Hope you are keeping warm on this blustery and cold January day! Actually, upstate New York is enjoying a bit of a heat wave with temps in the 30s! The past few days the thermometer could barely manage to get above 0. And tomorrow will have wind chills of 20 below! Yikes!!!

Featured Shops

This week's blog highlights three very talented ladies who belong to the Women In Business Team on Etsy.com. Please visit their shops and let them know how much you enjoy their work!


Amanda Vita of MJ Sparks Boutique has such an eclectic collection of jewelry, envelope books, journals, purses, and even dog jewelry! It is obvious that she truly enjoys creating each beautiful item. Check out her creative designs in her shop www.mjsparksboutique.etsy.com. She is a very busy lady because when she's not creating she is running her beading supply shop www.theatticexchange.etsy.com.


Jennifer Eldred-Haines of LivyLynn repurposes bottle caps and Scrabble tiles into pendants that will certainly make a statement! She is a stay-at-home mom with a toddler so you can imagine the challenges she faces on a daily basis as she tries to run her Etsy shop. She is an inspiration! www.livylynn.etsy.com!


Stellar Seal Jewelry has such clean lines that I am not surprised that such a new company is already selling! She has a deep interest in geology and with a background in welding it is easy to see how this line of jewelry would be a natural progression. Check out her shop www.stellarsealjewelry.etsy.com. She is another very busy Etsy shop owner as she also has a photography shop, www.drakeexplorations.etsy.com.

New at Cruisin' Creations!

Cruisin' Creations was recently featured in a blog - http://twocreativewomen.blogspot.com/
Thank you to Susan Newberry for the feature!

Recently listed is a Design Your Own Mother's and Grandmother's Necklaces and Bracelets! Each piece is loomed with soft white nylon yarn. Swarovski crystals in birthstone colors are spaced throughout giving each piece a one of a kind look. List the birth months desired when ordering these pieces and I will create a necklace and bracelet especially for you! You can view them at 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/design-your-own-mothers-and-grandmothers?

Thanks for visiting!

Diane

I'm Not Sorry To See 2013 End!

What a year 2013 has been! To say it was full of highs and lows would be an understatement! While we were extremely blessed during 2013 we endured an awful lot of heartache with the loss of love ones, job changes, and added responsibilities. Good bye 2013!!! I am not sorry to see you end!

Welcome 2014!

As each new year begins I am always full of so much hope and wonder! I resolve to do so many things and sometimes am successful. Successful or not, the feeling of hope is such a boost to my aging soul.
One of my resolutions for 2014 is to bring enjoyment to more people through my Cruisin' Creations designs.

New Design

I had so much fun making our most recent design! Each filled me with so much aw and delight as the crystals I was working with sparkled in the light with each stitch that I took. We recently announced this new design, birthstone necklaces, in our January email. 

These necklaces are knitted out of soft white nylon yarn. Swarovski crystal beads are strung onto the yarn before the necklaces are created on a loom. They are stunning and so unique and are sure to make a statement as you wear them.


Each necklace measures 1" X 18". It closes with a silver-toned alligator clasp and has a 4" extension chain providing you with flexibility as the necklace can be extended to a maximum length of 22". 

The garnet colored crystals in this January necklace are so rich in color and sparkle beautifully when they catch the light. And not only are they perfect for that special someone with a January birthday, but, brides, imagine your bridesmaids wearing this stunning necklace with a gorgeous red bridesmaid dress! The white and red combination would be breath taking!

The 4" extension chain allows you to adjust the necklace to compliment any neckline you are wearing.

Just the right amount of crystals are added to this necklace to provide the perfect contrast with the white yarn!

Click on this link to view the colors for all of the birthstone necklaces and to place an order! 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/173955406/18-birthstone-necklaces-made-with?ref=shop_home_feat 

Not Receiving Our Monthly Updates?

If you would like to receive our monthly updates on new designs, special offers, and local events Cruisin' Creations will be participating in, please send your email address to us. We will be happy to add you to our list ~ dbabin731@gmail.com

Cruisin' Creations does not sell your email address. It is solely used for sending our monthly updates to you. We also do not load up your mailbox with email. We send an email once a month unless there is a special reason to send out an extra one. So sign up today so you don't miss out!

Happy New Year To All Of You! 

May You Enjoy A Healthy and Prosperous 2014!

Last Minute Christmas Special

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

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

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

Don't delay! Shipping times are running short!

Rhinestone Pink Traditional Scarf

Purple Metallic Knitted Infinity Scarf

Yellow Beaded Winter Infinity Scarf

Black Beaded Scarf With Silver Beads

How Do I Care For My Scarf?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Enjoyable Day At Mohonasen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wish I Could Paint Like This!

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

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

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

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

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

Sapphire Bicone Crystals

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

Fire Polished Czech Crystals

No Shortage of Talent!

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

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

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

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

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

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