goodbye, summer

There's a nip in the air and the rain has returned, but die-hard optimist that I am, I'm still hoping we'll get at least just one more blast of summer weather before the clouds roll in.

Intro to Watercolors

Even as I'm wishing that summer could stick around for a while longer, I'm also looking forward to cozy days in the studio with the fireplace going and those snug feelings that foster creativity and togetherness.

Haunted Pumpkins!

Check out the new Fall schedule for some fun and imaginative classes that aim to inspire and entertain!

Beginning Drawing for Adults

There are no mistakes

and it's never boring

on the edge of the imagination,

which is only pure SPIRIT

out having a bit of fun.

- WAVY GRAVY -

A brand new fairy house on the tour!

Join us for the 8th Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour!

Saturday, August 10th

10 am - noon

$10 per person.

click here for details

* * *

If you can't make the tour this year, 

a digital download of the map will be available

 on the website beginning Sunday, August 11th

* * *

Proceeds from this year's Tour benefits Schoolhouse Supplies,

 an award winning nonprofit in Portland

 dedicated to providing free classroom supplies to students and teachers.

Summer is here!

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon;

to me those have always been the two most beautiful words

in the English language."

-HENRY JAMES-

Abbie in the garden in June

Come spend a summer morning, afternoon or evening with me

 in the studio and create something beautiful!

From watercolor painting, to printmaking, handmade paper making and 

encaustic collage to all things Fairy, there's something for artists of all ages.

Check out the class list here, or click on the Summer Classes in the sidebar.

I'll be adding classes to the schedule all summer, and you can also check the calendar for updates.

Intro to Printmaking

Building Fairy Furniture

Fairy House 

Wax Encaustic Collage

Hey there!

And just like that, it's a new year full of possibilities and adventure. What wonderful things do you have planned? How about feeding your creative spirit with some fun classes?

Get your hands dirty and make some prints...

or stay clean and carve some animals out of soap...

discover poetry in the pages of discarded books...

...or just plain having a little Doodlefest with friends?

Check out our selection of classes in the studio. 

Spring break classes, too!

campcactuspdx.com

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!

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:

campcactuspdx.com

Cheers!

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!

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: 

campcactuspdx.com

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

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

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