Practicality

Inherited from my father, I tend to be a very practical person. Generally, if something is not useful to me, or if I already have something like it, I do not buy it. I bring that same practicality to my Cruisin' Creations designs. Our designs are both multi- functional and fashionable.

Necklets serve so many purposes and I sell so many at craft shows that I have a hard time keeping them in my shop! Now, I'm not complaining, just stating a fact. Once people learn about all of their uses - necklace, wrap bracelet, ID tag lanyard, keychain, or attach your favorite pendant to the double split ring, they buy several for themselves and as gifts.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15485945&ref=shopsection_leftnav_7

Our waterfall scarves are necklaces, scarves, and belts. Again, so many different uses!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11483027&ref=shopsection_leftnav_8

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11483027&ref=shopsection_leftnav_8

Winter scarves are warm outdoors and fashionable indoors. So light, they keep you warm without making your warm. You can wear them under your coat for extra warmth on a cold winter's day, and keep them on all day to add that extra something to your outfit.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=14094484&ref=shopsection_leftnav_10

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=14094484&ref=shopsection_leftnav_10

Essentially, when you purchase a Cruisin' Creation you get at least two items for the price of one! View all of our designs at www.cruisincreations.etsy.com!

The Newest Member Of Our Staff

Meet Lola, the newest member of the Cruisin' Creations staff. She has been working very hard to pose for many of our product pictures. She's doing a great job, don't you agree?

We recently challenged our Facebook fans to name our newest member and Emma Richards, from Kenmore, NY chose the winning name, Lola! Emma won this beautiful turquoise blue rope necklace! Just in time for spring and summer!

Subscribe To Our Newsletters

So much is happening at Cruisin' Creations that it's hard to keep up. One of the ways you can learn about the latest and greatest is to subscribe to our e-newsletter. Our newsletters are sent out once a month. We do not sell your email address. Everything is done in house so no one else sees your information. To subscribe simply send an email to dbabin731@gmail.com and we will add you to our list.

Upcoming Events

We had so much fun this past weekend at the Fox Care Center in Oneonta! It felt so good to get out of the house and meet our many returning as well as new customers. They all had stories to tell and we had a great time visiting with them! We also met some wonderful and very talented artists! We find craft shows to be so inspiring and purchase many gifts from these local artisans. Thank you to all who came out for this event.

Our next show is April 25 at the General Schuyler Rescue Squad in Schuylerville, NY. More details to follow.

Until Next Time...

Diane

Musings On Retirement

21 months after skipping out the door on my last day of work as a teacher I find that I have become my parents. I used to wonder what they did all day after they retired and how could they be so busy when they didn't work. It baffled me! Well, I don't know what happens after that last day of work but I've fallen into the same pattern.

I thought I would have so much time to get everything done. Afterall, I didn't have to go to my job anymore. I had plans to clean out the clutter in our house, paint a room or two, keep up with the daily chores of cleaning the house, cooking, laundry, etc. Ha ha! While I do have the entire day to organize as I see fit, I find  even thought I have a list little of it gets done every day. !ll that time gets eaten up so quickly.

In the beginning my husband would ask what I do all day and while I had a list it really didn't sound like I did much of anything. Well, while he hasn't retired yet he has had little snippets of time where he now asks, Where did the time go?"

Yes, I am running a small business and spend many hours promoting online and creating new designs, but I don't do that for the entire day! So, where does the time go? No clue, but if anyone else can figure it out, please let me know...

As refreshing as Key Lime Pie!

That's the best way to describe our line of new mint green designs. Each scarf, necklet, bracelet, and eyeglass holder is adorned with pastel pink, blue, peach, green, and purple glass seed beads. The effect is gorgeous! Don't you agree?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/224309536/mint-green-summer-scarf-green-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/226694449/mint-green-single-bracelet-green-slip-on?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/226431100/mint-green-necklace-mint-green-wrap?ref=shop_home_active_3

Upcoming Events

We are so excited to finally get out there and see our many loyal followers! March 21 & 22 we will be at the Foxcare Center, 1 Foxcare Dr, Oneonta, NY. This is a handmade only show with many very talented artists! Stop by, pick up some gifts for Easter, Mother's Day, and a little something for yourself. And while you're there stop by and say, "hello!"

Saturday - 9-5

Sunday - 10 - 3

Until Next Time...

Diane

#cruisincreations

#waterfallscarf

#cowlscarf

#necklet

#mintgreenbracelet

Start A New Tradition With Cruisin' Creations Special Occasions Collection!

It is with great excitement that we introduce our new special occasions collection!

Tradition is described as a way of thinking and behaving that has been followed for a long time by a group or family. (Mirriam-Webster) As we grow we learn to follow the traditions of our families. As we age we toss aside those that don't suit us any longer and we create new traditions to fit our current circumstances. These new traditions are where Cruisin' Creations Special Occasions Collection fits in.

After months of thought, designing, and re-designing we are finally ready to unveil our special occasions line of Heirloom Christening Headbands and Heirloom Wedding Garters. Each is gift wrapped in a white organza drawstring bag and is accompanied by a special poem to explain the significance of each heirloom piece.

Our Christening Headbands adorn your baby girl's head on her Christening day. After the Christening, store it for the something old on her wedding day. The headband she wore for her Christening will fit as a garter for her wedding.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/224684322/heirloom-white-baptismal-headband-white?ref=shop_home_feat_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/223522611/heirloom-white-christening-headband-lacy?ref=shop_home_active_1

Christening Poem

This band was placed upon your head,

When you were just a babe;

Your Christening day, we took a vow,

And into God's heart we gave.

The years have passed, you're all grown up,

You met your love through fate;

Now wear this band around your leg,

Forever love - for you and your mate

Copyright Cruisin’ Creations 2015

Our Wedding Garters adorn your leg on wedding day. After the wedding store the garter in the organza bag until you have your baby girl. She will wear it on her head on Christening Day. If a boy is what you have share your heirloom garter with his bride.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/223516010/heirloom-blue-wedding-garter-blue-and?ref=shop_home_active_5

https://www.etsy.com/listing/224061341/lacy-bridal-garter-heirloom-christening?ref=shop_home_active_2

Wedding Verse

This band you wear around your leg,

As you become a wife;

Something new, as you say "I Do",

A most magical day in your life.

When years have passed,

Renew this band and place it on baby's head;

Then God will bless your baby girl,

With this band from the day you were wed.

Copyright Cruisin’ Creations 2015

At time of purchase simply choose your occasion and size and Cruisin' Creations will design a special heirloom headband or heirloom garter for your special day. Each headband and garter is custom made and ships is 3-5 business days.

View our entire Special Occasions Collection at https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=11707178&ref=shopsection_leftnav_2 and place your order today!

Please visit our shop www.cruisincreations.etsy.com and favorite our designs as well as our shop. Thank you!

Until Next Time...

Diane

#christeningheadband
#weddinggarter
#wedding
#baptism
#specialoccasions
#heirloomheadband
#heirloomgarter

A Fun Way To Bathe

A few months ago I discovered a shop called Soap Art on Etsy. Shopping at Soap Art is so much fun because Jean makes the cutest soaps for children to use. Many contain toys which can be played with for years to come! And I can attest to the fact that Jean's customer service is among the best. She ships quality products very quickly.

Jean's cold process and glycerin soaps, lotion bars, lip balms, shea souffle and more and made lovingly made in small batches. She describes her work as handmade art from the heart

Jean describes her shop in this way...
"The SoapArt mission is to create quality products for my customers at reasonable prices. 

Every item I create is Handmade Art from the Heart. Like most Etsyans, I put a lot of love into what I create, and the reason I am here is because I love creating, and I love to share what I create. 

If you are interested in purchasing plug-in or tabletop wax warmers, you can find them at www.soapartonline.com.

The SoapArt blog contains updates on what I'm working on, what's new and what's coming up soon. It's also a little bit about life. I hope you'll check it out at http://SoapArtOnline.blogspot.com/. 

Almost every order contains a free sample. If actual shipping, including postage plus materials costs a dollar or more less than what you paid, I'll refund the difference.

Check out my blog at www.SoapArtOnline.blogspot.com
You can also learn more about SoapArt at www.SoapArtOnline.com
Like me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/SoapArt
Member, Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild www.soapguild

Blog Update

A few months ago I featured Jim and Christie and their line of books for children. I received great news this morning that they have just released Touchdown for Nicky. You can check it out and order this book at 

http://www.amazon.com/Touchdown-Nicky-Jimmy-Badavino/dp/1507678150/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 d.org"

Getting Ready For Spring

We are so done with winter! And we still have over 3 weeks to go!!! While we can't seem to get rid of the snow and cold we can  make our envoronment more fun. One way that I am doing that is by working with some bright springy yarns. This is what we have been working on this week. 

The colors in this fiesta yarn are bright and vibrant! Definitely makes a statement!!! So much fun to wear!!! Purchase in cowl or waterfall styles...

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124410737/fun-handcrafted-waterfall-scarf-fiesta?ref=shop_home_active_14

Baby soft pink with blue, pink, and iridescent beads. Reminds me of cotton candy or strawberry ice cream with sprinkles. Available in cowl or waterfall styles!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/223132054/baby-soft-pink-knitted-beaded-nylon-cowl?ref=shop_home_active_1

Deep rich purple with whte and iridescent beads that just pop! Another statement piece! Available in cowl and waterfall styles.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/221477570/purple-knitted-beaded-tassel-scarf?ref=shop_home_active_8

Upcoming Events

We are continuing to add to our craft show list for 2015. Follow the upcoming events section of this blog to keep up and please message us if you know of any shows where our designs would be well received.

Until Next Time...

Diane

Dyesub Shop On Etsy

Every now and then we find a business that just clicks for us, one that provides the best service, and high quality products. Dyesub Shop on Etsy is one of those businesses.

Patrick and his staff at Dyesub Shop deliver personalized quality cellphone cases at reasonble prices in a timely manner. Their cases hold up to normal wear without breaking, or the pictures wearing off.

Over a year ago I profiled a business that also sold cellphone cases, T-shirts, and other promotional items. I was impressed with their customer service because they replaced the 2 cases we had purchased that were not wearing well. Both cases had started to crack, pieces were breaking off, and the images were wearing off. Well, the replacement cases were no better.

When it was time to purchase new cases I searched Etsy to find a company that would provide high quality service and products. I found Patrick and told him about my past experience. Patrick assured me that I would not have the same problem with his cases. Patrick lived up to his word and provided a very well made case. I in turn bought more cases.

It turns out that the substandard cases were 2 pieces and had sections that were too thin to hold up to normal wear; however, the cases we bought from Patrick are one piece and wear very well.

Patrick describes his proces this way - "I start with blank shells that are made from a PBT polymer that has been molded in to the shape of each particular phone that we offer. When printing I use a milled aluminum die to hold the shape of the case during the printing process. During the printing process each polymer blank is heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and held under pressure for 5 to 7 minutes (depending on the device). This combination of heat and pressure causes the polymer to become porous and also shrink in size to fit the phone or tablet. While the polymer is porous we print the cover with gaseous dyes. When the heat is removed from the case the pores in the polymer shrink locking in a permanent, vibrant full color image on to the case. 

Due to the nature of the gas transfer printing process used on these cases each case will be unique. If you order multiple cases of the same design you will see slight variations in placement and color between them. This is product of the process and should be expected."

If you're in the market for a new cellphone case or just want to promote good businesses then visit Patrick's Etsy shop Dyesub Shop today! Let him know you learned about him through Cruisin' Creations' blog! https://www.etsy.com/shop/dyesub?ref=ss_profile

New Designs

Last week I posted a picture of a recent shipment of yarn that I was working with. Here are a few of the items I've made with those yarns.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/127225108/coppery-brown-beaded-nylon-waterfall?ref=shop_home_feat_4

https://www.etsy.com/listing/221216918/white-silver-waterfall-scarf-beaded?ref=shop_home_feat_2

https://www.etsy.com/listing/221222342/cream-tassel-scarf-cream-beaded-necklace?ref=shop_home_active_1&ga_search_query=ivory%2Bcowl%2Bscarf

These yarns have more body and provide more stability for the weight of the beads. They also provide a fuller look without the weight. Watch for styles in navy, pink, turquoise, and olive green in my Etsy shop www.cruisincreations.etsy.com in the near future! 

Keep up with the latest news at Cruisin' Creations by liking us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/cruisincreations12

And...follow us on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/cruisincreation

Until Next Time...

Diane

#cruisincreations
#dysubshoponEtsy
#cowlscarf
#waterfallscarf

Jewel & Pearl Jewelry by Shan

Over the past few weeks I have been in contact with Shantell from Jewel and Pearl. We met on Facebook when we liked each other's pages during a share day and have been in contact ever since. Shantell makes the prettiest wire wrapped, natural crystal, one of a kind jewelry. She also takes orders for personalized commissioned pieces. 

Shantell describes herself as a bake-a-holic, jewelry creator, and lover of all animals. As a mother of 3 she is also a crystal worker and reiki master. Shantell is originally from the USA, has lived in several countries, and currently lives in Hong Kong. She loves learning new things and meeting new people.

As an animal lover Shantell donates a percentage of the sale of some of her pieces to local animal rescue organizations! 

You can view Shantell's designs and pick up something cute for yourself or someone else in her Etsy shop at www.jewelandpearl.etsy.com

You can also follow Shantell on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jewel&pearl jewelry by Shan.

Don't you just love these pieces?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/217805573/love-me-unconditional-wire-wrapped-rose?ref=shop_home_active_14

https://www.etsy.com/listing/220503361/surrounded-by-paws-charmed-bracelet-for?ref=shop_home_active_22

https://www.etsy.com/listing/221309154/hand-stamped-live-your-life-forget-your?ref=related-2

New Shipment

Cruisin' Creations recently received a new shipment of nylon yarns in new colors and thicknesses. These new yarns will work so much better for our summer weight scarves as the beads will not drag on the yarn as they do on the thinner yarn. Watch for new colors and styles to be introduced in our blog, on Facebook, and in our Etsy Shop. 

Aren't these colors beautiful? Mike just has to string the beads and I will be feverishly knitting away!

Making The Best Use Of My Time

I am one who doesn't like to be idle. Whether that makes me ambitious, addicted, or wicked as in "no rest for the wicked", I don't know, but I derive so much enjoyment from creating for others that I want to do it all the time!

Over the weekend we took a 4 hour drive to visit our daughter. I tend to be a nervous passenger and have found that if I occupy my time rather than watch the road the drive is much more enjoyable for my husband as well as myself. I usually knit and read. This time I made this gorgeous royal blue hat and scarf set which will be donated to our local City Mission. It took about 6 hours to finish. 

I just love this color! Don't you?

Until Next Time...

Diane

Introducing...

Cruisin' Creations is excited to announce their new Sea Breeze Collection! Made of a cotton rayon blend each piece is peppered with glass seed beads adding an extra shimmer to the rayon yarn. The colors are so bright and vibrant. Perfect for 2015!

Available in classic, cowl, and infinity styles you can purchase them in jewel tones as well as black, white, ivory, and purple. They are very light and the cotton yarn makes them very comfortable to wear in the warm weather. Click on the link below each picture to view our Sea Breeze Collection!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CruisinCreations?section_id=15934367&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/220429436/black-beaded-knitted-summer-scarf-black?ref=shop_home_active_1

https://www.etsy.com/listing/220535145/white-summer-scarf-white-knitted-beaded?ref=shop_home_active_6

https://www.etsy.com/listing/220527394/ivory-cotton-knitted-beaded-summer-scarf?ref=shop_home_active_8

https://www.etsy.com/listing/220531981/purple-knitted-beaded-summer-scarf?ref=shop_home_active_5

Mark Your Calendars!

Our first event of the year will be March 21 & 22 at the Foxcare Center, 1 Foxcare Drive, Oneonta, NY. Centrally located, it is an easy drive from most parts of NYS. 

The show is located in the comfortable Foxcare Center which is a medical office facility. Everything is on one floor and the offerings are unique and of the highest quality. 

Saturday hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Sunday hours are 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Rid yourself of your cabin fever, stop by Cruisin' Creations display, and say, "Hello!"

Until Next Time...

Diane