Saturday, August 9, 2025

Divine Intervention or Right Place at the Right Time?

So, a strange thing happened at the doctor's office the other day. During a medical test I began a conversation with the technician. During that conversation I mentioned that I do needlework. Out of the blue she asks if I know anyone who makes pine needle baskets. 

Naturally, I said, "I do!"

The technician's mother, who had recently passed away, had left behind a collection of pine needle basket supplies. The technician wondered if I could use them. She also informed me that her aunt had taught her mother how to coil pine needle baskets. Where did her aunt live and learn how to coil a basket? The Villages, FL, of course!

During our visit to pick up the supplies, we kept marveling about the chances of two strangers coming together and discovering a common bond because of a simple comment.

The boxes of supplies that I brought home included thread, dyed and washed pine needles, tools, books on pine needle basketry, and so much more. All will be put to good use and what I can't use will be shared with my coiling friends. 

I am so grateful to this family for their generosity. They are grateful because I took these items off their hands.

So, what do you think?

~ divine intervention?

~ motherly intervention?

~ right place at the right time?

~ coincidence?

First Project Using The New Supplies

There was a variety of dyed pine needles in the box. I mixed some of them together, combined them with a spigot handle that was given to me a few years ago and created this fun basket! 

Thoughts? Do you like the multi-colored pine needles?




Upcoming Events

We are looking forward to our next event. 
The Carrot Festival at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union St, Schenectady, NY
Sunday, September 14, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Pick up some delicious carrot cake, fresh vegetables, delicious meals, pine needle baskets, and so much more!  See you there!


Until Next Time...

Diane

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Exciting News For Pine Needle Coilers!!!

New to our Etsy shop!
Fused glass pine needle basket centers!

What's different about these basket centers? 
They don't have holes.

What? No holes? How am I going to use these centers?
Follow our illustrated easy-to-use instructions!

Starting a basket using a center that does not have holes can be tricky. Some people will glue a piece of leather to the back of the center. Unfortunately, gluing something solid to the back of a translucent piece defeats the purpose of using a translucent piece. Fortunately, through collaboration with fellow coilers I have designed an instruction packet that explains step by step how to use that center that doesn't have holes. 

Order these bases and more along with our easy-to-follow illustrated directions at cruisincreations.etsy.com











Upcoming Events

We're in the process of scheduling shows for the 2025 season. Our first craft show will be the Northville Woodworking and Fine Arts Weekend on July 18 - 20 at the Northville Town Hall and Park in Northville, NY. Further details in the Upcoming Events section of this blog.

Until Next Time...

Diane



Tuesday, January 7, 2025

We Appreciate You!

As we say good-bye to 2024 and begin 2025 with a clean slate we, at Cruisin' Creations, want to thank you for your support. You have no idea how powerful your support can be.

Perhaps you:
~ liked, commented or shared a post
~ cheered us on when we were having doubts
~ told a friend about Cruisin' Creations
~ visited one of our shows
~ visited our Etsy shop
~ complimented us on a design
~ made a purchase
We are so grateful for whatever you did for us.

As you know, Cruisin' Creations adopts an organization each year. We set aside a portion of sales for that organization and send the donation in before the end of the year. With your help we were able to provide a generous donation to the Albany Housing Coalition. Your support just keeps on giving!
Thank you so much!

Until Next Time...

Diane

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Holiday Season Events

 We are excited to announce our holiday season shows for 2024. 

November 16 - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
St Madeline Sophie Church
3500 Hamburg St
Guilderland, NY

November 23 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sand Creek Middle School
239 Sand Creek Rd
Colonie, NY

November 24 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Soroptimist International
Gloversville Middle School
234 Lincoln St
Gloversville, NY
There is a nominal admission fee for this event to benefit Soroptimist International.

November 30 - 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Saratoga Craft Marketplace
Saratoga City Center
522 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY
There is an admission fee for this event to benefit the Saratoga Center for the Family.

December 7 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
St Gabriel's Church
3040 Hamburg St
Rotterdam, NY

A selection of our pine needle baskets and fused glass dishes can also be found at 
The Shaker Heritage Society
25 Meeting House Rd
Albany, NY

Stop by any of these shows and The Shaker Heritage Society to pick up some unique gifts for your holiday gift giving. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Shipping Deadlines for 2024

Please order from cruisincreations.etsy.com by December for holiday gift giving.

While we will ship in a timely manner, please keep in mind that we are beholden to the United States Postal Service. They ultimately determine when your package will arrive.

Until Next Time ...

Diane

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Find Us at The Shaker Heritage Society!

 We are excited to announce that you can pick up your favorite Cruisin' Creations at:

The Shaker Heritage Society

25 Meeting House Road

Albany, NY 12211

A special selection of pine needle baskets along with our new fused glass offerings can be found in the Museum Gift Shop. 

Below is a sampling of the pieces that are for sale.









Until Next Time...

Diane









Saturday, August 12, 2023

We're Excited To Announce!

 We're excited to announce that Cruisin' Creations pine needle baskets are now available at: 

Catskill Mountain Woodworking

431 Main St

Catskill, NY 

518-947-4445

catskillmountainwoodworking.com

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.  

Here are a few of our creations available at Catskill Mountain Woodworking...





We are also available at The Schenectady Trading Company, 609 Union St, Schenectady, NY.  theschenectadytradingcompany.com


Until Next Time...

Diane