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.

Seed Stitch Knit Cowl

In my never-ending attempt to finish half-done projects floating around and use up some of the enormous stash of crafting material avalanche threatening to suffocate me, I finally can cross this off my list. I started it last year when I, again, decided to try...

Kitsune

A while back, I found an image I liked and it inspired me.  Unfortunately I can not locate the image.  But, I really enjoyed trying to find 9 "elements" for a nine-tailed fox and adding antlers. 

Cat Felted Figure

A felted cat figure made with cat fur.

Watercolor Doodles

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...

Pattern Review: Pineapple Peacock Shawl

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...

Blast from the Past

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...

Hippie Bench Revamp

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...

Pokemon Graph-ghan

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...

Pattern Review: Basic Bralette

 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*...

Bastet: La Chatte Noir

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...
Foil Moon

Foil Moon

I was gifted a really neat pack of foil scratch paper a little while back and finally "etched" out some time to try it out (get it? "Etched?"). I found a mandala moon pattern I really liked on Pinterest.  Below you can see my take on it using the Foil paper! The paper...

When the Fox Cries

When the Fox Cries

I am a big proponent of always learning to stay sharp, engaged and creative. There are so many learning opportunities online, either structured or self-guided. I discovered Coursera.org a few years ago and occasionally take a class, just because. Recently, I have been...

Painting: A Flight that Unites

Painting: A Flight that Unites

It has been a while since I have done a painting, but after seeing the “Glass” trilogy (Unbreakable, Split, and Glass) I became a bit anamoured by the logo for Blinding Edge Pictures.

The logo really struck a chord with me, reminding me a lot of Dargenhara – a character of my own invention created years ago. It reignited my interest in that character so I may end up doing more “dargen-y” works in the future.  We will see.

Anyways, in this painting I decided I would do my own take on that Blinding Edge logo, embuing it with a little Dargenhara.  I added a short poem to boot.

It was a fun exercise that served to remind me how much I enjoy (and miss!) painting.  I am out of practice and if I ever redid this on a new canvas I would make a few tweaks for sure.

At two feet by two feet it is the largest canvas I have done in at least a decade.  Smaller works are a little easier, not to mention kinder on my paint reserves lol.  I will need another trip to Michaels soon at this rate.

Fading Sunflowers

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

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!

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...

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