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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What's New?
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.
Upcoming Events!
We have two events scheduled for July!
July 13 & 14 - Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
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
Until Next Time...
Diane
