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

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