tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20836832716234502972024-02-02T14:15:42.678-08:00Cruisin' ChroniclesCruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-30094741271749852262023-08-12T08:41:00.001-07:002023-08-12T08:41:25.902-07:00We're Excited To Announce!<p> We're excited to announce that Cruisin' Creations pine needle baskets are now available at: </p><p>Catskill Mountain Woodworking</p><p>431 Main St</p><p>Catskill, NY </p><p>518-947-4445</p><p>catskillmountainwoodworking.com</p><p>This is a delightful shop in the heart of Catskill. Shop their handcrafted wood products made from locally sourced material as well as many unique and useful gifts and pantry items. </p><p>Here are a few of our creations available at Catskill Mountain Woodworking...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fOiAJtYQqeVd41Vg45WEqlkU2gYyuGAMjHWH20DDdrmuj1Q1vxgAiHO0cT2s-TCldMpkHRGAKjoRnsoPh6pMJaCUClk1qHs3bglZAsoDa9n5wRJsl28suoPEAXTUapiuR3iTjAwIcVf2rY8JOvxyJ34D3v4YwDlFUKCZPnEPdjeZWjsWmCaqX7Frx0A/s2893/DSC01143%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2893" data-original-width="2889" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fOiAJtYQqeVd41Vg45WEqlkU2gYyuGAMjHWH20DDdrmuj1Q1vxgAiHO0cT2s-TCldMpkHRGAKjoRnsoPh6pMJaCUClk1qHs3bglZAsoDa9n5wRJsl28suoPEAXTUapiuR3iTjAwIcVf2rY8JOvxyJ34D3v4YwDlFUKCZPnEPdjeZWjsWmCaqX7Frx0A/s320/DSC01143%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuPBjszvo2f0aD5A13Vaq8Boa7FsyQp0VJiYzwFDUYnBztemfrpv7s7AlcggHOqRxgrBnCUE9jPTCGemNlXT6gB8lg4SH8SPZ41Tn2VVfbJOi-ooMtf6wrcn5zJxld15BFtUpeA3kqZq0qH1Sz0XSMOTyUevhN3ShqmY2X4mjYXONo7eaOeg9zGCVA-A/s3331/DSC02175%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3116" data-original-width="3331" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuPBjszvo2f0aD5A13Vaq8Boa7FsyQp0VJiYzwFDUYnBztemfrpv7s7AlcggHOqRxgrBnCUE9jPTCGemNlXT6gB8lg4SH8SPZ41Tn2VVfbJOi-ooMtf6wrcn5zJxld15BFtUpeA3kqZq0qH1Sz0XSMOTyUevhN3ShqmY2X4mjYXONo7eaOeg9zGCVA-A/s320/DSC02175%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenhYJqK4bcK3B6J7s3y90R9XdwCJKLJaeNnGTrVPxeaAvYetPNTUCzAqtIvNVChT78VAHjeuaWXKy-d8DHlFe4VFni-LETIOfLQ6DLZ1VjXs0hgh20TP8qQ-L8K-L54O1d1V_9b8bcWRlXUVtJfEqh0FbvQjXYAh1ZPqRNPGIU5aqGUWmkclZR5FY4E0/s2855/DSC00553%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="2811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenhYJqK4bcK3B6J7s3y90R9XdwCJKLJaeNnGTrVPxeaAvYetPNTUCzAqtIvNVChT78VAHjeuaWXKy-d8DHlFe4VFni-LETIOfLQ6DLZ1VjXs0hgh20TP8qQ-L8K-L54O1d1V_9b8bcWRlXUVtJfEqh0FbvQjXYAh1ZPqRNPGIU5aqGUWmkclZR5FY4E0/s320/DSC00553%20(2).JPG" width="315" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We are also available at The Schenectady Trading Company, 609 Union St, Schenectady, NY. theschenectadytradingcompany.com</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Until Next Time...<div><br /></div><div>Diane<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-82800639182579986152022-12-18T11:27:00.001-08:002022-12-18T11:27:40.798-08:00Thank You!!!<p> Santa and I are humbled by your appreciation of our work and your support when you purchase many of our creations! </p><p>Thank you seems like so little to express how much we appreciate you as you continue to support our small businesses, (Cruisin' Creations and Santa Snacks LLC), during these times of record grocery bills and high gas prices.</p><p>Along with supporting our small business you are helping a local charity. Your purchases from Cruisin' Creations have allowed us to make a record donation to Operation Shoebox! Operation Shoebox is located in Belleview Florida. It is an organization that sends care packages to active military all over the world. </p><p>As you can imagine the need is great for treats to send the troops as well as money for postage. Would you like to help Operation Shoebox? Visit their website - operationshoebox.com or mail donations to:</p><p>Operation Shoebox</p><p>8360 East Highway 25</p><p>Belleview, Florida 34420</p><p>Follow them on Facebook too at https://www.facebook.com/operationshoeboxusa</p><p>We are taking a little time off to recharge after a very busy 2022. We are also working on new ideas for 2023!</p><p>We wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a very Blessed New Year!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OhetvcgIWhxSnlBvNGxis0HOG58XbDjAJmLexi7uPvEiC63caQsHxLSCSwZPu7l1PKTLcWqmge51aaKbeR6zatdHb8Ghu2CujmuJTpDUASye1w66V44kd86dXjWIRImynoMwaot2rh_Y-bbseqXunV83USo3cBos3CBgToGmJYvlpgeF3SAAYtoS/s800/happy_new_year.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OhetvcgIWhxSnlBvNGxis0HOG58XbDjAJmLexi7uPvEiC63caQsHxLSCSwZPu7l1PKTLcWqmge51aaKbeR6zatdHb8Ghu2CujmuJTpDUASye1w66V44kd86dXjWIRImynoMwaot2rh_Y-bbseqXunV83USo3cBos3CBgToGmJYvlpgeF3SAAYtoS/s320/happy_new_year.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Until Next Time...</p><p>Diane </p>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-91848927862871843192022-07-25T07:04:00.003-07:002022-07-25T07:04:23.248-07:00Just Like Coming Home...<p>Driving into the Adirondacks is like coming home after a long trip. The farther north we drive the more the stress melts away. There's something about the mountains, pine trees, lakes, and smell of campfires that makes us feel at home. While we didn't grow up in the Adirondacks we have spent enough time camping there to appreciate all that they have to offer.</p><p>Northville, NY is a quaint town nestled in the Adirondacks on Sacandaga Lake. It is the quintessential little town with a 5 & dine store, tavern, small inn, and homes. Very inviting. And Northville is where the Northville Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend takes place every July.</p><p>This year felt just like coming home. We have become acquainted with many of the other artists there, and were greeted as if we were old friends. The banter that went on with the artists we were near gave us a strong sense of belonging. And the shoppers in Northville did not disappoint.</p><p>We are so thankful for the sales, for the camaraderie, and for our surroundings. And we are so thankful for the blasts from the past - those people we've lost touch with who unexpectedly appear at the show to say, "Hi."</p><p>So, while thank you seems like so little for all that we received recently, we want to say THANK YOU! to all who stopped by to say, "Hi." as well as those who decided to spend their hard earned money on Santa's delicious gourmet seasoned pretzels as well as my pine needle baskets, keyrings, ornaments, and fused glass trinket dishes! </p><p>We're looking forward to seeing you at many of our other shows this craft show season.</p><p>Our next stop? Speculator, NY on August 11. Visit us and approximately 100 other artists at Routes 8 & 30 in Speculator NY. Support the Hamilton County TWIGS who raise money to help first responders and fire personnel. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What's New?</h2><div>I've been working on many new basket designs as well as many of the fan favorites. Here are a few new ones that will be available for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Remember...it's never too early to pick up holiday gifts!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gjwxg23_dKMXj7rR4_YcKWAcRBEpObVPh1tqfH_dkn02JLrVbNHwLoadFThGpqkvFNLUvUN9WYVC9fS8ucG7uJ9QbmO9hp6EDHEnwJ_evS5OgAjKZOPMO-cVEEnEuZnMiYmNlRMrYvB4PfFfGV-zViQvokbmVV-whqfcBgvqk8iemB1HciF-p_ww/s2975/DSC00405%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2975" data-original-width="2909" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gjwxg23_dKMXj7rR4_YcKWAcRBEpObVPh1tqfH_dkn02JLrVbNHwLoadFThGpqkvFNLUvUN9WYVC9fS8ucG7uJ9QbmO9hp6EDHEnwJ_evS5OgAjKZOPMO-cVEEnEuZnMiYmNlRMrYvB4PfFfGV-zViQvokbmVV-whqfcBgvqk8iemB1HciF-p_ww/s320/DSC00405%20(2).JPG" width="313" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfvt40RLXjCUtNrw8U0j7i7ZwYrSms265VBe3buxiUyEDnBIsYDtXLRbwGYGe2R3Z5Ys1anPG8wBiIQFhpATl6Jfds_K8xq9MevqKkhhviCfDDnYLVhK81v8zl7UIIyqSt3WcSEJ7bIg1aD8ApUpTQVsX2fQsAAosXlR_oyoIfVsBnMpyUzjbgXJB/s3396/DSC00527%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2537" data-original-width="3396" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfvt40RLXjCUtNrw8U0j7i7ZwYrSms265VBe3buxiUyEDnBIsYDtXLRbwGYGe2R3Z5Ys1anPG8wBiIQFhpATl6Jfds_K8xq9MevqKkhhviCfDDnYLVhK81v8zl7UIIyqSt3WcSEJ7bIg1aD8ApUpTQVsX2fQsAAosXlR_oyoIfVsBnMpyUzjbgXJB/s320/DSC00527%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzybcmfQrcNAZH6SDTzJ5EHS9qD3XaiaiqJUHnCFj0HelhG_eraOf716O6IjbuTb25w-S-qJvPnAUIN7CDmRaX8g9fLzKsDL0L2i--6sw8GIxR-zWHTqZ34DZjrtBMCgRQ_6zTRRWn3jl9RIskj9bBaCjt6zT_c_KBhEiOAhnLFmY6qzbXSEW5xwS/s2620/DSC00539%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2591" data-original-width="2620" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzybcmfQrcNAZH6SDTzJ5EHS9qD3XaiaiqJUHnCFj0HelhG_eraOf716O6IjbuTb25w-S-qJvPnAUIN7CDmRaX8g9fLzKsDL0L2i--6sw8GIxR-zWHTqZ34DZjrtBMCgRQ_6zTRRWn3jl9RIskj9bBaCjt6zT_c_KBhEiOAhnLFmY6qzbXSEW5xwS/s320/DSC00539%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUcVLWDZi2I_JoSB42iEvLpSiSkdWP-xRjLnL-BGNENzDbESSuEScKklRFR6xLJJxJWJCfW6m--L8q_71U5469jFmDT0_R4kSAwvmwhMiIf_K7vel-ZSn8N1ejJhmPpeJtWbW50eqWZYlYJyDrxUyhddQ-I37g3n66bsdJaYNgAnAYFCDqHTWNkdn/s2855/DSC00553%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="2811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUcVLWDZi2I_JoSB42iEvLpSiSkdWP-xRjLnL-BGNENzDbESSuEScKklRFR6xLJJxJWJCfW6m--L8q_71U5469jFmDT0_R4kSAwvmwhMiIf_K7vel-ZSn8N1ejJhmPpeJtWbW50eqWZYlYJyDrxUyhddQ-I37g3n66bsdJaYNgAnAYFCDqHTWNkdn/s320/DSC00553%20(2).JPG" width="315" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3kemEAFb9yizmhnvwZUWaKUC9ryAFJuWGZpxWIuzh7_Ct6dtC8Yz7me0o0AXvdh3m_w-X0abumPJSDzVMDAXhz05lsWEkqAs1hoJgS3IZvUpSJuE3DWIC2YyQRuqdyuDM1-VeHtnMXDUsWIdyPBxfMik953P97IKVZ58k4503v8epHKQiOvYZiw0/s2436/DSC00560%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2393" data-original-width="2436" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV3kemEAFb9yizmhnvwZUWaKUC9ryAFJuWGZpxWIuzh7_Ct6dtC8Yz7me0o0AXvdh3m_w-X0abumPJSDzVMDAXhz05lsWEkqAs1hoJgS3IZvUpSJuE3DWIC2YyQRuqdyuDM1-VeHtnMXDUsWIdyPBxfMik953P97IKVZ58k4503v8epHKQiOvYZiw0/s320/DSC00560%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8EAMUwpmcJ32KXHqO7ssOlp2eaZD-_ycUdQkqUoSoCSDQyxRMvpNqcFZJPGk6O8zS28DsE55uybA81HGZfTPGCTr8C3RM6wJhPf-SeSWcHuDAOttq5rZbfXdcUJe5GLI6TooPBcTJA7E7nvQGpK-uXHOu5xGEPXP6V-dUHX9C5XO_A5yXk7tHdUa/s2874/DSC09874%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2831" data-original-width="2874" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8EAMUwpmcJ32KXHqO7ssOlp2eaZD-_ycUdQkqUoSoCSDQyxRMvpNqcFZJPGk6O8zS28DsE55uybA81HGZfTPGCTr8C3RM6wJhPf-SeSWcHuDAOttq5rZbfXdcUJe5GLI6TooPBcTJA7E7nvQGpK-uXHOu5xGEPXP6V-dUHX9C5XO_A5yXk7tHdUa/s320/DSC09874%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2cEUBxxv6fEKtC2td3J3zxVFmMb6o4DBwNszMZ4PKefXfBpDUqwhUeJAUoKX6zWuwTYEnjR0hfOTkHw83FIphPF4O-M7gO4xDAvEBGSZDVT4qHk6_Buhj4Q5MLi65a0ZFJ6Lcy3wpbesqITIRLNqDqZeUNCLVdkeUP-2mLhGyMz4Rg_3gKuSGDZL/s2036/DSC00584%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2036" data-original-width="2035" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2cEUBxxv6fEKtC2td3J3zxVFmMb6o4DBwNszMZ4PKefXfBpDUqwhUeJAUoKX6zWuwTYEnjR0hfOTkHw83FIphPF4O-M7gO4xDAvEBGSZDVT4qHk6_Buhj4Q5MLi65a0ZFJ6Lcy3wpbesqITIRLNqDqZeUNCLVdkeUP-2mLhGyMz4Rg_3gKuSGDZL/s320/DSC00584%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqUIaDq4br5gUyMb4SW_8b99iHalCdf-e2yW4ZomxDWdOX12Eu0Ca9JHY2DSL6JFynGvly2q21V0-Z9joJjCZuw-5PU2_XAa7b4vSEB3DyQzsg4uZQYLWG7Ey8Pkk2dhU_6XQ65-Th5veu9ZjyfH7Z2u8ezZbUC25CU-mPeO_nikuwFVYjwQSKGwY/s3151/DSC00350%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2958" data-original-width="3151" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqUIaDq4br5gUyMb4SW_8b99iHalCdf-e2yW4ZomxDWdOX12Eu0Ca9JHY2DSL6JFynGvly2q21V0-Z9joJjCZuw-5PU2_XAa7b4vSEB3DyQzsg4uZQYLWG7Ey8Pkk2dhU_6XQ65-Th5veu9ZjyfH7Z2u8ezZbUC25CU-mPeO_nikuwFVYjwQSKGwY/s320/DSC00350%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See you in Speculator!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until Next Time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Diane</div><br /><div><br /></div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-86970275093950926842022-06-12T09:10:00.003-07:002022-06-12T09:10:50.699-07:00New Skills Continued<p> Back in February I mentioned that I am learning a new craft - glass fusion. It has been the bane of my existence as well as a very enjoyable experience. The more pieces I make the more addicted I become! </p><p>Two of the things I've had to adjust to the most are the lack of instant gratification (Once I finish a basket, it's finished. No waiting. That's not the case with glass fusion.) and relying on someone else to place and fire my designs. Yes, I can see my designs coming together as I glue pieces of glass onto a sheet of glass; however, it takes several firings to get that sheet of glass into the desired melted stage and shape. </p><p>So, how does one make a dish or other item in glass fusion? I like to begin with a solid sheet of glass, generally clear, but other colors have also been used. I cut the pieces of the design I am making then place them on the sheet of glass. Once I'm happy with the design, I take a picture to see if there are any glaring mistakes and make any necessary adjustments. Once that is done the pieces are removed then glued in place using watered down glue. I've learned that it's important to make sure the glue is dry before putting the finished piece into the kiln. If it's not dry the pieces could shift. There goes your design!</p><p>The photos below show the beginning of the design, the pieces coming together and the finished product.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Tgy7c2DcMM5mMX2z1NL9jq65DDFc196cVmCq9xOMmMZRo9UXA2mxAs1B8oVGFLqsnBDAW2cvdQbygZdTTPKTaBywrM89iRU4t0T3iAEDuomE1JE7lOkquod_IZNFOkmUMsDdTpn5rqXieHbfjzfbsClPXyRFlZYJq1hoMB6S4-iey6bzgKjXQpsA/s2888/wave%201%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2888" data-original-width="2741" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Tgy7c2DcMM5mMX2z1NL9jq65DDFc196cVmCq9xOMmMZRo9UXA2mxAs1B8oVGFLqsnBDAW2cvdQbygZdTTPKTaBywrM89iRU4t0T3iAEDuomE1JE7lOkquod_IZNFOkmUMsDdTpn5rqXieHbfjzfbsClPXyRFlZYJq1hoMB6S4-iey6bzgKjXQpsA/s320/wave%201%20(2).jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7FBfNZ5jW9wTbQ0hnPY4fr8fdq_qHuvvGz6fAidTTs2YoyLPUiKVARfZrv0h-giiHp9DRznVu60gT7rt6K3JzSE46JnlSsEPRA9QG1FcrSBY00ttkyGuBC87gjUCTcUnZMeHOHUyJmWqf3Eov9L4kxRWvnnr2vRZdJjRFJQMgpHRPfgh2uoRbDRn/s2671/wave%202%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2564" data-original-width="2671" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7FBfNZ5jW9wTbQ0hnPY4fr8fdq_qHuvvGz6fAidTTs2YoyLPUiKVARfZrv0h-giiHp9DRznVu60gT7rt6K3JzSE46JnlSsEPRA9QG1FcrSBY00ttkyGuBC87gjUCTcUnZMeHOHUyJmWqf3Eov9L4kxRWvnnr2vRZdJjRFJQMgpHRPfgh2uoRbDRn/s320/wave%202%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Once the design is securely glued it's time to decide how to fire it. There's tack, contour, full, and bubble. The higher the heat the more the glass will melt together. Naturally, it makes sense to start with the least amount of melting, tack, then go up if the design is not melted enough. The wave below was fired on contour. Much to my dismay it melted more than other contour pieces I had fired so I added more blue glass as well as white frit and tacked them to add more dimension. I debated on whether to slump it into a square dish, but decided against it. This wave was too big of a design for me to tackle as a beginner so it's not my best work, but it does look pretty above our kitchen cabinets. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMgWX-JGSMxl-1o7H6q3_DzJFHUDr8y48OEoaGjp44uDtrT3OW18yXcfWQqIvC7u20ifeoPsqCoiZQWgnxPfLPi8fT0OtXeiVchrsX8lZDgH2dOuHx90IqqpvpGm8Xg0US0RTwwVTNXp_0oSNGwbwa9SsSzb10ftHm2ocZNIJSKVvJYlRUpD-Z284/s3262/DSC00381%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2898" data-original-width="3262" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMgWX-JGSMxl-1o7H6q3_DzJFHUDr8y48OEoaGjp44uDtrT3OW18yXcfWQqIvC7u20ifeoPsqCoiZQWgnxPfLPi8fT0OtXeiVchrsX8lZDgH2dOuHx90IqqpvpGm8Xg0US0RTwwVTNXp_0oSNGwbwa9SsSzb10ftHm2ocZNIJSKVvJYlRUpD-Z284/s320/DSC00381%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Other pieces have not been as involved. I tend to be a very symmetrical person. I guess that's why I liked geometry so much as a high school sophomore. Watching other club members turn out the most beautiful asymmetrical designs is challenging me to do the same. While I have not done any yet, I have purchased some gorgeous pieces of glass and am working on designing some pieces that are out of my comfort zone. Watch for more fused glass photos in the future! <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Below are a few more pieces I've made. They're in no particular order. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTAEKNVjj4lDz2i3LQUhp6WZKkc28BSdM02LLPX-JUhudr0O3AMCGYrX4JIMkc-OS_bKWAsqTy1cA-5KYGfGA9RZTJ-CW7-vjkWsb8xRoGVCLsSBjuIC8qVvrdSURI_uFbzwwKjsDstaaBIb1bpYFlUaayrwmXqwsaUJaYVVNttG09SIsfWjcEbY3/s2882/union%20jack%20edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="2882" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTAEKNVjj4lDz2i3LQUhp6WZKkc28BSdM02LLPX-JUhudr0O3AMCGYrX4JIMkc-OS_bKWAsqTy1cA-5KYGfGA9RZTJ-CW7-vjkWsb8xRoGVCLsSBjuIC8qVvrdSURI_uFbzwwKjsDstaaBIb1bpYFlUaayrwmXqwsaUJaYVVNttG09SIsfWjcEbY3/s320/union%20jack%20edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wC-7dw061lxg2ziV_lo1gig79nDXkNMm-effgQ6OJ-j5BGXHYPbuchJyPMD-6oFbXpfS65jS0tWjajeC-s5Q26p6aglG0c7mInenLiisUtuR_fo2SK2D12EtnJno9PpKpqHPDRhnCiGHM-gGLHSlB9WmO-oo6N8bT3U4CxzpV0jWEvRpQo4kPKt1/s3438/DSC00389%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3366" data-original-width="3438" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wC-7dw061lxg2ziV_lo1gig79nDXkNMm-effgQ6OJ-j5BGXHYPbuchJyPMD-6oFbXpfS65jS0tWjajeC-s5Q26p6aglG0c7mInenLiisUtuR_fo2SK2D12EtnJno9PpKpqHPDRhnCiGHM-gGLHSlB9WmO-oo6N8bT3U4CxzpV0jWEvRpQo4kPKt1/s320/DSC00389%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unfortunately, the clear plastic plate stands are not sturdy enough to hold these heavy plates so the black metal shows through the dragonfly design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0jNXrfwUHyzNw6ngNZ82ys_PHVlQgT8fP3fRexHU728bqyPzL548guevKPXH-HoVvO5whU9w3HdOCIpBI4YS1TcqercUNLo2QNkzLDBMt96gNYRGYEHs4PBa4IW9Q00rG93LUu2zp2ftr8m57nKAztSTKB8IXhTC-F0HTBQQvjLDlwqvT2mzRT4Z/s2848/DSC00384%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2626" data-original-width="2848" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0jNXrfwUHyzNw6ngNZ82ys_PHVlQgT8fP3fRexHU728bqyPzL548guevKPXH-HoVvO5whU9w3HdOCIpBI4YS1TcqercUNLo2QNkzLDBMt96gNYRGYEHs4PBa4IW9Q00rG93LUu2zp2ftr8m57nKAztSTKB8IXhTC-F0HTBQQvjLDlwqvT2mzRT4Z/s320/DSC00384%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The round and square mosaic dishes will be available for sale at our craft shows this season. There are only a few; when they're gone, they're gone. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxNUiddz8oJgqseKc3SeeLM3rBgiXImMh_OKJspbsVQtCAJDFoDYAXJZ3h0nwPl-654zOrfGPQj6O3_Fv_bks-zpgK5645OiJ6YIkZcCXxuRZDnhprZAU0J1hbvLaU_g9pXsNcpv_SRWULIzRCcM2fUHOCqqMoo2wO3PLuP7Eoi0yNlQToQoa8zt_/s3745/DSC00395%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3234" data-original-width="3745" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxNUiddz8oJgqseKc3SeeLM3rBgiXImMh_OKJspbsVQtCAJDFoDYAXJZ3h0nwPl-654zOrfGPQj6O3_Fv_bks-zpgK5645OiJ6YIkZcCXxuRZDnhprZAU0J1hbvLaU_g9pXsNcpv_SRWULIzRCcM2fUHOCqqMoo2wO3PLuP7Eoi0yNlQToQoa8zt_/s320/DSC00395%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjziDlRJEh43YB4KVe5F_812bjNTfAdDzpMZL95j43F4bqFmP3Q0yj2j8BTIio2cJtRF-TGjLlPih-Q5_-uywx4rEVdYcs1OP8ZFrA2Xnd7-qlxadwkzMnQyOYniNZCs-oJM9RCkuXCoAeskcZpACjq_bFh3ExMbjwXNlTkxlH-QRRt5sSo4wB73o/s3304/DSC00399%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3304" data-original-width="3230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjziDlRJEh43YB4KVe5F_812bjNTfAdDzpMZL95j43F4bqFmP3Q0yj2j8BTIio2cJtRF-TGjLlPih-Q5_-uywx4rEVdYcs1OP8ZFrA2Xnd7-qlxadwkzMnQyOYniNZCs-oJM9RCkuXCoAeskcZpACjq_bFh3ExMbjwXNlTkxlH-QRRt5sSo4wB73o/s320/DSC00399%20(2).JPG" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what do you think of my first fused glass creations?</div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Upcoming Events</h2><div>We are a month away from the start of our craft show season! Join us at the Northville Rotary's Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend 2022, July 15 - 17 in Northville, NY. You can check out many of the artists and their wares on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/223659131530990</div><div><br /></div><div>Until Next Time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane</div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p></div></div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-79111555692014458592022-02-01T07:32:00.002-08:002022-02-01T07:33:43.041-08:00New Skills<p> Every now and then something happens in life that takes us out of our comfort zone and down a new path. That happened recently when a friend asked me to sign her up for a glass fusion club in our community. I decided to sign myself up at the same time. </p><p>One of the prerequisites of joining the club is to take a 3 hour introductory class. We took that class about a week ago. I was completely out of my element. Being a person who picks up most crafts quickly I found myself fumbling and wondering if this was a craft for me. I found the tools to be a bit tricky to operate at first and there's a whole new vocabulary to learn. The saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." came to mind several times during the class.</p><p>We made soap dishes and trinket dishes during the class. This is how mine turned out. I guess you can teach an old dog some new tricks!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLhgh7AJj77AWQTtOMvoNFhG6XEYJx6quJFgrtTdQhQ_nVxpayYLjtduYbIJnZ0Lf7Lkj9oXJHqH3Fi9K-jvS6YF5cK4UCupBQvq5Ou1AbXJcxb8EkEn7oMMXF1FD3VRf83fHui7Oui6om8Ena86hQkzwmmtW7u0Gd9YELM6jzChZhlbKHek31Noed=s2911" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2206" data-original-width="2911" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLhgh7AJj77AWQTtOMvoNFhG6XEYJx6quJFgrtTdQhQ_nVxpayYLjtduYbIJnZ0Lf7Lkj9oXJHqH3Fi9K-jvS6YF5cK4UCupBQvq5Ou1AbXJcxb8EkEn7oMMXF1FD3VRf83fHui7Oui6om8Ena86hQkzwmmtW7u0Gd9YELM6jzChZhlbKHek31Noed=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9lq7cbBuNF6rhmf4-qe0J2k8bizd5roktSUQKVx7fS2E_06aLWiqV-MM-0qAXi-Qza-reeWUFiojbyH-dYxB-8-RZcvmIzj1sSToEP9IKdPaPZ82_LN088SInCVlPtnQlPFrqLmLn0beAbECwj_Ht2HqNrRMoyBYhc7ajruAvo8ntBIj9c4EjVhbG=s2811" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2811" data-original-width="2738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9lq7cbBuNF6rhmf4-qe0J2k8bizd5roktSUQKVx7fS2E_06aLWiqV-MM-0qAXi-Qza-reeWUFiojbyH-dYxB-8-RZcvmIzj1sSToEP9IKdPaPZ82_LN088SInCVlPtnQlPFrqLmLn0beAbECwj_Ht2HqNrRMoyBYhc7ajruAvo8ntBIj9c4EjVhbG=s320" width="312" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since taking the class I have ordered a number of supplies and have found inspiration for several items I want to make. I'm really looking forward to that first meeting which will take place next week! </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned for periodic updates!</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">New Inventory</h3><div>Currently we are building new inventory for you to enjoy during our craft show season. We have many new charms for ornaments, new bases for keyrings, and always a new series of baskets for you to enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Below is a recent shipment of charms that arrived at our studio. Do you have a favorite or a suggestion for a themed ornament?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgkVNu7NG3KykNMVG2r_dEDogFnwIDizZduXQcBOMCKTGPfAMljtqFZfDmwqDQfOfVlKgpobhC8fHa2l9yTjyBiJu9bwHgtouA1ygBeeKpuH4JpuaQb8BEJyRxUm9pQjq6YyH2Pj5C-PCy5kSGr9pSdERDo341p5HM71VcLrlBuBwyEcQjWCf934mG=s3974" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3150" data-original-width="3974" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgkVNu7NG3KykNMVG2r_dEDogFnwIDizZduXQcBOMCKTGPfAMljtqFZfDmwqDQfOfVlKgpobhC8fHa2l9yTjyBiJu9bwHgtouA1ygBeeKpuH4JpuaQb8BEJyRxUm9pQjq6YyH2Pj5C-PCy5kSGr9pSdERDo341p5HM71VcLrlBuBwyEcQjWCf934mG=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRD_5kdm9YSWOinZeagRKVP8Qj8jTZig2equ1AVx9FuzHyJRQwhbKoJ_CXpYn5rRcimtO0ecm_WtLfmuhE3CevHoACpUpp9QjbJM_8e3wMwyohE0Z1hzANhGP-oBDBVTO95KdPFwLNSJuP3bfxJ0pgUZkm2qn3T6Gedx3Ca0MPBfPulnTr3IDqZI19=s2664" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2331" data-original-width="2664" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRD_5kdm9YSWOinZeagRKVP8Qj8jTZig2equ1AVx9FuzHyJRQwhbKoJ_CXpYn5rRcimtO0ecm_WtLfmuhE3CevHoACpUpp9QjbJM_8e3wMwyohE0Z1hzANhGP-oBDBVTO95KdPFwLNSJuP3bfxJ0pgUZkm2qn3T6Gedx3Ca0MPBfPulnTr3IDqZI19=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirN8MzDD8mC8-HYAIUPVGSsimEkGRdqyyfu6aj8WBHtRbjjKv2Rongjlqa8sO-DNVA-sP2Qj9T8v4KUYm8mtrOv8YIsXXjPNsBb4qaX6PFCkuckONZeMUxZg5NmXCQITbNjf8JXdYCVr4lNT8KzdOohRLxGn44_y2pEpQutHCwOHWq8paSBegcByU5=s2330" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2210" data-original-width="2330" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirN8MzDD8mC8-HYAIUPVGSsimEkGRdqyyfu6aj8WBHtRbjjKv2Rongjlqa8sO-DNVA-sP2Qj9T8v4KUYm8mtrOv8YIsXXjPNsBb4qaX6PFCkuckONZeMUxZg5NmXCQITbNjf8JXdYCVr4lNT8KzdOohRLxGn44_y2pEpQutHCwOHWq8paSBegcByU5=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWV0XjIHc5Frl7P4QqLT1sGu2JAvQPlNjAE_vyYnLK59wWH-ZBO7rLxvB4j3xkVdUH56Z-bpWiz5tW0nsq9paAcV5p8uA-gHKQAO7D9IX8GVdW3-xxQB6sCCgHpTortZ58HbhofBBi0Xlc09oqIKV_WTzTmJbzmKUK1zVN0oFwocl2r7wXSr1xaYMe=s2672" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2672" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWV0XjIHc5Frl7P4QqLT1sGu2JAvQPlNjAE_vyYnLK59wWH-ZBO7rLxvB4j3xkVdUH56Z-bpWiz5tW0nsq9paAcV5p8uA-gHKQAO7D9IX8GVdW3-xxQB6sCCgHpTortZ58HbhofBBi0Xlc09oqIKV_WTzTmJbzmKUK1zVN0oFwocl2r7wXSr1xaYMe=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwPUrKNopWYJGVejyLNxkFQhnaas6G_b59HzQqMX-QiIyQdXn-k3nMETrWrlo0i_VmfxiMJld2nuQT4Y9tPO_nidFpwU9V69kU_XVJrQsTWFLES8m8emXaN0xSprVH9rKjVd3Ix3NF8-cqbiucsKCAE2ABNvIMlDBcWisbXr8YMIrMlCoJefrWOtwh=s2522" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2311" data-original-width="2522" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwPUrKNopWYJGVejyLNxkFQhnaas6G_b59HzQqMX-QiIyQdXn-k3nMETrWrlo0i_VmfxiMJld2nuQT4Y9tPO_nidFpwU9V69kU_XVJrQsTWFLES8m8emXaN0xSprVH9rKjVd3Ix3NF8-cqbiucsKCAE2ABNvIMlDBcWisbXr8YMIrMlCoJefrWOtwh=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4qukxOOSV-P2tzdbgPVP25UJiOhBAkLhJzZ9yPQHwrjLAw3f3DPiHhamx5iAMMxJfMEzinO52GvVvc3mSzORMS7gxRHDnl_x6qJFR6JHArRGvarHdZE2pNMbbnsk_e2w20oQZFdj_-E3ia6UuXdMBw5uUGtOF0w5czTWv3uWRCHeImEymo1vrSHOh=s3755" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3094" data-original-width="3755" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4qukxOOSV-P2tzdbgPVP25UJiOhBAkLhJzZ9yPQHwrjLAw3f3DPiHhamx5iAMMxJfMEzinO52GvVvc3mSzORMS7gxRHDnl_x6qJFR6JHArRGvarHdZE2pNMbbnsk_e2w20oQZFdj_-E3ia6UuXdMBw5uUGtOF0w5czTWv3uWRCHeImEymo1vrSHOh=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpmHdyH9Z_roNoliU1vfqDaw-m-o8U0jTAIqzNVnDjRTd0XOiMW-xrVWcMioE1c3uVAznlBuCbkTIq8OiqTdNcuRDSE9w_UH13S7vdthTUnpbEnSje-jcuO9KirqkNNOrQzD6ah77cWaBngHxVgLj97h70RlXnFVWWq0IjXPy3-UBJOCDnx8eRKR1u=s2843" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2757" data-original-width="2843" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpmHdyH9Z_roNoliU1vfqDaw-m-o8U0jTAIqzNVnDjRTd0XOiMW-xrVWcMioE1c3uVAznlBuCbkTIq8OiqTdNcuRDSE9w_UH13S7vdthTUnpbEnSje-jcuO9KirqkNNOrQzD6ah77cWaBngHxVgLj97h70RlXnFVWWq0IjXPy3-UBJOCDnx8eRKR1u=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Upcoming Events</h3><div> We are in the process of setting up our 2022 craft show calendar. The most current shows will be listed at the top of our upcoming events list. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can always shop local and online at theschenectadytradingpost.com at 609 Union St, Schenectady, NY as well as cruisincreations.etsy.com</div><div><br /></div><div>Until Next Time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane</div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-35644470472914847072021-11-02T07:29:00.001-07:002021-11-02T07:29:31.946-07:00Holiday Shipping Deadlines<p>Each year we set clear shipping deadlines for you to receive your Cruisin' Creations in time for the holidays. With shipping demand at an all time high, it is even more imperative that we set early, firm deadlines for 2021. Please note:</p><p>Custom baskets must be ordered by Nov 10. This includes wood based monogram baskets as well as our family tree/birthstone baskets. Click the links below each photo to view details about each style.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxgsU3aVSUYY1SSueJbG4S0Z-bFnbC1TumWGFqvA3eY2IDWa9og-CzrjxMS14yFXZLk3r0f_z8EpKKDUKQHfxRoPMRjXsW1QxIy0n9yLJgvjQKCCPBtvXx33LLL6yaMblSbTvkSzEnmo/s2539/DSC03101+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2354" data-original-width="2539" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxgsU3aVSUYY1SSueJbG4S0Z-bFnbC1TumWGFqvA3eY2IDWa9og-CzrjxMS14yFXZLk3r0f_z8EpKKDUKQHfxRoPMRjXsW1QxIy0n9yLJgvjQKCCPBtvXx33LLL6yaMblSbTvkSzEnmo/s320/DSC03101+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/818099271/monogrammed-pine-needle-basket?ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=1</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrejEjG3DUSERsIxGCXMZ9Bc5jnYkz6wy2WKXCvm2D_gatIzpalNACNm_peoJkVfTDFZGjocMule3xVsgBgkESerxlvhTshZcitXL91I-2K8zghGOnfU6oWF1tjgeUaTQSNWTV6lfeYU/s2567/DSC07166+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2567" data-original-width="2549" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrejEjG3DUSERsIxGCXMZ9Bc5jnYkz6wy2WKXCvm2D_gatIzpalNACNm_peoJkVfTDFZGjocMule3xVsgBgkESerxlvhTshZcitXL91I-2K8zghGOnfU6oWF1tjgeUaTQSNWTV6lfeYU/s320/DSC07166+%25282%2529.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/982898693/design-your-own-birthstone-pine-needle?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1</p><p>First Class packages must be ordered by Dec 8. Remember orders over $35.00 ship free!</p><p>Priority shipped packages must be ordered by Dec 10. Priority seems to take longer around the holidays so better to be safe than sorry.</p><p>Please note: we are no longer shipping internationally. </p><p>All of these dates plan for arrival before December 25. Please adjust accordingly should you need your purchases before December 25.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Upcoming Events</h2><div>We are excited to be participating in three live events in November! Stop by one or more of these shows to pick up our most recent designs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nov 6, 9 am - 2 pm at O'Rourke Middle School, 173 Lakehill Rd, Burnt Hills, NY</div><p>Nov 20, 9 am - 3 pm at Colonie High School, 1 Raider Drive, Colonie, NY</p><p>Nov 27, 10 am - 4:30 pm at Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga, NY. There is a $5.00 entrance fee which supports the Saratoga Center for the Family. </p><p>Santa Snacks will also be selling at these three events. You can pick up his 4 flavors of gourmet seasoned pretzels for $5.00 each. Blitzens Bits is a savory blend of garlic and dill. Comets Crunch is a tangy blend of honey and mustard, Prancers Pieces is a sweet blend of cinnamon and sugar, and Rudolphs Red is a slightly spicy blend of southwest flavors. </p><p>Did you know Santa Snacks are for more than snacking? Use them for pie crust, croutons, breading on chicken, fish, and pork, along with many other uses. Stop by to pick up your Santa Snacks and receive your free copy of these tasty recipes. Remember, Santa Snacks make great stocking stufffers!</p><p>You have other opportunities to pick up Cruisin' Creations! Stop by:</p><p>The Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY from Oct 13 - Dec 19. This Holiday Market is open Tues - Sunday from 11 am - 5 pm.</p><p>The Schenectady Trading Company, 609 Union St, Schenectady, NY. Open 7 days a week. Stop by Sundays 11 am - 4 pm, Mondays 11 am - 6 pm, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10 am - 6 pm, Thursdays 10 am - 7 pm, Fridays 10 am - 6 pm, and Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm. </p><p>Can't make it to any of these events? We have a selection of baskets and ornaments in our Etsy shop - cruisincreations.etsy.com</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What's New?</h2><div>New designs are created daily. These are the latest! What do you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-blUkyHxLHeXdYnrlFkAIADODdRV3etTvnTr8usUZ1IfFvb15y9KObXps9eHGLb3urB8rbIHHjdpZIIZQVfZdvlqw7PnyKQF8myiQe4HC1hxYooB4oUBAaWtbVkUMPNERX68PCAqspU/s3050/DSC08945+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2898" data-original-width="3050" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-blUkyHxLHeXdYnrlFkAIADODdRV3etTvnTr8usUZ1IfFvb15y9KObXps9eHGLb3urB8rbIHHjdpZIIZQVfZdvlqw7PnyKQF8myiQe4HC1hxYooB4oUBAaWtbVkUMPNERX68PCAqspU/s320/DSC08945+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FWKsLJXtQP9vZnVDI1YlmZS0d7r_lRBn8J99t2BaBVyX4PdE3ahRzzcGsJzoJl6dkhQJ3it-6HmWntFSAV4Q3Gjei_85YUn4N55hW0t1QE09LGQkILDCws653HESPuKeE5zt0KWU7u0/s2231/DSC08768+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2078" data-original-width="2231" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FWKsLJXtQP9vZnVDI1YlmZS0d7r_lRBn8J99t2BaBVyX4PdE3ahRzzcGsJzoJl6dkhQJ3it-6HmWntFSAV4Q3Gjei_85YUn4N55hW0t1QE09LGQkILDCws653HESPuKeE5zt0KWU7u0/s320/DSC08768+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB9GyE-6lW0dsPzPlfQ2FQmHSBeZVgagaVdDmV61j9BXtEy8RBt_xgL0nn6vzye6mRAiTD0He4CRfqBo8ycbjPodcl8trNYs5TJ4uxBBIX7vGu3RUdN-MT7pHQOAeX2YdOLkkRH8pcAY/s2751/DSC08959+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2738" data-original-width="2751" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB9GyE-6lW0dsPzPlfQ2FQmHSBeZVgagaVdDmV61j9BXtEy8RBt_xgL0nn6vzye6mRAiTD0He4CRfqBo8ycbjPodcl8trNYs5TJ4uxBBIX7vGu3RUdN-MT7pHQOAeX2YdOLkkRH8pcAY/s320/DSC08959+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O72fJu93WcUaf-M_LOgJSAoneksNARCbaXy2-JW30ZWFxeszuOOEq1ZaSJE-A2_0SGEzWqeqatorFe6tLxKnET_1_D1Qd4E5n1vQAeRxxCbg2HQQe0K7G01GWjS_2aLO1iHvPh49aOo/s2787/DSC08975+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2787" data-original-width="2771" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O72fJu93WcUaf-M_LOgJSAoneksNARCbaXy2-JW30ZWFxeszuOOEq1ZaSJE-A2_0SGEzWqeqatorFe6tLxKnET_1_D1Qd4E5n1vQAeRxxCbg2HQQe0K7G01GWjS_2aLO1iHvPh49aOo/s320/DSC08975+%25282%2529.JPG" width="318" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWDmxRA54OTmyMkekA6Pgf81LNjssc-cm6A0Ee58ClvPc1bifbghGE9WW5bXeVkR-nXXuNc4DPqozzdtN7fPpRgQqICXm-LITtaMBp2te0ySGtPAV0_gmAKMXkECooDVUVVwzq5EKXkA/s3256/DSC08901+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3179" data-original-width="3256" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWDmxRA54OTmyMkekA6Pgf81LNjssc-cm6A0Ee58ClvPc1bifbghGE9WW5bXeVkR-nXXuNc4DPqozzdtN7fPpRgQqICXm-LITtaMBp2te0ySGtPAV0_gmAKMXkECooDVUVVwzq5EKXkA/s320/DSC08901+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Looking forward to seeing you soon!<div><br /></div><div>Until Next Time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane<br /><div><br /></div></div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-57530377727206478122021-10-15T08:42:00.007-07:002021-10-15T10:19:15.793-07:00Recycling<p>Because I was brought up in a home with two very resourceful parents, I have always had a problem with throwing away those things that still have some life in them, those things that can be put to good use. I subscribe to my father's motto, "You never know when you might need it." That motto has served me well over the years although I have adjusted the degree to which I follow it. After all, we can't store everything now, can we?</p><p>The philosophy of never knowing when you might need something has been applied to Cruisin' Creations as well. Pine needle baskets, keyrings, and ornaments can be made out of a number of things. We repurpose anything that has holes around the outside edge and will work up into a unique, one of a kind piece.</p><p>We also subscribe to that philosophy when it comes to boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and newpaper. Most boxes arrive at our home fully intact and ready to be used again. Those boxes are broken down and stored for shipping baskets. The same can be said of the enclosed bubble wrap and packing paper. We save all that is serviceable and reuse it when we ship out an order. </p><p>You may have received a package from us with an Amazon arrow on the side of the box, or one with old tape removed. You may have received bubble wrap that wasn't cut straight or had duck tape on it. That's because we are doing our part to reduce waste and keep our shipping costs down.</p><p>No only does reusing boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper save the environment, it also reduces prices. And we all like to pay lower prices for our purchases, don't we?</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What's New?</h2><div>We've been working away at building inventory and believe you will enjoy these new pieces and more that we have to offer. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyXeBt93ZZhCECA53fxYgOmOr1CidGSmIzEV9bXXlw3eG7VLjSeg5_EAwD_LmZ396ceNfn1c2js3bdjFw9rLQR0SbzJNQynevK5SOo5e2-zxvJCDYwnPe-dUpuq0n0WeicwRGxBoeSkM/s3261/DSC08444+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3156" data-original-width="3261" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyXeBt93ZZhCECA53fxYgOmOr1CidGSmIzEV9bXXlw3eG7VLjSeg5_EAwD_LmZ396ceNfn1c2js3bdjFw9rLQR0SbzJNQynevK5SOo5e2-zxvJCDYwnPe-dUpuq0n0WeicwRGxBoeSkM/s320/DSC08444+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3RiKQoD4ZEe502cEi2s_vuk9lq6za2ZwzHGVmTQ1XE9WGj6V0KyD8qyNpflL92lu75f50bD3c5YbhQzxBC2BY3s_DWEa1lPDuLPAKj7x033AUvxMtByJ_B6DX6BuMomN-l5KorJVREc/s2988/DSC08586+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2774" data-original-width="2988" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3RiKQoD4ZEe502cEi2s_vuk9lq6za2ZwzHGVmTQ1XE9WGj6V0KyD8qyNpflL92lu75f50bD3c5YbhQzxBC2BY3s_DWEa1lPDuLPAKj7x033AUvxMtByJ_B6DX6BuMomN-l5KorJVREc/s320/DSC08586+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Mdh3liSDCKSTGScbjBIzGLU-5ymg2QqtnufuYvmczJxyxHPg1ob3ya_T4ODQngzbK4f-ahHZEato8UwLEgzc9_B9FybSKwUjNyUf877EMIJCFJOWYoGoL25oM0fRroaa3VJPK_uRrLo/s3912/DSC08668+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2660" data-original-width="3912" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Mdh3liSDCKSTGScbjBIzGLU-5ymg2QqtnufuYvmczJxyxHPg1ob3ya_T4ODQngzbK4f-ahHZEato8UwLEgzc9_B9FybSKwUjNyUf877EMIJCFJOWYoGoL25oM0fRroaa3VJPK_uRrLo/s320/DSC08668+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGg9eS_1FVTazIw4px9WvEDVN5ZHDHBf8Wl8zs2oxnYrdBR3vLwmFGIkc31iU71Lw7yRuGVmSwuTCjHoKeoJE5x6oGFOqofB5aw8zmTWsQPC20tVjmSKtW_prVE8m9_-bV72uAb0_f_-s/s2778/DSC08676+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="2188" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGg9eS_1FVTazIw4px9WvEDVN5ZHDHBf8Wl8zs2oxnYrdBR3vLwmFGIkc31iU71Lw7yRuGVmSwuTCjHoKeoJE5x6oGFOqofB5aw8zmTWsQPC20tVjmSKtW_prVE8m9_-bV72uAb0_f_-s/s320/DSC08676+%25282%2529.JPG" width="252" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSx1cDh6PMLacseo7G-h2t7Ldj4i6uC2RoQQ2SOOThg3txDR8Lqb2kQF6JkGxfRU-lxKj85q3kfgyYui50qjoHiNSisS_iKWR0JD_b4G0Y_Oh6kEfI97cLcH28UuIBpoXq1r3u3TiC3Y/s3078/DSC08673+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2834" data-original-width="3078" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSx1cDh6PMLacseo7G-h2t7Ldj4i6uC2RoQQ2SOOThg3txDR8Lqb2kQF6JkGxfRU-lxKj85q3kfgyYui50qjoHiNSisS_iKWR0JD_b4G0Y_Oh6kEfI97cLcH28UuIBpoXq1r3u3TiC3Y/s320/DSC08673+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3j-HLZEcmxjTlLR9YMMPKMJk0nDCh8kmlZpsi1wUUajTWZ_LAcpAsok8xgBzov6hMjxaz9iIvTwFl_VlHnq-TjF7Ty4WCPpBvmXb5tzzaMacbMhyphenhyphenTpdrIH58mNWs0PBZwfDAligdKAQ/s2915/DSC08682+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2915" data-original-width="2414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3j-HLZEcmxjTlLR9YMMPKMJk0nDCh8kmlZpsi1wUUajTWZ_LAcpAsok8xgBzov6hMjxaz9iIvTwFl_VlHnq-TjF7Ty4WCPpBvmXb5tzzaMacbMhyphenhyphenTpdrIH58mNWs0PBZwfDAligdKAQ/s320/DSC08682+%25282%2529.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyB8N5sLqJqafETdfwF8FnWQ4-42KnEV__gNDiJyWoB1femy0x6nOeaJmgoxsq8JUgWBlGy87LUE5YBS8Txs9YRHXIK0nDgst3ye0tVHsuQXvRYFGPl32ZFxWY03wbmzoha4FY8No5AU/s2217/DSC08759+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1888" data-original-width="2217" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyB8N5sLqJqafETdfwF8FnWQ4-42KnEV__gNDiJyWoB1femy0x6nOeaJmgoxsq8JUgWBlGy87LUE5YBS8Txs9YRHXIK0nDgst3ye0tVHsuQXvRYFGPl32ZFxWY03wbmzoha4FY8No5AU/s320/DSC08759+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Upcoming Events</h2><div>We are so looking forward to a new event - The LaSalle Institute Fall Fest and Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct 23 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm! Stop by 174 Williams Rd, Troy, NY. Looking forward to seeing you there! PS Santa will be there selling his gourmet seasoned pretzels, too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember you can also shop local at:</div><div>The Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY Open 11-5 Tuesday - Saturday, 12-5 Sunday.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Schenectady Trading Company, 609 Union St, Schenectady, NY Open 7 days a week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until Next Time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"> </h2><p><br /></p>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-79016195103211958202021-09-13T11:05:00.000-07:002021-09-13T11:05:36.011-07:00Repurposing<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Repurposing has been all the rage for some time now. Social media is full of photos of how to reuse doors, shutters, outdated furniture, and more. It's so much fun to scan Pinterest, or watch home decorating shows to see the creative ways people turn old into new. We at Cruisin' Creations love the challenge of turning old household items into keepsakes in the form of pine needle baskets, keyrings, and ornaments.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shopping garage sales, antique stores, and flea markets is a great way to find unique items to repurpose. While that spigot handle may have seen better days or that kitchen tool may not be suitable for use in food any longer, each may work very well as a center for one of Cruisin' Creations baskets. Old necklaces and bracelets are a great source for beads to use as accents and handles as well as using the pendants as centers for our baskets, keyrings, and ornaments. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To date we've repurposed a number of items including potato mashers, pendants, trivets, drawer pulls, painted trays, and spigot handles. Here are photos of some of these items.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Contact us if you have an item you would like to turn into a family heirloom to be cherished by family members for years to come.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2qo9sAiQCvR_o3IJ3LchOwQF7OIIsrTbRTW5geDyMakdg1COAhFIAJzgxolzrCKuCt8Yv3zq-fCmGoVUYu1vBom8JdokvfAhPeXD5wbJ8hWyCvSjyyFlEFfDwSx_51h7ypIRueYaZLk/s3525/DSC08545+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3525" data-original-width="3334" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2qo9sAiQCvR_o3IJ3LchOwQF7OIIsrTbRTW5geDyMakdg1COAhFIAJzgxolzrCKuCt8Yv3zq-fCmGoVUYu1vBom8JdokvfAhPeXD5wbJ8hWyCvSjyyFlEFfDwSx_51h7ypIRueYaZLk/s320/DSC08545+%25282%2529.JPG" width="303" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZnmMs7Uc-ChY-ADn9epBJ2Dy39qfhe78IBpbV02-WYw0eoJZRHM8pIkKGaKFM4qy7KZhzWjgltIcAR_nW2VcGFMKmvRJK4ij0uATt1kaezYI2VHgGZQgT4zgR80JExTOsKb5CzLNQ1U/s2171/DSC03258+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="2171" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZnmMs7Uc-ChY-ADn9epBJ2Dy39qfhe78IBpbV02-WYw0eoJZRHM8pIkKGaKFM4qy7KZhzWjgltIcAR_nW2VcGFMKmvRJK4ij0uATt1kaezYI2VHgGZQgT4zgR80JExTOsKb5CzLNQ1U/s320/DSC03258+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MlitptO1NXmqyqykdaEdRAqyPvBX_49h78x8VPhv0kSDq1O0IHMYRldHzgDQF5IONVVyAdF-O818UU1XT_AJSccqE8Gat-HwAavQT9EdaBgAZdI-D2hAWf6VHWKM6mtZ6Hof81VTAw8/s3684/DSC06163+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2443" data-original-width="3684" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MlitptO1NXmqyqykdaEdRAqyPvBX_49h78x8VPhv0kSDq1O0IHMYRldHzgDQF5IONVVyAdF-O818UU1XT_AJSccqE8Gat-HwAavQT9EdaBgAZdI-D2hAWf6VHWKM6mtZ6Hof81VTAw8/s320/DSC06163+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPIjIc5a98IqB5k9DjYYz_XWTCufgzArBfTZOOIGhVMfOrvvD0NQnCLi7pzrW30rQq4d8Po5aqygsOlh5t1YBAhz0vJKhmUM9G-LkDEV05eLtwDD-qhishyqGSeNvBAzti1X_zcZDVOs/s2833/DSC03383+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2824" data-original-width="2833" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPIjIc5a98IqB5k9DjYYz_XWTCufgzArBfTZOOIGhVMfOrvvD0NQnCLi7pzrW30rQq4d8Po5aqygsOlh5t1YBAhz0vJKhmUM9G-LkDEV05eLtwDD-qhishyqGSeNvBAzti1X_zcZDVOs/s320/DSC03383+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQAQptCKTyoJ1DEj1LgexXQI4c_UyHn085J2YGWl_8HJF0dxA8tIc_Co5BocMNJRwST9ShRCZpMcL8iKCI4P8LQxXBzGjn2U9atM1mq9E50CoLIaqCOmIbvMXmPicoGy7oWZblcJPjNg/s2990/DSC05243+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="2990" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQAQptCKTyoJ1DEj1LgexXQI4c_UyHn085J2YGWl_8HJF0dxA8tIc_Co5BocMNJRwST9ShRCZpMcL8iKCI4P8LQxXBzGjn2U9atM1mq9E50CoLIaqCOmIbvMXmPicoGy7oWZblcJPjNg/s320/DSC05243+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r-LCkAZT9rmJpPDH0vt3jxzp8RlozjSm9Etsz8iFK7965cbkQxxPlYTtja5mXSTs4U-6kHubsEjxVyzTuBw2bN8GOgjU5v78EhpMVRpLXaRu_K8dfOaDPlnSX2yDxDuTxzkycRbqBL4/s2940/DSC02200+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2232" data-original-width="2940" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8r-LCkAZT9rmJpPDH0vt3jxzp8RlozjSm9Etsz8iFK7965cbkQxxPlYTtja5mXSTs4U-6kHubsEjxVyzTuBw2bN8GOgjU5v78EhpMVRpLXaRu_K8dfOaDPlnSX2yDxDuTxzkycRbqBL4/s320/DSC02200+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4CXJxRKl4v8KcaqtgDnh8ZT2-XEmWAESjHRCauRveZW8jSiMPjRIhcAy7O4okfZEPngX1ceRadYnqbYFd5pSfoZghHwjkJhAiT-hfngkLo5-Mg64U8Y3cJLWXrssRkKZK0UUb4Qos70/s3108/rainbow+faucet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3108" data-original-width="3011" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4CXJxRKl4v8KcaqtgDnh8ZT2-XEmWAESjHRCauRveZW8jSiMPjRIhcAy7O4okfZEPngX1ceRadYnqbYFd5pSfoZghHwjkJhAiT-hfngkLo5-Mg64U8Y3cJLWXrssRkKZK0UUb4Qos70/s320/rainbow+faucet.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgP2IThbl_yRwQSL7Nge_AmyxRMLBcrun8QJFB0wk_spZPdMc_UoYKMWxQxbiecPcWGks8LF4T_pm59C4I6Z1mz25ctcG-gDS0Z4RK5eZKA3j6s8clGs7OJYZwApCJxJvqSDkOmWzlLQ/s3111/DSC01289+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3111" data-original-width="3035" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgP2IThbl_yRwQSL7Nge_AmyxRMLBcrun8QJFB0wk_spZPdMc_UoYKMWxQxbiecPcWGks8LF4T_pm59C4I6Z1mz25ctcG-gDS0Z4RK5eZKA3j6s8clGs7OJYZwApCJxJvqSDkOmWzlLQ/s320/DSC01289+%25282%2529.JPG" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DdYhJbfnbpTA0wPGy65pvg18fdrVFJPdL04uJSRGE2SUVEWaoiqw8qOJG8twscbIvBut6bped_Kp5vgWAIOw_IALSt4_1THlH13ekYaf7ZKOtP7jsw8tRnwFmc3WyuegEHkxKPaIw9M/s3997/DSC05458+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="3997" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DdYhJbfnbpTA0wPGy65pvg18fdrVFJPdL04uJSRGE2SUVEWaoiqw8qOJG8twscbIvBut6bped_Kp5vgWAIOw_IALSt4_1THlH13ekYaf7ZKOtP7jsw8tRnwFmc3WyuegEHkxKPaIw9M/s320/DSC05458+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Turn your unusable keepsakes into an heirloom pine needle basket, ornament, or keyring.</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Do you have an old kitchen utensil, broach, trivet, drawer pull or other item that you no longer use but can't part with? Does it have holes around the outside edge? Perhaps it would work as a repurposed basket, keyring, or ornament? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">If this is something you would like to do please contact me at dbabin731@gmail.com. Send a photo of the item along with approximate dimensions. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Until Next Time...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Diane</span></div><p><br /></p>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-15677947173997580462021-08-05T11:37:00.002-07:002021-08-05T11:37:43.220-07:00Announcing A Shop 'Til You Drop Event!<p>Are you looking for a place to get out and do some serious shopping? We've got you covered! You'll find exactly what you're looking for at the Hamilton County TWIGS craft fair in Speculator, NY on August 12, 2021. Shopaholics will be in Heaven as they shop the 150 handcrafted and food vendors throughout the grounds. This is a juried show so you know all of the offerings are handcrafted by local artisans and are the best quality. Pick up items for gifts or treat yourself to something special. Enjoy lunch at one of the food trucks that will be on site.</p><p>Of course, Santa will be there with his Santa Snacks. Santa Snacks are delicious gourmet seasoned pretzels that Santa and the elves make! Did you know that he is introducing a new flavor this year? Stop by to sample and let Santa know if it's a yay or a nay.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86y3jeMuP0-j7o11PxZ5X6mqTUEnYmVWXST1RsMgLEISTo5h6XKstkt-fT3e4VDRsKffPrusfW6tNv8anFgIZiuIWG8nF3y-KH83dz3qWyT-H-VTsqQgk1h1WsFCE54Fq6JkXitmzIFI/s2048/FB_IMG_1497469861354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86y3jeMuP0-j7o11PxZ5X6mqTUEnYmVWXST1RsMgLEISTo5h6XKstkt-fT3e4VDRsKffPrusfW6tNv8anFgIZiuIWG8nF3y-KH83dz3qWyT-H-VTsqQgk1h1WsFCE54Fq6JkXitmzIFI/s320/FB_IMG_1497469861354.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Cruisin' Creations will be selling her handcrafted pine needle coiled baskets, keyrings, and ornaments. There are many new styles that will be on display for your viewing pleasure and purchase.</p><p>Both Santa Snacks and Cruisin' Creations will be in the pavilion. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Come on out and support the Hamilton County TWIGS! </h3><p>Who are the Hamilton County TWIGS. They are a philanthropic organization that supports the ambulance service in Speculator, Wells, and Piseco. They also fund scholarships for students interested in a career in the medical field and donate to the Oak Mountain Ski Patrol and Speculator Primary Care Center. TWIGS is a acronym for The volunteers Working to Increase funds for the Growing needs and Services of Hamilton County medical personnel.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Where do I go?</h3><p>We'll see you at the Speculator, NY ball fields at routes 8 & 30 on August 12 from 9 am - 4 pm. They're adjacent to the firehouse and across the street from Lake Pleasant.</p><p>Make sure you wear your walking shoes! Also, we recommend that you bring plenty of cash since cell service is spotty in the Adirondacks and vendors' credit card readers may not work.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Here's a preview of Cruisin' Creations offerings!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I8haMeT3jSbfsMVObZZGSkxCI7UwQcvAYVU9497ws72HALnZ_l6rxLtg7ZIbqaEru7ar5idFc5dMiG6RX32LJHBaby32MrRY19mtpTr9QI0d3H5TKk6KqNXQUsGzUHKaqxN9lKnZW_A/s2741/DSC08186+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2741" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I8haMeT3jSbfsMVObZZGSkxCI7UwQcvAYVU9497ws72HALnZ_l6rxLtg7ZIbqaEru7ar5idFc5dMiG6RX32LJHBaby32MrRY19mtpTr9QI0d3H5TKk6KqNXQUsGzUHKaqxN9lKnZW_A/s320/DSC08186+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw_x4mHZ4QzusH44YCpDed3XfYwh58kYK74UO40o-lvKAZTTBmp_a3mBRa-eN-aLmYouJyto2OS7kWCwsiKs57lDiuuvmsJgnGJoAMXz1Ml0ZwR1P8zD2i368TzqSIxDSbhdL5-3e8tk/s2736/DSC08206+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2345" data-original-width="2736" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw_x4mHZ4QzusH44YCpDed3XfYwh58kYK74UO40o-lvKAZTTBmp_a3mBRa-eN-aLmYouJyto2OS7kWCwsiKs57lDiuuvmsJgnGJoAMXz1Ml0ZwR1P8zD2i368TzqSIxDSbhdL5-3e8tk/s320/DSC08206+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qk2ZgxwZ7CTxiiHwjiwLzRghwqNgVtWO2hqj8OjcqQXa1fuu0na9uSJzQ3ASIMfu3Pz6OmuvtjJlvG5yPDUqVQAkCGYLtLKwyEVW29ItVGc3CEDz4SC5u3Zm3J1_2d2jrqrfOc5JjKU/s2713/DSC08136+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2558" data-original-width="2713" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qk2ZgxwZ7CTxiiHwjiwLzRghwqNgVtWO2hqj8OjcqQXa1fuu0na9uSJzQ3ASIMfu3Pz6OmuvtjJlvG5yPDUqVQAkCGYLtLKwyEVW29ItVGc3CEDz4SC5u3Zm3J1_2d2jrqrfOc5JjKU/s320/DSC08136+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdUggFQqsU2dsm-4DOynl4PXSByeGfSO5VhBaQrlMrFwejsgTQ-1TB7ehxH5K3ehoqKltTkCfs37M6gFHpjweJx3lxtx5Q0nnmst604YyMqLZf_YMDISIeJqMr_yknF0nk6_tB87rH0o/s3087/DSC08379+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2358" data-original-width="3087" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdUggFQqsU2dsm-4DOynl4PXSByeGfSO5VhBaQrlMrFwejsgTQ-1TB7ehxH5K3ehoqKltTkCfs37M6gFHpjweJx3lxtx5Q0nnmst604YyMqLZf_YMDISIeJqMr_yknF0nk6_tB87rH0o/s320/DSC08379+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi3ddEKyqoqv7Q2-pM1AjTsCk0BCiBpbuBKFn9qdqAWEjAGWLfSbYX034Lc6BjPCUMuHb5YvVJsJznh_X7sXRKEcnL_ADe71RmmxMOlqLcI_4EfE67SN1nl7kSrzknAR6gR1bxHM8tlk/s2826/DSC07644+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2826" data-original-width="2723" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi3ddEKyqoqv7Q2-pM1AjTsCk0BCiBpbuBKFn9qdqAWEjAGWLfSbYX034Lc6BjPCUMuHb5YvVJsJznh_X7sXRKEcnL_ADe71RmmxMOlqLcI_4EfE67SN1nl7kSrzknAR6gR1bxHM8tlk/s320/DSC07644+%25282%2529.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-WvANPSktGY7gxwXufBU2bkXmsvwSu2z8lrAi22oD7GxX5RDZZ8rEwzIk-FLaGn30nMED5X_DjOgCiwUqO4mywntzOt7AjRMLrW6FOfSyV6fZ9BDyqErMbWeUglgLl8p6X6c5iE1F40/s2953/DSC08067+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2753" data-original-width="2953" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-WvANPSktGY7gxwXufBU2bkXmsvwSu2z8lrAi22oD7GxX5RDZZ8rEwzIk-FLaGn30nMED5X_DjOgCiwUqO4mywntzOt7AjRMLrW6FOfSyV6fZ9BDyqErMbWeUglgLl8p6X6c5iE1F40/s320/DSC08067+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW9pNA9zP61Fb9ZobvOU9b1ptrCpeRMsJlJQkUoGZs0cUS4pc3f6KiAxFaQoGKEvOacU-92iHykkhtvNQYzwoYcfHmMqQoIGo2op6Gxz-XD74QgHW3e1WGIXqAWHlKOTGOC8j7HNxqho/s3548/DSC07913+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3217" data-original-width="3548" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW9pNA9zP61Fb9ZobvOU9b1ptrCpeRMsJlJQkUoGZs0cUS4pc3f6KiAxFaQoGKEvOacU-92iHykkhtvNQYzwoYcfHmMqQoIGo2op6Gxz-XD74QgHW3e1WGIXqAWHlKOTGOC8j7HNxqho/s320/DSC07913+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Until Next Time...</p><p>Diane</p><p><br /></p>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-5174090523750727322021-04-09T09:36:00.003-07:002021-04-09T09:36:45.408-07:00New Offerings<p>The first six months of any year are a time for us to build inventory for the upcoming craft show season. This year is no different although I seem to be working slower than normal. Here are a few baskets that will be available for sale at our upcoming events. All have been stitched with colorful nylon thread and sealed with polyurethane. All are beautiful as decorative pieces as well as useful when needed. Use as bread or fruit baskets, as candy dishes, to hold your keys. Sizes and prices vary. </p><p>Click the link under each photo to view more details about each basket and to purchase.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkVZHatrEQrANr3G1hXFNJoMLO2jUNcMdKN7ngwvDTqO81r3jtLd-VhtUp1HDS1sNC7djrIHey9KAHvYiHOf-poVoc08j14GiTnq-OoQpq4rpmUonl6U6YXHlaDKMVhz8hEEzICJyeVQ/s3019/DSC07044+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2999" data-original-width="3019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkVZHatrEQrANr3G1hXFNJoMLO2jUNcMdKN7ngwvDTqO81r3jtLd-VhtUp1HDS1sNC7djrIHey9KAHvYiHOf-poVoc08j14GiTnq-OoQpq4rpmUonl6U6YXHlaDKMVhz8hEEzICJyeVQ/s320/DSC07044+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/974549007/blue-and-green-pine-needle-basket?ref=shop_home_feat_1&frs=1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuZZCnW0Xj8i8Fc9oe7PibGPQN8PwK77puFdSq17eih7WLZ-PScbxkfI1jSR1rUpooBiNasq-7CCQfVMKYQmJi19jlFz9HO86yEw8SP5SZkGeSvqd-zHL-2hY18QaC7Frw43LBomY37s/s3297/DSC06418+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3026" data-original-width="3297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuZZCnW0Xj8i8Fc9oe7PibGPQN8PwK77puFdSq17eih7WLZ-PScbxkfI1jSR1rUpooBiNasq-7CCQfVMKYQmJi19jlFz9HO86yEw8SP5SZkGeSvqd-zHL-2hY18QaC7Frw43LBomY37s/s320/DSC06418+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/924207726/purple-pine-needle-basket?ref=shop_home_active_20&frs=1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwh-MyWyyepKYMvxIIsRWdBySaCWAHaeIxML_i6uXaRYTmyPFXcatQCY6tfkm4zBzYDzDjWrQ-As0TTIk2MfCsxT_gJHTkPR8XuDx-PRkWCUFyqLBJ1mtjeEVLU-ImYvAGC1IBf1GT19U/s2833/DSC06621+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2784" data-original-width="2833" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwh-MyWyyepKYMvxIIsRWdBySaCWAHaeIxML_i6uXaRYTmyPFXcatQCY6tfkm4zBzYDzDjWrQ-As0TTIk2MfCsxT_gJHTkPR8XuDx-PRkWCUFyqLBJ1mtjeEVLU-ImYvAGC1IBf1GT19U/s320/DSC06621+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/847108549/florida-seashells-in-resin-pine-needle?ref=shop_home_active_14&frs=1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LAiXV8k3oAfq30HcU47u3YPI1zcjnTJvxOORNqhVPid6M8SzZiN-mpIQmWPkMpVNSn0b8XDRTLxgAgA8Rmnpz1IwUo8OXJG2Xu64s5Jr1ieZgSmhLxbtQ1dUc_aXDQjweIoYlYmHhKA/s2680/DSC06510+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2318" data-original-width="2680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LAiXV8k3oAfq30HcU47u3YPI1zcjnTJvxOORNqhVPid6M8SzZiN-mpIQmWPkMpVNSn0b8XDRTLxgAgA8Rmnpz1IwUo8OXJG2Xu64s5Jr1ieZgSmhLxbtQ1dUc_aXDQjweIoYlYmHhKA/s320/DSC06510+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/946825395/beach-scene-pine-needle-baskets?ref=shop_home_active_17&frs=1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rz5q1BNJPu7ATy-vY2p0znb1fhR87Bc9hMxMuld9wbqHy_QAcJjJNDLeYalN0YS0zJMa15qYUp8IVedxvKphf2JTWJgLY8h0WcNwDmHpCENH3D1FqUdvPA5-CYHtpJA9W96eaxKVnFM/s2395/DSC06639+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2392" data-original-width="2395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4rz5q1BNJPu7ATy-vY2p0znb1fhR87Bc9hMxMuld9wbqHy_QAcJjJNDLeYalN0YS0zJMa15qYUp8IVedxvKphf2JTWJgLY8h0WcNwDmHpCENH3D1FqUdvPA5-CYHtpJA9W96eaxKVnFM/s320/DSC06639+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/968464313/blue-butterfly-pine-needle-basket?ref=shop_home_active_8&frs=1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNvqWEdq6b32oDsGyWlOrZwTLnLWyuCUxJhvlNLdoVYYaK2nj_lPeayliyOmRZFycaAKiwfVT-q06LtsnSYcjJG0XeZ-B2OeyBpk18DFCvz0J968E2Et11tm2S69RSsBIoF-cO2Hd_Bo/s2700/DSC07026+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="2692" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNvqWEdq6b32oDsGyWlOrZwTLnLWyuCUxJhvlNLdoVYYaK2nj_lPeayliyOmRZFycaAKiwfVT-q06LtsnSYcjJG0XeZ-B2OeyBpk18DFCvz0J968E2Et11tm2S69RSsBIoF-cO2Hd_Bo/s320/DSC07026+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/975089409/yellow-and-black-bee-pine-needle-basket?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&cns=1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZY3VgfkYCPQc8hDpd1gzN-tEo9m-1I1dvLgoID1HmlVcz3Q9ZD6yRDnWjmHtw-1-am_M2PhpAQuzUJF5xs6__fzCAjsm-7SK2n5vyfkifCmm_j6E_BoxLz20iDqcPP1ccu8hqVBDnuKQ/s2212/DSC07006+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2127" data-original-width="2212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZY3VgfkYCPQc8hDpd1gzN-tEo9m-1I1dvLgoID1HmlVcz3Q9ZD6yRDnWjmHtw-1-am_M2PhpAQuzUJF5xs6__fzCAjsm-7SK2n5vyfkifCmm_j6E_BoxLz20iDqcPP1ccu8hqVBDnuKQ/s320/DSC07006+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/975060431/blue-flower-pine-needle-basket?ref=shop_home_active_4&frs=1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7i7Jb6weXg6ZqwJmDOMwzqCLZlW9D0_O7qZgbrC0voKSXa2W36V19fc95p5qPMEBd6xdBEwG7TiJYiO9XhxS4AIRr2FN7rm2wvRFBl1Wox8l1nQvIFtkGbO8kCz2ZoI1Jk1x2Oo2UdY/s2770/DSC06401+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2463" data-original-width="2770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7i7Jb6weXg6ZqwJmDOMwzqCLZlW9D0_O7qZgbrC0voKSXa2W36V19fc95p5qPMEBd6xdBEwG7TiJYiO9XhxS4AIRr2FN7rm2wvRFBl1Wox8l1nQvIFtkGbO8kCz2ZoI1Jk1x2Oo2UdY/s320/DSC06401+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/938130407/elk-pine-needle-basket-with-handles?ref=shop_home_active_18&frs=1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOSGBEStb8b6vIf7190hucqaqbHnVneHl7v0Y08_TF4kLbnh_7LyLnz5Y-1CTtsEdOb6WvdNj7Asvp3tzwE867zuAxzuBgXxuMEBrHmXLgWL2YwxsMpcWCahhrNvFOroWb5Z7GqAZirw/s2940/DSC07069+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2940" data-original-width="2940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOSGBEStb8b6vIf7190hucqaqbHnVneHl7v0Y08_TF4kLbnh_7LyLnz5Y-1CTtsEdOb6WvdNj7Asvp3tzwE867zuAxzuBgXxuMEBrHmXLgWL2YwxsMpcWCahhrNvFOroWb5Z7GqAZirw/s320/DSC07069+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/961232276/wood-slice-pine-needle-basket?ref=shop_home_active_6&frs=1</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQnx7EX94wmCAyHBJYDE2UHOlnhERI1Qf0-3GSG0ZVPt04bYLl2b9nxDE6n-Vn84GnuljK6g5w5XSIwbUeHDSgkn4z3cWXrEgxcaX7iiFf4M-tyn-9aeIXegWuRKLK7IuUuDNckQclKk/s2471/DSC06711+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2471" data-original-width="2108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQnx7EX94wmCAyHBJYDE2UHOlnhERI1Qf0-3GSG0ZVPt04bYLl2b9nxDE6n-Vn84GnuljK6g5w5XSIwbUeHDSgkn4z3cWXrEgxcaX7iiFf4M-tyn-9aeIXegWuRKLK7IuUuDNckQclKk/s320/DSC06711+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/519583418/seashell-pine-needle-basket?ref=shop_home_active_13&frs=1</div><div><br /></div>Visit our Etsy shop - cruisincreations.etsy.com for details and to view other basket and ornament options.<div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Upcoming Events</h2><div><div>We are looking forward to starting our 2021 craft show season in July at The Northville Woodworkers and Fine Arts Show!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Until Next Time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane<br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-76181369546130446622021-01-22T08:28:00.000-08:002021-01-22T08:28:28.280-08:00Free Shipping!<p> 2020 was a year of challenges and a time to try new things. People did more cooking at home including baking bread. Not a bag of flour nor a package of yeast could be found for weeks. We felt like we had won the lottery when we found either. And we all know the toilet paper situation.</p><p>Cruisin' Creations tried some new things as well. New basket bases were used, new basket designs were created, and new charms were used in our ornaments.</p><p>One thing we tried that was very popular was free shipping. Because of the popularity of our free shipping trial we have decided to offer free shipping on all orders of $35.00 or more in our Etsy shop.</p><p>It doesn't matter whether you purchase one basket worth $35.00 or more, or any combination of baskets, basket supplies, ornaments, jewelry display covers, and face masks. If your order totals $35.00 or more it will ship for free.</p><p>So do a little virtual shopping in our Etsy shop to pick up: </p><p>~ one of a kind gifts</p><p>~ one of a kind items to enhance your decor</p><p>~ display covers for your jewelry displays</p><p>~ pine needle basket supplies to make your own one of a kind pine needle designs</p><p>~ cloth face masks to add to your collection</p><p>Where can you find all of these things? cruisincreations.etsy.com </p><p>Check back often as new items are added frequently. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">What's New?</h2><div>Here are a few new pieces we've been working on!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bRev6veikGPPfO1gE-fhoMs0pyZG5y2GNhahKESCxmtxW6A1neEWYiW0EoUBRcx-77peZbrdN3FyN7vJ_8AJhlAaIXvC5bNk3n3Ki72OIV7JB8ssC2cTLrljd7O6EfyTOyp6m6TSe0c/s3297/DSC06418+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3026" data-original-width="3297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bRev6veikGPPfO1gE-fhoMs0pyZG5y2GNhahKESCxmtxW6A1neEWYiW0EoUBRcx-77peZbrdN3FyN7vJ_8AJhlAaIXvC5bNk3n3Ki72OIV7JB8ssC2cTLrljd7O6EfyTOyp6m6TSe0c/s320/DSC06418+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPUdDy7vz-4wFZO43EjI0lrwP0gKiez6c5yDwnATOleI8HN3gVzMNrVFzt15fnOH7PQPUXSqunqxTZ0LBGIPnD1Pbreg9ASaw_nEY0BzJCh5UbX8fnp7mpktjuD9J1UEqmn_PpMj6Doc/s3252/DSC06496+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/946825395/beach-scene-pine-needle-baskets?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1" border="0" data-original-height="2889" data-original-width="3252" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPUdDy7vz-4wFZO43EjI0lrwP0gKiez6c5yDwnATOleI8HN3gVzMNrVFzt15fnOH7PQPUXSqunqxTZ0LBGIPnD1Pbreg9ASaw_nEY0BzJCh5UbX8fnp7mpktjuD9J1UEqmn_PpMj6Doc/w320-h284/DSC06496+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_pA-o7lcr2Q5KIor2nIXzy2b6vmGQAXK_MAhXwTSyZJ57WmpSwHxZLcFpafa0XQjx7Sm_kh_chpCOgCPuxU6WJpouH7qRgp21YhAPjI02TLt-Pp3GaRWVmYJn1hClM5iiAwAIXcPYUQ/s2680/DSC06510+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2318" data-original-width="2680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_pA-o7lcr2Q5KIor2nIXzy2b6vmGQAXK_MAhXwTSyZJ57WmpSwHxZLcFpafa0XQjx7Sm_kh_chpCOgCPuxU6WJpouH7qRgp21YhAPjI02TLt-Pp3GaRWVmYJn1hClM5iiAwAIXcPYUQ/s320/DSC06510+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlgJs7OzbNxuKb7ghxnZI24CTJYj4BOJJp09Xq3oox7Z_x8BdD-VMnQHSKNXJvZ7Jr8HAjAC0JtY_KP0sF-Y0cqhAHxvA81LqjW7E8Rc4DLVphsSVMDpZlyWFe-98hQs3QpW56xdpRCs/s2800/DSC06527+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="2800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlgJs7OzbNxuKb7ghxnZI24CTJYj4BOJJp09Xq3oox7Z_x8BdD-VMnQHSKNXJvZ7Jr8HAjAC0JtY_KP0sF-Y0cqhAHxvA81LqjW7E8Rc4DLVphsSVMDpZlyWFe-98hQs3QpW56xdpRCs/s320/DSC06527+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-gUI0InQlDY5PRBNZH6gcLG_6YrmXch5Mj-Zh2NfwGo9W4bt_dFJFt3Pc11NB6vczQZktUCtr9oSSCCM2fqJ0ick53LX9n8rVraN20DTRyunSGecktUhLZGDcwJSmnbf3WMJWF7fAiE/s2434/DSC06543+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2310" data-original-width="2434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-gUI0InQlDY5PRBNZH6gcLG_6YrmXch5Mj-Zh2NfwGo9W4bt_dFJFt3Pc11NB6vczQZktUCtr9oSSCCM2fqJ0ick53LX9n8rVraN20DTRyunSGecktUhLZGDcwJSmnbf3WMJWF7fAiE/s320/DSC06543+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You'll find these baskets and more at cruisincreations.etsy.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Santa Snacks Update</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As many of you know, Santa sells his delicious gourmet seasoned pretzels at many of the same events that I am at. Over the years you've enjoyed his cinnamon- sugar (Prancer's Pieces), garlic-dill (Blitzen's Bits) and Southwest (Rudolph's Red) pretzels. Did you know that Santa has a new flavor for 2021? He's developed his own version of Honey-Mustard (Comet's Crunch). It is wonderful! Look for Santa at the booth next to Cruisin' Creations at our events.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Upcoming Events</h2><div>We are working on our events schedule and are hoping to see many of you in 2021. You can keep up with our events schedule by checking the upcoming events section on the right side of our blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>Current scheduled events are:</div><div>July 16 - 18 - Northville Rotary, Northville NY</div><div>August 12 - Speculator, NY </div><div><br /></div><div>You can also shop local at The Schenectady Trading Company, 609 Union St, Schenectady, NY or visit our website, cruisincreations.etsy.com</div><div><br /></div><div>Until Next Time ...</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane</div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-75231063650811234652021-01-16T14:25:00.000-08:002021-01-16T14:25:00.036-08:00Your Help Supports Those In Need<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D99c1740476a1d610ae7a968f1%26id%3D2a746f6fb1%26e%3D6890126341&source=gmail&ust=1610922202467000&usg=AFQjCNG47ftrnv6-0ZGgrY4nH6t-GOuS1A" href="https://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99c1740476a1d610ae7a968f1&id=2a746f6fb1&e=6890126341" style="background-color: white; color: #163456; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><img align="right" alt="The Quest for Grace Foundation logo" class="CToWUd" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj6UnmbYFRPWvJYbvqTjLx6IKOyoVjgF1GOt7TrgIRIfeg7uQBEmM2krFqIEkIR5k1UzgPJ3LFgF2hEK0vpXXcbfhdmHzPyPv0IfBIRTwzaGL1iLmSkcxwCXyAnCR75hSSdh-ygZewakxU720xq9oajlihvBPBhddAMT2XfiLqS7FCQWgkcyt3Bxp7EgLC9QAyYx1hG57LnIG5zfTCJ76C9p4jBs8kGMA=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px; height: 112px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 150px;" width="150" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Each year, Cruisin' Creations selects a local charity to donate a portion of its sales to. In 2020, your purchases helped support </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D99c1740476a1d610ae7a968f1%26id%3D1e7fc3b313%26e%3D6890126341&source=gmail&ust=1610922202467000&usg=AFQjCNFnwG7eVMTKvEbK9x_f-Neb6lmuPQ" href="https://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99c1740476a1d610ae7a968f1&id=1e7fc3b313&e=6890126341" style="background-color: white; color: #163456; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">The Quest For Grace Foundation</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">. The Quest for Grace Foundation has provided clothing, and other items to foster children in the Capital Region. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">As we begin 2021, we continue to help those in need. This year, we will be donating a portion of our sales to the </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D99c1740476a1d610ae7a968f1%26id%3D7c59a7adc3%26e%3D6890126341&source=gmail&ust=1610922202467000&usg=AFQjCNFWm1jvFkpcGPCDMAp6mNSmOA80Cw" href="https://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99c1740476a1d610ae7a968f1&id=7c59a7adc3&e=6890126341" style="background-color: white; color: #163456; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; overflow-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Albany Housing Coalition, Inc</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">. The Albany Housing Coalition provides housing and supportive services to more than 100 homeless veterans in the Capital District.</span><div style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D99c1740476a1d610ae7a968f1%26id%3D2d496b3843%26e%3D6890126341&source=gmail&ust=1610922202467000&usg=AFQjCNHOjRB7K1-dUS08HZGFD8c-igSoGw" href="https://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99c1740476a1d610ae7a968f1&id=2d496b3843&e=6890126341" style="color: #163456; overflow-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><img align="center" alt="Albany Housing Coalition Logo" class="CToWUd" height="49" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgLsXcLkWlmC1YVdv9ZalcWI1O26qDKf43gUFHrvi1L6kA4kcQUpDZkgXZeI9s8eduQc7I-jd9d63B98X5dO4Ui9BA2no_LkfITuFMjHVt_u11b3x3hVsgTWva4zROQkW7hgiJoipvCxBKY87RAKf34IK-AYxZlxVivWh2mrQ9GAr10sUquCp5D8ZrFMq1Px2BwkpTLbDR9Tkv7hceGNXkMb2iv=s0-d-e1-ft" style="border: 0px; height: 49px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; width: 300px;" width="300" /></a><br /> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">We wish you and yours a happy, safe and rewarding 2021. We hope to see you soon!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Until Next Time...</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #606060; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Diane</div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-27679744495180801992020-10-25T11:00:00.000-07:002020-10-25T11:00:14.558-07:00Giving Back To The Quest for Grace<p><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px;">Each year Cruisin' Creations selects an organization to sponsor. Throughout the year a portion of sales is set aside for the chosen organization. In December of each year a donation is made to the organization based on annual sales. </span></p><p><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px;">The organizations that we select are local and serve a population that needs much support. The mission of The Quest for Grace struck a chord with us; we knew that it was the perfect organization to sponsor in 2020.</span></p><p><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px;">From their website:</span></p><p><span style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px;"><i>"Since 2005, The Quest for Grace Foundation has provided clothing, and other items to foster children in the Capital Region. The Foundation operates solely on donations and good will. Every item is free and nothing is sold.</i></span></p><p style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><i>Founded on the premise that "every child is a gift," we seek to make a positive difference in the lives of these children. We hope that our efforts help lighten the burden of neglect, indifference and abuse and let foster children know that someone cares for them."</i></p><p style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">While they are unable to accept tangible goods this year, and their fundraising events have been greatly curtailed, monetary donations are always appreciated.</p><p style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">You can learn more about this worthy organization at http://www.questforgrace.com/about-us/</p><p style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Won't you consider making a donation to The Quest for Grace? Any amount is appreciated.</p><p style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Until Next Time...</p><p style="color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Diane</p>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-23400936387369322312020-10-07T09:23:00.000-07:002020-10-07T09:23:22.391-07:00Suffering From Craft Show Withdrawal?<p>Are you a self described craft show junkie? Are you suffering from withdrawal because most craft shows have been canceled for 2020? </p><p style="text-align: center;">There is a solution!</p><p>Craft shows have gone virtual. Imagine shopping from the comfort of your own home, not having to battle crowds or jockey for position at a booth. You won't have to worry about social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitizing, air purifying. Sounds heavenly, doesn't it? An added bonus in shopping these virtual shows is that you are purchasing some very special gifts while supporting small businesses who have been hit very hard this year because their main sources of income have been canceled.</p><p>Cruisin' Creations and many other very talented artists are participating in the following virtual shows. Please visit by copying and pasting the web address into your web browser.</p><p>~ The SUNY Oneonta Virtual Craft Show 2020 from Oct 2 - Oct 23 at https://www.facebook.com/events/1101440323522978/?active_tab=discussion <span> </span><span> </span></p><p>~ 45th Saratoga Springs Virtual Holiday Marketplace Craft Show from Nov 14 - Nov 28 at http://saratogacraft.org</p><p>~ Of course, Cruisin' Creations is always open at cruisincreations.etsy.com and Facebook.com/cruisincreations12! </p><p>I know, it's not the same as visiting a show and touching the merchandise; however, there are a couple of options for you do just that as well!</p><p>~ Vine & Branches Gallery, 441 Main St, Bennington, VT 05201 Open Tues - Sat 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, over 40 artists display their wares in this adorable little gift shop.</p><p>~ The Shaker Heritage Society Holiday Market, 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY 12211 Open Wed - Sat 11:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sun 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm, 80 artists have their handcrafted designs available for purchase. The Holiday Market is open from Oct 7 - Dec 19.</p><p>Here's a sampling of what can be found at Vine & Branches Gallery, The Shaker Heritage Society, and our Etsy shop.</p><p>Choose from our Adirondack Series of birch bark baskets, wildlife baskets, walnut slice baskets, fluid art baskets, seaside baskets, and ornaments with pineapples, pigs, patriotic images, flip flops, and many more. Key rings are available at Vine and Branches Gallery and The Shaker Heritage Society. Please message me if you would like a key ring shipped to you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pRHK15UX-rmwYJC-BUoXNswv7dLTB9rZsDH5WgFjnR6__GiIqQ3c-7ekJfL_pCZrR-Jv_sD_8sv9N8vkdtf85necH3qGkjoezkfWWCPT3t6ajjliPDuqwGd4qg9H-EQkUlZimONzqzA/s3208/DSC05533+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1886" data-original-width="3208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pRHK15UX-rmwYJC-BUoXNswv7dLTB9rZsDH5WgFjnR6__GiIqQ3c-7ekJfL_pCZrR-Jv_sD_8sv9N8vkdtf85necH3qGkjoezkfWWCPT3t6ajjliPDuqwGd4qg9H-EQkUlZimONzqzA/s320/DSC05533+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSAAqm0fLpdJutCB9BbTFldtuzk_YECCfUURhSGV9aY78fwP72vwj9IQstkUbVCKXebChgAnqM69v2V7So3pmk_t4wpxEuhgKPl2FnqiypvWi137XuTIxuPnQ5ZtFnIyKg3p37z2W5z4/s3765/DSC05574+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2156" data-original-width="3765" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSAAqm0fLpdJutCB9BbTFldtuzk_YECCfUURhSGV9aY78fwP72vwj9IQstkUbVCKXebChgAnqM69v2V7So3pmk_t4wpxEuhgKPl2FnqiypvWi137XuTIxuPnQ5ZtFnIyKg3p37z2W5z4/s320/DSC05574+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTY00Nsx-7FW5HPBcceOMWSxQVY1fdPTyEJjyJodBy66rtiRzuUVAAwJWQrAff2SLMU6m5gdDfFxrUfNKWNwmg5W3hl98xHl3xRq6yn4XZTS0c9xjMTo2M31g6BUeL8tl1JoQmQEHHyU/s2781/DSC03328+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2526" data-original-width="2781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTY00Nsx-7FW5HPBcceOMWSxQVY1fdPTyEJjyJodBy66rtiRzuUVAAwJWQrAff2SLMU6m5gdDfFxrUfNKWNwmg5W3hl98xHl3xRq6yn4XZTS0c9xjMTo2M31g6BUeL8tl1JoQmQEHHyU/s320/DSC03328+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hTytzwDPPmSUIQp89CVnwZ5Bx4iPgraVs2eSyDb7IefKwiNsIKGGSS_PvcXqG68f4q-AnMOyuNCdFM533YG4BrF13dgkMtQs7DCB68NzQOSOq7LcoT8q2wo626kRxaTfl9NUEfjQ03w/s2859/DSC05469+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2844" data-original-width="2859" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hTytzwDPPmSUIQp89CVnwZ5Bx4iPgraVs2eSyDb7IefKwiNsIKGGSS_PvcXqG68f4q-AnMOyuNCdFM533YG4BrF13dgkMtQs7DCB68NzQOSOq7LcoT8q2wo626kRxaTfl9NUEfjQ03w/s320/DSC05469+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HROL4UnidDnVW1XJa6sKoT238Ywk41pDynxm71Uw9dAh12Bgj8Quijo1DUsfxdNqK5LPGfFE5UFRlo3_HWcrMmj69gCJn5q-PZ2owCywA1C0daFoSlrwIThuozhOLHWqWW0x0MNzvLI/s2651/DSC03350+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="2651" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HROL4UnidDnVW1XJa6sKoT238Ywk41pDynxm71Uw9dAh12Bgj8Quijo1DUsfxdNqK5LPGfFE5UFRlo3_HWcrMmj69gCJn5q-PZ2owCywA1C0daFoSlrwIThuozhOLHWqWW0x0MNzvLI/s320/DSC03350+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcCB4koxbQIN_Yxrk8umDsUkrwPsoEi4SvNK7fmO64R8EP0W15FFaCiz-iWkH_QmhKtjgL0y0CeXG25F45d4MLWd6yHYrJlFCFswJG7-oPA-GGJ2SV3SZx9UIebEBASI0iRXvXqmHCEQ/s2384/DSC03343+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="2384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcCB4koxbQIN_Yxrk8umDsUkrwPsoEi4SvNK7fmO64R8EP0W15FFaCiz-iWkH_QmhKtjgL0y0CeXG25F45d4MLWd6yHYrJlFCFswJG7-oPA-GGJ2SV3SZx9UIebEBASI0iRXvXqmHCEQ/s320/DSC03343+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUePSty-XfI_sz22Nxvg7jFp7eWaMRzNBW8keoOeqsD2PnYRgUPYlDrFg777PSCNE7sZStyTRq0n2DfqY71H0J0I8P6-0L3YCkt9-KrxmcVeL6sTwwCJB-GpCZgeqkhINcy_sI2NPz_Y/s3814/DSC03519+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3651" data-original-width="3814" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUePSty-XfI_sz22Nxvg7jFp7eWaMRzNBW8keoOeqsD2PnYRgUPYlDrFg777PSCNE7sZStyTRq0n2DfqY71H0J0I8P6-0L3YCkt9-KrxmcVeL6sTwwCJB-GpCZgeqkhINcy_sI2NPz_Y/s320/DSC03519+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2GubxkzKVv7KmQrTCG2ogcqXplaqVYEDFY-8y912JdUw4VrnIq_dcXMlCZFHb7A1YLbO1pDwbNwWMoceR-U9mFcMy0BllgcW5LL2bOtpNqufWeVhoVWQw8RafgL_mqqjV4sGzrPWVwg/s2949/DSC03636+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2066" data-original-width="2949" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2GubxkzKVv7KmQrTCG2ogcqXplaqVYEDFY-8y912JdUw4VrnIq_dcXMlCZFHb7A1YLbO1pDwbNwWMoceR-U9mFcMy0BllgcW5LL2bOtpNqufWeVhoVWQw8RafgL_mqqjV4sGzrPWVwg/s320/DSC03636+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNpI6neQJkK6s0yt9_f4ilk676uHJDfHvdDHc3fGy2GOACjoT6QYnXWgBQD_C9avjOFGyWGPoaZ4QFMpaKuzdK7D3VUPEg-zbMalG891CKuVtHM6GPfrKHtQRv0IbjazsFW-LZ68RkTg/s2492/DSC04099+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2297" data-original-width="2492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNpI6neQJkK6s0yt9_f4ilk676uHJDfHvdDHc3fGy2GOACjoT6QYnXWgBQD_C9avjOFGyWGPoaZ4QFMpaKuzdK7D3VUPEg-zbMalG891CKuVtHM6GPfrKHtQRv0IbjazsFW-LZ68RkTg/s320/DSC04099+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8yNRGMpqf4y-9fMT9I_d9gocleVj5-gvEEKnDhqBU-EsL-4llKK1GrMSlEnpVuQplvtCg-yGrTTIdKx8MnOC2udz9bv-Qrm28cTEL2TtCCqCkJA1ydEh2V170EW48dH3svEzkmf_y6o/s3792/DSC03057+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2979" data-original-width="3792" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8yNRGMpqf4y-9fMT9I_d9gocleVj5-gvEEKnDhqBU-EsL-4llKK1GrMSlEnpVuQplvtCg-yGrTTIdKx8MnOC2udz9bv-Qrm28cTEL2TtCCqCkJA1ydEh2V170EW48dH3svEzkmf_y6o/s320/DSC03057+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXSJlOHsI2cD5svHQ8e1de_MH6aAlWWqPavXTxdLwa7aBeEGRz1etIYXQhh2Y1d5omumWUFiVJACIvgUJ2mmrtQjnWWwfzGD5r8KyHwVv3jJSeWl9KDIAYZUyAJ1Ex4fvs6ekX_wlFu8/s3307/DSC05413+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3184" data-original-width="3307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXSJlOHsI2cD5svHQ8e1de_MH6aAlWWqPavXTxdLwa7aBeEGRz1etIYXQhh2Y1d5omumWUFiVJACIvgUJ2mmrtQjnWWwfzGD5r8KyHwVv3jJSeWl9KDIAYZUyAJ1Ex4fvs6ekX_wlFu8/s320/DSC05413+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSG526qR8rNH14X25UKntJVPAQBcUXeebpIWYXOQvG7mwxhu5OBeqYEYhQacicnnFR7PjBhZHhyphenhyphenUlOFKeseOUiRV9vKGVC_Q0ZWSQk9oVtlvUtSe0Ig8ZMGZhzFetMj67q7GwiTksJew/s3427/DSC03146+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3058" data-original-width="3427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSG526qR8rNH14X25UKntJVPAQBcUXeebpIWYXOQvG7mwxhu5OBeqYEYhQacicnnFR7PjBhZHhyphenhyphenUlOFKeseOUiRV9vKGVC_Q0ZWSQk9oVtlvUtSe0Ig8ZMGZhzFetMj67q7GwiTksJew/s320/DSC03146+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4bZjZcAAj48t0dO8aMTWgg-ITdp4rQSFsfLP8EwfrX_cJ8BNIgL9FTDsEMxrBlCGOHTG9S8ZTWZ0INYo0Ss9J5Yk0I7H2mRZ7t8NHdVdnBBFFIv_Yung-ahNdanAxIUmz3ZiEhyphenhyphenBOgE/s3970/DSC02945+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3320" data-original-width="3970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4bZjZcAAj48t0dO8aMTWgg-ITdp4rQSFsfLP8EwfrX_cJ8BNIgL9FTDsEMxrBlCGOHTG9S8ZTWZ0INYo0Ss9J5Yk0I7H2mRZ7t8NHdVdnBBFFIv_Yung-ahNdanAxIUmz3ZiEhyphenhyphenBOgE/s320/DSC02945+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCJE1LNDCy7gP0tsEk0i1DtkSls3Xa2NYvKbHk_anN1tGC9oad14V8SqV4ZSuzseHgyGuDxlTdv5M_JUgtq2RrR0B6-dsGuj_vnfkovZ8GMNt8Lc8SscoblVqxT9yTex-s0CQWbopQXk/s2072/DSC03408+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="2072" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbCJE1LNDCy7gP0tsEk0i1DtkSls3Xa2NYvKbHk_anN1tGC9oad14V8SqV4ZSuzseHgyGuDxlTdv5M_JUgtq2RrR0B6-dsGuj_vnfkovZ8GMNt8Lc8SscoblVqxT9yTex-s0CQWbopQXk/s320/DSC03408+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfnYcHGHypPMvox-PBjCLN1FG2GJBnX4-1vmTl7zSyDzzsLmdU3Ypu4S2NBZAufhtED3vn8w3w-AczkOorGDi-UT0poXjWMXjfjttQV-iLt17wVVn5i1XFoy6FqFZD6SlWlPC7V_LWAg/s1634/DSC03174+%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="1583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfnYcHGHypPMvox-PBjCLN1FG2GJBnX4-1vmTl7zSyDzzsLmdU3Ypu4S2NBZAufhtED3vn8w3w-AczkOorGDi-UT0poXjWMXjfjttQV-iLt17wVVn5i1XFoy6FqFZD6SlWlPC7V_LWAg/s320/DSC03174+%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While not the same shopping experience you can still shop your favorite artists and pick up some very special gifts for your loved ones as well as yourself.<div><br /></div><div>Until Next Time...</div><div><br /></div><div>Diane<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-87727185470681967812020-04-29T11:19:00.001-07:002020-04-29T11:19:17.511-07:00Making The Best Of ItWhile others have bemoaned the order to shelter in place, I have reveled in it. Why? Because I have so many craft projects to work on and now I have the time to do them without distraction. That's like heaven for a crafter like me!<br />
<br />
What have I been working on?<br />
<br />
- Masks for protection<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQi8qwxFT60_CwvkA0W8J6jbNN2xDDX71CAEnWCmknY9pgkbxTvXJN5PQBrnyaMSuzR9CdClLJ9RoNmYnznUfxSFsiU4UyEUomEZSMfnVadGcE3B8Rtn9U8qzJq-gzwlsSjM3QHFXSZng/s1600/masks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="722" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQi8qwxFT60_CwvkA0W8J6jbNN2xDDX71CAEnWCmknY9pgkbxTvXJN5PQBrnyaMSuzR9CdClLJ9RoNmYnznUfxSFsiU4UyEUomEZSMfnVadGcE3B8Rtn9U8qzJq-gzwlsSjM3QHFXSZng/s320/masks.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
- Hats for those in need<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM69ID8g_x_bCRftFL0SHFa0aFr1HQoYXaotLKypcIFY2XGnjbS2hdwVlm-F3PSLTonrvYOIuUu2ZRXeUaL69bV12ZW_njb6chFqK3af_49Xi3QcUoRZr2M71n04e8YriLhrdT0z6YqM/s1600/hats+2019+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM69ID8g_x_bCRftFL0SHFa0aFr1HQoYXaotLKypcIFY2XGnjbS2hdwVlm-F3PSLTonrvYOIuUu2ZRXeUaL69bV12ZW_njb6chFqK3af_49Xi3QcUoRZr2M71n04e8YriLhrdT0z6YqM/s320/hats+2019+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
- A counted cross stitch piece I haven't touched in decades.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGJlJPOPBzwifV8ixxda35SS7cBLLkB7eVqr2ltY39kn3DCRDYV6tfFFeq-DeO9DcOcW6BX-gq9P-AHrv73LJIXQsCP7L9TY3QYJ3dcETFiST4Izm4IXxiF_ydIfe5YMZmEtcjkmc2yg/s1600/cross+stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGJlJPOPBzwifV8ixxda35SS7cBLLkB7eVqr2ltY39kn3DCRDYV6tfFFeq-DeO9DcOcW6BX-gq9P-AHrv73LJIXQsCP7L9TY3QYJ3dcETFiST4Izm4IXxiF_ydIfe5YMZmEtcjkmc2yg/s320/cross+stitch.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
- And, naturally, pine needle baskets. These and many others are available for sale.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVoMF6ukIjcXKOu4joLHGUYOQ3ATvrt3XCo3De1neiMV1qun_PaZwM6xyQF6Jkbs4QY5jhzoMX8fn_YgHwZTtBKA9i6cEuMdp9Q8Em9RSUs5nG8af54-XZ_Wp_iY230yGq2H0kEKlWu4/s1600/DSC03245+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1600" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVoMF6ukIjcXKOu4joLHGUYOQ3ATvrt3XCo3De1neiMV1qun_PaZwM6xyQF6Jkbs4QY5jhzoMX8fn_YgHwZTtBKA9i6cEuMdp9Q8Em9RSUs5nG8af54-XZ_Wp_iY230yGq2H0kEKlWu4/s320/DSC03245+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring 4.5 x 1.5 inches the swirls remind me of the swan's feet moving beneath the water line.<br />$30.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUobz8Uk0GgwOk75PQqNIxv-6tzf5YH2vyNF0iqjEaLyjq35Zj_2doXlOcJwsXdPV_MssCodSMlS2GcoYZL8FGv9vYyHz5TF4ujRKxAnwE6NTCSSgR6X4JxdXlPKcj979dBCDlJ-KqqA/s1600/DSC03202+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUobz8Uk0GgwOk75PQqNIxv-6tzf5YH2vyNF0iqjEaLyjq35Zj_2doXlOcJwsXdPV_MssCodSMlS2GcoYZL8FGv9vYyHz5TF4ujRKxAnwE6NTCSSgR6X4JxdXlPKcj979dBCDlJ-KqqA/s320/DSC03202+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitched with lavender variegated nylon thread.<br />Measures 7 x 6.5 x 1.5 inches<br />$45.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OxdjkvPZIlviyGEItsXizUOlZx6ZOsvZ0iDXI-BVDf5p6RFpIs5YoB8WIVj208wdYIg6FGSTbruzaMEwhElwIlXwFmTAZcBEs5vprvbhoqmLf6VS17MioJatI9d8uWAfvxUemDCxEFc/s1600/DSC03376+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="1600" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OxdjkvPZIlviyGEItsXizUOlZx6ZOsvZ0iDXI-BVDf5p6RFpIs5YoB8WIVj208wdYIg6FGSTbruzaMEwhElwIlXwFmTAZcBEs5vprvbhoqmLf6VS17MioJatI9d8uWAfvxUemDCxEFc/s320/DSC03376+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring 6.5 x 1.5 inches the black and white glass seed beads give the illusion of music swirling around you.<br />$40.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWvQ261nLCXQk6-kxAlGFEkeZh5Vxd4eCEqqxWeUz347gOpBtjhyAt_KuacW67M_ZECA0MPauH0b-lfT2s6n_UTrIMLA_b1X8O4BVGHVtc20n3R_r2KhXb50t8cHNwpNlj_wZQ2oTQDc/s1600/DSC03482+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1556" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWvQ261nLCXQk6-kxAlGFEkeZh5Vxd4eCEqqxWeUz347gOpBtjhyAt_KuacW67M_ZECA0MPauH0b-lfT2s6n_UTrIMLA_b1X8O4BVGHVtc20n3R_r2KhXb50t8cHNwpNlj_wZQ2oTQDc/s320/DSC03482+%25282%2529.JPG" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring 5.5 x 1 inch it's perfect for mom!<br />The swirls simulate rose petals.<br />$30.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtYGvI3c8KXnja6t4B14qf-bMrrOhZePOtIuA_Tn8Yxc6GCs39MYjebMABu0qR9MEF_nv50lfrCiBtTWZnnUyOolgteqQ8YhbbJSFFC87yqhw5BwkUUiS1DzRGwPDswlPoWLDqO-CzSc/s1600/DSC03441+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtYGvI3c8KXnja6t4B14qf-bMrrOhZePOtIuA_Tn8Yxc6GCs39MYjebMABu0qR9MEF_nv50lfrCiBtTWZnnUyOolgteqQ8YhbbJSFFC87yqhw5BwkUUiS1DzRGwPDswlPoWLDqO-CzSc/s320/DSC03441+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect for bread, fruit, or vegetables! Or just for display!<br />9 x 8 x 2.5 inches<br />$70.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_ResCAMzl6I5DcU82BizchXHrjv9zcdByzE39uo__7coAbX_IXJy-bt7qIyFkc383kZddjerzoHBoG0hUN_5f0aZtVNd0BgtEwVzB-rfh2527wrJ-s1kSiv8ia2PyLKDSO6xNpZakUw/s1600/DSC03433+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_ResCAMzl6I5DcU82BizchXHrjv9zcdByzE39uo__7coAbX_IXJy-bt7qIyFkc383kZddjerzoHBoG0hUN_5f0aZtVNd0BgtEwVzB-rfh2527wrJ-s1kSiv8ia2PyLKDSO6xNpZakUw/s320/DSC03433+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This base was an Easter gift from my husband.<br />Measuring 9 x 2 inches the glass seed beads and nylon thread bring out the many shades of gold and brown in the base.<br />$75.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These are just a few of the any pine needle baskets are being handcrafted daily! Watch for new additions to be posted on our Facebook page - facebook.com/cruisincreations12<br />
<br />
Please share what have you been doing.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Upcoming Events</h2>
<div>
While craft show participation is uncertain for this year, you can still purchase unusual gifts for your loved ones. Simply check out our Facebook page - facebook.com/cruisincreations12 to view the many baskets we have available for sale. Then simply message me on Facebook of email me at dbabin731@gmail.com.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
<br />Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-53313400496561026292020-04-12T11:01:00.002-07:002020-04-12T11:05:49.081-07:00The PauseWe can't help thinking of this Easter Sunday as, "The Pause." We are pausing from the hustle and bustle of the season. There was no shopping for a new outfit. No shopping for a big meal. No shopping for gifts to fill Easter baskets. No decorating the house. No elaborate preparations. No hustle and bustle of getting the house ready for a big crowd.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Instead, we paused. We relaxed and reflected. We prayed. We sorted out all of the clutter to realize what is really important in our lives. We reached out to others in the only ways we could - phone, email, social media. We realized how much we need others. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We wish you a blessed and holy Easter Sunday.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsXziZE4MqtRfzHzzVo4wbmDhSn6JS2YKnWp9L4hlFCKGHcgh3WEVjRe404O3iT2AObg1GRyfYPsYfooNyCRFqd-MHuPUCL556EE4jGx07Y2h09PFQO1wOwQVGH0eKDtVsw_qMFG_uA4/s1600/Easter+2020.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsXziZE4MqtRfzHzzVo4wbmDhSn6JS2YKnWp9L4hlFCKGHcgh3WEVjRe404O3iT2AObg1GRyfYPsYfooNyCRFqd-MHuPUCL556EE4jGx07Y2h09PFQO1wOwQVGH0eKDtVsw_qMFG_uA4/s320/Easter+2020.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
May we live a new, more considerate life once this is all over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until Next Time...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Diane</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-45920457538980963182020-03-15T06:53:00.000-07:002020-03-15T06:53:05.342-07:00ObsessionObsession can be a dangerous activity. It can rob the soul while cluttering the mind.<br />
<br />
Many year ago my doctor gave me a diagnosis of carpel tunnel syndrome. I was doing an over abundance of hand sewing and was experiencing much pain and some numbness in my hand and wrist. Classic signs. I found myself obsessing over this condition which only made it worse.<br />
<br />
Each time I would pick up a needle I would think about the proper way to hold the needle, the need to push it through the fabric with little force so as not to cause pain. What actually happened. I experienced more pain than I would have felt if I hadn't thought about any of it at all.<br />
<br />
At that time TV watching while crafting was a nightly activity in our home. We had our favorite shows, but there were nights where we channel surfed until we found something interesting. One night we caught a show where Dr. John E. Sarno, MD was speaking. He had written a book, <i>Healing Back Pain, The Mind-Body Connection</i>, which I found interesting. I thought perhaps this book could help me with my wrist pain.<br />
<br />
I purchased the book and felt relief within the first few pages. Why? The basic message of this book is, if you focus on or obsess about pain you are going to continually feel that pain. Focusing on other things rather than the pain will help the pain go away. This is an over simplified explanation, but one that works for me. I stopped reminding myself of the proper way to hold a needle, cut with a pair of scissors, lift something, etc and began focusing on other things and the pain did go away. Did I still feel pain. Occasionally. When I did feel it, I acknowledged it and forgot about it.<br />
<br />
This book's philosophy is why I am now able to put my hands through the grueling task of making pine needle baskets. Making baskets puts a lot of stress on the hands. By not obsessing about the pain I am able to move past it and create works of art.<br />
<br />
While Dr. Sarno focuses on back pain, I believe this book's premise can help those suffering from a wide range of chronic issues including social, emotional, and physical pain. This book doesn't remove the condition it simply changes the response to the condition providing a better quality of life.<br />
<h2>
What's New?</h2>
<div>
January through June is inventory building time. That inventory includes supplies as well as baskets. I've found a few new basket base suppliers who have provided me with some awesome bases. I've collected bases from a few whose work is consistent and enjoyable to look at. And, I'm experimenting with some new ideas of my own for bases and embellishment. Below are a few photos of baskets that will appear at shows beginning in July. Which ones do you like the best?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQXWaBA6a1ATO-xHzid_kcGxyF35-itRqeAkde0OGVR_d-7fPaxBtoPlpONeIA1tjnGHDW5Kr3u0uqE90qmJgnvPuBqmW639qQLEVNhRHEbAqht_Ov9FVFS0K_UMiWANnt8WN3zWyE8I/s1600/DSC02927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQXWaBA6a1ATO-xHzid_kcGxyF35-itRqeAkde0OGVR_d-7fPaxBtoPlpONeIA1tjnGHDW5Kr3u0uqE90qmJgnvPuBqmW639qQLEVNhRHEbAqht_Ov9FVFS0K_UMiWANnt8WN3zWyE8I/s320/DSC02927.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eleven black walnut slices make up this unique basket. <br />While a beautiful display piece because it has been sealed with polyurethane <br />it can also be used for any of your basket needs. <br />Measuring 10.5 x 9.25 x 2.25 inches, $85.00.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPHc23-5SWmM9YLQSVYfrATiGrRa3wjHYdIy7s4ygKpiefe7zlwcDs6MNR4SXUTxIa7dpYsYmQZ1fA9o3E85qvnjGj3sXxtrKg5qCcTkqGdqv0eRWI8T3QtdQPIsBI0AEztjfoQ0nmSg/s1600/DSC02963+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiPHc23-5SWmM9YLQSVYfrATiGrRa3wjHYdIy7s4ygKpiefe7zlwcDs6MNR4SXUTxIa7dpYsYmQZ1fA9o3E85qvnjGj3sXxtrKg5qCcTkqGdqv0eRWI8T3QtdQPIsBI0AEztjfoQ0nmSg/s320/DSC02963+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple piece of wood and a leaf sticker combine to create this adorable little basket. <br />Burnt orange and gold thread bring out the colors in the leaf. Measuring 5.75 x 5 x .75 inches, $30.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv7D95IvssstV6EFHQAZCJX7o-cLN4cJct9HrtNRTugwvtI2xVp9q6dMUZceZ9ioU6jQaaD9AXhGtpbZeuO0mho4Yk0S7ve5YCT1Sk_7CAr_y9WOTJ1hrj3PRmWixCzmOOHrefhd6UPk/s1600/DSC02932+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv7D95IvssstV6EFHQAZCJX7o-cLN4cJct9HrtNRTugwvtI2xVp9q6dMUZceZ9ioU6jQaaD9AXhGtpbZeuO0mho4Yk0S7ve5YCT1Sk_7CAr_y9WOTJ1hrj3PRmWixCzmOOHrefhd6UPk/s320/DSC02932+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always a favorite! Gear buttons, pine needles, and nylon thread were used to create another fun basket.<br />Measuring 8.5 x 2 inches, $55.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBcKKSSRKjMP6g7nl7YLPKgSniW0LUfZ52n1J1EOhtrIEPZ-4CudI2riaLa5sa6wJGFygxH9D0r2JG2yMEL9HaZPstQ0-X16WO6WaopIQmbIzcXFuVSwvuV4PPl8YR6Mlos1Y9p-IoYc/s1600/DSC02925+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBcKKSSRKjMP6g7nl7YLPKgSniW0LUfZ52n1J1EOhtrIEPZ-4CudI2riaLa5sa6wJGFygxH9D0r2JG2yMEL9HaZPstQ0-X16WO6WaopIQmbIzcXFuVSwvuV4PPl8YR6Mlos1Y9p-IoYc/s320/DSC02925+%25282%2529.JPG" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter has a great eye for picking out items to use for basket bases and this one is proof of that.<br />Measuring 3.5 x 1 inch it is the perfect basket for holding jewelry, loose change, keys, etc. $25.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9BO9CZ5Skg3uy3uvZnBsHsP3772rUkWEM2NogorSp3PAPZH_VPNoalQSnEldC58gLsmC27YP-zP4IVJhEaYTqZAMiMWvwnT1tn76aGW97Iyt9pkSFXearh7vt6xm7OuhiopJK9daMK0/s1600/DSC02961+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9BO9CZ5Skg3uy3uvZnBsHsP3772rUkWEM2NogorSp3PAPZH_VPNoalQSnEldC58gLsmC27YP-zP4IVJhEaYTqZAMiMWvwnT1tn76aGW97Iyt9pkSFXearh7vt6xm7OuhiopJK9daMK0/s320/DSC02961+%25282%2529.JPG" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you just love this darling little basket? It's perfect for a camp or home in the woods! <br />The uneven shape of the basket base creates a different shaped basket and the barrel beads in the handles add a different look as well. Measuring 4.75 x 4 x 1.5 inches, $35.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDKp_o89Ka6EbDjxrAKjuGL1z4uAM3xzt5iszhc3SuX0q7M6ijJb9x4ScL8YipvYazKqn6zx-N4oh0FOwT4UFcyaCkT2rHeqYMm3015-S-OAK_cQu_nL5sXsREvtD1m0she2teUhCi6A/s1600/DSC02926+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDKp_o89Ka6EbDjxrAKjuGL1z4uAM3xzt5iszhc3SuX0q7M6ijJb9x4ScL8YipvYazKqn6zx-N4oh0FOwT4UFcyaCkT2rHeqYMm3015-S-OAK_cQu_nL5sXsREvtD1m0she2teUhCi6A/s320/DSC02926+%25282%2529.JPG" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another trinket basket stitched with turquoise thread. Measuring 3.5 x .75 inches $25.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdlZGV7b3IpBwJrzqaEI40MhBP1zjuVuX5Km4s00aj4wh8gwKX9hM4KaNZ3-oEaCsONHbkICDmt9Nsl_Q3NLuHgVjJi1JhR9o_qwXM0U-YRfnA4p63PmxRGkpRg6DULvh2D7TGatLRXw/s1600/DSC02971+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1520" data-original-width="1600" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdlZGV7b3IpBwJrzqaEI40MhBP1zjuVuX5Km4s00aj4wh8gwKX9hM4KaNZ3-oEaCsONHbkICDmt9Nsl_Q3NLuHgVjJi1JhR9o_qwXM0U-YRfnA4p63PmxRGkpRg6DULvh2D7TGatLRXw/s320/DSC02971+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The design of this basket mimics the flower in the center. Brown wrapping is patterned after the center of the flower. <br />Ivory thread brings out the ivory flower and random V stitches in brown represent the brown markings on the flower.<br />Measuring 5.5 x 1.25 inches, $40.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv_wFLswENKDo7jaHxtG2dKgrBptpZVfOck9GZn5rzNBmMDzJMmE9WDr2iywrfzbt-ZCPZrcVpZg-7QeFAGze_7zHCZanLcTtVVDQgV_cBUa75Kjm1vEiZK-Pmos_WjSmyzzUQgUZgoA/s1600/DSC02984+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv_wFLswENKDo7jaHxtG2dKgrBptpZVfOck9GZn5rzNBmMDzJMmE9WDr2iywrfzbt-ZCPZrcVpZg-7QeFAGze_7zHCZanLcTtVVDQgV_cBUa75Kjm1vEiZK-Pmos_WjSmyzzUQgUZgoA/s320/DSC02984+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of those fun basket bases I just couldn't pass up! I think it came out quite well. Do you agree?<br />Red stitching represents the red in the watermelon, small black wraps represent the seeds, and the white and green wrapped rows at the top represent the white and green of the skin.<br />Measuring 7 x 1 inch, $45.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Would you like to purchase one of these baskets? Please message me on Facebook/cruisincreations12 or dbabin731@gmail.com.</div>
<h2>
Upcoming Events</h2>
<div>
We are developing our schedule for 2020. Our first show will be in July in Northville, NY. Keep checking our events list to keep up to date on upcoming events.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-49150758844564916822019-11-06T11:18:00.001-08:002019-11-06T11:26:22.066-08:00Worth The Risk?Imagine one day you're a healthy, athletic female in the prime of your life. The next day you have aches and pains in places you didn't even know could have aches and pains. Over time your life becomes a series of doctor visits, surgeries, and medications to the point where it is determined by the doctors that you are permanently disabled and have to use a scooter to get around.<br />
<br />
What is causing all of these medical issues? The breast implants that were inserted into your body many years before.<br />
<br />
I'm going to let my friend, Robin, tell you more about this, because she can tell it much better than I can. She lived through it.<br />
<br />
"I am a Breast Implant Illness survivor. I know the dark side of breast implants because I've been sick for the last 18 years. Little did I know that implants were slowly killing me. I was given two years to live due to the amount of stress and sickness my body was going through.<br />
<br />
My whole life I was very athletic, tennis, bike riding, hiking, and my favorite joy was dancing with my husband. I was appointed as the Associate Chaplain'Abuse Chaplain of the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall in Martinez, CA. I was also a Public Speaker against child abuse. Over the years my health deteriorated to the point that I was no longer able to work or be the Mother and Wife I use to be. I was tired and I didn't want to live anymore. I was so frustrated I was losing hope. I felt like I was on a merry-go-round with doctors, hospitals, surgeries, and medications. For all this time I used wheelchairs, walkers, and canes to get around. I was taking five different medications every day. Even then, the pain got worse and I ended up spending most of my days in bed. ...I was totally disabled.<br />
<br />
One day my husband was watching a health program and the woman on the program had all my symptoms. She too had saline breast implants and the same symptoms I was having. I started doing research and to my shock and fear I realized I was a candidate for breast implant illness. I met with a cosmetic surgeon who confirmed my fear that I had all the symptoms. It was time to have them removed, which I did 8 months ago.<br />
<br />
Within two months all of my symptoms went away slowly. Today I no longer need any assistance to walk. The pain and depression are gone. The only thing I need to hold on to is my best friend's arm, my husband of thirty nine and a half years, with God leading the way to a healthy new beginning.<br />
<br />
These were my symptoms:<br />
Seizures - at times two per day<br />
Lesions and cysts<br />
Hair loss<br />
Joint pain and soreness<br />
Low libido<br />
Sudden heart palpitations<br />
Metallic taste in the mouth<br />
Skin rashes<br />
Excruciating lower back pain...for many years<br />
Weight gain<br />
Bruising and bleeding<br />
My blood smelled like metal<br />
Neuropathy in my feet<br />
Brain fog and memory loss<br />
Burning pain down my legs<br />
My skin was turning gray<br />
<br />
I became incapacitated...and there is a lot more to this story including my biggest fear that I might have had breast cancer, thank God it was negative. Today 90% of my symptoms are gone."<br />
<br />
Robin also lost use of her hands. They would shake and she had difficulty writing.<br />
<br />
I have known Robin for 17 years. We met on vacation and have stayed in touch since. When we met she had to hang on to someone or use a cane. Other than that you would not have known that these saline breast implants, which were supposed to be safe, were killing her. She was so full of life! Over the last 17 years I have listened as Robin's health deteriorated. I couldn't understand why all of these doctors she was seeing couldn't figure out what was wrong with her and fix it. No one suspected the breast implants.<br />
<br />
Robin called me a few days after her implant removal surgery. I immediately heard a difference. She was more alert and coherent and easier to talk too. I am so happy to say that my happy, full of life friend is back! She is hopeful about her future and sees a reason to live.<br />
<br />
I have another friend who is a breast cancer survivor. She had reconstructive surgery using saline breast implants. After about 8 years she started to have symptoms - pain and a pulling sensation. She too, had her implants removed and is feeling much better. While this friend didn't need much convincing to have the implants removed, the telling of Robin's story confirmed that she was making the right decision.<br />
<br />
Please help Robin spread the word that saline breast implants are NOT safe!<br />
Thank you!<br />
<br />
<h2>
What's New?</h2>
<div>
We are in the thick of the craft fair season! I've been working diligently to make as many baskets, key rings, and ornaments to fill your gift giving needs. Here are a few...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoAAf20ip0KPKKGjadnPEVys3dksu7V3YmF7jb0tqQc_V-l8bunni_2Drc2vn2vxA6JdiKrpWi3sleTA-wuEcC25fmFC6NyXOABYwPwJQTWxo2cEWSPGLJ1qpMcM_kkYWBqEis_AUkzM/s1600/20190930_113112+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoAAf20ip0KPKKGjadnPEVys3dksu7V3YmF7jb0tqQc_V-l8bunni_2Drc2vn2vxA6JdiKrpWi3sleTA-wuEcC25fmFC6NyXOABYwPwJQTWxo2cEWSPGLJ1qpMcM_kkYWBqEis_AUkzM/s320/20190930_113112+%25282%2529.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjgdIpF6TcWkVWQqA0spqAGol1ItryOISKUgooJ0vFI_ykYBxnFpa0zSnvlZpE_5freGH-5nR1Squ5GGzXd8YepPP1_LEq8TrfE1hLQzUivrxeTRVDdy2MSc0mQvBQcDji3zux54ZoLo/s1600/20190930_113018+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjgdIpF6TcWkVWQqA0spqAGol1ItryOISKUgooJ0vFI_ykYBxnFpa0zSnvlZpE_5freGH-5nR1Squ5GGzXd8YepPP1_LEq8TrfE1hLQzUivrxeTRVDdy2MSc0mQvBQcDji3zux54ZoLo/s320/20190930_113018+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqVTQ-JVdXROBsMs1fXI3hreeP-Dm_uByokhr6bCUwdtr4QPOJ331wBQIQk-le4bQH4sixYoY0AZNu0UYzDkkqibZS3auwkgfWIzNaY89e9Xmzg6s1ww1L8QKlI_Xs4wcTQv160RgMYg/s1600/white+dove+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqVTQ-JVdXROBsMs1fXI3hreeP-Dm_uByokhr6bCUwdtr4QPOJ331wBQIQk-le4bQH4sixYoY0AZNu0UYzDkkqibZS3auwkgfWIzNaY89e9Xmzg6s1ww1L8QKlI_Xs4wcTQv160RgMYg/s320/white+dove+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2nrO5_ZQJ1H1zAiUst-zLrzPlaknhMjEleGdywGlTdM0nadLmQ2U607_iiK-6nhf-o2IW-AeWPzG5lfXcUGRLrKq_ZQpxj47ie4dNeWpULbt6Q4cDADNjickpgjaxA-1UPrO0c2_s6E/s1600/DSC02451+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2nrO5_ZQJ1H1zAiUst-zLrzPlaknhMjEleGdywGlTdM0nadLmQ2U607_iiK-6nhf-o2IW-AeWPzG5lfXcUGRLrKq_ZQpxj47ie4dNeWpULbt6Q4cDADNjickpgjaxA-1UPrO0c2_s6E/s320/DSC02451+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwOzD2HWP4Z26sELICAYTr3oLHUq8dC4N0BVp8jzalD2UvciQIH6iiVvkDhmSFTs8e8rk3Z3oZSEQzxQ8B9-DauvZDm_cJIBqdcAjK8oWLTFWZExNRR3YOZu1yIUunzZiT9NHRvcI4Gg/s1600/DSC02487+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1455" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwOzD2HWP4Z26sELICAYTr3oLHUq8dC4N0BVp8jzalD2UvciQIH6iiVvkDhmSFTs8e8rk3Z3oZSEQzxQ8B9-DauvZDm_cJIBqdcAjK8oWLTFWZExNRR3YOZu1yIUunzZiT9NHRvcI4Gg/s320/DSC02487+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpQjo2JbOyDlT8GXhaSaZtMnjCf_VzFrcVkxKTvnEFdg4ih7qGZAi5gsOtCyJFouBEIDLvzPzIz9mvAS9J6MRa_k7IsUm6K-NIEW1Y9LPho-Z058_hBJbuIl03YfYC7GUM6T-yJnNL2Y/s1600/DSC02542+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1600" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpQjo2JbOyDlT8GXhaSaZtMnjCf_VzFrcVkxKTvnEFdg4ih7qGZAi5gsOtCyJFouBEIDLvzPzIz9mvAS9J6MRa_k7IsUm6K-NIEW1Y9LPho-Z058_hBJbuIl03YfYC7GUM6T-yJnNL2Y/s320/DSC02542+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upcoming Events</h2>
</div>
<div>
Oct 22 - Dec 20 - 10 am - 5 pm, closed Sundays - The Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY<br />
Nov 23 - 9 am - 4 pm - Colonie High School, 1 Raider Blvd, Albany, NY</div>
<div>
Nov 24 - 10 am - 3 pm - Soroptimist International, Gloversville Middle School, 234 Lincoln St, Gloversville, NY</div>
<div>
Nov 30 - 10 am - 4:30 pm - Saratoga Craft Marketplace, Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY<br />
<br />
Can't make it to one of our shows? Message me on Facebook - facebook.com/cruisincreations12 and we'll make arrangements to get a basket to you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
<br />
<br />Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-2830268112287927832019-08-06T11:41:00.003-07:002019-08-06T12:31:50.154-07:00Imagine ...Imagine walking up a flight of stairs to the second floor of a building after arriving in a new country. As you are walking up this flight of stairs you notice people using a piece of chalk to mark an X on the coats of some of your fellow travelers. You wonder if you will be marked as well. You wonder what that X might mean.<br />
<br />
At the top of the stairs you are ushered into a large crowded room with minimal seating on wooden benches. You wait your turn to be called into room after room to prove that you are worthy. Worthy of what, you ask? Worthy to stay in the US. You endure a humiliating physical and are introduced to a small hammer that checks your reflexes. You must prove that you can read in your native language. You must prove that you will not become a menace to society. You must prove that you can take care of yourself. And... you must have someone willing to sponsor you and promise to support you until you can support yourself.<br />
<br />
You endure all of this after sailing on a boat for 1-2 weeks in steerage accommodations that are anything but luxurious. Seasickness is common. You're scared and don't understand what people are saying to you because you do not speak English.<br />
<br />
There are dormitories, infirmaries, and cafeterias. You arrive penniless but you are still expected to pay for your meals.<br />
<br />
The dates? 1890 - 1924<br />
The place? Ellis Island<br />
<br />
Many who arrived during those 34 years were allowed to stay. About 2% were sent home. Some families were broken up because one member or another was sick. Those family members never saw each other again. Some were sent home because they were thought to "become a public charge."<br />
<br />
Those selected to stay were not allowed to leave the island until their sponsors arrived to pick them up.<br />
<br />
Back to that X. What did it mean? It was a mark placed on the coats of those who struggled going up that flight of stairs. It was the first test they had to pass. Those who struggled were at a disadvantage in their ability to remain in the US.<br />
<br />
As I toured Ellis Island recently I couldn't help but marvel at what my grandparents had to endure to enter this country in the early 1900s. Both of my grandfathers arrived first, established themselves then sent for their wives and children. I had always thought that they were simply documented on Ellis Island and entered the country. I never realized how involved that immigration process was at that time.<br />
<br />
Ellis Island was very enlightening for me. It is a must see!<br />
<br />
<h2>
New Items</h2>
<div>
We recently introduced a new item to our collection - key rings. Key rings are made of pine needles and have a solid center. There is a silver toned or gold toned key ring to attach your keys. These key rings were first introduced at the Shaker Heritage Summer Craft Fair in July and they have proven to be quite popular!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first batch is pictured below. Several other center designs have been added. Check them out at one of our upcoming shows!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWss_Q2PVb3Pj9Zy_gJIYq1tvqnYv-g8tc9kb3lHngBVF1AH-4R-KT_OkXHoEf-IAI4mYiun2uPFKBQb2LztIfRusATEXnqGOnX6UAG1rVmClFst-XjHUiFl8mX4DLJNdLH01nnBwbMJA/s1600/keyring+2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWss_Q2PVb3Pj9Zy_gJIYq1tvqnYv-g8tc9kb3lHngBVF1AH-4R-KT_OkXHoEf-IAI4mYiun2uPFKBQb2LztIfRusATEXnqGOnX6UAG1rVmClFst-XjHUiFl8mX4DLJNdLH01nnBwbMJA/s320/keyring+2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upcoming Events</h2>
<div>
Speculator Craft Fair is one of our favorites and is coming up on Thursday, Aug 8. Join us at the Speculator Ball Field, Routes 8 & 30, Speculator, NY from 9-4. Santa and I will be in the pavilion.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are excited to announce that we have added a new event - The Carrot Festival at Agudat Achim, Troy-Schenectady Rd, Schenectady, NY. Sept 8 from 10 - 4. I'll be inside the building. See you there!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-19276653437555427472019-06-17T07:01:00.000-07:002019-06-17T07:01:57.939-07:00How Did You Get Started?From time to time people ask how long I have been making pine needle baskets and how I got started. I owe my pine needle basket success to two people - my mother, and my friend Cheryl.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As I've mentioned in earlier posts my mother enrolled me in a 4-H club when I was 9 years old. For 5 years I participated in the Hilltop Club run by Martha Matula. We learned how to cook, sew, manage our money, and many other things. I conquered a bit of my shyness by doing demonstrations on many subjects at various competitions throughout the county. I won many blue ribbons particularly for sewing at many competitions and the Altamont Fair. Membership in this club taught me so many things, introduced me to many new friends, and gave me a lifelong hobby that led to many careers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fast forward 5 decades. My husband and I are vacationing in Florida and our friend, Cheryl, asks if I would like to learn how to make a pine needle basket. I had been introduced to these baskets 3 years before and was intrigued by them. We met with two of Cheryl's neighbors to get an idea of what was involved. These neighbors are true artists who had been making baskets for 2-3 years at the time. We then took a class. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As with learning to sew all those years before, I took to pine needle basket coiling like a fish to water. Our instructor, Carol, helped me out with a few techniques and then I took off! One basket became two, then three, then ten, then... Hmmm? What was I going to do with all of these baskets? I have just so many family members and friends t0 give them to.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A visit from a neighbor who wanted to purchase some baskets got me thinking about selling them at craft shows. With a business name like Cruisin' Creations I could sell anything. I wasn't limited to the women's fashion accessories that I had been selling.<br />
<br />
So, I began testing the market in the fall of 2016 by displaying a few baskets. As they sold I realized that the uniqueness of pine needle coiled baskets in the Northeast would work in my favor. I could be a very successful entrepreneur by switching my focus from accessories to baskets.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's been three years and over 300 baskets and 500 ornaments have been made and sold. With a goal of 120 baskets by June 30 the first 6 months of 2019 have been devoted to building inventory for this year's craft fair season. I'm getting close with 111 made and ready to sell!<br />
<br />
I will continue to make these baskets as long as my hands hold out. Yes, making pine needle baskets can be painful at times. Yes, I have to give my hands a rest now and then. And, yes, Advil has become my friend. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The beauty of making a pine needle basket is that I get to create. I get to see a design I have imagined come together. And, I get to meet so many wonderful people throughout the year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Due to scheduling conflicts and and a need to preserve the strength of my hands I have limited the number of shows this year. Check out our upcoming events on the right side of this page to find a show near you. Also, check out our Facebook page to view many of our new creations. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Can't make a show but want a basket? Simply message me with the basket you are interested in and we will get it shipped to you.</div>
<div>
<br />
<h2>
What's New?</h2>
</div>
<div>
These are just a few of the many baskets that have been made so far this year. See one you like? Message me and we will work out a means to get it to you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHY2yTJzXUtSvavxDv9oD42xyNSdNMOFXBuxkbCCbbFbU2ZUZjuZQpizpOAwKlXCax_k153bkoZGEtt7q9d2NszVLuBsQvAYJoVeEAeZ3RNqKsH6AvLsX1jatNatV4NNCfxL9Ps0eqnI/s1600/DSC02486+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHY2yTJzXUtSvavxDv9oD42xyNSdNMOFXBuxkbCCbbFbU2ZUZjuZQpizpOAwKlXCax_k153bkoZGEtt7q9d2NszVLuBsQvAYJoVeEAeZ3RNqKsH6AvLsX1jatNatV4NNCfxL9Ps0eqnI/s320/DSC02486+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K_zxpQOFlkIKZCQZbb1s8r0sHjulnrIy0sYi75bl0nznElbD7tJiZEEC0Az4AcdjTVoxVVzY7nTE3tE-d9xj4eeAPkwEGgoWKyXVflMM_Iw-BlBg-aAuTcHlzlhxJXkKAli3vkrg8Ck/s1600/DSC02487+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1455" data-original-width="1600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3K_zxpQOFlkIKZCQZbb1s8r0sHjulnrIy0sYi75bl0nznElbD7tJiZEEC0Az4AcdjTVoxVVzY7nTE3tE-d9xj4eeAPkwEGgoWKyXVflMM_Iw-BlBg-aAuTcHlzlhxJXkKAli3vkrg8Ck/s320/DSC02487+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TMzqqtoQYG1JaFfvOOY6MEP2e1YjFxQHYxh_vnRELBXn7CiKinowIqSWpNPj9v2pgD9n2A1U4eu96KHm2jz9gejtj3NPlfMxnpP5FgxLpBkUyuxeh33cqanBPDbZg2Wu63HZoZYmmBg/s1600/DSC02503+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TMzqqtoQYG1JaFfvOOY6MEP2e1YjFxQHYxh_vnRELBXn7CiKinowIqSWpNPj9v2pgD9n2A1U4eu96KHm2jz9gejtj3NPlfMxnpP5FgxLpBkUyuxeh33cqanBPDbZg2Wu63HZoZYmmBg/s320/DSC02503+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_84pPfCgS_UjSgmfi0IUO_PWdidGM5Ax8G15g2uYx4W69FmkcgjOZgpQV7XSZnVv22_y59krwiYCEJqGAIcrqLia3jCR7SyAaxauaiRLUBZYujsS0-MOH6I5aVtvqseUp50oE7MK1ZZQ/s1600/DSC02491+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_84pPfCgS_UjSgmfi0IUO_PWdidGM5Ax8G15g2uYx4W69FmkcgjOZgpQV7XSZnVv22_y59krwiYCEJqGAIcrqLia3jCR7SyAaxauaiRLUBZYujsS0-MOH6I5aVtvqseUp50oE7MK1ZZQ/s320/DSC02491+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV-6wbFVwTHESUqMTSkU53AFzrCAf4rNJZ7A9JMxKQnH-GvGD82bmbdmFzjBetPYNsGa6xM7hlTS2XZviYyUWIi_YV1DKXfvEBl4vM-5xkEdlrtGe-U4CNMbwo5bP_X3UxAbu89uAwe8/s1600/DSC02539+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV-6wbFVwTHESUqMTSkU53AFzrCAf4rNJZ7A9JMxKQnH-GvGD82bmbdmFzjBetPYNsGa6xM7hlTS2XZviYyUWIi_YV1DKXfvEBl4vM-5xkEdlrtGe-U4CNMbwo5bP_X3UxAbu89uAwe8/s320/DSC02539+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upcoming Events!</h2>
<div>
We have two events scheduled for July!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
July 13 & 14 - Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</div>
<div>
July 19 - 21 - Northville Woodworking and Fine Arts Show, Bradt Building and Park, Northville, NY Fri - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Sat - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-6566175245806650502019-05-01T13:06:00.001-07:002019-05-01T13:06:44.229-07:00Medicare For AllI listen with interest to all of the pundits who promise Medicare for all of our citizens. I believe the impression some of our citizens have is that Medicare for all means free healthcare for all. Medicare for all is a noble thought; however, Medicare is NOT free.<br />
<br />
A few facts:<br />
~ If you are employed you are paying 1.45% of your income for Medicare Part A (hospital and inpatient care) through your withholding taxes. Your employer also pays 1.45% of your income for Medicare Part A. In theory, this money is set aside until you are eligible for Medicare then it is used to pay 80% of your hospital and inpatient care expenses.<br />
~ Medicare Part B (doctor and other health care provider services) is funded by those 65 and older who pay $135.50 or more each month. This premium is dependent upon your annual income and increases each year.<br />
~ Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) is an additional premium. I was unable to gather premium information without getting too far into applying for a Medicare Part D plan.<br />
~ In case you're wondering, Medicare Part C is for Medicare Advantage Plans.<br />
~ Medicare covers up to 80% of most medical bills. Most people 65 and older obtain supplemental insurance out of pocket to cover the remaining 20%.<br />
<br />
Let's do some calculations to see if Medicare for all would work for you. If you earn $100,000. per year you will be paying $1450 and your employer will be paying $1450 for your Medicare Part A coverage. At an income of $100,000 you will also be paying approximately $135.50 or more per month or $1626/ year for doctor and other health provider coverage. Using these numbers you have an out of pocket cost of $3070/ year. But wait! That doesn't include prescription coverage so your annual premium would most likely be more.<br />
<br />
At this point you may be thinking, that's not bad. Perhaps it's less than you pay now for medical insurance? Oh, but remember $3070 is only for 80% of your medical coverage. Also, if you have a spouse, and children, you or they will be paying an additional amount for their coverage as well. So, a family of 4 could be looking at an out of pocket cost of over $12,280 per year for an 80% coverage of your medical expenses. How does that compare with what you are currently paying?<br />
<br />
Let's say you have a hospital stay that results is combined expenses of $75,000. Medicare will cover $60,000. If you didn't carry supplemental health insurance how would you fund the remaining balance of $15,000?<br />
<br />
Obviously, my numbers are purely speculative as no one has explained how this would all work out. Being the cynic that I am when it comes to politics and "free" stuff, I would hazard a guess that these numbers are a fraction of what will actually be withheld from your paycheck to pay for Medicare for all.<br />
<br />
My intent with this blog is not to discredit the notion of Medicare for all as it is a very noble thought. My intent is merely to enlighten those who believe that Medicare for all means free health care for all. I think it's important that we, as citizens and a nation, gather all of the facts and calculate all of the numbers before we proclaim Medicare for all as the law of the land. Do you agree?<br />
<br />
One more thing...<br />
for those who call Social Security an entitlement - 6.4% of your gross income is withheld from each of your paychecks for Social Security. Your employer also pays 6.4% of your gross income for your Social Security. It's your and your employer's money funding your Social Security benefits! Social Security is not an entitlement; it's your money.<br />
<br />
<h2>
What's New?</h2>
<div>
Time, energy, and working hands are impacting the number of baskets that I can produce this year. I've made a dent in the number that will be needed, but there is so much more to do! Here are a few new ones for you to enjoy. If you had to choose one as your favorite, which would it be?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNiGTBb1OMebnD468cTTHQUhZKJ3Sgfw9sPo0homZ37JCHxUImN2C9A650uzFWggIduCjRKbAw5FOBtfGJs3M_dAL8U6Mgq4haVVmVvF4URI2HgTUaT1wxBU0E8B8ppJAIzpqu6t6e3o/s1600/DSC02549+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNiGTBb1OMebnD468cTTHQUhZKJ3Sgfw9sPo0homZ37JCHxUImN2C9A650uzFWggIduCjRKbAw5FOBtfGJs3M_dAL8U6Mgq4haVVmVvF4URI2HgTUaT1wxBU0E8B8ppJAIzpqu6t6e3o/s320/DSC02549+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_FkOtLyjdv9ixKVnjvusfWJZzwD8AAJkwzn2xzSKh1dFWXgA-280BRJ4Lv3OuE_-Tp10IyUVljK5y93Z6BzjSSmz9O4PDhdLfqyi_1Of2sillg1g7Oe78jKEgk5umc02kHYyyYncgQk/s1600/DSC02539+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_FkOtLyjdv9ixKVnjvusfWJZzwD8AAJkwzn2xzSKh1dFWXgA-280BRJ4Lv3OuE_-Tp10IyUVljK5y93Z6BzjSSmz9O4PDhdLfqyi_1Of2sillg1g7Oe78jKEgk5umc02kHYyyYncgQk/s320/DSC02539+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7EbkpbbTbhz-6ZvEBQoHm8lIqDROYqD9VpxsfpHyZBry5GSD0IiqeQlPYwX-tq6qk6FXVtz-QVEKHlf8ZRVKQbrUWmJacB5Ej8z38ijRXAD6b_pRvk5X9OyT0P-b1en27hXI4zypNnA/s1600/DSC02533+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7EbkpbbTbhz-6ZvEBQoHm8lIqDROYqD9VpxsfpHyZBry5GSD0IiqeQlPYwX-tq6qk6FXVtz-QVEKHlf8ZRVKQbrUWmJacB5Ej8z38ijRXAD6b_pRvk5X9OyT0P-b1en27hXI4zypNnA/s320/DSC02533+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinknu4bK-tdcKxN4VDzcFOzaLFwkvFRjoUudq3fcDXxfzkpK-aJjOYmBRR8QOe7qdZVFbxKa4ABXsvV0Y1oxbUXDeixaNdfSRiD2OhO35tuTnkJJGr65QFbfapxXkwGl71J0WJCc8LEIs/s1600/DSC02527+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinknu4bK-tdcKxN4VDzcFOzaLFwkvFRjoUudq3fcDXxfzkpK-aJjOYmBRR8QOe7qdZVFbxKa4ABXsvV0Y1oxbUXDeixaNdfSRiD2OhO35tuTnkJJGr65QFbfapxXkwGl71J0WJCc8LEIs/s320/DSC02527+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upcoming Events</h2>
<div>
Our first event will be July 13 & 14 at the Shaker Heritage Society. More details can be found in the Upcoming Events section of this blog.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<br /></h2>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-51156050160188282812019-03-04T07:50:00.000-08:002019-03-04T07:50:41.031-08:00Saved!Recently my husband and I visited a local restaurant with friends. Our server recognized my husband as Santa Claus and asked to take a picture with him for her daughter. She then told us her story.<br />
<br />
As it turns out, her daughter is adopted. Her biological mother was a co-worker of this server's and had made the decision to abort her baby. After some discussion the server and her spouse offered to feed, clothe, and house the co-worker for the duration of her pregnancy with the understanding that the baby would be adopted by the server and her spouse upon delivery.<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, anytime another person is entered into a home under such circumstances there are challenges; however, all worked out in the end. This baby is now 3 years old and living in a safe, loving home.<br />
<br />
Chills covered my body as the server told us this story. She and her spouse SAVED this child. There is no other way for me to describe it.<br />
<br />
Who knows what this little girl will grow up to be, but at least she has an opportunity to grow up and become all that she can be. Had her biological mother continued on her path to abortion this little girl would not have had a chance.<br />
<br />
I still marvel over this story so many weeks after originally hearing it! It's a story of heroism on the part of this server and her spouse, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
<h2>
What's Happening?</h2>
<div>
We are in inventory building mode! Last year was so successful and so stressful. Demand was fierce and difficult to keep up with. After all, each and every basket is hand made, stitch by stitch, and pine needle by pine needle. There is no way to industrialize the process. After considering all of these factors we decided to take the first half of the year to build inventory in anticipation for the many shows scheduled for the second half of the year. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are a few of the baskets I've finished so far!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJUWpqpvmLsrM0el7qvm5NytdXfIQY7fo6awpBpx70f7epFBr0pEjs0PJH2jgDmmExmOzgxjWaG5p-W_PFX-agLch_4kcI5MlFBQOypTcjGpX4lDoH7wpIRFsIpWNGuCLBq8kIDzNx98/s1600/DSC02423+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJUWpqpvmLsrM0el7qvm5NytdXfIQY7fo6awpBpx70f7epFBr0pEjs0PJH2jgDmmExmOzgxjWaG5p-W_PFX-agLch_4kcI5MlFBQOypTcjGpX4lDoH7wpIRFsIpWNGuCLBq8kIDzNx98/s320/DSC02423+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzhZ4WZZrd5xDowRRFfCmQuWPpApUnU_gXJmisu16OfXtHcvGNqPbRiD_F6EQE67lyv2_NfNMIH_BrTCQ2pQClUKGl_uVazwvCqlTui9j5IxuDWAPV0Era5jtUvDEEeJaKrbyyFkqQNc/s1600/DSC02433+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzhZ4WZZrd5xDowRRFfCmQuWPpApUnU_gXJmisu16OfXtHcvGNqPbRiD_F6EQE67lyv2_NfNMIH_BrTCQ2pQClUKGl_uVazwvCqlTui9j5IxuDWAPV0Era5jtUvDEEeJaKrbyyFkqQNc/s320/DSC02433+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ3Ix2P-qOa0JdTFd_2GCOkDGzK3n262uPFbbrYuRFa8iJEPnYkjJXg8FBgJlkZbBcnAti3tC1kfwZe-99xBEZ_dQGty8XbYY5mDmuAUblwCj1sPfC8SIYIHwCFQFbngW1p4eeAWprd0/s1600/DSC02442+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1600" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJ3Ix2P-qOa0JdTFd_2GCOkDGzK3n262uPFbbrYuRFa8iJEPnYkjJXg8FBgJlkZbBcnAti3tC1kfwZe-99xBEZ_dQGty8XbYY5mDmuAUblwCj1sPfC8SIYIHwCFQFbngW1p4eeAWprd0/s320/DSC02442+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCOyTP3OF0dH8I_7TwTZuJIqpVMG2MhSwuS4qFM6BTlKeyEFfoxMqiFqBG_Q6hySPy8iel6jglQOMWg8aDksp75JAzW9yWU3Pif9wx6qKODtsYytgb-q0mhyTCZCpUjBsSC9ZQGM1ow4/s1600/DSC02453+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCOyTP3OF0dH8I_7TwTZuJIqpVMG2MhSwuS4qFM6BTlKeyEFfoxMqiFqBG_Q6hySPy8iel6jglQOMWg8aDksp75JAzW9yWU3Pif9wx6qKODtsYytgb-q0mhyTCZCpUjBsSC9ZQGM1ow4/s320/DSC02453+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChiPU3OQ_ICudnK1z7vQDksJvuMVAd2ZXxsamHBg8hiIoagSEFNRGzpeHk1Am_WkJUJFVSR6fBkAZCRC0AdEWK-c8MoBs-axQzUsQCOZt5Bk3bDhtHY0bC-BFIcK30TLyenZGeIGT7Fg/s1600/DSC02456+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChiPU3OQ_ICudnK1z7vQDksJvuMVAd2ZXxsamHBg8hiIoagSEFNRGzpeHk1Am_WkJUJFVSR6fBkAZCRC0AdEWK-c8MoBs-axQzUsQCOZt5Bk3bDhtHY0bC-BFIcK30TLyenZGeIGT7Fg/s320/DSC02456+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Interested in other baskets we are making? Updates are frequently posted on our Facebook page - facebook.com/cruisincreations12</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please message me at dbabin731@gmail.com if you are interested in a custom order.</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upcoming Events</h2>
<div>
Our first event will be the weekend of July 13 & 14. Stay tuned for more details!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-51015183169638354882018-09-18T08:36:00.000-07:002018-09-18T08:36:31.909-07:00To My Fellow CraftersWere you involved in a craft show this past weekend?<br />
Were there a lot of customers in attendance?<br />
Were people successfully selling around you?<br />
Were you happy with your sales?<br />
<br />
From our observations this past weekend I'm sure there will be many more no answers than yes to that last question.<br />
<br />
My husband and I recently participated in an apple and wine festival in a nearby town. He sold his gourmet seasoned pretzels, aka Santa Snacks. I was his "good little soldier" during the weekend selling alongside of him, helping wherever I could including setting up and restocking his display, and packing up at the end of each day.<br />
<br />
Throughout Saturday's and Sunday's event we noticed several vendors throwing imaginary daggers at us because we were busy and they weren't. I would like to offer some suggestions to these vendors, and others, based on our observations. I do not profess to have all of the answers when it comes to selling at a craft show. Lord knows I've had many a show where I sat throwing imaginary daggers at others too. I am very aware of how discouraging a weekend with few sales can be. But there are a few things that I've observed that could result in higher sales. These suggestions are in no particular order.<br />
<br />
~ Is your product something people want, need, and are willing to buy? Sometimes a product has run its course or there is far too much competition for you to be successful. I stopped selling fashion accessories because fashion is fickle. People had seen it, purchased it, and were ready to move on. I'm sure, in time, the same thing will happen with the pine needle baskets. Switching up the shows you do may prolong the success of your product.<br />
<br />
~ Is this the right show for your product? While pretzels sold well at this most recent event, I doubt pine needle baskets would have so I would never consider doing this event.<br />
<br />
~ Create a welcoming display. Add lights, add levels, add color. Make it interesting without being too cluttered. Arrange your display so that people will want to come into your booth to see what you have.<br />
<br />
~ Engage people as they are walking by. Make eye contact. A simple "good morning" or "how are you today?" may be all it takes to draw someone into your space. Once there it is up to you to sell your product to them. They may not always buy, but your chances for a sale are better if you have the customer's attention.<br />
<br />
~ Your product will not sell itself. You have to sell it! As stated earlier, food always sells; however, Santa is constantly inviting people to sample his pretzels. If he doesn't, most people walk on by.<br />
<br />
~ Be visible and close enough to customers to be able to engage in conversation and answer questions. I have noticed that the farther away I sit from my display the lower my sales. Standing near my display seems to result in higher sales volume. I'm more accessible when I stand.<br />
<br />
~ If you look busy people will not bother you. Put down the phone. Stop texting, checking your email, social media, etc. especially if you are in alone your booth. Yes, sometimes we have to do those things, but I have observed people who have played on their phones the entire day, and not spoken to any customers. These same vendors then complain that they didn't have any sales. You need to engage the customer.<br />
<br />
~ Don't barricade yourself behind your display. Be visible and accessible.<br />
<br />
~ Use large, easy to read signs with very little information on them. People are not going to stand there and read signs full of facts. I use 3 different signs in 8 X 10 frames and change them up at each show. If my display and the unusual product haven't lured them in, the signs usually do. Once in my booth I engage them in a conversation on how the baskets are made. The signs I use are:<br />
~ Check this out! Baskets made out of pine needles.<br />
~ Yes, these baskets really are made out of pine needles.<br />
~ Can you believe these baskets are made out of pine needles?<br />
<br />
~ Draw people in with an unusual fact about your product. This is an easy one for my husband. He is Santa Claus so he's a natural draw for children as well as adults. He also has a larger than life banner with his photo that clearly states what he is selling. That being said, he also has to invite customers to sample his delicious pretzels. While food always sells, if he just sat there and didn't encourage people to sample his recipes, his sales would be substantially lower. I used to tell people that my women's fashion accessories were made on a loom. They were sure they were knit or crocheted so the loom intrigued them and started a conversation.<br />
<br />
~ Demonstrate your product if possible. I am always working on a pine needle basket out of necessity and so that I can demonstrate the process. This lures customers in and shows them first hand the intricacies of what I do. They realize that they would not be able to make a basket and generally purchase a piece instead. I didn't work on my fashion accessories at a show because people would comment, "Oh, that's all that is?" and they would walk away thinking they could make one too. Obviously, many products do not lend themselves to being made at a show, but if you can...<br />
<br />
~ Ask if the customer is thinking of something for themselves or for a gift? Once answered questions about favorite colors, styles, etc. can get you closer to closing the sale.<br />
<br />
~ Be enthusiastic about your product. Show your love for doing what you do. I am not a sales person, but my enthusiasm for my product is evident with each person I speak to. I believe this and the uniqueness of my baskets help increase sales.<br />
<br />
~ Tell customers a fact and why that fact is important to them.<br />
<br />
~ Display products in several different price ranges. People may love your product but not the price tag. They may want to buy something but may not be able to afford it. The response to the fashion accessories I made was very good in the beginning, but the prices scared some people away. I started making some simple slip on bracelets which many purchased. They wanted a piece, but a $60.00 scarf wasn't always in the budget. Now I make ornaments which are a hit especially around the holidays. Offering lower priced items gets them into a piece without spending a lot of money. And, it increases your sales! Always a plus.<br />
<br />
~ There are so many people who sell jewelry, soaps, candles, wood products, knitted and crocheted items, fabric items, etc. Yours need to stand out. What is it about your product that is different? What is it about your product that makes people want it? Focus on that and gauge your display and conversation around the positive differences without trashing your competition's merchandise.<br />
<br />
As stated earlier, I do not profess to have all of the answers, but have noticed that those who complain about low sales are generally guilty of one or more of these things. We welcome additional suggestions in the comments section. Let's help each other garner more sales!<br />
<br />
<h2>
What's New?</h2>
<div>
With the popularity of my pine needle baskets I have set a goal of turning out a basket a day between now and our last show. This goal may sound very lofty, and it is, but somehow I have managed to accede it. Here are a few baskets that will be for sale at our upcoming shows.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXDCc7CA0U7Lubxr4A1PHxBDM09PuQX1TcdYpIvda4llv3qRapoOkCY0PQv9pPoZYpZ0-72mxJRogK5sfAZT46xAi_sII-3SNCRrj25Q3tWothpDkH_tpwQ1NOdoFqCo3pCJ5xT0OxII/s1600/DSC02264+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXDCc7CA0U7Lubxr4A1PHxBDM09PuQX1TcdYpIvda4llv3qRapoOkCY0PQv9pPoZYpZ0-72mxJRogK5sfAZT46xAi_sII-3SNCRrj25Q3tWothpDkH_tpwQ1NOdoFqCo3pCJ5xT0OxII/s320/DSC02264+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the wine lover!<br />7 inches X 1.25 inches<br />$48.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdSV7UR2BILjgF8-RxWAA7WSnVWQAi2zqv7PCuhMCJAt-Ir-VLTjdQp-cp9n3D8Z-ZQAMX8PinujqBLJ1YV0Frl0LPhus3_u2XVsc-1WTXuyY51e2UfqWVtDrRSEbH8_HLCW3wzB9w_M/s1600/DSC02328+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdSV7UR2BILjgF8-RxWAA7WSnVWQAi2zqv7PCuhMCJAt-Ir-VLTjdQp-cp9n3D8Z-ZQAMX8PinujqBLJ1YV0Frl0LPhus3_u2XVsc-1WTXuyY51e2UfqWVtDrRSEbH8_HLCW3wzB9w_M/s320/DSC02328+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found this shell on a Florida beach and had it encased in acrylic.<br />10 inches X 8.5 inches<br />$70.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCmqpA9OuxMSQdbeDmY1JgbGOZJtk8dqRi_zEWmXqB_6r3WI1rcEAmndT6obgySGzTIoh_Qd6KY_h4-mKtkrWT7f1IyF0793nm-MXw4yWy96PFrIvYCjNbPZY7E0StZRv-18GtXT2ioc/s1600/DSC02345+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCmqpA9OuxMSQdbeDmY1JgbGOZJtk8dqRi_zEWmXqB_6r3WI1rcEAmndT6obgySGzTIoh_Qd6KY_h4-mKtkrWT7f1IyF0793nm-MXw4yWy96PFrIvYCjNbPZY7E0StZRv-18GtXT2ioc/s320/DSC02345+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's 5 O'clock somewhere!<br />10 inches X 8.75 inches X 2 inches<br />$60.00</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Remember, availability is limited as most baskets are one of a kinds.</div>
<h2>
Upcoming Events</h2>
<div>
We are looking forward to exhibiting at the Hunt Union Craft Fair on September 22. The Hunt Union is on the SUNY Oneonta campus in Oneonta, NY. We will be there from 9 am - 4 pm. Please stop by if you're in the area! We'd love to see you!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-60261411441126404782018-07-25T08:12:00.001-07:002018-07-25T08:13:18.960-07:00Money GrabMy husband and I recently visited a local restaurant. We asked one of the owners about the new minimum wage for servers which is supposed to be legislated in our state in the near future. The owner went through the snowball effect that would happen if this becomes law.<br />
<br />
Let's backtrack a bit. The last time the minimum hourly wage for servers increased from $5.00 to $7.50 this restaurant had to pay more than $50,000 in additional wages. Prices went up, many restaurants went out of business or moved to neighboring states, and servers paid more in taxes. Who benefitted? The state with the additional income tax collected. The servers did not see one more dime in their paychecks!<br />
<br />
Our governor is now suggesting that servers' base pay be increased to $15.00 per hour. Imagine the number of restaurants that will go out of business when the hourly rate doubles! Owners, servers, and many others have spoken out against this increase, but their words appear to be falling on deaf ears.<br />
<br />
Restaurants are not going to absorb the increase in pay. Prices will go up, the consumer will pay more or not eat out as often, and servers may find themselves out of a job.<br />
<br />
I don't want to sound like a dooms-dayer, but believe this whole campaign by our governor is short sighted and in the interest of the state's bottom line, not the worker. Does he not understand economics or does he not care?<br />
<br />
In his efforts to raise people up from poverty by legislating a living wage he is, in reality, holding them down. Rumor has it that the average server at said restaurant makes between $25.00 and $40.00 per hour when tips are calculated. Raising the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour and removing the need to tip just dropped these servers to minimum wage jobs instead of the living wage jobs they currently hold. The governor is creating more poor instead of less!<br />
<br />
Yes, there are those who work in restaurants where the tips are meager. Should everyone suffer because of the few or should those who are not happy find jobs in more profitable establishments? When is it time for people to change due to personal responsibility and when is it time for the government to step in? In my opinion, if you are not happy with your current income then it is up to you to get the training necessary to be hired for a position that will improve your income and financial security. The governor cannot legislate that.<br />
<br />
In short, it seems to me that this increase in minimum wage for servers is simply a money grab for the state and nothing more. What are your thoughts?<br />
<br />
<h2>
Happenings</h2>
<div>
We are in craft fair and farmers market mode and are creating as many baskets, ornaments, and wall decor as we can between shows. Here are a few you may not have seen before.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwiSUNacYtVCnfEOiH5uen8wcSBsu2dEfrCKMLIhbgvb9ZDnCDDnMDELosSYwmnZjtQLvpKhGfkZeeWoH-9dGjAhhdx8xsqpiiuustJIyFtF3T67b03FzMTee_p_bLstb9c2VcUmGkmM/s1600/20180128_103848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwiSUNacYtVCnfEOiH5uen8wcSBsu2dEfrCKMLIhbgvb9ZDnCDDnMDELosSYwmnZjtQLvpKhGfkZeeWoH-9dGjAhhdx8xsqpiiuustJIyFtF3T67b03FzMTee_p_bLstb9c2VcUmGkmM/s320/20180128_103848.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwJs7PEEtssD-vJ1LYitznDv35jQaxPg8CB_h4jQGcQGk-d0Fsgy34RDXEaamnez_AH8XuD6zc3YXgkF3JrDVTziwDbZnTsgUtNZ1-AGhYoc5OEzwjf3kSjuiHKivuD_ThPEgGLZzSF0/s1600/Butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwJs7PEEtssD-vJ1LYitznDv35jQaxPg8CB_h4jQGcQGk-d0Fsgy34RDXEaamnez_AH8XuD6zc3YXgkF3JrDVTziwDbZnTsgUtNZ1-AGhYoc5OEzwjf3kSjuiHKivuD_ThPEgGLZzSF0/s320/Butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83ai9GmqQT-OVkOjzKA5q0tUlvn_U18eDXMIS_lQVKIuG9QecMscynNxHtSCw3TxRGqURzBgNEbrhLdJTsokCkIu34POyg69k9IQ7mFEPMSgNESh8QvGfmVV3HwykWzNEX3ancQ-s80M/s1600/DSC02328+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83ai9GmqQT-OVkOjzKA5q0tUlvn_U18eDXMIS_lQVKIuG9QecMscynNxHtSCw3TxRGqURzBgNEbrhLdJTsokCkIu34POyg69k9IQ7mFEPMSgNESh8QvGfmVV3HwykWzNEX3ancQ-s80M/s320/DSC02328+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwpriGCshSJDSodpx7mSjippFdPOIGqlaeLkwTNE2RRz-tk5op-Ubu9NhzH0iDtTy-if2VvRPr5Q5Nfb-AaqO64VGVeB66QDrwbPk4hDF-mMEG7vH5h9PcOPmMa3urvdi2nttbjGNvsI/s1600/DSC02215+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwpriGCshSJDSodpx7mSjippFdPOIGqlaeLkwTNE2RRz-tk5op-Ubu9NhzH0iDtTy-if2VvRPr5Q5Nfb-AaqO64VGVeB66QDrwbPk4hDF-mMEG7vH5h9PcOPmMa3urvdi2nttbjGNvsI/s320/DSC02215+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPhBz9ZDJMoRs5asFkjnI_cnbXH_Thf8SnjxY-rbGywahTOY8VDB28cB8OpCppZd7CnvZWSqck-mTlbquOsBExAIknjmNFnXt6YLmm1sIuk3F8JYwt_iQxwT6hoP_VsuMyyb8zNkQ7r4/s1600/DSC02241+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPhBz9ZDJMoRs5asFkjnI_cnbXH_Thf8SnjxY-rbGywahTOY8VDB28cB8OpCppZd7CnvZWSqck-mTlbquOsBExAIknjmNFnXt6YLmm1sIuk3F8JYwt_iQxwT6hoP_VsuMyyb8zNkQ7r4/s320/DSC02241+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Visit cruisincreations.etsy.com and facebook.com/cruisincreations12 to place an order for one of our unique baskets.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upcoming Events</h2>
<div>
We will be at the East Greenbush Farmers Market every Wednesday except July 4 from June 13 - Oct 3. This is a wonderful little farmers market where you can pick up fresh produce, honey, maple syrup, soaps, seasoned pretzels, pine needle baskets, freshly spun yarn, dog treats, wine, and so much more! You can even pick up dinner at Carol's Place. Stop by 10 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY each Wednesday between 4:00 and 7:00 to take advantage of these great buys. Santa is selling his gourmet seasoned pretzels and The Mrs is selling a selection of her pine needle decor.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Speculator Craft Fair will be held Aug 9 at the Speculator Ball Fields, Routes 9 & 30, Speculator, NY. We will be in the pavilion this year. Stop by between 9 & 4 to pick up some unique gifts and Santa's delicious gourmet seasoned pretzels!<br />
<br />
Check our events list attached to this blog to keep current on our upcoming events.<br />
<br />
Until Next Time...<br />
<br />
Diane</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2083683271623450297.post-36352935044542263832018-04-30T11:57:00.001-07:002018-04-30T11:57:29.254-07:00Rules to live by<blockquote style="background-color: white;" type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div>
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolReplacedBody">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_quotedReply">
<blockquote>
<div id="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_AOLMsgPart_2_843e9ff8-4a38-4db5-8e9b-5cf4bed3b0e3">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_aolReplacedBody">
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<br />
<div style="color: #26282a; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">
<strong style="font-size: 10pt;">Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio .</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 13.3333px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.</span></div>
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:</span></div>
</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolReplacedBody">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_quotedReply">
<blockquote>
<div id="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_AOLMsgPart_2_843e9ff8-4a38-4db5-8e9b-5cf4bed3b0e3">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_aolReplacedBody">
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Life is too short – enjoy it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
27. Always choose life.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
28. Forgive</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
33. Believe in miracles.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
37. Your children get only one childhood.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
42. The best is yet to come...</div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" type="cite">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div dir="ltr">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-gmail_quote">
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolReplacedBody">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_quotedReply">
<blockquote>
<div id="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_AOLMsgPart_2_843e9ff8-4a38-4db5-8e9b-5cf4bed3b0e3">
<div class="yiv9334105512m_4442456951515159801ox-045b2039a6-m_3863732200103935072m_-3805038384254027167m_9004491398594894627aolmail_aolReplacedBody">
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
44. Yield.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."</div>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
I checked this on Snopes and it is correctly attributed to Regina Brett. Nothing more needs to be said. It will be interpreted by each of us using our own lens.<br />
<br />
<h3>
What's New?</h3>
<div>
We are constantly adding to our basket inventory. The baskets are taking on so many different shapes and sizes and the basket centers are becoming more and more unusual too! Here are a few of the newest ones. We used wood, an earring and a drawer pull, each found at a flea market. These pine needle baskets are available for purchase on our Facebook page @Cruisincreations12.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5HLY_LvO6FWaOhYbLE6-hgfki57tne7CUxFdjAQLsQKSDhcxx2pIm-4dFGvQDPoQ9zuYqVJe2AfELuerQaofSUbD6RPRIVLIesOiO41fVL3Urki_t7CR4b3LDLqPhkrSgSqOqI_gBbY/s1600/Butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5HLY_LvO6FWaOhYbLE6-hgfki57tne7CUxFdjAQLsQKSDhcxx2pIm-4dFGvQDPoQ9zuYqVJe2AfELuerQaofSUbD6RPRIVLIesOiO41fVL3Urki_t7CR4b3LDLqPhkrSgSqOqI_gBbY/s320/Butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTM1AkzRISwI9eJU-Agf4cds0u740rkLM7FrEOIsK5fUMYzZfHQQvTE8Pg7b1SIkTegbExiqUlxYRkb_btVjM7rox9tmNcz7l_obod4_52sgk7EIlwwQf20Tnr2H7zG328yUz8odJd94/s1600/DSC02160+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTM1AkzRISwI9eJU-Agf4cds0u740rkLM7FrEOIsK5fUMYzZfHQQvTE8Pg7b1SIkTegbExiqUlxYRkb_btVjM7rox9tmNcz7l_obod4_52sgk7EIlwwQf20Tnr2H7zG328yUz8odJd94/s320/DSC02160+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIcqRlIN1eG0L2zA_8sc38d2QjfrVE3AVClYJYIudjKPLtZMdzadfZg8U2H9mkansVPEvsrFp0qSpamgMqBH8r-IOcPfgEKo1vnhKVFW_kFz9FmGQY0q-CL9i-7OryZ7O6nBdMNwr3eY/s1600/DSC02172+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIcqRlIN1eG0L2zA_8sc38d2QjfrVE3AVClYJYIudjKPLtZMdzadfZg8U2H9mkansVPEvsrFp0qSpamgMqBH8r-IOcPfgEKo1vnhKVFW_kFz9FmGQY0q-CL9i-7OryZ7O6nBdMNwr3eY/s320/DSC02172+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJbymvDesNLvo8qArlH3S9Ns0BWSmSH0WYNGCiqP-mHYq0MG0YTi7KSYJystFA40z_OAMrp1tZDFQJ9vc06GB0y3MPF3ywko6KJ7fzralBeqDUdpVwZrQZLJ-mzuwFhL9mGCm6KCRCb0/s1600/DSC02245+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJbymvDesNLvo8qArlH3S9Ns0BWSmSH0WYNGCiqP-mHYq0MG0YTi7KSYJystFA40z_OAMrp1tZDFQJ9vc06GB0y3MPF3ywko6KJ7fzralBeqDUdpVwZrQZLJ-mzuwFhL9mGCm6KCRCb0/s320/DSC02245+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaisGSgwniS7BKXJZDtynAVnVG0eh9J1_RfYVSbo3CzpuSnItEBqSIlMNnEo8jc4R7kcwLlT4UC1OPEbY06aoREurvC-YIwsQ9nTk7yTLVeSB9XSRveqcFwYcyA8x6p0JxzqtRCjOBAs/s1600/DSC02200+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaisGSgwniS7BKXJZDtynAVnVG0eh9J1_RfYVSbo3CzpuSnItEBqSIlMNnEo8jc4R7kcwLlT4UC1OPEbY06aoREurvC-YIwsQ9nTk7yTLVeSB9XSRveqcFwYcyA8x6p0JxzqtRCjOBAs/s320/DSC02200+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upcoming Events</h3>
<div>
We're looking forward to re-connecting with our loyal customers and fellow crafters!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cruisin' Creations is returning to Niska-Day on May 19. This is a fun community event with parades, games, rides, and exhibitors. It will be held at Craig Elementary School, Balltown Rd, Schenectady, NY. The craft tent will be open from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. You can pick up some pine needle baskets and ornaments as well as Santa's gourmet seasoned pretzels.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We will also be at the East Greenbush Farmers Market on Wednesdays from June 13 - Oct 3. The farmers market is open from 4-7 pm and is located at 10 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Until Next Time...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Diane</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#pineneedlebasket</div>
<div>
#pineneedlebasketry</div>
<div>
#butterflybasket</div>
<div>
#NativeAmericanbasket</div>
<div>
#NativeAmericanart</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cruisin Creationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436970123863380242noreply@blogger.com0