Passing the Torch

Our family has a custom called Pie Day. One Saturday or Sunday during the fall we gather to make apple pies. The day ends with a delicious pasta dinner and, of course, apple pie for dessert.

This custom started about 25 years ago when, after several attempts, I just couldn't get my mother's favorite pie crust recipe to work for me. In desperation I suggested Pie Day where we would cut apples and my mother would make the crusts. Great idea, right? Well, I thought so but my mother suffered by the end of the day because of a bad back.

We turned out a lot of pies over the years and the participants in Pie Day change from year to year. There were only 4 of us this year. Everyone else was there in spirit.

After my mother died I realized that I had to conquer this pie crust. The first year my attempts were laughable. I prayed for her hands to cover mine and help me master it. Well, I don't think her hands ever covered mine, but her words about making sure I used Gold Medal flour, Mazola corn oil, and plenty of flour on the wax paper when rolling out the crust would play over and over in my head as I worked with each crust. 13 years later, the crust and I have come to an agreement. I make it according to all of the tips she passed on and the crust cooperates as well as the temperature in the room allows.

Our son and daughter-in-law joined us for this year's pie day and although our daughter-in-law is not a fan of apple pie she mastered the crust in her first attempt. I made one crust to demonstrate then let her duplicate what she saw. Her crust came out beautifully!

Didn't she do a beautiful job?

...and our daughter's pie. Both look delicious!!!

So the pie crust gene may have bypassed me, but our daughter turns out a beautiful crust every time! She spent a lot of time baking with her Grandma. Perhaps it's time for the torch to be passed and for our daughter and daughter-in-law to take over pie day? Hmmm? Something to think about...

Below is the pie crust recipe in case you want to try it.

1-2-3 Pie Crust

1 3/4 cups unsifted Gold Medal flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Mazola Corn Oil
3 tablespoons cold water

Mix flour and salt; blend in Mazola thoroughly. Sprinkle with all of water, mix, gather into a ball. If too dry, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons more Mazola.

Divide dough about in half; roll larger part for bottom crust between 2 pieces of waxed paper laid on damp table. Peel off top paper, invert crust on pan, peel off paper, fit crust into pan. Fill. Trim 1/2 inch beyond pan edge. Roll top crust. Peel off paper. Fold edges under, seal, flute. Bake as needed for filling used and to brown crust.

Single crust (8 or 9 inch): Use 1 cup + 2 tablespoons unsifted Gold Medal Flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/3 cup Mazola, and 2 tablespoons water. Combine, roll, fit into pan as above. Fold edge under, flute, prick well. Bake at 450F 12 to 15 minutes.

Halloween Is Around The Corner

If you are a lover of Halloween then you are probably planning your costume as you read this. If you are not a lover of Halloween but want to look festive for the occasion then Cruisin' Creations has the right accessories for you! Orange flowers for your hair, necklaces, bracelets, cowl, and waterfall scarves will add the right amount of Halloween to you wardrobe!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15407946&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=13447590&ref=shopsection_leftnav_8

Upcoming Events

Our next stop is O'Rourke Middle School on November 7. We did this show for the first time last year and were so pleased with the wide variety of quality handcrafted items for sale. It's a great place to start your holiday shopping!

Until Next Time...

Diane

So, how's it going?

Over the past few weeks several people, who were aware that my husband retired recently, have asked, "So, how's it going?" The answer is very well. I think if we had remained in our big house where I had a set daily routine, both of us would have had more trouble adjusting. Downsizing made that easier, or rather, took away that need to adjust.

Instead of Mike fitting into my routine, we are developing new routines in a new place. We have been so busy moving in and taking care of the little things that need our or the builder's attention that we haven't really gotten in each other's way. Oh, we both will admit that in the first couple of weeks, as we spent a lot of "quality time" together, we felt like there was way too much bonding. As we've begun developing new routines and focusing on our individual interests and hobbies there are fewer opportunities to "bond" and more time to pursue our interests. We've developed a healthy amount of bonding and private time.

I can't stress the importance of pursuing separate interests and hobbies for all who are retiring. While it is a good time to enjoy each other's company it's also a time to do all those things you didn't have time to do when you were working. Those interests may not be the same for both partners.

So, condo living suits us well. We highly recommend it!

Welcome Autumn!

As the weather turns so do our clothing choices. Not only are we choosing warmer clothing but we are also choosing colors that reflect the season. This fall Cruisin' Creations has several items that are perfect for autumn, 2015. Choose from a rich forest green cowl or waterfall scarf, or

https://www.etsy.com/listing/231024958/forest-green-lacy-scarf-green-tassel?ref=shop_home_active_4&ga_search_query=forest%2Bgreen

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230110525/green-lacy-scarf-forest-green-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=forest%2Bgreen

a gorgeous orange cotton cowl, infinity, or classic scarf.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/232600885/orange-knitted-cowl-scarf-orange-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_5

https://www.etsy.com/listing/232730625/orange-cotton-infinity-scarf-orange?ref=shop_home_active_9

https://www.etsy.com/listing/232599053/orange-cotton-summer-scarf-orange-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_3

And, there is always classic black or brown in cowl, waterfall, and cotton styles!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/231065829/black-lacy-cowl-scarf-black-knitted?ref=shop_home_active_5&ga_search_query=black%2Bscarf

https://www.etsy.com/listing/231019658/chocolate-brown-tassel-scarf-brown?ref=shop_home_active_1&ga_search_query=brown%2Bwaterfall

You're sure to be happy with whatever style you choose. Click on the links below each picture to view eacxh design or visit our website, www.cruisincreations.etsy.com to view our entire accessory line.

Upcoming Events

We are trying out a new venue on October 3. We will be indoors at the Fall Festival at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds, 133 Cemetery St, Frankfort, NY. Show hours are 9 am - 3 pm. Take a scenic drive, enjoy the fall foliage, and pick up a few things for yourself or the special people in your life.

We are also returning to a show we enjoy doing. Oct 11 we will be at the Carrot Festival at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union St, Schenectady, NY. We were there 2 years ago, had a scheduling conflict last year and are excited to return this year. This is an excellent family event with quality shopping thrown in. Stop by!

Until Next time...

Diane

We're In!

After much anticipation and a whirlwind 2 months of emotional highs and lows we have finally moved into our new home. While it seemed like longer, it took a mere 8 weeks for us to sell our home, rid it of everything we not longer needed or had room for, and move into a condo that is half the size.

Things got a little intense as our closing date neared. The week before we closed we were camping out in our home - sitting on fold up lawn chairs and sleeping on a mattress on the floor. We ate off of paper plates for breakfast and lunch and ate most dinners out. Needless to say it was very uncomfortable.

Coordinating banks, buyers, sellers, builders, movers, lawyers, and real estate agents schedules can get very tricky but our builder was very helpful in allowing us to move everything into the condo garage 5 days before the actual closing.

Our builder worked very hard to meet our timeline and lived up to their promise of having our new condo ready for closing on July 27.

We have become very creative at finding nooks and crannies for everything we decided we couldn't live without. As my husband esplains, it's like living in a trailer or mobile home. You make use of every cubic foot of space.

After a month of unpacking, storing, and moving things it is slowly becoming home. Each day is an odessey as we try to figure out in which safe place we have stored everything. Recently, one of our neighbors asked if we feel like we are on vacation. We had to say, "Yes!" It's hard to explain, but without the responsibility of mowing the lawn and caring for the outside of the house we can come and go as we please and not have to worry. Like a vacation rental! Yay

New Fall Colors

We have found a new supplier for our nylon yarns. Who knew that there were so many more wonderful colors out there to choose from! Up until this point we were limited to the selection Hobby Lobby's buyers chose. 

This fall we are featuring new forest green and red wine yarns which we have made into waterfall and cowl scarves as well as single and wrap bracelets/necklets. 

Each forest green design is peppered with a Woodland Mix of taupe, cream, green, gold, and clear iridescent beads. Each red wine design sparkles with red wine beads. Absolutely stunning!!!

Let us know what you think of our new colors.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/231024958/forest-green-lacy-scarf-green-tassel?ref=shop_home_active_7

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230016442/wine-red-cowl-scarf-dark-red-short-scarf?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230709981/green-beaded-bracelet-forest-green?ref=shop_home_active_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230128401/forest-green-bracelet-green-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_5

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230128401/forest-green-bracelet-green-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_5

https://www.etsy.com/listing/230711783/red-beaded-bracelet-red-knitted-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_1

Upcoming Events

Thank you to all who have patronized shows at the Shaker Heritage Society, Round Lake, and Speculator. We had a great time reconnecting with faithful customers and fellow crafters and meeting new people as well.

We are venturing out of our comfort zone a bit this weekend as we travel to Sylvan Beach, NY for their Labor Day craft show. We are looking forward to spending 3 days at the beach while meeting so many new customers and welcoming back so many faithful customers and friends! Hope to see you there!

Until Next Time...

Diane

#redwinebracelet
#forestgreenwaterfallscarf
#redwinecowlscarf
#rednecklet
#greennecklet
#craftshows

Relieving Our Home of its Treasures

Once the shock of selling our home so quickly wore off we decided it was time to relieve our home of its "treasures." We have spent much of the past month strolling down memory lane while going through boxes of keepsakes, wondering why we have kept cabinets full of things we thought we might need someday but have not used, and searching through closets full of clothing that might fit us again.

All of the things we decided we didn't need to keep any longer were placed in one of 3 places. Those that might have some value for someone were put in our garage and priced for a garage sale. Those that held too much information or just weren't necessary to keep any longer were either shredded or recycled, and those that had no value at all were tossed in the garbage.

Our garage sale was held this past weekend. The attendance was good and many of our "treasures" found new homes. I marveled at what people found useful and would spend their money on, how people haggled over a few cents, and what things of value people chose to leave behind. At one point on Saturday I commented to my husband that two of the resin tables that were stained and were priced at 50 cents each should just be put in the garbage; that no one was going to buy them. Not 5 minutes later someone bought them saying they would be perfect for camp. "You can never have too many tables at camp" was her comment. Guess I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to garage sales.

The leftover "treasures" were boxed up and donated to Goodwill. Hopefully, they too will find good homes. It was difficult getting rid of some things that held so many memories. I felt like I was disrespecting my ancestors as I boxed each one, but we can't keep everything.

We didn't get rid of all of our prized possessions; many will be accompanying us to our new home. We had to be selective; however, because space is at a premium.

500 Likes!

Thank you to all of our Facebook fans for 500 likes! As a thank you we are offering a necklace giveaway! Like, comment, and share our necklace giveaway post on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/cruisincreations12 and your name will be entered in our giveaway of this beautiful royal blue one of a kind necklace. Measuring 46" it can be worn long, doubled around your neck, or wrapped around your wrist.

Don't delay; the drawing will take place on July 3!!!

Like, comment and share at www.facebook.com/cruisincreations12 to be entered to win this one of a kind necklace!

Like, comment and share at www.facebook.com/cruisincreations12 to be entered to win this one of a kind necklace!

Show Your Patriotism!

Cruisin' Creations patriotic collection is the perfect accessory for your 4th of July outfit! Made of red nylon yarn, red, iridescent, and blue glass beads pop and add the perfect amount of sparkle. Necklets in 2 different lengths which can also be worn as wrap bracelets, eyeglass holders, and single bracelets round out your collection.

Your order of a necklet, eyeglass holder, or bracelet helps veterans! $1.00 is donated for every single bracelet purchase and $2.00 is donated for every necklet and eyeglass holder purchased. Donations go to Team RWB. Click on the links to order your patriotic accessories today!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228923562/red-white-and-blue-necklace-red-wrap?ref=shop_home_active_21

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228923562/red-white-and-blue-necklace-red-wrap?ref=shop_home_active_21

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/231696732/patriotic-eyeglass-holder-patriotic?ref=shop_home_active_11

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228924472/red-white-and-blue-bracelet-red-white?ref=shop_home_active_19

Upcoming Events

Thank you to all who attended the Violet Festival in Dolgeville, NY. What a wonderful community event it was! We met a lot of people and believe it was a successful event for the area.

We are looking forward to participating in the Shaker Heritage Society Craft Fair on July 11 & 12. We will be there from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm each day. There is a $4.00 admission; however, you can download a discount admission coupon at https://www.facebook.com/ShakerHeritageSociety

Until Next Time...

Diane

#cruisincreations
#patrioticnecklace
#patrioticbracelet
#teamrwb

Change

Change means many things to many people. For some it is something to be embraced, exciting, and new. For others it is something to be feared because there are so many unknown variables. For those who are literal it is the money you get back when making a purchase.

Change is coming fast and furious to our household. We have decided to downsize so we are weeding through decades of accummulation, decades of collecting, decades of memories. At first we struggled with moving because we enjoy our dream home and the space and other amenities it affords us. But each time we have to clean it we are exhausted and realize that it's just too big for us! We also are tired of the responsibility and want an easier life.

Throughout the years of our marriage we have weathered many other "changes", many other hardships and have always found a way to come out on top. Moving is a major step for us but we believe we will come out on top with this decision too.

Our house sold much faster than we ever expected so we have to find something else and be ready to move rather quickly. It's put our heads in a tailspin, but we are discussing every aspect, every pro and con, and are trying to make the most informed decision we can.

So, I apologize for not blogging for the past month. It's been a bit hectic and rather than a rational entry you would have been reading something incoherent. Blogging will be hit or miss over the next few weeks, I'll work at it as time permits. I will be back once we are settled in our new place.

June is wedding time!

Before leaving the dentist's office the other day I gave my hygenist a token wedding gift. It was one of our Special Occasions wedding garters. My hygenist, who is so sweet, was so touched by the gift and said she will cherish it forever. She loved the heirloom quality of wearing the garter on her wedding day then saving it for her baby girl's christening day. 

That reaction is the same one you will receive when you give one of our heirloom wedding garters to your favorite bride. She will not only fulfill the traditional "something new, something blue", but will also have a keepsake that can be passed down for generations to come. Or she can be a little different and rather than wear something blue wear a garter that matches her bridesmaid's dresses. Either way it will be the perfect gift!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/223516010/heirloom-blue-wedding-garter-blue-and?ref=shop_home_active_10

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228291763/wedding-garter-bridal-garter-something?ref=shop_home_active_5

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228415599/white-wedding-garter-pink-bridal-garter?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/224061341/lacy-bridal-garter-wedding-garter?ref=shop_home_active_7

Order your special occasions wedding garters at https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11707178&ref=shopsection_leftnav_9

Upcoming Events

Our next event is the Violet Festival in Dolgeville, NY on June 13 & 14! This is a new event for us. As I understand it this is a community weekend with over 10,000 people in attendance. Should be fun! Stop by and say, "Hello!"

Until Next Time...

Diane

Making a Cruisin' Creation

Every craft show, comment on Facebook, and comment on Etsy exclaims how beautiful Cruisin' Creations designs are. People comment on their uniqueness and many have to have one. Because we offer designs in a variety of price ranges most customers do leave our booth with one of our designs.

But how is a Cruisin' Creation made?

First we start off by choosing the right type of yarn, beads, and other accessories for each design.

Then we choose the correct loom and tools.



The beads are strung on to the yarn then the yarn is secured to the loom.

It is at this point that I become energized as I work with the yarn, beads, looping tool, and loom to create each unique design. I cannot stop myself from admiring the sparkle of the beads after each row! Working the loom is tricky. If I lose track or am not paying attention I can easily drop a stitch and have to start all over. This has happened more times that I like to think about, but we are all human, so it is bound to happen to everyone who knits in one way or another.

One of the comments I hear when people witness me creating a design is, "Oh, that's all it is?" I feel like they think it's child's play, that anyone can work these looms. Well, it is far from child's play. Each design takes a lot of planning, the correct number of beads, care in turning each loop, and the correct placement of each bead.

I have a relative who is an avid knitter. I tried to teach her how to loom knit a hat. Well, it didn't go well, and I ended up finishing the hat. It takes a certain knack to design and create each piece, so while it may look easy, it is not.

So rather than buying the looms and trying to teach yourself how to create your own scarf or necklace, why not just purchase a Cruisin' Creation?

Choose from slip on bracelets...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=13447590&ref=shopsection_leftnav_8

 birthstone jewelry...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=14668723&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1

 knitted eyeglass holders...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=13304670&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7

 special occasion headbands and garters...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11707178&ref=shopsection_leftnav_9

 beaded knitted necklets...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

 handmade nylon scarves...

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11483027&ref=shopsection_leftnav_6

 or choose an item from our cotton scarf collection!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15934367&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2

Special Occasions and Special Traditions

Start a new tradition with Cruisin' Creations heirloom wedding garters and christening headbands. Wear the garter on your wedding day then saved for your baby girl's christening day. Or purchase the christening headband for your baby girl's christening day then put it away for her wedding day. A beautiful tradition! Such a precious piece! 

Garters and headbands are custom made in almost any color and bead combination! Please contact Cruisin' Creations at dbabin731@gmail.com with questions.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11707178&ref=shopsection_leftnav_9

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11707178&ref=shopsection_leftnav_9

Upcoming Events

We are looking forward to seeing all of you in the craft tent at Niska-Day from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on May 16. Niska-Day is a community event sponsored by the Niskayuna Community Action Project. It is held in the fields behind Craig Elementary, 2566 Balltown Rd, Schenectady, NY 12309. To learn more about Niska-Day visit niskaday.org.

Until Next Time...

Diane

Helping Veterans With Handmade

It always amazes me how new ideas and designs happen. Sometimes it's a friend who mentions something they saw on which I put my own spin, sometimes it's an idea I have just before I fall asleep, or in church (are those divinely inspired?), and sometimes it's my daughter who gives me the idea.

It's Holy Saturday and our daughter is visiting for the weekend. I ask her to help me match up bead combinations with the new yarn colors I recently purchased. New younger eyes can come up with very different combinations that can prove to be very appealing and popular so I like ot get her help whenever I can. She's sitting on our family room floor easily matching beads and yarn. All of a sudden she gets very excited and asks if I have any red yarn.

She has come across a package of red, iridescent, and blue beads which I had purchased last year but hadn't done anything with. She asked me to use those beads with bright red yarn to make a patriotic 23" necklet which she posts to Facebook. Within a few minutes she had sold 3, by the following morning she had sold 10.

What was the attraction? Our daughter belongs to Team Red, White and Blue. What is Team Red, White and Blue?  Team RWB is an organization that helps ‪#‎veterans‬ reconnect with their ‪#‎community‬ through social and physical activities. Team RWB is open to all veterans, active duty, guard and reserve, and civilians and is free to join. To find out more and to join the team, visit www.teamrwb.org/get-involved/join-the-team

After she wrapped the 23" necklet around her wrist we discussed how this necklet could help veterans. We decided to donate $1.00 for every patriotic slip on bracelet sold, and $2.00 for every patriotic necklet sold. Team RWB members are very loyal and always looking for new ways to show their patriotism and help the organization. Hence the enthusiasm and number of sales!

How can you get involved, show your patriotism, and help veterans? Simply click on the link below these photos and order your patriotic single bracelet, 23", or 32" necklet. Cruisin' Creations will ship your order within a day and will donate to Team RWB!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228924472/red-white-and-blue-bracelet-red-white?ref=shop_home_feat_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228923562/red-white-and-blue-necklace-red-wrap?ref=shop_home_feat_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228923562/red-white-and-blue-necklace-red-wrap?ref=shop_home_feat_1

For Mom and Grandma

Mom and Grandma have done so much for us over the years so we like to show them how much we appreciate them on Mother's Day. Flowers, candles, and another pair of earrings are nice but why not do something different this year and give Mom and Grandma a Cruisin' Creation? 

Our mother's necklaces and bracelets are custom made to your specifications with Swarovski crystals and soft white nylon yarn. Order one in her birthstone, your birthstone, her favorite color, or the birthstones of all of her children or grandchildren. Pictured are a Mother's necklace and bracelet with June, August, and October birthstones.

Don't delay! Mother's Day is just a couple of weeks away! Click on the link below each photo to order your custom Mother's necklace or bracelet today!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/mothers-and-grandmothers-knitted?ref=shop_home_active_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174133342/mothers-and-grandmothers-knitted?ref=shop_home_active_2

Upcoming Events!

We are excited to add a new craft show to our schedule. On Saturday, April 25 we will be at the General Schuyler Rescue Squad, Route 29, Schuylerville, NY. Show hours - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Stop by and do a little shopping for Mom as well as yourself!

Until Next Time...

Diane

#veterans
#teamrwb
#patrioticbracelets
#patrioticnecklaces
#TeamRWBBuffalo
#EagleUp
#ItsOurTurn