Thursday, June 30, 2016

Reverence, Phones, and Society

As children we are taught that there is a time and a place for everything. In this day of instant gratification, social media, games, and texting it seems that we are more concerned with what is going on in cyber space than what is going on in real life. I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to sneaking a peek at my phone when the opportunity presents itself, but there are certain places where I will not check my phone. In fact I turn it off rather than put it in silent mode so that I will not be tempted or disturb others. I believe church is not the time nor the place for using our phones (unless, of course, there is an emergency). I think most people will agree with me that church on this.

Recently my husband and I had the displeasure of sitting behind a woman who spent her time before the beginning of mass texting on her phone. She tried to hide it in the top of her very large purse, but those around her were very distracted by her necessity to text rather than spend the time in prayer and meditation.

I did wrestle with the appropriateness of asking her to put the phone away, but decided against it. Had she continued during mass I might have. Obviously, I didn't want to cause a scene and there might have been a very good reason why it was so necessary for her to text while in church. But, while I was sitting there distracted by her texting while trying to pray I couldn't help lamenting the direction our society has taken.

We seem to have forgotten certain socially acceptable behaviors. We seem to be so self absorbed that we would rather surf the web, text, check out Facebook, Instagram, or some other social media site rather than enjoy what is going on right in front of us. And, while the current generation thinks living is having thousands of "friends" on social media and spending the day checking other's posts, commenting, and sharing the reality is that actually experiencing others in person and experiencing nature is really living.

Cellphones are a convenience not a lifeline.

Clearance Sale!

Our cotton scarves have been reduced for immediate sale! Choose from cowl scarves at $10.00 each or classic and infinity scarves at $20.00 each. That's over a 50% reduction!!! There are only a few left! https://www.etsy.com/shop/cruisincreations?section_id=15934367

https://www.etsy.com/listing/232600885/clearance-sale-orange-beaded-knitted?ref=shop_home_active_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/232388496/clearance-sale-hot-pink-knitted-beaaded?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/232604465/clearance-sale-purple-cotton-infinity?ref=shop_home_active_5

Upcoming Events

We will be at the Shaker Heritage Society July Craft Fair and Cruise In on July 9 & 10! The Shaker Museum is at 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY. Hours are 10 - 4 and admission is $4.00.

On July 16 we will be at the Schroon Lake Town Park in Schroon Lake, NY from 10-4. 

Please stop by and say, "Hello!" We love meeting our followers!

Until Next Time...

Diane




Monday, June 20, 2016

Cruisin' Creations Covers Solve A Problem


They say that, "Necessity is the mother of invention." Well that was certainly true 3 years ago when I took a good look at the jewelry display stands I use to display the scarves and necklaces I design. I had just finished an outdoor craft show basically in a sand pit and found that our display stands were gray and dingy and were not going to come clean.

So, I had a few choices. I could find another way to display my necklaces and scarves, invest in new display stands, or extend the life of the stands by finding a way to cover them. 

Being a person who always loves a challenge, I decided to find a way to cover the stands as purchasing new ones every time they became soiled would become very costly. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to sew a fitted cover my husband and I came up with a different idea that is so easy to use! We designed these covers like a shower cap. 

What a difference these covers make! We make them in different colors and they are completely washable. These display bust covers make my dingy, stained display stands look clean and sleek and I can use different colors to coordinate with different holidays or to coordinate with the different colors of our scarves and necklaces.

After making several sets for myself it occured to me that others may have the same problem, so I listed them in our Etsy shop. That was a great idea as so many people have ordered them. Some use these display bust covers to update their shops, for different holidays, or to spruce up their tired jewelry display stands. 

These covers are made out of 100% polyester, and are machine washable, and dryable. They come in 3 standard sizes; however, specialty sizes are also available. And, while they come in standard colors - black, white, flesh, red, and burgundy, we have also done special orders in teal and turquoise. An added benefit? These display bust covers also save money and storage space.

Our customers just love them!
Shantell - I'm very happy with my order and this seller! Came well packaged and arrived very quickly! The materials are of excellent quality! I will be purchasing from this seller again! 5 stars 

Sandy - What an idea! Should be patented!! Perfect for those "aging" necklace displays.

Nicole - This seller has excellent customer service,communication skills. I wasn't sure what size to get for my jewelry bust and she helped me with the right size. The shipping was great. I love the product, I can see this as being very helpful when doing craft fairs. Also extending the life of my jewelry bust. Looking forward to getting the red one next time.

Sharon - Very professionally made. Great communication with artist. She accomodated my every need. They immediately added color and interest to our store. I'll be back for more soon!

Lynn - definitely does wonders to convert black velvet over to a lighter color for displaying light colored jewelry.

Sharla - I really love the way these bust covers transform my old jewelry displays. Fine quality and fast service.


You can view and order your display stand covers at https://www.etsy.com/listing/168876713/jewelry-display-bust-covers-jewelry?ref=shop_home_active_1




Cruisin' Creations Needs Your Help!

We are looking for people to become ambassadors for Cruisin' Creations. What do you have to do to be an ambassador? Simply help us spread the word about our unique accessories. Please like, comment, and share our Facebook posts, favorite our listings on Etsy, share our blog and newsletter, post pictures of yourself or others wearing our unique designs, and pass the word about us to family and friends. 

With Facebook and Etsy changing their SEOs several times a year, reaching people about the news at Cruisin' Creations becomes harder and harder. Please help us! We appreciate all that you do for us.

To show our appreciation for your efforts as an ambassador we are issuing a way to save 10% at Cruisin' Creations. Simply use the coupon code TEAMCC at check out!

Upcoming Events

We are looking forward to exhibiting at the Shaker Heritage Society on July 9 & 10. Show hours are 10:00 - 4:00 and there is a $4.00 admission fee that benefits the Shaker Museum. Many new events have been added to this year's show including an antique car show and children's activities. Stop by 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY to do some shopping, tour this historic site, and see the show cars. You can download a discount admission coupon at https://www.facebook.com/ShakerHeritageSociety/?fref=ts

Until Next Time...

Diane

#displaystandcovers
#cruisincreations
#Cruisincreationsambassadors
#displaybustcovers
#shakerheritagesociety

Monday, June 13, 2016

Check Your Grammar, Please

A sign near our home reads:
God is like Allstate
Your in good hands.


I would have taken a picture of the sign, but didn't want to cause an accident. Can you find the mistake?

When I saw this sign, all I could think of was how lax our society has become when it comes to correct spelling and grammar. Is it texting, auto correct on our phones, tablets, and computers, ignorance to the differences in meaning and spelling, or what?

Whatever the reason, incorrect grammar and spelling reflects poorly on the people who put up the signs and the businesses sponsoring these signs. And it is teaching our youth that it's OK to misspell words.

Signs are not the only place I find this mistakes. Our local newspaper is full of them every day! Wouldn't you think the newspaper would proofread and fix their mistakes?

Yes, I used to be the queen of mis-spellings on Facebook and while texting. Auto correct and my fat fingers got me frequently. I've learned from being embarassed too many times by these misspellings and make sure I am more careful and proofread each post before sending it. I've also gotten to the point where I will not share or comment on a post that is not spelled correctly.

Signs, posts, email, etc. are read by thousands of people every day! Look smarter and proof read, please!!!

What's New At Cruisin" Creations?

Cruisin' Creations now offers bulk discount pricing on larger quantities of birthstone necklaces and bracelets for bridesmaids' gifts. Use these birthstone necklaces and bracelets as gifts, or for your bridesmaids to wear on wedding day. Visit the Special Occasions section of our shop - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11707178 to view our offerings.



Upcoming Events

Our next event is the Shaker Heritage Society Craft Fair on July 9 & 10. Show hours are 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. There is a $4.00 admission fee that benefits the Shaker Museum. You can download a discount coupon from their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ShakerHeritageSociety/?fref=ts

The museum is located at 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY. It is across from the Albany International Airport. They've added some new attractions so it should be even more fun than usual! See you there...

Until Next Time...

Diane