camp cactus

february 11th: valentine workshop!

2012-01-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

Are you a procrastinator? Do you hate shopping for Hallmark holidays? Want to give your sweetie or other loved ones a really heartfelt, handmade gift made just for them?

Come on over to Camp Cactus Studio for a Valentine-making extravaganza. We'll be in the studio all day Saturday, February 11th (from noon to 4:00) crafting love notes, cards and cute little shrines.

Pop-up valentines:

Matchbox valentines:

Love magnets (in their own groovy tins):

Danish paper hearts, perfect for holding sweets:

This is a great workshop for parents and kids to do together,

but adults are welcome all on their own, too!

Saturday, February 11th
Noon - 4
$15
Drop in for an hour, or stay the whole time.
We'll have hot cocoa and treats, and all materials are included.
all ages are welcome
(children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult)

register and pay by credit or debit card by clicking on the button below:
Click here for a map to the studio

in other news...

2011-12-08T23:51:00.000-08:00

I've just loaded some new items in the Camp Cactus Etsy shop, just in time for holiday decorating.

Click on the photos in the sidebar to peruse the goods.

two more hours!

2011-12-04T16:39:00.000-08:00

The Camp Cactus Holiday sale is winding down!

We'll be open today until six pm, but we still have some wonderful treasures,

all handcrafted by local artists.

Like these groovy signed letterpress posters by Sarah Fagan:

and recycled leather flower cuffs by Susan Hurst:

Cozy crochet hats and handwarmers by Rachael Ramos and fused glass by Kelly Boverman

elegant neck-warming scarves by Ann Wilson:

Adorable upcycled skirts and organic cotton onesies by Joan Heart:

and last, but not least:

We still have a few boxes of Fern's Famous Fudge!

Camp Cactus Studio

4458 NE Brazee

in Portland's Hollywood neighborhood

glass in all forms...

2011-12-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Sondra Radcliffe and Jane Godfrey of Ambiente Art Glass

do amazing work in fused and stained glass,

like this luminous landscape, and sweet little plates,

ornaments and mirrors, too.

Glass mosaic plate by artist Pauline Dugas Tait

Fused glass "pebble" pendant by Kelly Boverman

Kelly also does cool plates, platters

and bowls in cheery and fun colors.

Jenelle Kathan of Moonbeam Glassworks brought the coolest buttons and ornaments!

Holiday Sale Hours:

Preview evening

Friday, December 2 • 6-9 pm

Weekend Hours

Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4 • 10 am - 6 pm

click here for the map

gretchen's back

2011-12-01T00:42:00.000-08:00

Yay!

Gretchen Boylan is back with us again, with gorgeous new work.

She combines antique papers, silk ribbons, beads, old jewelry and sterling silver

to create miniature works of art.

They're tiny environments that seem to be

of another time and place altogether.

Check them out this weekend, but come early, because they disappear quickly!

lin haak at camp cactus

2011-11-28T01:16:00.000-08:00

Artist Lin Haak will be joining us for the first time this year.

Her joyous designs are applied to ornaments, journals and calendars.

alex wijnen at camp cactus

2011-11-25T07:56:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to announce

the fabulous illustrator and graphic designer,

Alex Wijnen is joining us once more for the Holiday Sale!

Alex works in pen and ink to capture the most

wonderful little slices of life...

Her illustrations have a magical quality
that we can all instantly relate to.

The Holiday Sale hours:

Friday Evening, December 2nd • 6-9 pm

Saturday & Sunday, December 3rd & 4th • 10am - 6pm

Camp Cactus Studio

NE Brazee @ 45th Avenue, Portland

click here for a map

holiday sale hours

2011-11-23T21:18:00.000-08:00

Camp Cactus Holiday Sale

Preview evening:
Friday, December 2nd

6:00pm - 9:00pm

(come on Friday and enjoy wine and hors d'oeurves

and meet the artists!)

Saturday & Sunday
December 3rd & 4th

10am - 6 pm

NE Brazee @ 45th Avenue in Portland

(click here for the map)

the holidays are upon us!

2011-11-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving's almost here, and that means December and the Holiday Sale are just around the corner...gulp!
I'm busy at work in the fairy "sweatshop", crafting tiny shoes and dresses for the fairy fashionistas, and the lights in the studio are glowing well into the night. Here's a sneak preview of some new pieces I'm working on:

fairy shoes under glass

and fairy shoe ornaments

Stay tuned for more coming attractions!

the artist is in...

2011-11-19T23:05:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...I've been missing in action for quite some time now. This summer and fall have seen a dramatic increase in my freelance work, most of it occurring outside of the studio in other locations.

Doing a lot of this sort of work:

stuffing millions of pillows

into duffle bags large enough to take a nap in

makes me really appreciate the time I get to be in the studio making fairy shoes and other cool stuff.
Don't get me wrong -- I'm in no way complaining about having more work, it just makes keeping up a full class schedule on evenings and weekends exhausting, so I've had to step away for a short while for a much needed break.
I'm back now, working on new things for the upcoming Holiday Sale in the studio. Stay tuned for details and photos of art from our participating artists!

shoe fairies!

2011-08-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Fabulous Fairy Footwear class on Saturday was such fun, the designers came back Sunday morning to finish off their creations:

The designers went to town embellishing their footwear with wild colors, embroidery and silk flowers

When the shoes were finished, the girls wrote notes to the fairy who built a house on the path outside my studio...

Maybe the fairies will write back!

fabulous fairy footwear this saturday

2011-07-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

Come join us in the studio on Saturday, where we'll be designing and sewing our own custom fairy footwear.

All materials will be provided, and no previous sewing skills are necessary! We'll teach you how to draft a custom pattern and use embroidery techniques to embellish a pair of beautiful slippers that make sweet fairy music as you walk!

Ages 6 to adult • Class size is limited, but space is still available

Saturday, July 30th 1 - 3 pm $25

Call or email us to reserve a space, or register online by clicking the button below:

summer classes

2011-07-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Happy July! The weather's warming up, the sun is finally out, and I'm looking forward to teaching some fun classes for all ages this summer:

New! Summer Drawing Workshops for Adults

Explore various materials and techniques in these ongoing weekly workshops with interesting exercises designed stimulate your creative juices. Join us as we mess around with a new material and technique each week. From block prints to watercolors, we'll cover the basics to give you a feel for each medium! These classes are open to all levels and experience. Bring an 11 x 14" spiral-bound sketchbook to first class.

Tuesdays, July 12 - August 16 7-9 pm $25

Ages 14 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Tuesday, July 12: Charcoal, chalk & the figure (Sorry, class closed)

Tuesday, July 19: Block prints Sorry! This session is closed.

Tuesday, July 26: Pen and ink techniques Sorry! This session is closed.
The following dates are still open:

Tuesday, August 2: $25 Pencil techniques 7-9 pm Sorry! This session is closed.

Tuesday, August 9: Exploring watercolor 7-9 pm $25

Tuesday, August 16: Scratchboard 7-9 pm $25
choose class:

All-ages Drawing Workshop

An open studio where kids of all ages can come and draw to their heart's content in a supportive, non-critical environment.

Artists are free to choose from a variety of materials such as charcoal, graphite, ink, crayon, pastels, markers and colored pencils; and draw from imagination or various visual sources such as photographs and still life. All materials provided.

Saturday, August 6 1-3 pm $25 Sorry! This session is closed.

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

New! 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.

Friday, July 8 2-4 pm $25 Sorry! This session is closed.
Added session: Saturday, July 30 1-3 pm $25 Space is still available!

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

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. All materials included.

Friday, July 15 2-4 pm $25 Sorry! This session is closed.

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

New! Intro to Life Drawing

Have fun drawing a live, costumed model. We'll learn a few simple ways to capture the essence of the figure by concentrating on gestural lines and quick sketches. All materials provided.

Friday, July 22 2-4 pm $25 (+ $5 model fee) Sorry! This session is closed.

Ages 8 and up • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Fantastical Fairy Architecture

We’ll provide ample building materials for everyone.

This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100.

Saturday, July 23 1-4 pm $35 Sorry! This session is closed.

Ages 7 - 100 • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Handmade Recycled Paper

Explore the art of making recycled paper outdoors on the patio.

We'll make cool papers embellished with dried flowers, leaves and other natural materials. Prepare to get a little wet...it's a messy process!

Friday, July 29 2-4 pm $25 Sorry! This session is closed.

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

Fanciful Fairy Furniture

Come and use twigs and moss and leaves and flowers to build a tiny chair or a bed or table (or whatever else you might be inspired to create to furnish 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 and moss and leaves from your garden.

Friday, August 5 2-4 pm $25 Sorry! This session is closed.

Ages 7 - 100 • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Camp Cactus Studio is located at 4458 NE Brazee, between 44th and 45th Avenues in Portland
Click here for a map to the studio
Questions? You can contact us by email: campcactusmail@yahoo.com

summer sale ends sunday

2011-06-25T18:14:00.000-07:00

Last night's opening reception was a fun event!

Wine flowed, scrumptious appetizers were eaten,

and lots of beautiful art went to new homes...

and did I mention the appetizers? And the wine?

My son Matt and daughter Caitie and Art Camp sidekick Liz catered all the food,

and wowed us with their culinary skills.

(Awesome bird paintings by Chris McLaren)

Here's some

colorful and durable oven-safe dinnerware by Darris Dietz

Jewelry by Holly Hestand, Chris McLaren and Kelly Boverman

groovy little garden faces by Dan Ennis

we still have a few baby quilts and tiny knitted socks by Kathy Kearns

and last, but definitely not least, ceramic birdhouses by Elisabeth Cook Sullivan.

We'll be open for one more day tomorrow from 10 am - 6pm

Camp Cactus Summer Sale

NE Brazee between 44th and 45th Avenue

Portland, Oregon

here's a map:

View Larger Map

happy summer!

2011-06-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend's summer sale at Camp Cactus
will have lots of gorgeous garden art

like these lifelike concrete leaves by artist Roberta Palmer.

This beautiful plaque can hang indoors or out.

Come check it out!

Opening Friday evening, June 24th • 6-9 pm

Saturday and Sunday, June 25th & 26th • 10 am - 6 pm

NE Brazee @ 45th Avenue, in Portland's Hollywood neighborhood.

a little color to cheer you up!

2011-06-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Glass artist Kelly Boverman will be bringing her bright and cheery creations to the Summer Sale next weekend.

Kelly's fused glass garden ornaments will brighten up dark corners of your flower beds, and are great for adding a bit of playful color to your indoor potted plants.

And you can even brighten up your wardrobe with her fused glass pendants made in the same exhuberant color combos!

The Camp Cactus Summer Sale hours are:

Friday, June 24th • 6pm - 9pm

Saturday & Sunday, June 25th & 26th • 10am - 6 pm

we're located on NE Brazee, between 44th and 45th Avenues in Portland's Hollywood district.

Click here for the map: 4458 NE Brazee

helping our community

2011-06-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Local craftswoman and nurse Kathy Kearns has been involved for years with the Passage Quilt Project based at Providence Portland Medical Center. Volunteers like Kathy sew beautiful lap quilts from donated fabrics and materials. Chaplains then give these small quilts to dying patients, which provide comfort for the patient, family and caregivers. The quilts are then presented to the family as a gift of love, comfort and remembrance.

Kathy, in addition to volunteering to make quilts for the patients, has also made a few sweet baby quilts to sell at the Summer Sale here at Camp Cactus.

Kathy is donating all proceeds from the sale of these gorgeous quilts to the Passage Quilt Project for the purchase of supplies.

art for your garden

2011-06-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Camp Cactus Summer Sale is coming up soon! Here's a sneak preview of some fanciful art to decorate your garden:
Artist Michelle Gallagher will be bringing her whimsical ceramic Man in the Moon garden heads.

And when we're talking whimsy, we can't leave out potter Dan Ennis, whose crazy and colorful faces and plaques are a fixture on many NE Portland porches:

summer's almost here!

2011-06-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Camp Cactus Summer Sale

Cool stuff handmade by local artists

Preview evening: Friday June 24th 6-9 pm

Saturday & Sunday, June 25th & 26th

10:00am - 6:00 pm

NE Brazee at 45th Avenue in Portland

click here for a map to the studio

a few of our artists:

Darris Dietz

Holly Hestand

Judee Moonbeam

Dan Ennis

Tamara King

TigerPup Embroidery

Pauline Dugas Tait

Elisabeth Cook Sullivan

Jane Russell

Kris Zorko

Nosivad Fine Art
Geraldine Foote/Peace Leaves

Matthew Brown

Chris McLaren

Roberta Palmer

Michele Avanti
Michelle Gallagher/The Funny Thing
Carol Sands
Maura Greenblum
Ann Wilson
Rachael Ramos
Kelly Boverman

Stay tuned for more info on these wonderful artists!

spring break fairy and drawing workshops!

2011-03-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

There are still a few spaces available for our spring break classes this week...

New! Let's Explore Drawing!

An Open Studio where kids can come and draw to their heart's content in a supportive, non-critical environment.
Artists are free to choose from a variety of materials such as charcoal, graphite, ink, crayon, pastels, markers and colored pencils; and various visual sources such as photographs and still life.
All materials provided.

Saturday, March 26th (Spring Break) 1-3 pm $25
Ages 6 - 14 • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

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 pinecones, acorns or seed pods.
We’ll provide ample building materials for everyone.
This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100.

Thursday, March 24th (spring break) 1 - 4 pm $35
Ages 7 - 107 • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

* * * * * * * * * *

Fanciful Fairy Furniture

Come and use twigs and moss and leaves and flowers to build a tiny chair or a bed or table (or whatever else you might be inspired to create to furnish 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 and moss and leaves from your garden.

Friday, March 25th 1 - 3 pm $25
Ages 7 - 107 • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

february and march classes

2011-02-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

After a month off to regroup and recuperate from the holidays, I'm pleased to offer a new lineup of classes and workshops in February and March. We'll have loads of ways for kids and adults to jump start their creativity in the new year.

Now you can register and pay for classes on line with your debit or credit card through our secure server at PayPal. Just click on the "Add to Cart" button below the class or classes you want to register for, and it will take you to our checkout and registration page. (If you don't have a PayPal account, you can simply click on the "continue" button on the PayPal home page under "Don't have a PayPal account?" and you can register and pay without setting up an account. Or, you can email me at campcactus{at}yahoo{dot}com to reserve your space. I'll send you a confirmation within 24 hours.

Camp Cactus Studio is located on NE Brazee at 45th Avenue in Portland's Hollywood neighborhood.

~ Drawing Classes ~

New dates Anyone Can Draw!

Have you always wanted to learn to draw, but just don’t know where to start?
Are your drawing skills a bit rusty and do you need to refresh your fundamentals?
This is the course for you!
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 11"x14" spiral-bound sketch pad, kneaded rubber eraser, and 2H, HB, 2B & 4B pencils to first class.

Revised Dates: Thursday Evenings, 7-9 pm, March 3 - April 7 (6 sessions) $125
Ages 14-adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required
A few spaces are still available

* * * * * * * * * *

Intermediate Drawing

This course is designed for beginning artists wanting to improve their skills.
The emphasis is on seeing, using right-brain techniques, line contours, shading, perspective, proportion, texture and contrast. We’ll further explore mark making and composition, drawing a variety of subjects, from photographs to still life to live models, using an assortment of materials.

Bring an 11x14” spiral-bound sketch pad, kneaded eraser, and 2H, HB, 2B & 4B pencils to first class. Additional materials list will be given at first class.

Tuesday evenings, 7-9pm Feb. 22 - March 29 (6 sessions) $125
Ages 14 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

* * * * * * * * * *

Figure Drawing

Come experience drawing a live, costumed model. Emphasis is on warming up with gesture poses, then short poses, ending with a 30 minute pose. Classes are self-directed and all levels are welcome. Please bring paper and drawing materials to class. $5 model fee due at beginning of class.

Friday evening, February 18 7-9 pm $15
or
Wednesday evening, March 30 7-9 pm $15
Adults • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

* * * * * * * * *

New! Let's Explore Drawing!

An Open Studio where kids can come and draw to their heart's content in a supportive, non-critical environment.
Artists are free to choose from a variety of materials such as charcoal, graphite, ink, crayon, pastels, markers and colored pencils; and various visual sources such as photographs and still life.
All materials provided.

Saturday, February 26th 1-3 pm $25 (Sorry, this class is closed)
or
Saturday, March 26th (Spring Break) 1-3 pm $25 (Space still available)
Ages 6 - 14 • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

* * * * * * * * *

~ Special Interests ~

New! Recreate Your Wardrobe

(Sorry, this class is closed)
Contact Jude directly for more info about future classes

Create a new wardrobe through inventive re-design. With help from an expert clothing designer, you'll learn what to do with those "un-wearables" in your closet. Lots of ideas, inspiration, examples, help and hands-on direction. Bring several "needy" garments to the first meeting. Prior sewing experience is helpful, but not necessary.

Jude Cornwell (aka Judee Moonbeam) holds a degree in clothing design and creates a well known line of wearable art accessories.
This workshop has been presented numerous times through Portland Community College with great results. Be creative, think green and save money with artistry and alteration!
Questions? Contact Jude: (503) 285-1875

Wednesday evenings, March 16th and 23rd 7-9 pm (2 sessions) $50
Adults • Class size is limited • Preregistration required by Friday, March 11

* * * * * * * * * *

New! Product Photography Tips for Artists and Crafters

A workshop for artists and crafters who need help photographing their art to sell. We'll cover lighting fundamentals, composition, and styling tricks, and how to use your simple camera and readily available, inexpensive lights and materials to make beautiful product shots. We'll help you solve common photography problems without need for fancy equipment or huge budgets. You'll see lots of examples, of great and really bad photography, and get hands-on experience shooting a product.
Artists are encouraged to bring a piece of work you need help with and your digital camera.

Jane Russell studied commercial photography and art in San Francisco and Los Angeles and is a professional photo stylist with over 20 years of experience, whose client list includes major department stores, athletic wear companies and home stores.

Saturday, March 5th 1-5 pm $65
Adults • Class size is very limited • Preregistration required

* * * * * * * * * *

~ Fun Classes for All Ages ~

Fantastical Fairy Architecture

* * * * * * * * * *

Fanciful Fairy Furniture

february 5th: make your own valentines!

2011-01-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

Come on over to Camp Cactus Studio
for a Valentine -making extravaganza!
We'll be in the studio all day playing with paper, glue, paint, stamps, pencils and more.

You could make:

Pop-up valentines:

(this one's plain as can be...imagine what you can do with color!)

We'll have hot cocoa and snacks, and all sorts of art supplies to play with.

Danish Hearts
make great little pouches to hold treats for your sweetie...

or you can even make tiny little matchbox shrines like this:

This is a great workshop for parents and children to do together,

but adults are welcome all on their own, too!

Saturday, February 5

drop by anytime from Noon - 4 pm

all ages are welcome

$15 per person
includes all art materials, hot cocoa and a snack

Camp Cactus Studio is located on NE Brazee @ 45th Avenue in Portland

Happy Valentine's Day!

classes to get you in the holiday spirit!

2010-12-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

Holiday Wreaths
Make a beautiful evergreen wreath to grace your porch or front door. We’ll teach you the basics of wreath making and provide an abundance of greens, dried flowers and other natural materials you won’t find in store-bought wreaths. Feel free to bring ornaments and any accent pieces you might like to incorporate to make your wreath unique.
All materials provided.

Friday, December 10th 7-9 pm $60
Adults • Class size is limited • Preregistration required by Thursday, Dec. 9

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. A fun way to jump start your holiday decorating! This is also a great project for parents and children to build together. All materials provided.

Saturday, December 11th 1-4 pm $45
Ages 10 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Figure Drawing: The December class is still open!
Come experience drawing a live model. Emphasis is on gesture poses, short poses, ending with 20 minute poses. Classes are self-directed and open to all levels. Please bring paper and drawing materials to class. An additional $5 model fee is due at beginning of class.

Wednesday, December 15th 7-9 pm $18
Adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Just in time for holiday entertaining! Design an elegant centerpiece for your holiday table. We’ll show you the basics of construction, teach you how to extend the life of cut flowers, and provide long-lasting flowers and greens as well as vessels for your creations.

Friday, December 17th 7-9 pm $75
Adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required by Tuesday, Dec. 14

holiday sale ends sunday

2010-12-04T23:52:00.000-08:00

At the Holiday Sale preview on Friday night, lots of people turned up

for wine and gourmet goodies prepared by Matt and Margaret, perused the art,

and schmoozed with local celebreties, like Lord Lomax of NE Portland.

* * * * * * * *

And on an entirely different note, registration is still open for the following classes:

Holiday Wreaths

Friday, December 10th • 7-9 pm

Build a Snow Village

Saturday, December 11th • 1-4 pm

Figure Drawing

Wednesday, December 15th • 7-9 pm

Flowers for your table: Holiday Centerpieces

Friday, December 17th • 7-9 pm

Click here for the class descriptions,

where you'll find a "Pay now" button to register online

or call the studio:

503-347-2319

holiday sale opens tonight!

2010-12-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

I'm still pulling things together for our opening tonight. The studio is looking good, and the panic hasn't set in yet. The good news is, the sun is out! It's a perfectly gorgeous, and slightly warm December afternoon. Here's a last minute sneak peek of how it's shaping up:

Here's the view of the back door...

gorgeous, earthy pottery by Marla Munnich

jewelry and the coolest little chair ornaments by my friend Gretchen Boylan

sweet onesies by JoanHeart (Sandra Loewe and Heidi Hardman)

mixed media birdie hanging by yours truly

mosaic by Pauline Dugas Tait

groovy little owl ornaments by Rachael Ramos

Stay tuned for links to these artists websites in the sidebar!

(I'm too busy to set it up today.)

Cheers, Jane

garden art for inside or outside

2010-11-29T22:52:00.000-08:00

Artist Roberta Palmer will be bringing her amazingly lifelike leaves to the holiday sale.
A mere slip of a gal, Roberta works in one of the heaviest mediums there is: concrete. She has perfected the laborious art of leaf casting after making many thousands of them from plants she cultivates in her beautiful backyard garden.

What makes Roberta's leaves so realistic is her masterful painting technique and an attention to detail seldom encountered in our fast-paced world.

She also teaches classes in leaf casting.

We'll have information and class schedules at the Holiday Sale this weekend.

JoanHeart at the holiday sale

2010-11-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

JoanHeart is the clothing label of Heidi Hardman and Sandra Loewe, two mamas with a mission to create modern clothing for women and children out of recycled materials.

Loving the idea of reuse, they began transforming sweaters and shirts into combination pieces with a contemporary twist. The mixing of patterns, color, and fabric allows for a lot of creativity! These one-of-a-kind sweaters look great with jeans or even dressed up with a skirt for work.

After spending so much care selecting recycled fabrics and materials, they didn’t want to see any waste, and so they naturally started using the leftover fabric from the sweaters to create appliqued t-shirts for women and kids. Their patterns and motifs are inspired by modern design, organic shapes, and the simplicity of nature.

We love that each is handmade and unique.

Stay tuned for more sneak peeks of more cool stuff that will be at the sale!

holiday sale 2010

2010-11-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

The Camp Cactus Holiday Sale is next weekend! We'll have lots of cool stuff, all of it handmade by local artists.

Preview Evening: Friday, December 3rd • 6 - 9pm

Saturday & Sunday, December 4th & 5th • 10am - 6pm

NE Brazee @ 45th Avenue in Portland

click here for a map to the studio

Stay tuned for a preview of some wonderful art!

darris dietz

2010-11-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

Returning to the Camp Cactus Holiday Sale this year is Darris Dietz, a potter best known for his colorful, sturdy, and incredibly practical bowls and vessels. Darris has been a fixture at Camp Cactus sales for years, and many of his pieces see daily use in my own kitchen.

eat your heart out, Imelda Marcos

2010-11-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest crop of Fairy shoes...

It just occurred to me today that if my feet were only this tiny, I could have as many shoes as I'd like!

These little shoes and more will be in my booth this weekend at the Wild Arts Festival

stop by and check it out, it's a benefit for
the Portland Audubon Society.

trinity artisan invitational

2010-11-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

This is a great little show at a lovely venue at Trinity Cathedral in Northwest Portland.

I'll be there all weekend with new, one of a kind fairy dresses and shoes.

For more information, click here.

make fairy furniture in november!

2010-10-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

"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

Saturday, November 6th is the date for the last Fairy Class of the year. Sign up soon and join us for a seriously magical experience! Kids and adults alike will enjoy tapping into the enchanting world of fairies.

Come and use twigs and moss and leaves and flowers to build a tiny chair or a bed or table (or whatever else you might be inspired to create to furnish a fairy house or garden).
Set your imagination free and let it fly!
Feel free to bring your own materials for embellishments, like acorns and moss and leaves from your garden. All materials provided.

Saturday, November 6th 1-3 pm $25
Ages 7 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

contact Jane : campcactusmail{at}yahoo{dot}com

wednesday evening figure drawing

2010-10-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

drawing by Gina Wright

Discounted sessions!

Come experience drawing a live model. Emphasis is on gesture poses, short poses, ending with 20 minute poses. Classes are self-directed and open to all levels. (but an instructor will be present to help!)
Please bring your choice of paper and drawing materials to class.

A few suggested materials:

11"x14" or larger Newsprint or sketch pad
charcoal or charcoal pencils or
conte crayon or
assorted pencils or
pastels or
pen and ink

$5 model fee due at beginning of class.

Wednesday, October 20th 7-9 pm $18, plus $5 model fee
or
Wednesday, November 3rd 7-9 pm $18, plus $5 model fee
or
Wednesday, December 8th 7-9 pm $18, plus $5 model fee
Adult • Class size is limited • email to reserve your space, or click the button below to register and pay via PayPal's secure server:

Camp Cactus Studio
NE Brazee at 45th Ave. in Portland's Hollywood neighborhood
email:
campcactusmail{at}yahoo{dot}com

new fairy dresses!

2010-10-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a little sneak preview of a top secret project I've been working on for a few months now.

I'm hoping to complete it by next spring or summer.

I'll keep you posted...

In the meantime, these little Fairy Dresses will be available for sale very soon!

fall classes at camp cactus studio!

2010-09-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

The Fall Class Schedule is ready! And now you can register and pay online with your credit or debit card through our secure server on PayPal. Just click on the "Pay Now" button below the class, and it will take you to our checkout. (If you don't have a PayPal account, you can simply click on the "continue" button under "don't have a PayPal account?" and you can pay using your credit or debit Visa or Mastercard. Or, you can email me at campcactusmail{at}yahoo{dot}com to reserve your space. I'll email you within 24 hours with your confirmation.

Hope you can join us this fall!

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 course for you!
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 eraser, and 2H, HB, 2B pencils to first class.

Thursday evenings, 7 - 9 pm, Sept. 30 - Nov. 4 (six sessions) $125
Ages 14 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Registration is closed for this session

* * * * * * * * * *

Intermediate Drawing
This course is designed for novice artists wanting to improve their skills.
The emphasis is on seeing, using right-brain techniques, line contours, shading, perspective, proportion, texture and contrast. We’ll further explore mark making and composition, drawing a variety of subjects, from photographs to still life to live models, using an assortment of materials.

Bring an 11x14” spiral-bound sketch pad, kneaded eraser, and 2H, HB, 2B pencils to first class. Additional materials list will be given at first class.

Tuesday evenings, 7 - 9 pm, Sept. 28 - Nov. 1 (six sessions) $125
Ages 14 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Registration is closed for this session

* * * * * * * * * *

Figure Drawing: The December class is still open!
Come experience drawing a live model. Emphasis is on gesture poses, short poses, ending with 20 minute poses. Classes are self-directed and open to all levels. Please bring paper and drawing materials to class. $5 model fee due at beginning of class.

Wednesday, December 15th 7-9 pm $18
Adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

* * * * * * * * * * *

Kid’s Drawing Studio
An open studio class where kids can come and draw to their heart’s content.
Artists are free to choose from a variety of materials and various visual sources such as photographs and still lifes. All materials provided.

Saturday, October 9th 1-3 pm $30
Ages 7 - and up • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Registration is closed for this session

* * * * * * * * * * *

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 pinecones, acorns or seed pods.
We’ll provide ample building materials for everyone.
This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100.

Saturday, October 16th 1-4 pm $35
Ages 7 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Registration is closed for this session

* * * * * * * * * * *

Black Cats and Spooky Bats
Kids will sew a scary black cat stuffy or a spooky flying stuffed bat. Just in time for your Halloween decorating! We’ll teach basic hand sewing and construction skills, along with scissor and needle safety. And we’ll have fun sharing our halloween stories.
All materials provided.

Saturday, October 23rd 1-3 pm $35
Ages 7 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Registration is closed for this session

* * * * * * * * * * *

Creature Feature
Let’s make masks! We’ll use paper, glue, trims and recycled objects to design fantastic, crazy or spooky masks to wear when you feel like a wild thing, or to hang on the wall when you don’t. All materials provided.

Saturday, October 30th 1-3 pm $30
Ages 7 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Registration is closed for this session

* * * * * * * * * * *

Fairy Furniture
Come and use twigs and moss and leaves and flowers to build a tiny chair or a bed or table (or whatever else you might be inspired to
create to furnish a fairy house or garden).
Set your imagination free and let it fly!
Feel free to bring your own materials for embellishments, like acorns and moss and leaves from your garden. All materials provided.

Saturday, November 6th 1-3 pm $25
Ages 7 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

Registration is closed for this session

* * * * * * * * * * *

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. A fun way to jump start your holiday decorating! This is also a great project for parents and children to build together. All materials provided.

Saturday, December 11th 1-4 pm $45
Ages 10 - adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required

* * * * * * * * * * *

Lush Abundance: Fall Arrangements
Learn the secrets of building those gorgeous and
bountiful bouquets seen in magazines. Use curling vines, mossy twigs and wildflower blooms to create unique arrangements to beautify your home.
This class is taught by professional photo and floral
stylists who will share some tips and tricks for
constructing effortless looking arrangements.
All flowers and vessels included.

Friday, October 15th 7-9 pm $75
Adults • Class size is limited • Preregistration required by Monday, Oct.11

Registration is closed for this session

* * * * * * * * *

Holiday Wreaths
Make a beautiful evergreen wreath to grace your porch or front door. We’ll teach you the basics of wreath making and provide an abundance of greens, dried flowers and other natural materials you won’t find in store-bought wreaths. Feel free to bring ornaments and any accent pieces you might like to incorporate to make your wreath unique.
All materials provided.

Friday, December 10th 7-9 pm $60
Adults • Class size is limited • Preregistration required by Monday, Dec. 6

* * * * * * * * *

Flowers for your table: Holiday Centerpieces

Just in time for holiday entertaining! Design an elegant centerpiece for your holiday table. We’ll show you the basics of construction, teach you how to extend the life of cut flowers, and provide long-lasting flowers and greens as well as vessels for your creations.

Friday, December 17th 7-9 pm $75
Adult • Class size is limited • Preregistration required by Monday, Dec. 13

come see me here!

2010-09-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

I get to be in an event right in my own neighborhood! (And I don't even have to clean up my studio...) Stop by if you're around. It should be lots of fun. I'll have lots of fairy fashion, and maybe even the prototype of my upcoming top secret project to see!

august classes!

2010-08-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

It's been so busy around the studio lately, I'm afraid I've fallen behind getting out the news on classes. It's the beginning of August, and summer's half over already! As I type this, it's a cloudy and cool morning, and I'm hoping for the sun to peek out soon...on the plus side, the clouds keep us cooled off, but I'm sure wishing for some cheery sunshine!

Fantastical Fairy Architecture

Along with our imaginations, 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 woods or gardens, such as pine cones, acorns or seed pods to decorate your abode if you like, but we'll provide ample building materials for everyone.

(ages 7 - 100)

Saturday, August 7th • 1-4 pm

$35

* * * * * * * * * *

Magical Fairy Wands and Accessories

Make a sparkly magical wand or handy little pouch to hold your pixie dust (included) and help your fairy tales come alive! All materials provided.

(ages 6 - 100)

Wednesday, August 11th • 1-3 pm

$25

Hope to see you in the studio soon...let's make some sunshine!

to reserve your space,

email Jane and the fairies here: campcactusmail{at}yahoo{dot}com

or call: 503.347.2319

holly hestand at camp cactus

2010-07-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at Jeweler Holly Hestand's beautiful work.

Come by and try some on at the Camp Cactus Summer Sale!

Friday, July 16th • 6-9 pm

Saturday & Sunday, July 17 th & 18th • 10 am - 6 pm

summer sale!

2010-07-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Camp Cactus Summer Sale

Cool stuff by local artists

Preview evening: Friday July 16th 6-9 pm

Saturday & Sunday July 17th & 18th

10:00am - 6:00 pm

NE Brazee at 45th Avenue in Portland

click here for a map

a few of our artists:

Gretchen Boylan

Anitra Cameron

Darris Dietz

Holly Hestand

Tonia Twigger McConnell

Judee Moonbeam

Dan Ennis

Tamara King

Papaver Jewelry

TigerPup Embroidery

Pauline Dugas Tait

Elisabeth Cook Sullivan

Jane Russell

Kris Zorko

Nosivad Fine Art

Matthew Brown

Chris McLaren

Roberta Palmer

Marla Munnich

Michele Avanti

Stay tuned for more info on these wonderful artists!

fairy architecture 101

2010-07-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was joined in the studio by four very creative kids eager to build houses for the fairies who inhabit their gardens. They all had very definite ideas of what features their fairies would like in their homes, and figured out how to make them.

These girls collaborated on their houses.

This one had a swing, a ladder to the second floor, and monkey bars

(because fairies love to play!)

She built a beautiful beach house for her fairies, who obviously need a vacation spot.

Here's house number two, a modified teepee.

It has two stories, a ladder, a nest and a hammock

for lazy summer afternoons...

This one comes furnished with deep, fluffy moss carpets,

plates and platters, and a slide!

fairy furniture this saturday!

2010-06-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

We'll be making fairy furniture in the studio again

on Saturday from 1-3. So far only girls have been interested, but I'd love to have some boys sign up some time.

Just think: we could make thrones for the Elf King!

Stools for Leprechauns! Ladders for Dwarves!

Fairies are not all about just flowers and pixie dust, you know.

They can be very fierce creatures.

Like this one:

(image borrowed from here)

and let's not forget him, perhaps the most famous fairy of them all:

(Sorry, Tinkerbell - The Tooth came first!)

And on that note, here's a schedule of summer classes:

(click on the image to enlarge)

she sells seashells...

2010-06-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Pleuroploca trapezium,
"Horse Conch" shell

Bic ball point pen on paper, 7" x 7"

Originals available in my etsy shop now.

homework

2010-06-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

I've been giving my students homework sketchbook assignments, and I thought it would be a good idea to do the assignments myself. Last week we worked on shading and cross-hatching, and I introduced them to the wonders of the Bic ballpoint pen. So far we've only worked in pencil, and I wanted them to expand their horizons. (Also, because when you're drawing with a pen, you more or less lose the option to erase, and therefore tend to pay more attention to each line you put down.)

The assignment was to sketch a still life, but for some reason I'm kind of fixated on chairs...I've been doing one or two a day and I don't think I'll be running out of subjects any time soon.

catching up

2010-05-26T20:03:00.001-07:00

Before I forget, here are some highlights from the last couple of shows I've been in...

This is our "fairy" tent at the Alberta Art Hop...it was very swanky in a rustic sort of way. We even had a cushy old wool rug to cover up the asphalt and make everyone feel comfy. Every little kid (and dog) who wandered in wanted to lie down on it and take a nap.

Gretchen made sure she got a hug from this one before he plopped down on the rug in the shade.

The street was crowded, and even though the sales were sluggish, the people watching was excellent.

And despite the fact that we didn't make the big bucks we were hoping for, it turned out to be a very enjoyable day.

Here's a group shot of my fellow artists from the Art Over Macleay Park show last weekend:

(photo courtesy of Kris Zorko)

Once we started in on the margaritas I almost forgot I even had a camera!

left to right: Holly Hestand, me, Elisabeth Cook Sullivan, Lonnie Nosivad, Missy Lambert, Judee Moonbeam, Kris Zorko, and Judy Green

One of Liz Sullivan's political sculptures...does that face look vaguely familiar?

Here's another one...can you name all the seven evil dwarves?

Okay, last one...how many people do you know who have a seven foot giraffe in their dining room?

Everyone I know is doing their part to Keep Portland Weird.

art over macleay park

2010-05-22T00:12:00.000-07:00

I'm in yet another show this weekend...but this one is really sweet. It's located in a cozy little Victorian cottage perched high in the trees above Macleay Park in NW Portland.
Come on by and check out the art by some very distinctive NW artists:

Elisabeth Cook Sullivan - ceramic birdhouses, animal art and unique prayer flags
Roberta Palmer - realistic concrete leaves and garden art
Judee Moonbeam - colorful wearable art and accessories
Holly Hestand - contemporary jewelry
Missy Lambert - stained glass mosaics
Judy Lane Green - woven baskets
Kris Zorko - paper arts and journals
Nosivad Fine Art- fine sculpture for home and garden
(and me) Jane Russell- fairy couture

We'll be serving up wine and nibbles...come and stroll the garden and take in the fine art and forest views...

Click here for more details. Or click here for a map!

open space!

2010-05-19T23:16:00.001-07:00

On Monday, I finally moved on to the next phase

of the endless studio remodel...

Matt and Dave helped me take out the divider in the center of the room, and voila... we have open space!

And by Monday night, I had students drawing self portraits!

Art on Alberta

2010-05-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

Hey! Come see me, along with my good friend Gretchen Boylan, at the 11th Annual Alberta Art Hop...click here for all the details.

The weather promises to be fabulous, the street will be closed to traffic between 11 am and 6 pm, and there will be lots of entertainment on multiple stages and hundreds of artists and craftspeople there.

I've been busy making so many of these one of a kind, teeny tiny fairy shoes and dresses, I think my eyesight is beginning to go!

And Gretchen will have magical jewelry and assemblages like this:

So come and see us, we're be on NE Alberta Street between 19th and 20th Avenue, on the south side of the street, booth number 08!

2010-05-07T20:33:00.000-07:00

Tumbo the Garden Fairy is featured in an etsy treasury!

Tumbo the garden fairy is a native of Peru, sent to keep watch over tender tropical plants in the garden. The peaceful strains of his pan pipes can be heard in the early morning hours, as he gently awakens the other garden denizens to help him greet each new day.

A one of a kind, signed and dated sculpture, Tumbo is sculpted of polymer clay over a wire armature. Sitting atop a stump of pacific madrone, he wears a knit sweater and leggings, and a real acorn cap atop his snowy-white head of hair. His green wings are of hand-painted feathers, and he plays tiny bamboo pan pipes.

Check him out here!

fairy furniture class this weekend

2010-04-05T22:56:00.001-07:00

The fairies and I will be teaching another furniture building workshop...

come and build a tiny chair or a bed

(or whatever else the fairies inspire you to!)

This three hour class is open to kids and adults ages 7- 100,

and all materials are included.

Set your imagination free and watch it fly!

Saturday, April 10th

12-3 pm

$25

(ages 7 - 100)

class size is limited to 6

to reserve a space,

email Jane and the fairies here: campcactusmail@yahoo.com

or call: 503.347.2319

or you can sign up now by clicking this link to our secure server via PayPal:

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

Camp Cactus Studio is located on NE Brazee at 45th Avenue

in Portland's Hollywood district

click here for a map

upcoming spring classes

2010-03-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

~ Anyone can draw : the basics ~

Have you always wanted to learn to draw, but just don't know where to start? This is the course for you! We'll teach you the basic principals of drawing, through creative exercises designed to stimulate your imagination with hands-on explorations of materials, techniques and principals of design.

What are you waiting for? Get drawing!

Thursday evenings: April 1 -May 6

7:00 - 9:00 pm

$125

(adults)

class size is limited to 10

materials list will be sent at sign up

* * * * * * * * * * *

~ Fairy Furniture! ~

The fairies and I will be teaching a furniture building workshop...

come and build a tiny chair or a bed

(or whatever else the fairies inspire you to!)

This three hour class is open to kids ages 7- 100,

and all materials are included.

Set your imagination free and watch it fly!

Saturday, April 10th

12-3 pm

$25

(ages 7 - 100)

class size is limited to 10

all materials provided

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

photo by Gordon Wiltsie, borrowed from these guys

~ Design Your Own Prayer Flags ~

In this three-hour class, we'll be learning a bit about the Tibetan custom of hanging colorful flags containing mantras and prayers to promote peace and other positive messages, which are 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.

All materials are included, but feel free to bring personal stamps or paints to share with the class.

Bring also your good wishes and prayers and join us in promoting peace while enjoying meditative music,

sharing tea and creative energy.

Saturday, May 1st

1:00 - 4:00 pm

$35

(adults)

class size limited to 8

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

To reserve a space, or for more information, contact Jane:

campcactusmail@yahoo.com

503.347.2319

sunshine & fairy slippers

2010-03-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's a sunny spring morning here at Camp Cactus, in the usually rainy Pacific Northwest...

These tiny little fairy slippers are made of real spring tulip petals and cedar tips.

They'll be in my etsy shop this afternoon!

another show!

2010-03-12T00:40:00.000-08:00

Here's where I'll be tonight and tomorrow...The 20th Annual Buckman Art Show and Sell. It's a benefit for Buckman Elementary, an Arts Magnet School here in Portland. I'm proud to support art in our schools! Click here to see the details. Hope you can come!

fairy shoes

2010-03-01T23:24:00.000-08:00

I have a show coming up this weekend, and I've been working my fingers to the bone making gowns and outfits for the fairy folk...scroll down to see a little preview...

These teeny shoes belong to a flower fairy named what else, but Lily...She's from Bolivia, and helps pollinate the gorgeous fields of flowers destined to be included in arrangements sent all over the world. (She loves to travel!)

Here's a gown designed for Princess Hydrangea, a lovely and enchanting flower fairy who delights in dancing in the meadow at sunset. Her soft slippers are embellished with dried beauty berries.

(click on the photos to see more detail)

last minute make your own valentine workshop

2010-02-09T10:18:00.001-08:00

Are you a procrastinator? Do you hate shopping for Hallmark holidays? Want to give your sweetie or other loved ones a really heartfelt, handmade gift made just for them?

Is this just not your style?

Come on over to Camp Cactus Studio for a Valentine-making extravaganza. We'll be in the studio all day Saturday crafting love notes, cards and cute little shrines.

Pop-up valentines:

(this one's plain as can be...imagine what you can do with color!)

Danish Hearts:

and even tiny little matchbox shrines like this:

Saturday, February 13

drop by anytime from Noon - 4 pm

all ages are welcome

$15 per person

all materials included

RSVP Jane at 503.347.2319

Camp Cactus Studio is located on NE Brazee @ 45th Avenue in Portland

and we're wheelchair accessible

my wacky valentine...

2010-02-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Hallmark, scmallmark!

Here are some goofy love sentiments I just put in my etsy shop:

Happy Valentine's Day!

psst...over here

2010-02-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

This weekend, I'm participating in a group sale and show in honor of Valentine's Day. It's hosted by my dear friend, and fibre artist extraordinaire, Judee Moonbeam.

(click on the photo to enlarge)

I'll have some of my new work there, like this:

and some little shrines like these:

and of course, haute couture and furniture for the discriminating fairy...

So if you're in the Portland area, stop by and shop!

Say it with heART!

Saturday, February 6th • 10 - 6

Sunday, February 7th • 10-5

4546 NE 47th Ave., just north of Prescott

click here for a map

For a list of the other participating artists, and links to their work, click on the link in the sidebar.

fairy furniture!

2010-01-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked the first of (hopefully) many classes at Camp Cactus. Two very lovely students and one very patient mom joined me in the studio to make fairy furniture.

First, some research on garden fairies...

Janice admiring her daughter's handiwork

Sometimes it takes more than two hands

You have to blow on the glue to cool it down

Kaleigh building a four-poster fairy bed

Claire making a canopy of crow feathers for her bed

The finished products

I think there are going to be some very happy fairies soon!

Next Saturday's class:

Design Your Own Prayer Flags

Click here for more information.

Come on over to Camp Cactus and make something!

such a deal!

2010-01-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

This week I'm offering free shipping on these cute little owl hats in my etsy shop...leave me a comment if you're jonesin' for a custom color...whoooo wouldn't love a purple owl? (free shipping ends January 23rd!)

january classes, part two

2010-01-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

photo by Gordon Wiltsie, borrowed from these guys

~ Design Your Own Prayer Flags ~

We'll design and assemble our own interpretations of these flags

using stamps, paints, stencils and inks.

All materials are included, but feel free to bring personal stamps or paints to share with the class.

Bring also your good wishes and prayers and join us in promoting peace while enjoying meditative music,

sharing tea and creative energy.

Saturday, January 30th

1:00 - 4:00 pm

$35

(adults)

class size limited to 8

* * * *

To reserve a space, or for more information, contact Jane:

campcactusmail@yahoo.com

503.347.2319

january classes at camp cactus

2010-01-04T22:39:00.000-08:00

Fairy Furniture!

The fairies and I will be teaching a furniture building workshop...

come and build a tiny chair or a bed

(or whatever else the fairies inspire you to!)

This two hour class is open to kids ages 8- 100,

and all materials are included.

Set your imagination free and watch it fly!

Saturday, January 23rd

2-4 pm

$25

(ages 8 - 100)

class size is limited to 10

email Jane and the fairies here: campcactusmail@yahoo.com

or call: 503.347.2319

snowy surprise

2009-12-29T19:21:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone warm holidays and a bright and creative new year!

new in the etsy shop!

2009-12-14T23:29:00.001-08:00

Owl hats made of the softest fleece...check 'em out in the Camp Cactus etsy shop!

2009-12-08T23:08:00.001-08:00

You can find me here for the next few days:

come on by and support the OHSU Heart Research Center!

holiday sale sneak peek

2009-11-30T23:55:00.000-08:00

Kris Zorko will be back once again with her gorgeous journals,

signature paper tile mirrors

and cool little note totes. She also makes the most amazing, naturally scented soaps that smell and look so yummy, you really want to take a bite out of them!

Photographer Julie Jetton will be here with her beautiful

and ethereal black and white prints and cards.

Very dreamy!

ceramic artists

2009-11-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

We'll be representing five ceramic artists this time around, all amazingly talented, and all as earthy as the material they work with!

Penelope St. Claire, a longtime potter and teacher (I've had the privilege of working with Penny at Grace Art Camp for many summers). Her functional hand thrown platters, bowls, plates and plaques are imbued with her boundless energy and enthusiasm for art and beauty.

Elisabeth Cook Sullivan, whose whimsical animal teapots, cups and bowls can make even the most mundane tea drinker into a party animal...

Liz puts on a show at her home as well: Art Over Macleay Park, happening December 5th and 6th in Southwest Portland.

These photos don't do Marla Munnich's earthy, folk art-inspired pieces justice, so you'll just have to stop by and see them for yourself!

Also returning this year is Darris Dietz, a potter best known for his colorful, sturdy, and incredibly practical bowls and vessels. Darris has been a fixture at Camp Cactus sales for years, and many of his pieces see daily use in my own kitchen.

And ceramic artist Dan Ennis will be here too. Dan is widely known around these parts for his quirky garden faces and fanciful tiles that can be seen hanging on fences and front porches throughout the Portland area.

See you next weekend!

lori presthus at camp cactus

2009-11-27T00:19:00.001-08:00

Lori Presthus is one of those artists who manages to somehow weave art into everything she does. As well as painting beautiful wildlife portraits in the challenging mediums of egg tempera and pastel, Lori is also a professional cellist with the Portland Baroque Orchestra. Click here to view a collage of this passionate integration of her art and music.

Lori's prints and cards will be available at the Camp Cactus Holiday Sale next weekend.

holiday sale

2009-11-22T23:42:00.000-08:00

The Camp Cactus Holiday Sale is coming up soon! Watch the sidebar for the list of artists, and stay tuned for some photos of what's to come...

In the meantime, here's a sneak peek:

Owl hats by yours truly...

Beautiful backpacks by Tamara King...

Cool and functional 3-pocket bags by Judee Moonbeam

join me here this saturday!

2009-11-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

I've been busy day and night in the studio the last few weeks,

and my first show is coming up this Saturday, the 14th.

Join me and lots of talented artists and help us raise money for

Art Camp scholarships and other great charitable projects

in the community!

(click on photo to get all the details)

fairy godmothers and other friends

2009-11-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

A few days ago Gay from the lovely blog, I Dreamed I Saw included my Autumn Fairy Gown in her post Tiny Things, Big Party!

Go check out the other lovely things highlighted in her post, especially this artist's work: Nicole Dextras, from Granville Island in Vancouver, BC. It's stunning!

Oh, and the Autumn Fairy Gown print and others are available now in the Camp Cactus Etsy shop! Stay tuned... the actual gowns will be for sale soon, too.

whooo let the owls in?

2009-10-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some cool little owl hats for kids (big and little) based on a design I did for a sewing class in the spring. They'll be in the etsy shop just as soon as I find a better model!

fairy seasons

2009-10-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some new gowns for those demanding fairies, because apparently there are lots of seasonal Fairy Events that require new ensembles...

like the Autumnal Masquerade Ball...

and the Winter Solstice Soiree.

I'll have limited edition prints of these gowns available in the etsy shop this weekend, and stay tuned for the Spring and Summer styles, coming next week!

yay!

2009-10-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

One of my Fairy Closets is featured in an etsy Treasury today...stop by and check it out! It will be up until Saturday at this address:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=88190

This beautiful treasury was curated by Kristin at Love Art Works.

Thanks, Kristin!

raw materials

2009-09-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

Every day while walking the pups I find things. Beautifully colored leaves, gnarly twigs, mosses, bark, flower petals and seed pods.

I'm never quite sure what I'll do with them, although sometimes I'll just see something and get a fully formed picture of some finished piece in my head, just by picking the object up and holding it in my hand. Mostly, I just bring interesting stuff back to the studio and play with it awhile, creating different little vignettes and arrangements until sparks fly.

Lately, I've started to think the universe is trying to tell me something, because every day - EVERY DAY - I've been finding these beautiful, shiny black crow feathers. No matter where we walk, they're waiting for me somewhere along our route. I'm not quite sure what I'll do with them yet, but at this point I think I almost have enough to make an entire crow!

Got any ideas?

new fairy couture

2009-09-07T00:17:00.000-07:00

Some new fairy dresses I'm working on for the fall collection...

this one was inspired by a dress worn by Claudette Colbert

in a 1930s movie I can't remember the name of.

Fittingly, it's for a Parisian garden fairy named Claudette.

The bodice is composed of guinea fowl feathers and down,

with cap sleeves and brooch of poppy pods, and a slim, pencil skirt of paper birch.

Here's a frothy, floaty, sensual dress with a skirt and top of hibiscus flowers, trimmed with gladiola petals and tiny blossoms. It was commissioned by Sofia, a flower fairy from Tuscany.

They'll both be available for purchase in the Camp Cactus etsy shop on Tuesday.

those cwazy wabbits!

2009-09-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

Here's another wascally wabbit I caught flying through the garden yesterday. He'll be in the Camp Cactus etsy shop later today.

this is as close to twittering as i get...

2009-08-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

I just posted these little guys in the etsy shop today...

they're tweet er, sweet!

the camp cactus zoo

2009-08-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today a bunch (flock?) of owls flew in...what next? Elephants? Check 'em out at the Camp Cactus etsy shop!

those wascally wabbits!

2009-08-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

Hey, these cwazy wabbits hopped into the studio today, so I sent them off to the etsy shop...catch 'em while you can! They're fast little buggers!

a hand drawn tour of camp cactus

2009-08-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

My drawing skills have gotten a bit rusty lately, so I've decided to dedicate some time every day to sketch in hopes of improving enough to continue a project I started a long time ago. I'll let you in on it soon!

the stove of my dreams (click on picture to enlarge)

a very belated thank you

2009-07-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's been really busy around Camp Cactus lately, what with visitors and studio sales and remodeling and dog sitting, and a bit of freelance work sprinkled in here and there.

In all the craziness, I realized I'd never acknowledged a lovely award given to me almost a month ago by Eugena, a very generous and talented polymer clay artist and blogger, who has blogs here, and here, and an etsy store here.

Thanks, Eugena!

Now I guess I'm supposed to tag some other bloggers with this award.
Here are the rules:
• Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
• Pass the award to 15 other blogs (or as many as you can) that you’ve discovered.
• Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

And the winners are:

1. artsyville

2. papaver jewelry creations

3. genine's art blog

4. mo "mad dog" stoneskin

5. an open sketchbook

6. writing photography studio

7. doves today

8. alive in wonderland

9. all adither

10. ta-dah

11. written inc.

12. cheap vino

13. left coast cowboys

These are all folks I admire for their creativity, writing skills and wit. Please go and check them out, and tell 'em Cactus Petunia sent you!

r.i.p.

2009-06-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

Today I'm mourning the loss of a companion of nearly 20 years. My Husqvarna Viking sewing machine, number 6020. After valiantly hemming countless pairs of jeans, hundreds of yards of quilter's cotton and slogging through more polar fleece than I care to think about, my trusty Swedish sidekick gave up the ghost sewing, of all things, a pot holder.

I rushed it to Adam, the sewing machine doc, with hopes of a quick lube job and tune up, maybe even a transplant, but I read the bad news on his face as he heaved it onto the counter. Adam delivered the bad news, then steered me over to the new Vikings, and demonstrated the wonders of modern sewing machine technology. He's shrewd, that Adam. He didn't show me the top of the line Vikings, on the contrary, he proffered an updated model with just enough improvements over my old friend to tempt me.

Automatic buttonholes! Built in needle threader! An up/down needle control! Variable speeds! I barely kept myself from swooning. When I saw the price for these perks, I reluctantly snapped out of his spell and got down to business. How much to fix it? ($260+) That's about half the price of a new machine.

I'm tempted, but thinking it over.

What do you think? Is it worth it? Am I a traitor?

no need to panic

2009-06-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

The Summer Sale is coming up this Friday, and I'm trying not to panic. Somehow, I'd forgotten that all my signs were stolen during last December's sale. My hand-painted signs that I've had for years. Yikes.

I'm currently awaiting a call back from two sign companies for some quickie printed plastic ones.

In the meantime, here are some images of work by the talented group of artists I have yet to list in the sidebar. (I AM NOT panicking!)

magic marble 8 ball, by Megan Klepp

Artist Megan Klepp makes amazing mosaics with found objects like bowling balls and marbles and tile. You can see more of her work and a schedule of classes at her website, TaDah!

chicken pendants by Papaver Jewelry

My friend Maggie Kearns over at Papaver Jewelry makes very cool accessories and ornaments and doodads from a variety of materials. Her newest work involves felting, and metal, but she also works with fused glass, bottlecaps and scrabble tiles. Maggie's also an urban farmer and a blogger! You can read about her little homestead and all her livestock (chickens and ducks and dogs and cats and her boyfriend Brandon, and their new truck) here.

felted polka dot earrings by Papaver Jewelry

Ok, I've gotta go now before I hyperventilate... Stay tuned for more artists later!

summer sale!

2009-06-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Next weekend!

work in progress

2009-05-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Today I'm working on a couple of signs for our friends over at Doggy Business. Getting back to work again during the remodel has been a challenge, but I'm finally getting organized again (Even though it's not quite finished). For a while there, I had no idea where everything was. I tried to be organized when I temporarily moved into the basement, but when faced with the overwhelming task of coordinating so much stuff, I just kind of threw up my hands after awhile and figured I'd remember where I put the paintbrushes. And I did, eventually!

signs in progress

I found the paintbrushes!

16 drawers of blissful organization

and labels!

sneak peek

2009-05-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

What's happening in the studio this weekend:

I've been doing flower arrangements for our friends

Doug and Melissa over at Brick House Vineyards.

They're having a big wine tasting weekend along with many other

Willamette Valley wineries.

I love it when the studio is full of flowers.

They fill it with such life and color!

Here are a few of the tablescapes we created

when Matt and I delivered the flowers on Friday.

I like to work with vegetables and fruits and lots of natural materials, like bird's nests and whatever wild things I can find to add in the mix...Melissa said that people are always asking if they can eat the displays! This time, we had little pots of herbs and baby lettuces,

along with soft, fuzzy apricots and beautiful Bartlett pears.

Have a wonderful weekend!

camp cactus extreme studio makeover, part 2

2009-04-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that the building my studio occupies was built in 1910? And there isn't a square corner or level beam in the whole joint? Also, the builders didn't appear to own a tape measure, because all the studs are random distances apart. (Or maybe they just did that for fun.) Anyway, it makes it that much more difficult to insulate and hang drywall when your materials are sized for modern-day specifications, like the studs all being a standard 16" apart.

They also didn't bother to put any sheathing (like tar paper) under the siding, so there's no lack of cold, fresh air whistling through the cracks in the winter. (It's very bracing, actually)

no worries, though...a little duct tape will solve any problem!

Unfortunately, sheathing the building with a weatherproof membrane would require removing all the siding, and that's just not in the budget. (and I'm pretty sure the siding is what's actually keeping the building from falling down.) So, once the insulation went up, we started in on the drywall. Matt's years of architecture school have come in very handy. He's a perfectionist, and did most of the measuring and cutting (and lots of heavy lifting) because I'm a quick and dirty type of remodeler when left to my own devices. (see above photo with duct tape)

My son, the perfectionist. (He takes after his dad.)

two days and five gallons of joint compound later...

no, I'm not afraid of swine flu...

I'm just sanding.

Matt's coming back over in the morning to help me prime the walls for painting. I can't tell you how anxious I am to get this done. And where the hell is Ty Pennington when I need him?

camp cactus extreme studio makeover, part 1

2009-04-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

I've had grand plans of a studio remodel for a long time. I've drawn sketches and floor plans and elevations, and pulled pages from magazines. I've gazed longingly at gorgeous pictures in catalogs and books of beautifully organized workspaces where all the pencils and markers and papers and fabrics and threads are organized by color and there is a place for everything, and everything is blessedly in its place.

My dream studio, Pottery Barn version

I've dreamt of a peaceful place to work with a view of a secret garden and patio, where sunlight streams in through the open french doors, and I can hear the birds chirping in the trees. A place with a comfy chair or two to pull up in front of a fireplace and drink coffee in the winter while I sketch the snow falling softly outside.

It's my dream, and I'm not giving it up.

I do realize that I'm lucky to have a place to work at all. I'm blessed with a separate building, dedicated solely to my artwork. I have heat, and light, and plenty of space to store things. I'm not complaining. On paper, it all looks and sounds great. I don't have to work at the kitchen table or in a corner of the basement. I'm grateful, really I am!

But this is the reality of my workspace:

(note that my markers are organized by color...can you even see them in the mess?)

Last summer I decided I would attempt a makeover of sorts, but money was very tight and after buying a new worktable, I shelved the ideas and dreams until circumstances got better.

Circumstances aren't exactly better now, in fact as the economy has tanked, so has our bank account, but I'm determined to find a way to get this project moving along.

the same wall, post demolition

Matt came over and helped with demolition, and Brian thoughtfully fixed all the funky wiring so I could stop blowing fuses and worrying about the place catching fire.

Then I started looking for some used french doors to replace the decrepit, too-short door with the peeling paint and cracks that the wind whistled through all winter. I haunted the ReBuilding Center, a local non-profit architectural salvage yard that has all kinds of cool stuff. I wanted a french door, or maybe two, but had a budget of practically nothing. I was almost ready to give up, when I found a set of pre-hung doors on craigslist. The carpenter who was selling them delivered them from Astoria, a town about an hour northwest of here, and even insisted on reassembling them for me! (I'm a big believer in the power of positive thinking)

Once the doors were here, Gary the carpenter came over and cut a huge hole in the back of the studio.

And we went from this

to this...

aren't they beautiful?

Here's Matt saying goodbye to the old door!

Next up, insulation and drywall....