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

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

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

One Student $25.00 USD Two students $50.00 USD

Date

Sunday, May 13th 10-12 Friday, May 18th 7-9

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

One student $45.00 USD Two students $90.00 USD Three students $135.00 USD

choose a date

Saturday, May 12th 1-4pm Monday, May 14th 1-4pm Sunday, May 27th 1-4pm

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  

Last class of 2017!

Handmade Paper + Print Workshop
Come on over to the studio for this 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.

Friday afternoon,  December 29th    1:00 - 4:00 pm                    cost: $55

Ages 10 - adult  •  Class size is limited •  Preregistration required
4 spaces still available!

Sign up through our secure payment portal or call to reserve a space. Hope to see you on Friday!

number of students:

one student $55.00 USD two students $110.00 USD

The last few classes of the summer...

Exploring Pen and Ink 

We'll play around with different types of ink pens and papers, and learn line and shading techniques.

All materials provided. 

Adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Thursday evening,  August 17th    7 - 9 pm                      cost: $25

number of students:

one student $25.00 USD two students $50.00 USD three students $75.00 USD

Exploring Watercolors 

Learn the basics of watercolor painting and experiment with various papers.

All materials provided. 

Adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Thursday evening, August 24th    7 - 9 pm                     cost: $25

number of students:

one student $25.00 USD two students $50.00 USD three students $75.00 USD

Handmade Recycled Paper

We'll make our own pulp and create cool papers embellished with natural materials. It's a bit messy, so be prepared to get a little wet!

All materials provided.
Sorry, registration for this class is now closed. 
Ages 5- Adult  •  Class size is very limited  •  Preregistration required

Monday morning, August 14th     10 am - noon           cost: $25

Intro to Printmaking

We'll cover the basics of drawing images and transferring them to blocks, then carving and printing your artwork. 

All materials provided.

Sorry, registration for this class is now closed. 

Monday afternoon,  August 14th    1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35

Ages 8 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Summer Classes 2017

Summer Solstice Prayer Flags  

The Summer Solstice is happening on Tuesday, June 20th this year, and what better way to celebrate than by making a set of special prayer flags to send good wishes, hope and love out to our troubled world?

Let's embrace the Tibetan custom of hanging colorful flags containing special mantras, prayers and images to promote peace and other messages, which are said to be carried on the wind and spread throughout the planet.

We'll have one all-ages class in the afternoon, or join us for an adults-only evening class, where we'll cap off the evening with a toast to summer and sip a refreshing aperitivo I fell in love with on my recent trip to Italy! (a non alcoholic version will also be provided)

Tuesday afternoon, June 20th       2 - 4 pm       cost: $30

Sorry, this class is now closed 
or
Tuesday Evening, June 20th       7 - 9:30 pm      cost: $35
Sorry, this class is now closed  

Vegetable Prints  
Learn how to make and print patterns using materials found in any grocery store. We'll make beautiful stamps and use them to print stunning 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.

Monday afternoon, June 26th       2 - 4 pm       cost: $35
Sorry, this class is now closed 
Ages 8 - adult • Class size limited to 8 • Preregistration required  

 

Painting the Masters: Vincent 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.

Monday afternoon, July 10th      2 - 4 pm       cost: $30
Sorry, this class is now closed 
Ages 7 - adult • Class size limited to 8 • Preregistration required  

Hollywood Fairy House Tour 

Get ready for the Sixth Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour!

Join us on Sunday afternoon, July 23rd for a fun guided tour of quaint and magical Fairy homes located in the neighborhood surrounding the studio.  Once again, the Fairies have been busy building in front yards, trees and under bushes all over the Hollywood and Grant Park neighborhoods, 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 Camp Cactus for a snack. I hope you can join us for this very special and magical event.  If we're lucky, we may even see 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).  
New this year:  We're donating all proceeds from this tour to help pay down the Portland Public Schools lunch debt. 

Sunday afternoon, July 23rd   1-3 pm            cost: $10          

All ages. 

Please note: Children under 6 are free, 

but must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Meet at Camp Cactus Studio, 4458 NE Brazee. The tour will begin 15 minutes after the hour. See you there! 

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.

Monday morning,  July 24th    10 - noon                       cost: $25
Sorry, this class is now closed 

 

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, pebbles and seed pods. We'll provide ample building materials for everyone. This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100 

Monday afternoon, July 24th     1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35 

Ages 7- adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Sorry, this class is now closed 

Trash Monsters!  

We'll take all sorts of junk and figure out how to put it together to make some really cool 3-D mixed media monsters. This class is great for building visualization, planning, and creative problem solving skills. Also, it will be tons of fun! All materials provided.

Monday morning,  August 7th    10 - noon                       cost: $25

Ages 7 - up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Sorry, this class is now closed  

Cardboard Castles, Condos & Cities  

Get in touch with your inner architect! In this class, we'll recycle all sorts of boxes, packages, tubes and paper into lots of wacky, whimsical buildings of all shapes and sizes. All materials provided.

Monday afternoon,  August 7th    2 - 4 pm                       cost: $25

Ages 6 - up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Sorry, this class is now closed 

Handmade Recycled Paper  

Explore the art of making recycled paper. We'll make our own pulp, and then create cool papers embellished with pressed flowers, leaves and other natural materials. Prepare to get wet...it's a messy process! All materials provided.

Monday morning,  August 14th    10 - noon                       cost: $25

Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

number of students

one student $25.00 USD two students $50.00 USD three students $75.00 USD

Intro to Printmaking  

Learn how to carve a linoleum block or stamps. We'll go through the basics of drawing images and transferring them to blocks, then carving and printing our artwork. This is a great companion class to our handmade paper class, above. All materials provided.

Monday afternoon,  August 14th    1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35

Ages 8 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Sorry, this class is now closed

   ~ ADULT SUMMER ART WORKSHOPS ~   

A new series of classes to really get those creative juices flowing! These low key, two-hour workshops are a great way to experiment with different techniques and media in a stress-free way. Sign up for one class, or all four.

Classes are offered on Thursday evenings in August. Choose whichever dates fit your schedule.  Classes are $25 each, or 4 for $90.*
Click here to register

Yikes, it's October already!

The months are just flying by!
Life seems to be moving ridiculously fast these days, so I've been making a conscious attempt to stop and savor every moment that I can.
In July I participated in a painting-a-day challenge for World Watercolor month (finishing just one painting shy of a full 31 little watercolors). It was lots of fun, and the biggest challenge was to carve out time every day to paint, even if it was just a tiny thing. I wholeheartedly recommend it. It really jumpstarted the creative process for me!

Of course, now I had this pile of little original paintings I didn't know what to do with, so I gave some away, framed some, and then put the rest in the Camp Cactus Etsy shop to sell at ridiculously low prices.

So, in the spirit of helping others jumpstart their own creative process, starting today I'm offering a coupon good for $5 off on future classes in the studio when you sign up for one of my Fall classes. (see sidebar for the class schedule).

What are you waiting for? Start creating!

August is Fairy Month!

It's the last day of July, and I'm very excited that tomorrow kicks off Fairy Month at Camp Cactus Studio! We've got lots of magical fun to offer, from the annual Fairy House Walking Tour, to classes where you'll learn how to build Fairy houses, furniture, and gardens.

Fairy Month classes and tours are open to children of all ages, so bring your Pixie Dust and get creating!

Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour

Get ready for the Fifth Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour!

Join us on Saturday, August 6th or Sunday, August 14th for a fun guided tour of quaint and magical homes located in the neighborhood surrounding the studio.  Once again, the Fairies have been busy building in front yards, trees and under bushes all over Hollywood, 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 Camp Cactus for a snack. I hope you can join us for this very special and magical event.  If we're lucky, we may even see 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).  
New this year: special family rates!

Saturday, August 6th  (Sorry, this date is cancelled)
or
Sunday, August 14th  1-3 pm          (Registration for this tour is now closed)

All ages. 

Please note: Children under 6 are free, 

but must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Meet at Camp Cactus Studio, 4458 NE Brazee. The tours will begin 15 minutes after the hour. See you there!

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, pebbles and seed pods. We'll provide ample building materials for everyone. This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100

Monday, August 8th     1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35 

Ages 7- adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

(Registration for this class is now closed)

Fairy Homes and Gardens 
Let's plant a little fairy garden! First, we'll design and plant a tiny landscape, then we'll build structures, like fairy benches, bridges and swings to entice the fairies to move in!  

All materials and plants provided.

Tuesday, August 9th     10 - 12 pm                       cost: $30

Ages 6- up  •  Class size is limited  

Preregistration required by Sunday, August 7th

(Registration for this class is now closed)

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!

Tuesday, August 9th    1 - 3 pm                       cost: $25

Ages 7- up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

(Registration for this class is now closed)

Fabulous Fairy Footwear

Make your very own designer Fairy or Elf shoes. We'll draft a custom-sized pattern and sew and embellish with threads and buttons and ribbons and magic. No prior sewing experience necessary. All materials provided. This class teaches basic pattern making, embroidery and hand-sewing skills.

Monday, August 15th   1:00-4:00 pm       $30

Ages 6 and up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required
(Registration for this class is now closed)

December classes in the studio

2016 is almost here, but there's still time to enjoy a few really fun creative classes in the studio in December. We have some brand new ones, as well as a few that are back by popular demand.

To register and pay for classes via our secure server on PayPal, simply choose the number of spaces you'd like to reserve and click on the "add to cart" button.

If you'd like to reserve a space and pay in person, email Jane at: campcactusmail{at}yahoo{dot}com

We'll get back to you within 24 hours with your registration information. What are you waiting for? Let's get creative!  

Let it Snow!

'Tis the season, and I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, along with most of the kids I know. Here's a way to decorate your windows with giant flakes, just in case the real thing gets foiled by El Niño…;-) We'll make lots of flakes, and I'm pretty sure no two will be the same! All materials provided.  Adults accompanying a registered child are free.

Monday, December 21st  10am-noon      $25
Ages 6 - adult   •  Class size is limited   •  Preregistration required
Sorry, this class is closed.

Build a Snow Village
Remember those little paper or cardboard houses from long ago? Here’s your chance to build your own miniature village to display on a shelf or mantle, just in time for your holiday decorating! This is also a great project for parents and children to build together.  Adults accompanying a registered child are free. All materials provided.

Monday, December 21st  1:00-4:00pm      $25
Ages 5- adult   •  Class size is limited   •  Preregistration required
Sorry, this class is closed.

Sheep and Llamas!
In this fun fibre arts workshop, we'll make a flock of woolly Icelandic sheep and llamas. Perfect for decorating a tree or mantle. This class teaches basic sewing and embroidery skills. No experience necessary. All materials provided.

Tuesday, December 22nd  1-3 pm     $25 

Ages 6 and up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Sorry, this class is closed.

 


Dreamcatchers
Do you or someone you know sometimes have bad dreams? Catch them in a beautiful handmade web which will filter them out and let only good thoughts and dreams get through. The Ojibway Native Peoples have a legend about these webs. Learn about how and why they came to be in this informative and fun class.

Tuesday afternoon, December 29th   1-3 pm      $25  

Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Sorry, this class is closed. 

Design Your Own Prayer Flags

In this class, we'll learn a bit about the Tibetan custom of hanging colorful flags containing mantras and prayers to promote peace and other messages, which are said to be carried on the wind and spread throughout the world. We'll design and assemble our own interpretations of these flags using stamps, paints, stencils and inks.  Just in time to hang up and spread goodwill in the New Year!
This is a fun class for parents and kids to take together.
All materials included.

Monday afternoon, December 28th   1-4 pm      $30  

Ages 6 - adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Sorry, this class is closed.