, May 13th    2 - 4 pm      cost: $35
(Includes a complimentary Mother's Day Mimosa!)
Adult  •  Class size is very limited  •  Preregistration required  



 




Handmade Paper + Printmaking
Come on over to the studio for this incredibly popular hands-on paper and printmaking workshop.
First, we'll make paper using post-consumer waste, and then we'll carve linoleum blocks to print with.
You'll come away with several beautiful art prints of your own design.
No experience necessary.   Adults and kids ages 10 and up welcome! All materials provided.

Saturday afternoon, May 12th    1-4 pm           cost: $45
or
Monday afternoon, May 14th    1-4 pm           cost: $45
or
Sunday afternoon, May 27th     1-4 pm          cost: $45   
Ages 10 - adult  •  Class size is limited to 6 •  Preregistration required  


number of students
choose a date

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Contemporary Vegetable Printing and other stuff!

Join us this weekend for one of our most popular workshops! We'll explore making prints on paper and fabric, using the most humble of techniques and materials...see how to make beautiful designs with vegetables and textile paints.

Vegetable Prints
Learn how to make and print patterns using materials found in any grocery store. We'll carve beautiful stamps and use them to print striking modern designs on fabric and paper. Paint, tools, cotton tea towels and various papers provided. Feel free to bring your own pre-washed cotton or linen fabrics to print on.
Extra tea towels will be available for purchase during class.
Sorry, this class is closed
Saturday afternoon, April 7th    1-3 pm     cost: $35
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is very limited  •  Preregistration required

 
And don't forget, next Friday, April 13th there's no school for Portland Public school students! Send your kids to Camp Cactus for some artistic stimulation and silly fun.

 *   *   School's Out! Teacher Planning Day Classes   *   * 


Exploring Pastels
Learn to draw a nebula with chalk and oil pastels. All materials provided.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Friday morning, April 13th     10 am - noon    cost: $25
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  



Painting the Masters: Georgia O'Keeffe
We'll do some painting on canvas in the style of this famous artist, and you can choose to paint a still life, or work from a photograph, or simply copy one of her beautiful paintings.
All materials included.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Friday afternoon, April 13th    2-4 pm           cost: $35
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  





Monday, February 19, 2018

Winter/Spring Class update

Several people have asked if I offer private lessons to help hone drawing and painting skills, or just to work on projects they're having trouble with...so with that in mind, I've updated the Winter/Spring  schedule. Added are some open studios, some for specific media, and some where you can work on whatever you like and get the help you need to create!

Exploring Watercolor
Presented in a self-guided, Open Studio format, here's your chance to explore watercolor materials and techniques in a supportive environment. I'll be there to demonstrate techniques and answer any questions you may have. These workshops are great for continuing students, or those who just want to dabble.
Various types of paint, brushes and papers provided, but feel free to bring your own if you like.
No experience necessary, just come and play!

Friday afternoon, May 11th (ages 7-adult)        1-3pm                 cost: $25
or
Sunday morning, May 13th (adult only)            10am-noon           cost: $25
(with Mother's Day mimosas!)
or
Friday evening, May 18th (adult only)               7-9 pm            cost: $25
(Only 2 spots left!)
Ages 7 - Adult  •  Class sizes are limited  •  Preregistration required

number of students:
class dates

 

Anyone Can Draw: The Basics
Have you always wanted to learn to draw, but just don’t know where to start?
Are your drawing skills a bit rusty?
This is the class for you!
In this 5 week course, we’ll teach you the basic principals of drawing, through creative exercises designed to stimulate your imagination. Hands-on explorations of materials, techniques and principals of design.
What are you waiting for? Get drawing!
Bring an 11x14” spiral-bound sketch pad, kneaded rubber eraser, and 2H, HB, 2B pencils to first class.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Thursday evenings, March 1st - 29th      7-9 pm      cost: $125
Ages 14 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  
Note: If you missed registration for this series, you can still sign up for an Open Studio class! (scroll down to see class description) 


Altered Book Poetry
Also known as Redacted, Blackout, or Found Poetry, this mixed media, recycled and somewhat free- form class engages our imagination in two ways: with both visual art and creative word work.  Using pages from discarded books and magazines, words are redacted to create poetry from those remaining, and then the background is painted and colored to enhance the poem.
It's challenging and highly addictive!
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Sunday afternoon, March 4th     1 - 4 pm    cost: $35
Sunday afternoon, March 11th   Noon - 3 pm    cost: $35
Ages 12 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

 
New! Open Studios
Here's your chance to come work independently in the studio, on whatever projects you like.
I'll be here for guidance, to answer questions, and to cheer you on! A variety of materials are available to work with, from watercolors, to pencils, pastels, found objects and decorative papers and glues for mixed media projects.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Friday evening, March 9th (adult)    7 - 9 pm     cost: $25 
or
Friday evening, March 23rd (adult)  7 - 9 pm    cost: $25
Adults  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required




*   *   *   *   School's Out! Spring Break Classes   *   *   *   * 

Exploring Watercolor
Learn the basics of watercolor painting and play around with various papers.
All materials provided. 
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Monday morning, March 26th    10 am - noon     cost: $25
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  



Painting the Masters: Van Gogh
Continuing our Painting the Masters series, we'll learn about one of the most famous and infamous Post-Impressionists, Vincent Van Gogh. In this class, we'll explore some of Vincent's paintings and paint a starry night landscape in his style.   All materials provided.

Sorry,  this class is now closed
Monday afternoon, March 26th    2-4 pm     cost: $35
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is very limited  •  Preregistration required  


Fairy Crowns & Wizard Wands
Make a flowery, sparkly Fairy Crown, or carve a magical Wizard's Wand.
All materials provided.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
 Tuesday morning, March 27th    10 am - 11:30     cost: $25
Ages 7 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  



Fanciful Fairy Furniture
Fanciful Fairy Furniture....say that three times, fast! Come over to the studio and make tiny little rustic chairs, tables, beds and other things to furnish your Fairy house (it also makes a sweet display on a shelf). We'll show you how to put together twigs, moss and leaves to create truly fanciful little pieces that will tickle your imagination and make you smile every time you look at them! All materials provided.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Tuesday afternoon, March 27th    2-4 pm     cost: $25
Ages 7 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  



*       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *      *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *

Vegetable Prints
Learn how to make and print patterns using materials found in any grocery store. We'll carve beautiful stamps and use them to print striking modern designs on fabric and paper. Paint, tools, cotton tea towels and various papers provided. Feel free to bring your own pre-washed cotton or linen fabrics to print on.
Extra tea towels will be available for purchase during class.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Saturday afternoon, April 7th    1-3 pm     cost: $35
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is very limited  •  Preregistration required



   *   *   School's Out! Teacher Planning Day Classes   *   * 


Exploring Pastels
Learn to draw a nebula with chalk and oil pastels. All materials provided.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Friday morning, April 13th     10 am - noon    cost: $25
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  



Painting the Masters: Georgia O'Keeffe
We'll do some painting on canvas in the style of this famous artist, and you can choose to paint a still life, or work from a photograph, or simply copy one of her beautiful paintings.
All materials included.
Sorry,  this class is now closed
Friday afternoon, April 13th    2-4 pm           cost: $35
Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  



*       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *      *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *       *

Doodlefest: Mandalas
Join us for a class dedicated to jumpstarting your creative spirit.
In this workshop, artists and non-artists alike learn how doodling and noodling around not only helps stimulate the creative juices, but how it has also been found to improve concentration, listening and recall skills.
In this class, we'll teach you how to draw amazing, detailed mandalas.
We'll have sparkling cider, wine and goodies to nibble, too!
No drawing experience required. All materials provided.

Friday evening, April 27th    7-9 pm           cost: $25
Adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required  



Handmade Paper + Printmaking
Come on over to the studio for this incredibly popular hands-on paper and printmaking workshop.
First, we'll make paper using post-consumer waste, and then we'll carve linoleum blocks to print with.
You'll come away with several beautiful art prints of your own design.
No experience necessary.  Adults and kids ages 10 and up welcome! All materials provided.

Saturday afternoon, May 11th    1-4 pm           cost: $45
or
Sunday afternoon, May 27th       1-4 pm          cost:$45   
Ages 10 - adult  •  Class size is limited to 6 •  Preregistration required  

number of students:
class dates