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

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