Captain Jack's Quarters

That "Bill" fellow promoting the islands again...

2011-11-04T14:05:00.000-04:00

From time to time, as Captain, I find it acceptable to allow the "other guy" to make an appearance here and again...eh? That said... this is the "other guy", who is constantly pestering me incidentally, promoting the Islands that are the Florida Keys...which seems a good thing to do since we as pirates love islands... and the Caribbean savvy? Get on with it then...

Hat's off to all the Jack's of the world...

2011-10-25T13:29:00.001-04:00

Oi Mates,
Just wanted to say fantastic job to all of those of you who spend your time and hard earned resources bringing the character of Captain Jack to life. I'm honored to know each and every one of you!

Cheers,
Bill aka Captain Jack

eBay..."the two edged sword..."as it were...

2011-09-20T08:41:00.000-04:00

Oi, If one lists something for sale on eBay, accepts prompt payment, spends said payment and then offers excuse after excuse as to why your item has not yet shipped for 10 days plus...one should be shot. "Shoot him , cut out his tongue then shoot his tongue...an' trim that scraggly beard..."

"I can name fingers and point names..." but I will not, not that it matters. Fortunately it was not one of "our own". I'm always amazed, and should not be I guess, at the capacity of some to "excuse" themselves from just about anything. Even pirates, thieves & scallywags mind you, "keep to the code" as it were, and when we "have an accord", we are bound by and true to our word.

Oh and why is it that a "college student" aside from being "to busy" ship my item is apparently incapable of accurate spelling, and possesses not the grammatical skills God gave a cockroach?

"I have no sympathy for you feculent maggots and no more patience to pretend otherwise. Gentlemen, I wash my hands of this weirdness..."

I believe the world at large could learn a great deal about integrity and good grammar, like it or not, from pirates.... so there.

Ta,
CJ

Things that make you go "Hmmmm"....

2011-09-13T15:42:00.001-04:00

Avast All,

Well lets see what tangent we can go off on today...

I am in a quandary...so maybe someone can "lend a machete to my intellectual thicket" ...as it were... as to why it is that when potential clients approach regarding an appearance, I provide a reasonable quote based on the scenario and then they decide they wish to negotiate.

Do these same people sit down in a restaurant and then try to negotiate the price of their entree'? "I know it says $22.95 for the Surf and Turf but could you do it for 12 bucks?"

Perhaps when grocery shopping they barter with the clerk for a better total on their receipt? "I really would like all this food but I'd rather pay about $200 less for it, ok?" Back in the olden days, when I was just a lad, we called that "champagne taste on a beer budget".

Anyhow I've just been faced with this same situation several times in the recent past and thought it does merit a certain ponderance......... All done now.

I'd enjoy your thoughts though...

Cheers,

Bill

Hat's off to our Fallen Heroes...

2011-09-11T09:59:00.000-04:00

Just a moment to remember and honor those lost on 9/11 ten years ago. Our prayers, best wishes and warmest regards to the families and friends of the men and women who risked and ultimately gave their lives in the pursuit of saving others and for all the innocent souls caught unaware that morning. We remember, we honor you and we vow to never cease in supporting the campaign to rid the world of those who would threaten anyone else. Our most sincere and humble thanks.

"OST Jack", thanks and other randomness...

2011-09-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

Oi Friends,

Well it's been awhile but again I'm tryin' to take more time to write me thoughts, etc...

First off I'd like to publicly thank my good friend Scott at Yordreem Creations for once again outdoing himself. I exclusively wear and endorse his Sparrow wardrobe as I have found it to be consistently fantastic! Thanks again Scott...huzzah!!

I'm also currently working on my own new pirate persona... "Seth Cain" more commonly known as "Skinner" and Scott will be providing all his wardrobe as well. "Seth" after the Greek god of chaos, "Cain" after the first murderer in the Bible... and nicknamed "Skinner" for his torturous habit of "peeling" his enemies...as it were. We'll see how he develops...eh?

A huge thanks to Jeff MacKay at The Pirate Trading Company for all his hard work in developing the functional CJS Perry of London replica. There are whisperings an' rumors of a functional OST Queen Anne boxlock replica too... hope to see that one soon! Also The MacKay will be doing me hat for the "Skinner " character- that is providin' he has the time what with 'im being a reality TV star and all - Let's all show our support for the Clan MacKay at "A Pirates Life". Well done!!

Hats off as well to Tony Swatton at Sword and Stone, the only source for the real deal!

Tia Jill at Swagarts, you are simply the best Luv!! Many thanks again!

I'm pleased now to be connecting with many of the great "Sparrows" of the world on Facebook. If I haven't found you, please join me at:

It's truly fantastic to see the amount of "boys and girls" who love the character of Captain Jack so much that you are willing to spend your valuable time and hard earned plunder to bring our good Captain to life for the pirate lovers in your respective areas... my compliments to each and every one of you!!

I think I got it out of me system now...as it were... Just wanted to take time and appreciate the hard work and dedication of all me Mates old and new!! More soon...

Smooth Sailin'

Bill aka CJ

The Captain is back...

2011-06-28T12:32:00.000-04:00

I took a break from the blog world due to business, surgery, blah blah blah... But now I have returned ready to.... oh whatever.

Of course On Stranger Tides was a tremendous hit...at least with me and all of us Jack's are upgrading away... or should be.

Just one thought... I had a fellow Jack appear right here in my back yard in Tavernier, like two minutes from my house although he billed it as Key Largo. I heard he was ok... but he never even contacted me the say "Hey" or "lets get together" or " I'd like to meet you" or anything. Not a word... I was a bit disappointed as I very much enjoy meeting and getting to know any & all Jacks and enthusiasts simply because we have one great thing in common already...our love for the character.

May have been an oversight, maybe he lives in his own world and doesn't realize the global breadth of the brotherhood or ??? I hope to meet you next time Mate...

I believe we all, that is all Jack impersonators should be able to be mates and support each other. So my offer is this, anyone who finds themselves in the Florida Keys, please let me know you're coming or are here... the first round is on me (maybe event the second) and I'd love to take you and any traveling companions out on one of the ships eh?

Smooth Sailin' Mates

CJ aka Bill

My ships have come in...as it were...

2010-03-04T14:56:00.000-05:00

Here are pics of the two ships here in the Keys that we offer as wedding venues or for pirate cruises... The first is the schooner, a real 105' sailing ship for larger groups, and the galleon replica that can carry up to six. We are having a blast!

Our Kids World...what fun!

2009-04-27T23:57:00.001-04:00

I great big THANKS to Jennifer C. and the 97.9 WRMF crew! "Our Kids World Family Fun Fest" this past April 25 & 26 was a top notch event and a really fantastic time!

Also a big shout out and thanks to the 501st Legion Florida Garrison! It was truly my pleasure to meet you all and I hope to see you at the next event Mates!

It's good to be Captain... many thanks again to you all!

Ta,
CJ

Help! The paranoids are after me... and other randomness...

2009-04-23T21:50:00.000-04:00

Ahoy Mates,

I'm havin' a thought... all those fellow "Jacks" out there that constantly and forever stewing over whether or not to "do" or "not do" something as Jack because of the big "D" (Disney). Do your thing and to the depths with the paranoia! Are we men or or are we mice? (pun intended... sorry)

No one is here to blaspheme or run down anyone or anything...just do it and stop all the "should I, should I not, what will happen, will they kill me in horrible nasty ways...blah blah blah"

Another thought, somewhat unrelated yet not entirely...
Speaking from my own experience, I typically find it unproductive to accept business advice from well wishers, just good souls or armchair quarterbacks... no malice intended... but unless someone has done or is actively involved in something, and has had some success, their input is nothing more than speculation. Opinions are like"fill in the blank" everybody's got "pick a number" .... My point being I look for advice or input from active, creative, successfully involved persons... not just anyone who wants to "help out". No fruit on the tree... I'll be talkin' to the farmer with the apples in his orchard...savvy?

Just one final note - Aluminum swords are way better than steel... Been doin' this now for 5 years...I own both, have used many, was a sword dealer for years before "Jack" - I have been the one to maintain our weapons, weekly, FYI - steel fragments & dings no less than aluminum, steel is heavier, harder to control & work with which makes it less safe, AND "battle ready" swords by Paul Chen, Windlass (Museum Replicas), Hanwei, CAS Iberia etc, will not hold up well to the rigors of theatrical combat if used frequently....period.

There... I've said it...them...a.... made my point... so.....ha!

Take what ya can,
CJ

Lots o' piratin'... Glad it's Spring...eh?

2009-03-29T13:24:00.000-04:00

Oi Mates,

The winter doldrums are over... for the most... I hope... and we're back on course eh, ready for another great season of raidin, pillagin' an otherwise pilferin' our weaselly black guts out... all in favor say aye!

February started the wedding season for us with Captain Jack performing several "maria'ges" and the photo set at a large private event up in Pompano Beach.

From here we move into April & May, weddings in both and a grand two day appearance at "Our Kid's World" in West Palm Beach April 25 & 26. Should be a fantastic time as they are expecting 25,000 visitors or more!

The summer is already taking shape as well so here's to all wishin you a great season!

Smooth Sailin' Mates,
CJ

Happy Holidays...

2008-12-23T09:15:00.002-05:00

Ahoy Mates,

Just a quick one to wish you all the best over the Christmas season and a safe, exiting and most prosperous New Year...eh?

All the Best,
CJ

Historical vs Screen accuracy - Pirates all..nonetheless

2008-09-16T10:07:00.000-04:00

Avast Mates,

"All hands on deck..."
It is unfortunate that all to often we hear of fellow "pirates" not being at all gracious to one another at Ren Faires. I have had the same type of experiences meself... Get all geared up to attend a Ren event and am met with a certain amount of "resistance", as it were, by a few of the so called "historically accurate pirates". Some have coined the phrase "polyester pirates" for those of us who are POTC fans and opt to dress as Captain Jack or characters from the films.
In fact, the ridicule & disrespect shown by some is surprising to me ... "sign of small boons to my mind" The odd thing is that most times I have a better working knowledge of maritime & piratical history, sailing, swordsmanship, etc. than the offenders.... hmmmmmm.

Ok... so let's all agree to agree that Hollywood has taken a great deal of "creative license" in their screen portrayal of pirates as a whole. Let's also agree that the average child couldn't pick Edward Teach, John (Jack) Rackham, Bartholomew Roberts, Henry Morgan or any other more or less known historical pirate figure out of a lineup. But unless you've just relocated from Pluto (the planet, not the dog) you can more than likely recognize the character of Captain Jack Sparrow regardless of your age.

That being said, lets examine ones motivation & the process for attending an Event dressed as a pirate either way:
If you are a "historical" pirate buff, you have done painstaking research to become educated about the times, the conditions, the attire, the historical characters etc and then you opt to represent a known pirate figure from history or you fabricate your own "persona" based on the historical data. This takes lots of time, work and to a degree, money. Motivation: "It's cool & I love the history", "my great great great great great grandfather knew a pirate" " it turns my wife/girlfriend/spouse/partner on" etc.

If you opt to represent a "fictional" pirate character...say Jack Sparrow, like I for example, you have done painstaking research to become familiar with the character, the films, you've no doubt spent countless hours rehearsing your impersonation i.e. the walk, the speak, the facial expressions how he moves etc. Then you embark on recreating a SA (screen accurate) costume...which can take hours & hours over weeks, months or years, and can run into hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Motivation: "It's fun", I love the kids" "I like making people smile" " I love the character" " it turns my wife/girlfriend/spouse/partner on" etc.

Historical vs Screen accuracy - It's a personal choice and I believe, either way, it's one well deserving an equal respect of the other. There is no less time, hard work or resources spent being Captain Jack as there is in being accurate to history. So for those Ren Faire self proclaimed experts and critics let me say this... Shut up.
"To speak ill of others is a cowards way of praising ourselves." (That's me revised version)

The so ignorantly labeled "polyester pirates" I have the privilege to know have tirelessly dedicated themselves to bringing an iconic modern character to life for many reasons, none less valid than anothers historical pursuit. Most of them give freely of their time regularly to assist in charitable pursuits as well. And I've got news for you mates... when trying to appeal to the masses for support of a good cause, you'll be standing alone in your Thomas Paine getup, but they'll line up up 'round the block to meet ol' Captain Jack Sparrow!

We do it for the kids ages 1 to 101, not for a bunch of ignorant, self righteous, pompous, legalistic, LARP, SCA, King Arthur to Blackbeard wannabee, "Oh I just stabbed myself with my eBay Pakistani "battle ready" sword because I'm stupid and have no training... "but my boots don't have zippers" idiots that haven't the intelligence nor the class to respect people for their equal if not greater dedication to their passion.... and in closing "you smell funny."

"Take what ya can..."
CJ

P.S. - The next "historically accurate" pirate that approaches me and delivers some lame excuse for pirate speak, i.e. "Arrrr Matey..." with a poorly rehearsed "irish brogue" will bludgeoned senseless with a copy of "Treasure Island" & have a life size statue of "Long John Silver" shoved up his poop deck...saavy?

Ike - Shuttered in...a few thoughts....

2008-09-09T09:10:00.000-04:00

Ahoy All,

As a result of being all shuttered up and inside due to Ike's limited impact here (thank God) I've begun pondering... myself, one's motivation, Jack, the Sparrow community at large, and lots of other things no one cares to hear of but me. The following has come to the forefront of my reflection... so as it is so eloquently posted by the buffet, "Take what you like, but eat all you take...." eh?

"The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out." ~Thomas Babington Macaulay

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." ~James D. Miles

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic.
It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost,
but the urge to serve others at whatever cost...." ~Arthur Ashe

"Aspire rather to be a hero than
merely appear one...." ~Baltasar Gracian.

"The hero is commonly the simplest and
obscurest of men...." ~Henry David Thoreau.

"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking." ~Henry Ford

"To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves." ~Will Durant

"The strength of a man's virtue should not be measured by his special exertions, but by his habitual acts." ~Blaise Pascal, Pensées, 1670

"The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism." ~Norman Vincent Peale

Hmmm.....

Smooth Sailin'
CJ

The Caribbean Blues...as it were...?

2008-09-03T11:30:00.000-04:00

Ahoy All,

Well tourist season is winding down here in the beautiful Florida Keys as Hurricane season gets busy. With Fay and Gustav gone by now we have 3 storms lining right up... Hanna, Ike and Josephine all making their way into the area... still plenty of pirating to do though. A big pirate event coming up in Key Largo...the first annual Key Largo Pirate's Fest October 17-19. Should be lots of fun! So we keep a weather eye on the weather as it were and continue to "raid, pillage, plunder and otherwise pilfer our weasely black guts out"...

"Take what ya can... give nothin' back"
Ta
CJ

"Starving Jack Syndrome..."

2008-08-17T15:37:00.000-04:00

Avast Mates,

Hold on... this could get ugly... "full canvas" then...

I have managed to leave this alone for a long, long time, now I am going to address this once, here & now and then never again: "My blog...makes me Captain..."

There is a certain "peer" if you will, in the Sparrow Community that has given me grief once too often about the fact that I "charge" for Jack appearances, but more over that I have built a side business out of it.

First let me say the only thing I care less about than what is thought of me now, is what will be thought of me after this... "haul your wind and hold your water..."

I spent the better part of four years doing nothing but charity work and free appearances for kids because I love them and I love the character of Jack. Jack is a fantastic vehicle for reaching kids! Often 25-30 hrs per week on top of my full time job, being a musician and my family. Kids events, childrens hospitals, fundraisers, churches, summer camps, etc. Captain Jack going to entertain, delivering a positive message, hope, fun, a welcomed departure from whatever they might be going through.

Not "hooray" for me, that's just the fact. I do not make it a habit in going around touting my own accolades, etc. I choose to do this for selfish reasons as well... I love what the kids give back... honesty, trust, imagination and the ability to believe in something bigger than the sometimes overwhelmingly grim reality of their own life. You'll never see pictures of me in these environments not because I'm ashamed, but because I don't think it's any ones business but my own and I should not be thought better of because of it. It's simply what I do.

The business end of my Sparrow adventures was birthed from a need to fund these activities. Unfortunately as many know, being as accurate a Jack Sparrow as one can, costs mount and can be quite expensive, as are the trinkets for the kids, fuel, time off work, etc. I have invested many times more than I'll ever make, even at my prices :)

So to the aforementioned party I say this: Get off your Pius high horse, get a life of your own and do not judge me..or anyone for that matter. You don't know me or my personal business so until you do, I welcome you to stay out of it. As for your ignorant opinions and your self righteous "starving for the art" rhetoric...complete & utter twaddle-speak says I.

I need not justify my actions to anyone...and only reason I felt compelled to address this at all is to expose the monumental and ongoing ignorance of said party. Here is my suggestion to them... be an encourager, a builder up of people and to the depths with all your judgments.

A wise man once said.." If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." Choose your own fight Mate and leave me to mine, and unless you're drawing your sword to fight along with me... you best be a better swordsman than I...savvy?

'Nuf said,
CJ

Time... wish there was more...eh?

2008-08-11T03:56:00.001-04:00

Ahoy Mates,

It seems as if there is always something to occupy ones time.. be it productive or non...eh? I mean to post often here with things that occur to me that I believe would be of value... but I am, more often than not, side tracked with all kinds of stuff... as it were. The latest distraction has been the website redesign and my addition of Wedding Officiant services in the state of Florida. What I kick! I can marry people as Captain Jack... SO... we'll see how the new biz facet takes off. I finally got the new site published yesterday... now it's off to be doing all new promo pics & new video for said new site... which in and of itself is way overdue... like a year (almost 2 on the video)! But...do not be discouraged dear friends... it is an ongoing labor...being a pirate an all...savvy? But a labor of love and one that should be cherished.... or something eh?

"...drink up me hearties Yo Ho..."
CJ

Choose your Weapon - Swords & where to get 'em!

2008-08-02T00:11:00.000-04:00

Mates,
I have had the recent good fortune to acquire a limited SA Aluminum Jack Sparrow Sword from Richard at AcmeBrand (top right). I have to say that is all of fantastic! Don't let the funky angle fool ya.. it is identical to the screen sword pictured below it! My crew and I use our swords for theatrical swordplay/demonstrations. We have trained long and hard first with home made practice swords, then with theatrical smallswords, moved on to all steel cutlasses and now to aluminum. If your just startin' out, here's a piece of sound advice one pirate to another...go right to aluminum for your stage pieces and skip the bloody steel if your budget will permit!

Acme's SA Sparrow sword is truly awesome! It's brilliantly balanced. light and durable! I was planning on picking one up from Tony at Sword & Stone (middle above) - the armory that made the swords for the POTC films) but they don't sell the SA version of Jack's sword. (Leastways I don't think they do) They do have what Tony calls the "Spack Jarrow" (bottom above) It is identical in design to the original Sparrow sword, the hilt is just made from bronze instead of steel, (makes it gold) and has a coco boa (brown grip) instead of ebony (black) like Jack's.

Since I got my Acme Sparrow sword I no longer was concerned with my own sword... now for the rest of the crew... but keeping with SA if possible.... Tony to the rescue! Meet my SA aluminum Barbossa! (Pic right) It is spot on... and of course it should be since it's identical to the film sword! Again incredibly well balanced, light and durable! So if your looking to take your pirating to the next level here are the sources for some great pieces:

Sword & Stone Armory - Where the screen swords were made... Tony is a super guy and welcomes our business!

Noble Armory - Makers of excellent aluminum stage combat swords!

One can expect to pay $175 - $500 for a good aluminum sword, the SA ones running usually $350 to $500.

If the budget isn't there yet, steel is abit less but don't buy from eBay or some cheesey "sword" website. Have them made by pros... pic your hilt & blade combo:

Weapons of Choice - Great steel stage swords for real! - Cost $130-$230ish - the Briquet Saber blade is closest to POTC hero style - it's up to you.

And please do yourself and your crew a favor... if you haven't fenced theatrically before, learn how before squaring off facing someone, probably a good friend, with any weapon in your hand! THESE ARE WEAPONS.... That's why they call them that....any questions... see the previous post.

There's the skinny mates! Video coming soon of the SA Jack vs The SA Barbossa!

Smooth Sailin'
CJ

Swords & Swordplay

2008-07-28T20:52:00.000-04:00

Avast all!

Here recently there has been a great buzz and questions arising regarding theatrical swordplay as displayed in the fight sequences in the POTC movies. Unfortunately, often times there is more myth and urban legend being accepted as fact and as a result people get hurt... sometimes seriously.

The terms describing swords "battle ready", "combat ready", etc. are tossed around as if they are nothing more than inconsequential marketing tools when in fact weapons being labeled so are purchased by trusting and/or naive persons and are being used to purposes for which they are definitely not suited. Then minor to horrific prices are paid by said individuals for "buying the lie".

If one intends to do reenactment or theatrical sword combat, one must first learn how to do it SAFELY! As with anything, there are a few right ways and an infinite number of wrong ways to engage in it. Find a stage fight instructor or class at a college or university, read books on the subject, study instructional videos but do learn everything you can before you even decide to pick up a "real" sword. Then practice, practice, practice, and did I mention practice... with a partner who is as dedicated as you to learning the proper techniques. While practicing...use PRACTICE weapons. I started out by making practice "rapiers" out of the metal shafts from old golf clubs. They can take a beating, don't break, chip or fragment and they are SAFE & CHEAP!

When deciding on stage weapons you'll find allot of crap to wade through... bottom line:

No Stainless Steel.
Nothing with a sharp or honed edge...EVER EVER EVER!
Carbon/spring steel is ok but "stage combat" swords have thick, dull, blunt edges.
Steel is heavy and harder to control...start slow.
Aluminum blades are fantastic if made properly.
Never mix steel and aluminum blades in combat- you'll mess up your nice aluminum sword.
Swords can and do break - learn everything you can about the types and how to care for them.
Buy from a reputable armory or source that understands "stage swords & combat"

I know I'm sounding like your Mum with an old wet sock in her mouth but here's why:
Sword Accidents
From the idiotic to the very close calls: - All were ok...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N4hprpRJhM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TwsztsgwAY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NljKd8Tc4mw

This guy was not as fortunate - (Not for the squeamish.. not sure of the outcome on this)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyaVkf54ias

So thats what can happen when you do it with little or no training and/or the wrong types of weapons.
The first, best things you can arm yourself with is knowledge & information from reputable sources. Here are some to start with:
Anthony DeLongis Instructional Video
Weapons of Choice - Steel Stage Weapons & some good info
Noble Armory Cutlass - Aluminum Stage Weapons & more good info
Preferred Arms - Just some great info on blade choice and care

One final note... Fight Choreography is just that... "Choreography" literally "dance-writing" also known as "dance composition", is the art of making structures in which movement occurs - It's like a dance... you need to stick with the same partner to get really good. When changing partners start slow and work together ... even if you both know how to "Tango" doesn't mean you can hit the floor and win a trophy straight off...eh? Maintaining safe distance, developing rhythm & muscle memory all take time and rehearsal. Work the fundamentals often. We have a rule that if your opponent ever directly crosses your face with a blade they get a good old fashioned kick in the arse! No kidding! SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY!!!

Feel free to email questions... I'll help as best I can! Respect the sword and be careful!

Smooth Sailin' Mates,
CJ

Sparrows Beware...

2008-04-28T00:16:00.000-04:00

Be ye warned fellow Sparrows of the world... there has come yet a new threat... more horrific than than the Kraken... more ominous than Davy Jones, even more annoying than Cutler Beckett...... no you say? What can than this latest peril be you ask?

PAINTED CHICKENS FEET!!!!! Yes it has come to our attention through a very reliable source (many thanks for the tip) that one of our mates painted his own to alter the color and had very negative results.... but even worse two others purchased theirs from seemingly reputable sources online and actually ended up ruining portions of their attire: breeches, waistcoat and shirt.

As you all know, the good stuff costs $$$ and to have your best gear ruined like that because someone has no clue what they are doing yet selling their wears as "exact" or "screen accurate" is intolerable. If the paint is likely to rub off... they should let the buyers know that!

SO the bottom line is this mates.... ASK THE SELLER IF THE CHICKENS FOOT IS AUTHENTIC OR IF IT'S PAINTED AND/OR FAKE!!! If it's painted...we'll .... it's your gear mate.

Or simply click here if you want the to GET THE REAL THING & contact Tia Jill at SWAG ARTS! I own, wear and personally endorse her exceptional products! For beads & trinkets, bangles, dangles, talismen, pelts, bones, bandannas, and more, her many years of experience in the costuming industry are displayed in every piece. They are exceptionally accurate, extremely well made from real & the correct materials and simply the best you can find.... I've looked at them all. And a finer lass you'd never hope to meet! So if you're strikin' out on your own ask the tough questions, if you want to be the best Sparrow you can be... then you have a resolute and unyielding need to travel upriver and see Tia Jill, eh? Now you know, so no excuses....Ta!

Smooth Sailing Mates...
Captain Jack

All Sparrow leather items are not the same...

2008-04-22T22:55:00.000-04:00

Avast Mates,

I've had many questions regarding the accuracy of the myriad of "would be Sparrow leather wears" providers out there. Here's a few things to note regarding, belts, baldrics, scabbards, hats & leather items in general:

There is no "suede" anything of any kind or fashion associated with Captain Jack Sparrow EXCEPT his boots... NO SUEDE! No matter what kind of sales pitch they give you... suede belts are not accurate and are halloweenie looking. Sorry that's the fact Jack!
Polyester or cloth is not leather... for your hat it may be an acceptable alternative temporarily... but that's it. The hat, belts and baldric are leather, period. We'll look into this more later.
Oh and for those not in the know I'll clear this up right now eh....... VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER IS NOT MADE FROM VEGETABLES, nor is it the "pigs ear stuff that dog chews are made from. Vegetable tanning is a process for tanning leather and for accuracy both screen & historical in pursuit of your best Captain Jack gear, vegetable tanned leather items are the leather items of choice...period again.
There are some good hat, belt and baldric makers out there, and some to avoid. It often times depends on your budget and the lesser desirable ones sometimes come at a lesser price but not always. Be careful eh?

I applaud all who take their time to provide Sparrow items however I cannot tolerate liars and the ones who are just out to exploit those who have not researched the character as well.

Here's the recommendations for your belts, baldrics & scabbards ... AcmeBrand provides exceptional reproductions at a price. Acme is the top pick! Let us know if you need to know how to reach them. There are a couple of seconds in quality however they have opted to ignore our emails so they walk the plank eh?

If you have any questions...please feel free to email. Also if you have any additional resources that we miss, please let us know and we'll surely pass it on to the Sparrows of the world!

In the near future... We'll take a close look at Hats & Hair (wigs) and also some egregious louts using retouched images of Captain Jack Sparrow sporting their products via the miracle of PhotoShop, instead of the real originals... You're in for it mates....The Cap'n hates that....

All the best,

Cap'n Jack

Trinkets, beads, coins, pelts, dangles & bones....

2008-04-03T21:51:00.000-04:00

Being a pirate, may seem simple, grab a felt hat, stick on an eye patch and say Arrrgh! right? Not so , especially if you purpose to call yourself "Sparrow", eh?

Amongst all the adornments and such, hats, boots, coats, belts etc, lies a very often overlooked and critical part of Sparrowism.... the swag, the shine, the smaller details that are all too often botched and then passed off for "exact...just like Jack".

There are many sources, most of which are actively found on eBay selling the not so accurate as they claim accoutrements to which I'm referrin... three words Mates... "DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK, eh?"

Guess that was five... be that as it may, here are some recommondations:
Look at the movie with the sound off, (to avoid distraction) stop frame it... zoom in... blow up photos... be aware of proportions, look at color, size length, positioning etc of the items you seek and then ask the questions before you bid or buy! Lots of the "exact" items you see offered have nothing exact about them. One of me Mates has identified the would be Sparrows of the world in levels if you will, hope I'm ok to quote:

There are the crème de la crème - those who do look-a-like work, theme park, party, event entertainment & contest curcuits...The serious Sparrows...
Then the more casual Sparrows... not quite as accurate but still head & shoulders above the....
The Pre-school Sparrows, 70's Sparrows, & Mall Rat Sparrows

That says it pretty well... So define which you be... The top requires commitment and you're gonna need to shell out some loot Mate.... but it's worth it because the real pirates know the difference eh? '

I can personally recommend you visit Tia Jill at SwagArts for your trinkets, beads, coins, pelts, dangles, bandanas & bones.... She currently sells a bunch on eBay which is where I had the good fortune to find her. I own her items, I proudly wear them and I highly recommend them! Her attention to detail, talent, and skill makes everything she makes, second to none.... are there others that are pretty good... to be sure.... she's just the best I've found. And believe me Mate... I've looked! Plus you don't just get more that 500 positive feedbacks and maintain that at 100% for nothin' savvy? ...thats Tia Jill!!! She also does custom orders - Don't miss the opportune moment... Hat's off luv... you truly are the best!

That's all for now eh... the rums gone again an there's plunderin' to be done.... Check back as we discover what makes it a true Sparrow hat and where & how to find the best wig full o' locks...

Wishin' ya wind in your sails Mates!
Cap'n Jack

Coming Soon - Swords & Swordplay

2008-03-30T23:34:00.000-04:00

It's not enough for a true pirate and a real hero just to carry a wall hanger and make believe... Later this spring we'll take a look at Real Swords and Real Swordplay... theatrical of course.... but it sure looks real if you do it right.... stay tuned eh?

CJ

We are underway...

2008-03-01T20:28:00.000-05:00

Out to find the best of the best in Sparrow & pirate everything! We will continue to seek out and honor those who are exceptional in all things pirate, especially those who design, produce, make and provide the creme d' la creme of Captain Jack Sparrow items for those driven to become he!

At World's End... not the end, eh?

2007-06-24T20:39:00.000-04:00

Well Mates,

The third Pirates had been delivered and I for one loved it as much as the first two if not more! Of course many of the "critics" found it difficult to follow and understand. Go figure eh? Most of the them can't find their backsides with both hands without a Starbucks and a GPS.

"The only rules that really matter are these, what a movie can make and what a movie can't make...." As of today June 24 2007, At World's End is # 15 on the all time Worldwide Box Office List at $834 million and is still in the theaters. Dead Mans Chest still holds the #3 spot with just over $1 Billion... Q.E.D. Pirates 4! You wait and see! As for those who bashed the movie...the only thing that we care about less is what you'll say about the next one... but thanks for playing. You all know what opinions are like... and most "movie reviewers" just are one ...period. But look on the bright side for all those who found AWE to complex, intricate or just "too long" there's always Dr. Seuss for you.

Here's our philosophy... you don't have to like it, but don't badmouth it if you don't get it... that is the height of ignorance and it exposes one as simple and stupid... savvy?

On behalf of all the Sparrows of the world and pirates everywhere... Hats of Mates!!!Outstanding job Masters Depp, Bruckheimer, Verbinski, Rush, Bloom, Nighy, Miss Knightly and the whole AWE crew! Thanks for a fun, exciting, wonderfully puzzling, twisting, turning, humorous, swashbuckling adventure from the first to the last! As long as you keep makin' em....we'll keep comin' eh!

Drink up me hearties Yo Ho!
CJ

Brand New Pirates 3 Clip.... At World's End

2007-04-15T22:21:00.000-04:00

It's true... Click here for a New "At World's End" clip featuring not yet seen footage, eh? Very much looking forward to the Premier....!!!

Our search for the consummate Sparrow gear continues and we'll keep ye posted as new super Sparrow sources arrive. Some to recommend some to ignore... As we invite vendors to submit products for review we separate them quickly. The ones who do not respond we take to mean that they are not so great as they may claim. We will not run them down, but we will list the ones who fail to do us even the courtesy of a return email so you may make an educated decision on where and with whom to spend your hard earned loot! Bein the best Sparrow you can be...

Smooth Sailin' Mates.,
Captain Jack