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.

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...

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

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:...

Pattern Review: Crochet Boho Tank

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...
Bye Bye 2016!

Bye Bye 2016!

As I get ready to go to my folks' for our annual "clam night" wherein I shall feast upon, you guessed it - clams! - and stay up all night watching Twilight Zone, I look back over 2016 and think about the year ahead. There was a lot to be thankful for in 2016, as there...

The Humble Granny Square

The Humble Granny Square

I have always abhorred waste. This, logically, leads gobs of bits floating around me, reminiscent of Saturn's rings only with crafting materials rather than comet leftovers.  Thus, out of necessity and the pursuit of sanity, I am forever seeking ways to simplify my...

Well, so much for every week….

Well, so much for every week….

Ok, I know I said I'd try to do a post per week, but what was I thinking?!  It's summertime.  That means garden work, pool parties and picnics, gobs of concerts (some that I am even performing in)  so yeah....busybusybusy But anyways while I'm toiling away for a top...

PAMA  Pomegranate Liquor

PAMA Pomegranate Liquor

Pomegranate is one of my favorite fruits. My friend introduced me to it last year and though it can be a little laborious to enjoy the tart pips, it's well worth it.  Unfortunately these buggers are only in season for a few months.  In the off season they can run...

Welcome to my blog….

Welcome to my blog….

Over the years I have created all kinds of websites - personal ones, hobby-based pages, sites for clients.  I even tried a blog back in 2011 over at Blogger but it didn't really take off due to personal lack of interest on my part. Then about two years ago I started...

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