Friendship

If you have friends that you can not see for years then reconnect with as if you just saw them the day before then you are truly blessed! Recently my husband and I reconnected with some friends we hadn't seen in at least 6 years. The reunion was wonderful!

It was as if we had just seen them last week! We picked up where we had left off on conversations the last time we had spoken and reignited a wonderful friendship.

The 4 of us had met on a cruise in 2003. We were seated at the same dinner table every night with 4 other people which made for very interesting dinner conversations. Ron, Maria, Mike and I immediately liked each other, frequently spent time together during the cruise, and made arrangements to cruise together for the next 6 years. While we live in different states we kept in touch via phone and email, remembered each other's birthdays and at Christmas, visited each other's homes, and reunited each February.

Then life happened and we were not able to cruise together the 7th year. We slowly began to lose touch with each other. There was still the occasional phone call or email, but they weren't as frequent as they had been. 

Thankfully, Ron contacted us about their most recent cruise and mentioned that they would love to see us. We immediately jumped at the opportunity and had a wonderful time together. The Regal Princess and other friends that we brought along may never be the same because of the jokes and stories that flew around our breakfast and dinner tables each day, but we are surely enriched by the experience.

Friendship is a precious gift that needs to be nurtured and not taken for granted.

Wedding Accessories

Wedding season is coming quickly and brides are always looking for that unique item that will make their wedding stand out. Surprise them with one of Cruisin' Creations heirloom garters.

What is so special about these garters? It is the bride's garter on wedding day then becomes her baby girl's Christening Headband on Christening Day. If she has a boy instead of a girl she can give it to his bride for her wedding day. It is a priceless heirloom to be handed down from one generation to the next. A special poem is included with each garter and each garter is shipped in a white organza string bag.

Each garter is made to order with Swarovski crystals, synthetic pearls, or glass seed beads. You decide!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/239113718/lacy-crystal-birthstone-wedding-garter?ref=shop_home_active_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/223516010/heirloom-blue-wedding-garter-blue-and?ref=shop_home_active_6

https://www.etsy.com/listing/228298799/something-blue-white-and-blue-wedding?ref=shop_home_active_11

Because these garters are made to order they do take time to ship, so don't delay and order yours today!

Upcoming Events

We had a wonderful time at the Laurel Manor Recreational Center in the Villages, Florida! We met so many nice people!

Our next event is Niska-Day on May 21 at Craig Elementary School in Schenectady, NY. Stop by the craft tent and say, "Hello!"

Until Next Time...

Diane

Giving Handmade

"If someone gives you a handmade present they are not being cheap. Consider the time they spent finding the materials and making you a unique and special gift. They did it because they love you."

In November my great niece posted this on Facebook and proceeded to tell me that she loves the cupcake blanket I made her many years ago. I told her to imagine me giving her a hug each time she used it. She then told me that she loved me. I wish I had a picture of that quilt to show you.

In church last weekend I ran into someone I hadn't seen in 25 years. One of the first things she said to me was that she still has her placemats and puts them out every Christmas. AFter all these years this handmade gift I gave so long ago still warms her heart.

I cannot put into words how much that post and these exchanges mean to me. I have always been one to give handmade gifts. My reasons have been varied for doing this but each gift that was made and given was given out of love. As I selected the materials and created the gift I thought about how special this person was to me and how much I hoped they would appreciate the gift that was made and given from the heart. 

It seems that people are not as appreciative of handmade gifts these days. They also seem to be of the attitude that if a gift is handmade it didn't cost much money. Have they priced fabric, yarn, beads, wood, and other items used to handcraft a gift? In many instances it would be less expensive to purchase the item at a store rather than make it. And that price for materials doesn't include the hours of time it takes to make the item. 

So, what it my point? Simply to appreciate handmade gifts and realize that the giver has put his or her heart and soul into making that gift especially for you. And if you do not have the talent to make special gifts for your loved ones, consider purchasing them from an artist. In doing so you will be purchasing a unique gift and supporting an artist who puts his or her heart and soul into each item made.

Resolution Update

In my last post I mentioned that my new years resolution is to help make this world a better place by helping others. One of the ways I am doing that is by using up all the fabric, and yarn I have collected to create items that are going to be donated to those in need. Since January 1, 2016 I have constructed 5 children's quilts, 4 scarves, and 12 hats. Several others are in various stages of completion. Yes, I've been a busy girl which is why I haven't updated my blog for a while. My reason for making all of these so quickly is that this is the time of year when these items are needed most so this is the best time of year to donate them. I'm sure things will slow down as the weather warms up.

Each quilt is like a puzzle. I take the fabrics that I think will work well together then piece them until I find a design that works with the colors and number of squares I have. Some come out better than others, but I hope that everyone who receives a quilt, hat, or scarf will feel the love that went into making it.

If you have decided to take up this resolution for 2016, I would love to hear what you have been able to do so far. 

Free Shipping

You have 2 more weeks to take advantage of our free shipping offer for all domestic addresses. There are no minimums and this offer expires January 31, 2016. So purchase your scarves, necklets, eyeglass holders, bracelets, and birthstone jewelry and save! www.cruisincreations.etsy.com

Special Orders

We love special orders! While I love the challenge of coming up with new designs, it's those ideas I receive from customers that I truly enjoy making. Recently, Cindy asked me if I would make some items for her out of a variegated yarn. After much discussion we solidified our ideas on color, beads, and styles. Her items are in the mail; she should receive them early this week. I'm very happy with the way they came out and hope she will be too!

Here's a picture of the yarn and beads! Watch for finished photos in our next blog.
I don't want the world to see the finished photos before Cindy receives them in the mail.

Upcoming Events

We are working on events for the coming year. Right now our first event is in Niskayuna on May 21!

Until Next Time...

Diane

  

A Resolution Of A Different Kind

They say necessity is the mother of invention and my resolution for 2016 is just that. As I mentioned over the summer my husband and I moved into a small condominium. While we love our condo and the flexibility it allows, we find that space is limited and we need to get very creative with storage. 

It occurred to me that I could empty several shelves in our guest/craft room closet, open up some floor space, and space under the bed if I started using up some of the fabric, batting, and yarn that is stored throughout the room. I began cutting up scraps of cotton into 5.25" squares and piecing the ones that seemed to go well together. Then using the batting I've collected and purchased fabric for the backing I began creating quilts for children. 

To date I have completed 8 children's quilts with enough fabric and batting to make as many more! These quilts are a labor of love. As I make each one I try to image the child who may be the recipient. Also, it's a way for me to give back or pay it forward, whichever way you look at it. Others have helped me when I needed it, and still support me today by being loyal customers and promoters of Cruisin' Creations. This is a way I can pay it forward and help others in need.

The yarn I've collected is used to tuft the quilts and create hats and scarves. Recently 15 hats and 10 scarves have been donated. Our local City Mission has been the recipient of these items. City Mission has been an organization near and dear to my heart for a long time so I like to help them out whenever I can.

My resolution for 2016 is to work toward making this world a better place by sharing my time and talents with others. At this point it is through the creation of hats, scarves, and quilts. Not sure how that will morph as the year rolls on.

 I challenge you to make a resolution of a different kind in 2016 as well. What talents do you have that you can share with others? What is it that you can do to make this world a better place? Volunteer? Make something? Donate to a charity? Hold a door open for someone? Pray?

Yes, we can all make the same resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, be nicer, be more organized, etc. but how successful are we with those resolutions. Perhaps a resolution where we each do something to make the world a better place is one we will keep for a longer period of time.

Please keep me posted on what you are able to do for others. Wouldn't it be great to keep a list so that we can focus on the good happening in the world rather than the bad?

Here are a couple of the quilts I've made so far. Do you think the children will like them?

Free Shipping

Are you looking for something unique to spend your Christmas money on? Your money will go farther at Cruisin' Creations because we are offering free shipping throughout the month of January. And you already know how much fun it is to wear a Cruisin' Creation! Stop by and purchase something today...www.cruisincreations.etsy.com

New Offerings

Cruisin' Creations flowers for the hair are popular among young girls as well as adults so we are now offering these flowers as sets. Purchase pink, yellow, royal, and garnet hair clips in sets of two for only $5.00! Other colors and options are also available.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/261739331/hair-clips-pink-flower-hair-clips-pink?ref=shop_home_active_5

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/261744831/hair-clip-set-hair-clips-yellow-flower?ref=shop_home_active_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/261848286/hair-clip-set-hair-clips-royal-blue-hair?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/261748084/hair-clip-garnet-hair-clip-sets-flower?ref=shop_home_active_9

View all of the flowers that are available at https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15407946&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5

Upcoming Events

We are working on our 2016 craft show schedule and will keep you up to date as events are added.

Until Next Time...

Diane

An Honor And A Privilege

There are those moments in life when we are called upon to do something very special for someone else and we accept. Those calls always make us feel warm inside; they give us a purpose. Recently I received such a call.

A few weeks ago Patti called to ask if I would like her deceased mother's yarn stash. Patti had gotten my name from the Shaker Heritage Society Christmas Craft Fair. After several texts back and forth we finally agreed upon a date, time, and meeting place that worked for both of us.

The yarn was well cared for and although it would not work for my current designs I knew it would be perfect for the hats and scarves I make and donate to charity. Patti was tearful as she parted with the yarn. It was a part of her mom, represented who she was, so parting with it was like parting with her mother again. She knew that her mother's yarn would go to a good cause and that brought her some comfort.

After agreeing on the yarn Patti asked if I would make a piece for her and her sister to remember their mother by. She chose 2 yarns and a simple style that would be fairly easy to make up. As I was creating these special scarves all I could think of was that they would be just like a hug from their mom each time the sisters wear their scarves around their necks.

Recently Patti met me to receive the scarves. She was so pleased with the result and was tearful as she tried each one on. After losing both parents and having difficulty parting with many special things I know how hard it was for Patti to part with her mother's yarn, but now she has the best of both worlds. She is no longer storing all of the yarn in her garage, and has a scarf made from her mother's yarn.

Aren't they bright and cheerful?

The older I get the more I realize that life is not about money and things. It is about memories, those special moments we share with the special people in our lives. We carry those special memories with us forever. It is my hope that these scarves will bring Patti and her sister some comfort and help them remember all the wonderful moments they had with their mom.

Thank you, Patti, for the honor of entrusting me with your mother's yarn and the privilege of creating these special pieces for you and your sister.

Where Can I Get A Cruisin' Creation?

While our craft show season is over we are still displaying at the Shaker Heritage Society Craft Fair, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany, NY. This show ends December 19. 

We, also, are always available online at www.cruisincreations.etsy.com.

It's not too late to order a Cruisin' Creation and get it in time for Christmas if you ship Priority mail. Priority orders will be guaranteed until December 19, 2015. We will not guarantee ground shipping or international shipping at this time.

What are our most popular items this year? The 23" and 32" necklet! Versatile pieces that fit all age groups. Wear them as a necklace, ID tag lanyard, attach your favorite pendant to the double split ring, or wear it as a wrap bracelet! View our entire line of necklets at https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

https://www.etsy.com/listing/190464342/teal-blue-knitted-beaded-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_23

https://www.etsy.com/listing/190479505/olive-green-necklace-green-knitted-wrap?ref=shop_home_active_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/190469560/rainbow-necklet-necklace-wrap-bracelet?ref=shop_home_active_8

https://www.etsy.com/listing/190484397/handmade-seafoam-beaded-necklet-knitted?ref=shop_home_active_19

Watch our Upcoming Events section as we add new events for 2016!

We hope you are able to take a moment out of the hustle and bustle to enjoy the last few days of this Christmas season.

Until Next Time...

Diane

A Thanksgiving To Remember

As I sit at my computer this morning deciding on what to write about I can't stop thinking about the very memorable and heartwarming Thanksgiving we had. While many of the players in this event were the same, I was missing some who have not been with us for a very long time. That melancholy went away as the day progressed and new players were added. Overall, Thanksgiving 2015 was a Thanksgiving to remember.

Our daughter and her boyfriend arrived on Wednesday night. We had a very nice visit until we were all unable to keep our eyes open any longer and turned in for the night. The next morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by our daughter, watched the Macy's parade, and prepped for Thanksgiving dinner.

Our son and daughter-in-law arrived early for dinner which we were very happy about because this gave them time to get to know our daughter's boyfriend the other guests around. All I did for most of that time was sit back and observe the dynamics of the 4 of them. All seemed to get along very well.

My mother-in-law and brother-in-law were the last to arrive although they also arrived early. Everyone's clock must have been set ahead that day. We did not mind and again enjoyed the different personalities melding together as we visited, shared a delicious meal, and thanked God for all of our blessings.

We went to sleep that night with happy hearts and slept very soundly. It was a very good day!

Holiday Offerings

Red is the color of Christmas so what better gift to give than a red accessory from Cruisin' Creations? Choose from winter scarves, waterfall scarves, necklets, bracelets, and eyeglass holders. Click on the links to choose from a wide variety of colors and styles!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=14094484&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4

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

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

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

Shipping Deadline

Our international guaranteed shipping date has passed (December 1); however, our domestic shipping deadline is still in effect. Place your orders at www.cruisincreations.etsy.com by December 12 to receive them in time for Christmas using regular domestic ground shipping. It is recommended that Priority shipping be used after that date. 

Upcoming Events

We have one more show for 2015. December 5 we will be at Hamagrael Elementary School, 1 McGuffrey Lane, Delmar, NY. We will be there from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Stop by!

Can't make the show? Don't fret! You can still order your Cruisin' Creations at www.crusincreations.etsy.com.

Until Next Time...

Diane

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