cjacks.com

Welcome to cjacks!

I am so happy you have decided to visit my blog. Here you can see some of my musings, creative projects, recipes and whatever else catches my fancy. You can also check out my social media.

Watercolor Doodles

by | December 9, 2023 | Crafts/DIY, Painting | 0 Comments

I was in the mood to dig out the watercolors the other day. It had been a while since I last did one, so I decided to try a few doodles to scrub off the rust, so to speak. I didn't have too much of a plan besides trying a sunset or two.  That evolved into using scrap...
Read More

Pattern Review: Pineapple Peacock Shawl

by | February 25, 2023 | Crafts/DIY, Crochet | 0 Comments

This is going to be a pretty short review.   I have made this pattern a few times and really enjoy making these. They work up pretty fast, but you will need to watch your counting.  Be sure to lay it out occasionally to ensure there are no skipped repetitions!  I did...
Read More

Blast from the Past

by | December 29, 2022 | Music, Sewing | 0 Comments

Years ago (2015-2017) I had the privilege of living out a childhood dream - to be in a band.  I never shared any of my videos and photos on my blog, but it was an experience!  We were known then as Psychedelic Revival and played mostly 60's music. As the new year...
Read More

Hippie Bench Revamp

by | July 29, 2022 | Crafts/DIY, Painting, Woodworking | 2 Comments

A few years ago My folks were getting rid of an old beat up bench that they had, so I decided I could take it and have a few more years use out of it. Well, after a year, the middle board rotted and I thought it had outlived its usefulness. But, being who I am, I...
Read More

Pokemon Graph-ghan

by | December 14, 2021 | Crafts/DIY, Crochet | 0 Comments

TIPS This is my first graphgan. It has crossed off one thing from my huge bucket list whilst simultaneously making what, I hope, will make my friend happy (and warm)  during these cold months in PA.  This is my first attempt at doing a graphgan.  I created the pattern...
Read More

Pattern Review: Basic Bralette

by | June 29, 2021 | Crafts/DIY, Crochet | 0 Comments

 Using some leftover yarn I had, I decided to give the basic bralette pattern by Morale Fiber a go.  Overall, I found the pattern extremely well written and it worked up pretty quickly. I am pleased with the result, with a few caveats: 1. Check your gauge.  I *never*...
Read More

Bastet: La Chatte Noir

by | June 7, 2020 | Crafts/DIY, Painting | 1 Comment

I have long loved Art Deco/Art Nouveau and Poster Art. Back in the late 90s, I saw Théophile Alexandre Steinlen's 1896 Color Lithograph poster for the cabaret called Le Chat Noir.  I had always wanted to try my hand at doing a version of the poster but never got...
Read More

Reading by Candlelight, Episode One: “Second Best,” by D.H. Lawrence

by | April 23, 2020 | Video | 0 Comments

Welcome to the first episode of "Reading by Candlelight!" I thought it would be fun to share some literature with you read by candlelight for some relaxing ambiance. In this episode, I read "Second Best," by D.H. Lawrence. Read more about D.H. Lawrence:...
Read More

Pattern Review: Crochet Boho Tank

by | April 13, 2020 | Crafts/DIY, Crochet | 0 Comments

I made the top available here a few years ago and opted to give it a whirl for a second round. This time, though, the yarn I used made much bigger squares, which is not a big surprise because the pattern called for a yarn that took a 4.5 mm, and the yarn I used called...
Read More

Pattern Review: Tassel Shawl (Crochet) by Lionbrand

by | February 3, 2020 | Crafts/DIY, Crochet | 0 Comments

Pattern Review: Tassel Shawl by Lionbrand Yarn using a “Shawl in a Cake” skein in Namaste Neutral

Read More

Fading Sunflowers

by | Jul 28, 2018 |

Maxfield Parish skies shine alive in bright light while cerulean and faded hues play out against a mediocre sky of pale blue. I look down to see the dirt, so dark, mud and washed out tan on this steel shovel, my sharpened spade. Hacking away through tears at yellowed...

Boho Swing Top

Boho Swing Top

by | Jul 17, 2018 | ,

I wear this top when it is super hot over my fun summer bralettes and bikini tops.  It would be great for any summertime festival or concert. Since it is my first pattern ever, I am offering it for free, but please be gentle with your comments!  I would love to know...

Sweatshirt Painting!

Sweatshirt Painting!

by | Nov 30, 2017 | , ,

I bought this really cute (but plain...BORING!) sweatshirt at the thrift shop. It was a shorter cut and thus a bit more feminine. An added plus was that it lacked the built-in hangman's noose neck (aka Crewneck) that I loathe and typically cut out... so, no need to...

Technicolor… Something?, Part 1

Technicolor… Something?, Part 1

by | Sep 15, 2017 | ,

Anyone who knows me knows I abhor waste. I derive joy in repurposing, giving life to neglected items and finding use for what would otherwise go into a landfill. This unfortunately means I amass a lot of materials for projects I may never get around to. This brings me...

Let’s Make Iced Spiced Coffee!

Let’s Make Iced Spiced Coffee!

by | Jun 19, 2017 | ,

Summertime is in full swing and with it soaring, oppressive temperatures.  In the valley where I live it is especially muggy and humid in between spells of rain. So when morning hits, the thought of piping hot coffee to shake off the mental cobwebs that accumulated...

Categories

Get IN Touch

cjacks@cjacks.com

Want to see more?

Crackajack Services
Charmeleon Tea Room

Follow Me

Email Me

3 + 12 =