the secrets of beautiful handwriting

Let's bring back the art of fine handwriting!

 Who wouldn't love to get a beautifully addressed 

and hand-delivered letter? 

Perfect Your Penmanship
Does your handwriting look like chicken scratchings? Do you hate writing notes by hand because you may not be able to read your own writing later? Then this class is definitely for you! We'll learn the basics of good penmanship, and practice writing the italic alphabet, the most legible handwriting style around.
This class is also a very good introduction to calligraphy. For those who would like to learn more, we'll also be offering a 4 week beginning calligraphy class this summer. Get the basics down now!
All materials provided.

Sunday, March 2nd            2 - 4 pm                cost: $25
Ages 12- adult  • Class size is limited  • Preregistration required

Sorry, this class is now closed.

february/march classes!

The new year is here, and after a month-long break, we've come up with some new classes that are bound to be fun and inspiring…Happy 2014!
Now you can register and pay online through our secure server on PayPal 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.
Camp Cactus Studio is located on NE Brazee Ave., between NE 44th & 45th Avenues in Portland.
Click here for a map to the studio.

February classes

Saturday Night Doodlefest: Mandalas

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

Saturday, February 8th       7 - 9 pm               cost:  $30

Adult     •     Class size is limited   •   Preregistration required

 

All-Ages Valentine Workshop
Come on over for our 4th annual Valentine-making extravaganza! We'll be in the studio all afternoon Sunday, February 9th crafting love notes, cards, cute little shrines, and whatever else your heart desires!
This self-directed studio time is open to all ages. Drop in for an hour or stay all afternoon. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own special materials if you like.
Sorry! This class is now closed.
Sunday, February 9th        Noon - 4 pm          cost: $15
All ages (Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult)

'Zines and Storybooks
In this three session holiday weekend workshop, we'll teach you how to put together your very own, one of a kind graphic novel, comic or illustrated storybook. You'll learn how to write a script, develop characters, edit, illustrate and lay out a book. Bring your imagination and story ideas!
All materials provided.
Sorry! This class is now closed.
Saturday, February 15th    2 - 4 pm
and
Sunday, February 16th       2 - 4 pm
and
Monday, February 17th     10 am - noon         cost: $60
Ages 8-up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

 

Tiny Terrariums
In this workshop, we'll make some sweet little terrariums. These small, self-contained eco systems are easy-care and a great teaching tool about how our environment works…plus they're totally cool!
All materials provided.
Sorry! This class is now closed.
Monday, February 17th       2 - 3:30 pm            cost: $30
Ages 6 - up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

March Classes

Perfect Your Penmanship
Does your handwriting look like chicken scratchings? Do you hate writing notes by hand because you may not be able to read your own writing later? Then this class is definitely for you! We'll learn the basics of good penmanship, and practice writing the italic alphabet, the most legible handwriting style around. All materials provided.

Sunday, March 2nd            2 - 4 pm                cost: $25
Ages 12- adult  • Class size is limited  • Preregistration required
Sorry, this class is now closed.

Saturday Night Doodlefest: Squares
The third in a series of classes dedicated to jumpstarting your creative spirit.
In this class, we'll explore different methods of doodling, using a square format and a variety of patterns to build wild, wonderful doodles that will leave you amazed with the simplicity of it all.
We'll have sparkling cider, wine and goodies to nibble on, too!
No drawing experience required. All materials provided.
Sorry! This class is now closed.
Saturday, March 8th           7 - 9 pm                cost: $30
Adult  •  class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Spring Break Classes

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 chairs, tables and swings to entice the fairies to move in!
All materials and plants provided.
Please note registration deadline: Thursday, March 20th
Sorry! This class is now closed.
Monday, March 24th     1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35
Ages 7- up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Creature Feature!
In this fibre arts workshop, we'll make all kinds of crazy, fun creatures from various materials.
No prior sewing experience necessary. Teaches basic sewing, embroidery and pattern-making skills.
All materials provided.
Sorry! This class is now closed.
Tuesday, March 25th     10 am  - noon           cost: $25
Ages 7- up   • Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

 

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. Teaches basic sewing, embroidery and pattern-making skills.
All materials provided.
Sorry! This class is now closed.
Tuesday, March 25th      2 - 4:30 pm                cost: $30
Ages 7 - up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

february and march classes

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

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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

choose date(s)

February 18th $15.00 March 30th $15.00

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

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

choose date(s)

February 26th $25.00 March 26th $25.00

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

~ 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

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