Last Minute Christmas Special

Are you looking for something elegant and practical for that special someone on your list? Well, you've come to the right place! These beaded acrylic scarves are warm for the cold outdoors yet light enough to wear indoors all day long!

Take advantage of this last minute Christmas special and save 15% on your purchase when you use the coupon code Facebook15. 

Simply visit our website www.cruisincreations.etsy.com to view all of the styles and colors that are available!

Don't delay! Shipping times are running short!

Rhinestone Pink Traditional Scarf

Purple Metallic Knitted Infinity Scarf

Yellow Beaded Winter Infinity Scarf

Black Beaded Scarf With Silver Beads

How Do I Care For My Scarf?

After you've worn your scarf, necklace, or bracelet for a while you may be noticing that is doesn't look as clean and crisp as it did when you purchased it or perhaps it is a bit out of shape. As with all items made of fiber these need to be cleaned once in a while. The fibers tend to absorb body oils which will change the color, create an odor, or otherwise change the way the accessory looks. 

So, how do you care for the item? It is really very simple. 

All of the necklaces, scarves, bracelets, and other items from Cruisin' Creations can be hand washed in cold water using a mild soap. Rinse thoroughly then lay the items flat on a sweater dryer or something else that will allow air to circulate under and over the item so that it will dry thoroughly.

The care of single bracelets is slightly different. Wash single bracelets in a mild soap, rinse, then scrunch up in a ball to dry. Scrunching helps bring them back to their original size. 

Do not leave any of these items in the water for too long as this will weaken the glue holding the knots in place.

Should you have any questions about the care of your Cruisin' Creations items please email me at dbabin731@gmail.com. I will be happy to answer your questions.

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Apologies to those who follow my blog weekly. I have been so busy filling last minute orders and prepping for Christmas that the week got away from me and I didn't write a blog. 

I thought when I retired I would have more time and would be able to get every thing done. Boy, was I wrong!!! My days are fuller than ever!

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We are finished with shows for the year; however, you can still purchase accessories from Cruisin' Creations! Simply visit our website, www.cruisincreations.etsy.com. I ship in 1-2 business days so you should have your purchase very quickly.

If you were hoping to purchase one of the exclusive sets, but were not able to make it to one of our shows you are in luck! There are only 3 left and they are now available on our website. Go to www.cruisincreations.etsy.com and click on sets. You can view and purchase from that window. Don't wait! Order yours today!

An Enjoyable Day At Mohonasen

Last Saturday was a very enjoyable day! Along with having the help of my husband, our daughter joined us at the Mohonasen Orcehstra Craft Fair. We set up and broke down in record time, with an extra pair of hands, and met a lot of nice people throughout the day.

As at all of the craft fairs there were so many talented people with beautiful crafts to sell; however, one stands out as the one to feature this week. 

Being a tea drinker The Short and Stout Specialty TEA Shop caught my attention. They sell a variety of flavored teas that are absolutely delicious! How do I know that they are delicious? Well, they had samples at their booth which I, naturally, had to try before I made my selections. Selling at craft fairs is one way they provide their teas to the public; their recently opened tea shop is another. 

The Short and Stout Specialty TEA Shop is located at 1736A Western Avenue, Albany, NY, across from the Westmere Fire House. Along with teas they offer a variety of pastries for you to enjoy. And, they have free WiFi! To learn more about the Short and Stout Specialty TEA Shop call 518-456-TEAS (8327).

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Our last event of the year will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Guilderland High School, 8 School Road, Guilderland Center, NY 12085. This event, A Holiday Shop and Drop, is sponsored by the Guilderland Class of 2014. It is a fun night for children with games, movies and crafts, as well as a time for adults to shop. Stop by from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm to purchase items for yourself or the special people on your list!

The Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair will continue until December 14! Cruisin' Creation as well as many other crafters' items are represented. Shopping at Shaker benefits the Shaker Heritage Society and allows them to keep a bit of history alive! 

Not local or can't make it to either event? Well, you are in luck! You can still purchase women's accessories from Cruisin' Creations by visiting our website, www.cruisincreations.etsy.com!

Wish I Could Paint Like This!

Have you ever seen someone do a craft and wish you could do the same, but just know that you don't have the coordination, eye for color, steady hand, talent...to do that same craft no matter how much you practice?

I have always admired those who can paint; however, no one will ever mistake me for a painter. I do not have that artistic talent nor a steady hand so when I met Kathy, a very talented artist in the space next to mine at the St. John the Evangelist Church Craft Fair, I was thrilled! I so admire her work!

Kathy, of Driftwood Santas by Kathy G, paints Santa's face on driftwood she has collected from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Each piece of driftwood, as well as each face, is unique because Kathy uses the shape and size of the driftwood to determine the way she will paint Santa's face. These pieces come in all shapes and sizes, are very reasonably priced, and a must have addition to your Christmas decor!

You can contact Kathy at jkjm@aol.com to learn more about her craft and purchase one of her very creative pieces. Don't wait! Email her right away! You wouldn't want to miss out on one of these special Santas!

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Saturday, November 30, 2013, Cruisin' Creations will be at the 9th Annual Mohonasen Orchestra Craft and Vendor Fair! This fair will be held at Draper Middle School, 2072 Curry Road, Schenectady, NY 12303. Crafters and vendors will be in the gym and cafeteria. You can find Cruisin' Creations in the cafeteria, space C22.

Sapphire Bicone Crystals

If you are looking for something shiny and sparkly to wear during the holidays and don't want to break the bank then stop by and purchase one of the exclusive sets that I have been featuring at craft shows this fall. Prices for a necklace and bracelet set range from $25.00 - 30.00. There are only a couple left so stop by early so you don't miss out!

Fire Polished Czech Crystals

No Shortage of Talent!

As I read about others who share a love of creating I am always amazed by their enthusiasm, drive, creativity, and endless energy as they strive to build their businesses. In this blog I will share with you three Etsy shops with owners who are full of endless energy and very creative.

Kelley Karel of Cakky Stuff is a writer, performer, designer, and business owner! I'm exhausted just typing all of that! She finds time in her day to accomplish all of those plus correspond and help her Etsy friends. Her creations are one of a kind so you won't see them anywhere else but on yourself or in your home. www.cakkystuff.etsy.com carries a line of jewelry, ornaments, magnets, vases, and photography.

Hu Xiao Ying works with her mother and sister as clothing designers for their business Happy Family Judy. They bring their clothing factory experience of more than 30 years to their women's fashions business www.happyfamilyjudy.etsy.com. All of their items are made to order of quality fabric and yarn and are in the latest styles!

Stav Hoffman of StavHoffmanJewelry designs wire jewelry using a variety of techniques including knitting and crocheting wire and combining it with jewels. The items look so fine and delicate! You can check out her beautiful and unusual one of a kind designs at stavhoffmanjewelry.etsy.com.

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We are off to St. John the Evangelist Church Craft Fair, 816 Union St., Schenectady, NY this Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm. There will be a variety of crafters and vendors at this show so come early for the best selection! 

Once you have finished your shopping you can find a spot on State St. to watch the Schenectady Christmas Parade. Our own resident Santa will be the guest of honor on the last float! The parade runs from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Profiling Etsy's Women In Business Team Leaders

Recently I joined the Women In Business Team on Etsy.com. This team is so active and devoted to promoting women owned businesses and helping all of us succeed in our crafts! The Women In Business Team would not be as strong as it is without the leadership of the women who have stepped up to help the rest of us build our businesses.

Today, I would like to profile some of the leaders of the Women In Business Team.

Iris, a grandmother of eight, is the captain of the team. It is obvious that she is a woman of many talents as she sells a wide variety of items from baked goods to clothing, decorations and art! Her items are fun to look at and surely fun to use and wear. You can see all of Iris' offerings by visiting her Etsy Shop - http://www.etsy.com/playfulwearsetc

Samantha is one of the leaders of the team. She began sewing at the age of 8 and over time has grown from using others' patterns to creating her own. Samantha is involved in two causes close to her heart - Equal Rights and Women With Disabilities. Her shop is still under construction, however, keep checking for it. She will be selling bouquets and boutonnieres. Her shop address is www.fleurdeleecoeur.etsy.com

Pippit, aka Giftbearer another leader of the team, has been in business for 28 years making and selling jewelry. She currently sells contemporary tribal jewelry, scarves, hats, and hair clips. Her collection changes with each medium she works with and it's not unusual for her to be juggling 5-6 new projects at any one time. You can see Pippit's creations at www.giftbearer.etsy.com

Strong leaders are necessary for any organization to grow and achieve success. I thank these women for helping all of us grow our businesses and achieve the success we desire and deserve!

To Our Veterans and More

On this Veteran's Day I would like to thank all those brave men and women who have given of their time, energy, and in many cases their lives to protect the freedoms that we enjoy in this country! Their families deserve thanks as well for going without so that we can be free! God Bless America!

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We spent Saturday at the Polish Community Center and had some time to visit with our neighbor crafters and get to hear their stories. I was so fortunate to, again, be near some very talented and friendly people.

The view of Myrna Jane's beautiful photos was great to have all day. She does nice work so if you're looking for photo note cards as well as framed photos check out https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photos-by-Myrna-Jane/156008461163811

Across from us was Tina's Wingin It wing sauce. She was handing out samples of fried chicken with the sauce on it. Delicious!!! And far too tempting. I'm so proud of myself because I didn't eat her samples all day! You can get Tina's delicious wing sauce at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tinas-Wingin-It/511953532228231

Are your Christmas centerpieces and outdoor decorations looking a little shabby and in need of replacement? Jim Billa makes beautiful and reasonable ones to replace what you have or to add something new to your collection. You can contact him at https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.billa?fref=browse_search

Next to us was Deborah Parker who got started because she didn't care for the baby items she found in the stores. She makes beautiful baby quilts, figurines, and specialty baskets. You can contact her for more information at parkerdeborah03@yahoo.com.

And did you know there's a new children's book called The Adventures of Meatball the Rat? It is available on Amazon.com and The Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany. You can also check out Meatball's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Meatball-the-Rat/179122678803991

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my husband, Mike, who unselfishly gives up his weekends to help me at the craft shows. Between planning, set up, selling, and breaking down he is there to assist, never complaining. I couldn't do it as easily without him! And wouldn't want to either! We get to spend so much "quality time" together. Thanks, Mike!

We are taking the weekend off to get caught up on some things but will be at St. John the Evangelist Church, 816 Union Street, Schenectady on November 23, 2013 from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm. The Schenectady Christmas Parade is also going on that evening so stop by early, do your shopping, and get a good parking space then watch the parade which starts at 5:00. Our own special Santa will be in the parade!

Can't make it to St. John's on Saturday? Cruisin' Creations items can also be purchased at the Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair until December 14. Or you can shop on my webpage cruisincreations.etsy.com.

A Very Moving Experience

I decided to switch my focus this week from featuring fellow artisans to discuss an experience my husband and I had over this past weekend.

On Sunday my husband and I attended a service at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Rotterdam, NY for deceased members of the parish. After mass the name of each member who had died in the past year was called, and a representative for the member walked to the front of the church, lit a candle, and received a red rose in his/her honor.

It was an extremely emotional event; there were few dry eyes in the church. When my father’s name was called my husband and I walked to the front. I lit the candle not only for my father but for my father in law who also died this past year. As I received the rose, the person handing it to me squeezed my hand in a gesture of support. That gesture spoke volumes to me.

The rest of the day I felt drained, and remarked to my husband that I felt like I had buried my father all over again. I wondered if this service had done me some good or if it had just reopened wounds that were trying to heal.

I can assure you, now, that the service did me a lot of good! I woke Monday morning clear headed and ready to let him go, to remember the good times, the kindness and gentleness of this wonderful man, and forget the sorrow his death has caused. Yes, I still miss my father terribly, but I know that he is reunited with my mother and that he is no longer suffering. He lived 91 years! What more could we ask for?

As the holidays near I know his seat will remain glaringly empty, as my mother's seat has all these years, no matter who sits there, for no one person can replace this wonderful courageous man whom I am honored to call my father.

May you rest in peace, Mom and Dad. Love and miss you both…Diane

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If you ever have an opportunity to attend a service like this, I recommend that you do so. By attending you are honoring the deceased and helping yourself cope with the loss.

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My father was very supportive of Cruisin' Creations so he would be happy to know that I will be selling my creations at the Polish Community Center this Saturday, November 9, 2013. The Polish Community Center is located at 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY. The show runs from 10:00 - 3:00. Hope to see you there!

Can't make the show? You can still shop at www.cruisincreations.etsy.com!

Baseball, Hotdogs, Apple Pie, and Made in the USA!

My husband and I have been caught up in the World Series these past few days and as avid Red Sox fans are relieved that the Sox have tied it up 2 to 2. We are hoping that they will go ahead in the next two games and prove to the world that they are the best team in baseball!!!

As I was reflecting on this and how to tie it into my blog for this week I thought about how American baseball is. That got me thinking about the jingle, "Baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and Chevrolet" which got me thinking about adding "Made in the USA".

Now that you understand my train of thought let's explore this Made in the USA concept.

Our economy is gasping for breath; it is stagnant. Many will argue their theories as to why this is so; however, I think we can all agree on one thing that will help our economy regain its strength and that is by patronizing businesses that make their products in the USA. 

Finding items made in the USA can be a daunting and time consuming task, unless you follow my solution. Shop at craft fairs and art shows where you can be assured that the items you are buying are made by the people who are selling in their booths. Now, I am not talking about vendor shows where someone buys items at wholesale and sells at retail. I'm talking about craft shows where the people selling are usually the people making the items right in their own homes. What better way to support the small business owner who is just trying to eek out a living just as you are than to purchase directly from him or her?

The fall season provides the most opportunities to patronize these hard working artists! Check out the local craft shows in your area. If you are in the Albany area please consider spending some of your time at the shows listed in the Upcoming Events section of this blog. You will be amazed at the talented people that live in your area who spend their time creating and selling in a medium that they love!

Our next event is on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Schalmont High School, 1 Sabre Drive, Schenectady, NY. Schalmont is just off exit 25A of the NYS thruway. The event runs from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Cruisin' Creations will be in the high school lobby, space #24. Stop by and check out the variety of loomed beaded necklaces, bracelets, eyeglass holders, ID badge lanyards, scarves, necklace and bracelet sets, and the best Christmas cards you will ever send featuring our resident Santa.

Can't make the craft fair? Check out our website - www.cruisincreations.etsy.com

You can also visit the Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair at the Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY. The fair runs Monday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, October 26 - December 14. Stop by and do your Christmas shopping. This is a major fundraiser for the Shaker Heritage Society! 

Like us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/cruisincreations12

A Good But Frustrating Day!

On Saturday, October 19, 2013 I participated in the Community Human Services Craft Fair at Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School. I had heard that this was a good craft fair to get involved with so I gave it a try. While it was a good day for me I found the traffic to be spartan with very few buyers. 

At the end of the day I discovered that this show is usually held on a Sunday. I then was informed that at least one of the signs near the school listed the show for Sunday, October 19. When one crafter mentioned this to one of the organizers she was told that people know which day October 19 is. Given the amount of traffic I'm not so sure and think that sign created a lot of confusion for people. I'd bet many people stopped by on Sunday to find a building locked up tight and no craft fair.

My frustration with this is the attitude represented by the organizer. They had our money so they had nothing to lose with the light traffic; however, many of the crafters had a lot to lose. For many this is their livelihood so when they invest a good amount of money in a craft fair and people don't show up they lose out. 

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After each fair I like to feature a few of the talented crafters I have have met during the show. This show had an abundance of talented crafters and a very nice selection of high quality crafts!

To my right was Ray Summers, a highly talented photographer! His photos, which are of scenes that extend from Maine to Florida, are so crisp and clear and the colors are so vibrant! People couldn't help themselves from purchasing several items at a time. You can check out Ray's work at www.raysummers.com.

Behind me was Quilts by Marie. Marie's hand quilted placemats, table runners, and scarves in 9-patch, Log Cabin, and Ohio Star patterns were nicely done and VERY reasonably priced. Marie does this for the love of quilting and to keep herself busy. It is obvious by the quality of her work that this is a labor of love.

Fraiser Country has been at several of the craft fairs I have been at recently; however, this is the first time they have been set up near my space. Paul and Sandra use antique items to create unique one of a kind lamps. Their designs created a nostalgic feeling as I watched several people admire and purchase their pieces. While they don't have a website you can find them at several area craft fairs including HVCC November 22, 23, & 24 as well as Harmagreal Craft Fair, Delmar December 7.

Have you heard of Stinky Dog? Apparently he has been around for about 15 years, but since I don't have children who would be interested in Stinky Dog I wasn't aware of him. He has made quite a name for himself and had several people visiting his space all day. You can check out Stinky Dog at www.stinkydog.com.

I featured Winniesoriginals.com a couple of blogs ago; however, I need to mention Winnie again! I recently ordered a purse from her. She was very easy to work with and accommodating, met my wishes for a particular sized bag, and I am very impressed with the quality of her work. 

I would also like to give a shout out for Teaman Beverages on Etsy.com. I recently purchased a selection of decafeinated teas from the Teaman and am so pleased by the quality and flavor of the teas as well as the cost. His prices, even with shipping, are a steal especially when you compare them to the prices for flavored teas in the grocery store. Look him up at www.teaman.etsy.com! BTW - he also sells a line of flavored coffee.

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We are taking a week off from the craft fair circuit to get some things done around the house. Our next stop will be Schalmont High School, 1 Sabre Drive, Schenectady, NY 12306 on November 2, 2013 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. You can find Cruisin' Creations in space #24 in the high school lobby!

If that date isn't convenient for you my scarves, necklaces, bracelets and other items will be available for sale at the Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair from October 26, 2013 - December 14, 2013. Shaker Heritage Society is located at 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY 12211. It is right near the Albany International Airport. The fair runs Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. This is a very important fundraiser for the Shaker Heritage Society. Please patronize them!

See you November 2!!!

Whatever Happened to Customer Service?

It seems that customer service has all but disappeared in many businesses. Many more times than I can count in the past couple of years I have been shopping and searched for someone to provide help only to find them incompetent, impolite, or difficult to understand. At other times they were too busy having personal conversations with their coworkers, texting, or talking on the phone to assist a live body in front of them. I was becoming very discouraged over the state of customer service in business.

Then I came in contact with a business that has taken customer service to a whole new level. They want each of their customers to be 100% satisfied and will go to great lengths to achieve this. What is the name of this company, you ask? Cafepress.com!

We learned about Cafepress.com from our daughter who has ordered many items from them. She spoke very highly of them so when it came time for my husband and me to purchase novelty cellphone cases for our new phones we, naturally, went to Cafepress.com.

Shortly after my cellphone case arrived I received an email survey from Cafepress. I noted in the survey that the edges of my case were starting to wear and perhaps they should look into another process for printing the pictures on the cases. Within a very short period of time I received an email from Maura about my comment. I won't bore you with all of the details, but Cafepress is replacing the case at no extra charge. 

It is so refreshing to me to find a business that understands the importance of happy customers. Happy customers generate the best type of advertising, word of mouth. Happy customers will always send their family and friends to businesses generating many more sales for those businesses. Unhappy customers provide word of mouth advertising as well - negative. One unhappy customer can provide negative advertising to at least 100 people in a very short period of time causing a drop in sales.

So if you are a business reading this blog, please train your employees to provide the best service possible. It will pay off!

Check out all of the unique items they have available at www.cafepress.com!

Key West and All Its Finest

My husband and I just returned from a few days in Key West where we celebrated my recent retirement from teaching. Between my career and our children it has been 37 years since we were able to travel in October so we thought it would be a perfect time to head south. 

We arrived in time to walk to Duval St. for lunch and stopped by Jack Flats for some pub food and to toast retirement! Yummy and liberating are the best ways to describe that lunch! 

Our first impressions of Key West were that it is a very lush, quaint, quiet island. We quickly realized while it is lush, it is anything but quaint and quiet...

The weather was very hot and humid for October in Key West, but that didn't stop us from strolling down Duval St. We also toured the island by trolley, visited the Little White House, Earnest Hemingway's Home, enjoyed sunsets at Hot Tin Roof, and Sunset at the Top, cooled off in the water at Smathers Beach, visited the winery, and, of course, shopped.

We found Key West to be a very artsy community. There are several shops filled with the creations of local artists. We were especially taken by Alan S. Maltz, whose photography lined the breakfast area of our hotel. He does an amazing job of capturing the beauty of Key West and its landscape. You can check out his work at http://www.alanmaltz.com

We stayed at The Silver Palms on Truman Ave. This hotel is about 3 years old and offers clean large rooms with balconies, free parking, and a very nice pool. Its location was ideal for being close to the events on Duval St.

Our few days in Key West were very enjoyable, but we both decided that it was too unconventional for us to spend much time there. As we waited in the airport for our flight we caught a caption in the local newspaper under the photo of the "Citizen of the Day". This person has been living in Key West for quite some time and loves it because he doesn't know of any other place where he can run down the street with nothing on but a coconut on his head and no one cares. Really!!! This is what makes Key West a great place??? This comment is what makes this person a citizen of the day??? After our initial shock we just shook our heads and said, yes, that's Key West.

While we really did enjoy ourselves and were glad to get away for a few days I am very happy to be home living my "normal" life, back into my routine, and healthier eating habits. 


Craft shows for October include:
Oct. 12 - Rotterdam Senior Center, Rotterdam, NY - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Oct 19 - Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School, Burnt Hills, NY - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

There are still a few exclusive sets available. Mention this blog and receive 10% off of your purchase at these shows.

Remember to like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cruisincreations12

The Carrot Festival at Congregation Agudat Achim

My husband and I had the pleasure of spending a beautiful Sunday at the Carrot Festival at Congregation Agudat Achim on Union St. in Niskayuna, NY. The weather was gorgeous, the food was delicious, the music was superb, and the crowds were plentiful!

We never know who we are going to be placed next to at these events and most of the time we are fortunate enough to have very pleasant neighbors to visit with during the lulls. Yesterday was no exception. We met Kim, the owner of The Quiet Woods. Kim creates what she calls "tender jewelry" which is perfect for the those of us who are uncomfortable wearing or simply don't like the large, bulky jewelry which is so popular today. Each piece is original and hand crafted. I was impressed by her energy, ambition, enthusiasm, as well as her talents as an artist! Check out her website www.thequietwoods.com to learn more about Kim's creations.

Our booth was right outside the kitchen doors. We were treated to so many wonderful aromas from that kitchen all day long which, naturally, tempted us to sample many of the delicious foods. I can personally recommend the beef chili and the carrot cake. Both were filling and out of this world! If you would like to prepare some of these foods there is a cookbook available at the synogogue.

Kudos to the organizers of this event. There was a large group of volunteers who worked tirelessly on Sunday and for many weeks prior preparing all of the food that was served, setting up for the event, and of course, cleaning up after the event.

We are looking forward to our next event on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Rotterdam Senior Center, Hamburg St., Rotterdam. This Holiday and Seasonal Craft Fair runs from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm. Mention this blog and receive 10% off your entire purchase! Hope to see you there!

Please share this blog with your friends and ask them to like us on Facebook!

What are the scarves made of?

Many people are curious about the fiber content of the lacy scarves and necklaces that I make. They wonder where to find such fine yarn. Well, wonder no more.

The lacy scarves are made from a nylon yarn. After several attempts with plain white or beige cotton and other fibers I found this nylon yarn at Hobby Lobby in Latham, NY. The variety of vibrant colors immediately got me working on mixing different yarn colors and bead combinations. The result are the beautiful items that are for sale in my shop. 

When I started knitting the winter scarves last year I searched for a thin acrylic yarn that would accommodate small beads and began working with one of Vanna White's acrylic yarns that has a metallic thread running through it. The shimmer of the metallic thread and the beads created such a stunning effect that I couldn't stop making them. 

This year I received an order for a yellow scarf which took me out of my comfort zone since the Vanna White yarn doesn't come in yellow. This got me searching for different types of acrylic yarn. While most of them still have that metallic thread for extra shimmer I've found that some heavier yarns are coming out even more beautiful than last year's models. Check them out in my Etsy shop, cruisincreations.etsy.com or stop by one of the many craft fairs I will be at this fall to see these new items!

Craft Fair Update:
We had another great weekend at Eagle Mills Cider Company! Hats off to John who coordinated the event. He was very accommodating and kept everything running very smoothly. And, if you want delicious, cake like cider donuts the Eagle Mills Cider Company is the place to go!

Next stop? Congregation Agudat Achim Carrot Festival in Niskayuna, NY on Sunday, September 29. Stop by between 10:00 and 4:30 and get 10% off your purchase when you mention this blog.

Also, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, purchase any pink item online or at a fair and 10% of the purchase will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Can you help?
I'm working on getting 100 likes on my Facebook page by September 30. Please like my page: Facebook.com/cruisincreations12. Thank you for your help!

See you soon...Diane

A Chilly Weekend at Eagle Mills Cider Company

Spent an enjoyable weekend at Eagle Mills Cider Company's Craft Fair. The weather was crisp, the crafters plentiful, and the cider donuts delicious! I am looking forward to spending another weekend there on September 21 & 22!

As with all of the other craft fairs we've been involved with, we met some wonderful shoppers and crafters. Prior to the fair opening I had a moment to scope out some of the other booths. I spoke with Jeff from Laura's Lites Hand Crafted Gel Candles. Talk about authentic! If I hadn't known better I would have bet my day's earnings that the Coke glass candle was really coke with ice floating on top, the wine glass candle was really red wine, and the beer glass candle was really Sam Adams Octoberfest. For information on these candles go to www.picturetrail.com/lauraslites. 

Ms. Moose, aka Pegg Parker of Moose Mittens, has taken upcycling to a new level. I was so taken by her story as to how she gathers her materials, felts the wool, and achieves her designs. Pegg recycles old sweaters, corduroys, etc. that she has purchased from thrift stores into winter hats, mittens, and scarves. Her designs are unique, no two are alike, and are available in a variety of sizes. You can contact Ms. Moose at mydogkoder@hotmail.com for more information or to place an order. 

We're not sure whether being located next to Ye Olde TOFFEE Shoppe was a benefit or a hindrance since the smell of freshly made toffee and the free samples of their 14 different flavors of toffee were such a temptation all day. All of the toffee in this shop is made by one person and is sure to be fresh as it is made to order. I can assure you that all of their varieties are delicious! For more information go to www.gettoffee.com.

Looking forward to seeing you at Eagle Mills Cider Company in Broadalbin this weekend, tent #1, space 86. Can't make it? Maybe we will see you at another one of the fairs we are participating in this fall. Keep checking back to this blog for an updated events list. 

Live out of town? Shop our webpage, cruisincreations.etsy.com. Please share this information with your friends and family.

Here's another of the exclusive sets that are featured only at craft fairs this fall. This one is made from cream colored nylon yarn with green Russian serpentine chips knitted throughout. The beads give this set sort of a bohemian look. Imagine how striking it would look on a dark sweater. There's only one available so visit the fair early so you don't miss out!

Etsy Shops That Bear Notice

I recently discovered some shops on Etsy that bear mention in this blog.

JD Lord has some beautiful photos that have been incorporated into a variety of different items so if you don't have wall space you can still enjoy JD Lord's work. Check out JDLord.etsy.com to see all of the beautiful pieces that are available.

While everyone seems to be making jewelry these days, Purple Dragon Creation is another shop with unique and beautiful jewelry and the prices are very reasonable. Go to purpledragoncreation.etsy.com to view the full array of items in this shop.

Looking for candles, soaps, and other scented items? Look no further than ScentSmithStudios.etsy.com. In this shop you will find the typical jar candles along with some clever containers to place candles in. If candles aren't for you then check out the soaps, lotions and lip balms that are also available.

Kickinskreations has taken a common item, switch plates and turned them into works of art. You won't need pictures on your walls when you use these switch plate covers. Check out all  of the items available in this shop at kickinscreations.etsy.com.

There are so many talented artists on Etsy! 

I never miss the opportunity to promote one of my own creations and today is no different. I just re-listed this beautiful white acrylic scarf. It is so delicate and the way the metallic thread and silver beads shimmer in the light reminds me of freshly fallen snow in the sunshine. Its beauty does not take away from its functionality as it will keep you very warm on a cold winter day. Visit my shop cruisincreations.etsy.com to learn more about this scarf and many others that are available.



Off to Eagle Mills Cider Company, Broadalbin, NY this weekend. Saturday 9-5, Sunday 9-4. Hope to see you there! Mention this blog and receive 10% off your entire purchase!

Land of the free and home of the brave. 

God Bless America!

So much talent!

Had a wonderful weekend at the Shaker Heritage Society Craft Fair in Albany, NY. The weather was perfect on Saturday and could have been the same Sunday but the wind decided to pick up and wreak havoc on our display. We met many wonderful people and were fortunate enough to be located between two very talented men who both sell framed art. That is where the similarity ends.

On my right was Jeffrey Gardner, owner of JL Photography. Jeff has a great eye and takes photos of scenery that "capture the natural and iconic beauty of America." His photos are framed in rustic barn board frames which he makes himself. These frames suit the photos very well. You can check out his photos at www.jlgardnerphotography.com.

On my left was Scott Zampier, owner of Earthy Originals, "artwork that blossoms." Scott has developed a new form of photography calls scanography. He arranges fresh flowers, which he grows in his many gardens, on his scanner and magically creates the beautiful still life photos which he sells as note cards, greeting cards and framed art. You can check out Scott's creations at www.earthyoriginals.com.

Not too far from me was another very creative designer, Winifred White. Winnie handcrafts handbags from upholstery fabric. They are durable, well constructed, and the upholstery patterns give each bag a unique look. You can check out her creations at www.winniesoriginals.com.

There were many talented artists at Shaker Heritage Society. Many of these artists, as well as Cruisin' Creations, will be selling their creations at the Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair. The Christmas Craft Fair will run from Saturday, October 26, 2013 - Saturday, December 14, 2013. The craft fair will be open Monday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Eagle Mills Cider Company, 383 County Road 138, Broadalbin, NY is our next stop. Cruisin' Creations will be inside tent one, space #86 on September 14, 15, 21, & 22. Saturday hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Sunday hours are 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

We will be featuring our exclusive necklace and bracelet sets. This set pictured is an 18" white necklace and 7" - 8" bracelet with iris sapphire fire polished beads. It is stunning and the only one I have available.

Can't make it to the Eagle Mills Craft Fair? You can always shop on our website cruisincreations.etsy.com

Looking forward to seeing you at Eagle Mills!
Diane

Busy September

How I am looking forward to the weekends in September! That is when I will have the opportunity to meet the many new people who visit the Cruisin' Creations booth at each of the craft fairs I will be participating in! You can find a full list of craft fairs in the upcoming events section of this blog.

These craft fairs are special this year because along with selling many of the items you can find in my Etsy shop, cruisincreations.etsy.com, I will be selling some exclusive necklace and bracelet sets. These sets are combinations of nylon yarn and unique beads that can be difficult to find. For that reason these sets are only available at these craft fairs.

One of the exclusive necklace and bracelet sets.
Almost 100 Czech Fire Polished beads adorn this necklace and bracelet set.

 

Along with reading this blog, like us on Facebook, facebook.com/cruisincreations12, to keep up with the happenings are Cruisin' Creations!

Where did the name Cruisin' Creations come from?

Many of my customers ask why my business is named Cruisin' Creations. Well, the answer is very simple. As I was deciding on the direction my business was going to take I thought the name should reflect one of my favorite past times just as the items I sell reflect my enjoyment of crafting. For my husband and me the best way to travel is to cruise and I love to create using many different mediums so we decided that the name of this business should be Cruisin' Creations.

My creations reflect the light, warm, airy environment in the Caribbean. Many of the colors are reminiscent of our cruises and the colors we see on many of the Caribbean islands. Check them out in my shop cruisincreations.etsy.com.

If you've never been on a cruise I highly recommend it. The ships are gorgeous, the food is to die for, and the service is superb! And they're a bargain compared to other forms of travel.

Welcome to my blog!

After many months of contemplating starting a blog I have finally decided to take the plunge. This blog will be a place to learn about new items for sale in my shop, find answers to frequently asked questions about my items, find out where Cruisin Creations will be selling locally, and be introduced to other talented crafters.

So, let's get started with a brief introduction of how Cruisin Creations got started.

I love to craft. Since the age of 9 when my mother enrolled me in a local 4-H club I have been drawn to crafting especially sewing, and embroidery. For many years I made all of my own clothing, and turned my passion for creating into two different careers as a teacher and as the owner of a clothing alterations business.

A couple of years ago a friend of mine mentioned that she wanted to learn how to loom knit. I had been thinking about learning how to knit, but never got to it so I investigated loom knitting. I found that I had actually learned how to loom knit when I was about 5 years old. The new looms are simply larger than the one I used at that time. After making several hats and scarves which I donated to charity I decided to venture into more creative projects and started making beaded cotton scarves which I gave as gifts. The cotton, I found, was not the best material to use so I did some shopping and found a wonderful nylon yarn that works perfectly. I love knitting these scarves but can give just so many as gifts so I thought perhaps I should start selling them.

That's when another friend told me about Etsy. After much research I decided that Etsy was where I should sell my scarves, necklaces, bracelets and other items. In April, 2012 I opened my Etsy shop!

Cruisin Creations is a labor of love. Creating after a long day at work clears my head, and grounds me making life so much more enjoyable.

So, please visit my shop www.cruisincreations.etsy.com and let me know what you think.

Hope to hear from you soon...Diane