Getting ready for the holidays.........

Lets talk about the holidays……

I know that it seems like we just put away our swim suits, and school just started again, but the reality that the holidays will soon be here is very real.

For those of us with little children,  or those expecting…..  the rush hits us hard.  It takes so many hours of the day keeping those kids busy, fed, clean and out of trouble.  If you are expecting, you are tired anyway and this is just another thing you just don’t feel like you can handle!

Well, start getting ready this week.  If you plan ahead, and start to make your gift list and start buying now, you will be on top of it all. Start by purchasing your smaller gifts this week-if you can, wrap and label them also.

Write your list for the bigger gifts and search the internet for price.  Make sure you do all your research before you leave your home.  Also any gifts that you will purchase online, do that now.  If you order online items earlier, they will arrive and not get stuck in the heavy mail time period.

.Plan your menu now for Thanksgiving and Christmas or Chanukah dinners.  Purchase your can goods for all your holiday meals  at the same time. If you are having Turkey for all your planned big meals, then try to purchase them at the same time (hopefully you have freezer room).  This way, all you really will need will be the fresh produce, drinks, and appetizers.

Make all your reservations if you are going out for any celebration early.

Plan any parties you will have at your home early.  Do your shopping the same method as for your big dinners.

Treat yourself to someone else doing your cleaning, that is like a little present to yourself!

By doing everything early and not rushing around, you will have less stress, more quality time, and feel better.

Remember that stress causes toxins to  build up in your blood. And you will then be more likely to be sick, depressed and not your self!

Remember that The Houston Baby Planner is there for all your Maternity needs.  Sherri can help you with issues of Infertility, GREEN education, planning your baby shower , or even Designing the little ones Nursery~!

Get your Emphemera here

Thanks for visiting...there are several different entrys with all the instructions and my samples....to get your Emphemera, you can get it here

http://www.geckogalz.com/onceuponatimefreeephemeraset.html

or email me sugarsherri@gmail.com

Thanks you

Sherri

A Safety Note from Sherri

Pool Guard Texas

According to Government Statistics, accidental drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of five in the USA. Pool Fencing is the safest choice to prevent this kind of tragedy.

Play it safe, install a pool fence. Have questions? Feel free to give Pool Guard Texas a call. We would love to answer any and all of your pool safety questions.

Houston: 281-495-8800

updates

Please do not go to Misty Rose Cramers blog...some how she disappeared today........ just noticed some how some of my pictures moved...very spooky...so here they are again,,,sorry, those ghosts have a mind of their own

I

Just for your enjoyment /i have added some beautiful pictures Katy, TX thanks for looking

Than

Blog hop Emphemera

Thanks for being part of our blog hop...it is so much fun!

We found another way to get my Emphemera...so please feel free to do it thru this link or E mail me if you still have problems or questions

http://www.geckogalz.com/onceuponatimefreeephemeraset.html

Sherri

A Gecko Gal for life!

order to view posts

Here is the Blog Hop Rotation



Hazel Harler

Heather Hudson

Joan Lindle

Marcie Morgan

Misty Rose Cramer

Patty Provance

Paula Akers

Penny Walker

Sherri Levin ton

Starr Timmons

Leanne Seed


Please enjoy this free Gecko Galz Collage sheet as well as the samples I have made



The next entry explains everything

The last one is my pieces!

Thank you for looking, come back soon!

Gecko Galz Blog Hop

Thank you for joining the blog hop. The samples are on the next entry. Please email me at sugarsherri@gmail.com to receive your frr Emphemera...it would not load right on thisi Blog program, also any question...glad to answer.......

Gecko Galz Tricks and Treats Blog Hop I am the tenth stop on your “hop” welcome to my blog!

If you started here you might want to go back and start at the begining at the Gecko Galz blog so you wont miss anything! We have ELEVEN AMAZING blogs for you to visit this weekend, each with some gorgeous projects created using the Gecko Galz collage images, that we are giving you for FREE! Each blog you visit will have a free Gecko Galz Collage sheet for you to download, mine is "ONCE UPON A TIME".

Also make sure you collect all the secret words on each blog so at the end of the hop you can enter to win our wonderful treat. So sit back, relax, take your time and enjoy the hop! We have FOUR amazing prizes up for grabs:First is one free digital collage set each month for an entire year, you get to pick the collage sheet you want each month and we send it off to you! This is a $24 value Second prize is a $35 shopping spree at the Gecko Galz website….you pick it and we send it!Third prize is our Gecko Galz treat bag full of Gecko Galz products, kits, and other amazing products! This is a $50 valueAnd our Grand Prize ONE FULL YEAR of FREE DIGITAL COLLAGE COLLECTIONS!!! Gecko Galz puts out 5 digital collage sets each month and you will get all 5 sets for an entire year! This is a $120 value.Read on to learn how you can win! First of all, you will need to visit all ELEVEN blogs and leave a comment on each blog :) **This is important so we know you have been to all the blogs **.

Collect all eleven words and at the end of the blog on the Fripperies and Butterflies site there will be a link to the Gecko Galz website where you will email us the phrase the words make up. This enters you in the contest. On October 31st we will randomly draw the 4 winners and email each of you, then we will post the winning names on our website and on the Gecko Galz blog site.For an extra chance to win make a purchase from the Gecko Galz site and your name goes in again for a better chance of winning (each purchase you make that weekend gives you another chance to win) Finally, we are having one more give away! If you post our Gecko Galz blinkie on your blog or website you will be entered to win a Gecko Store Gift Certificate worth $25 - super easy right? Just post a link to your blog on the Gecko Galz Blog so we can come visit :). My Secret Word is; CHANCE

Here is the Blog Hop Rotation Hazel Harler Heather Hudson Joan Lindle Marcie Morgan Misty Rose Cramer Patty Provance Paula Akers Penny Walker Sherri Levington Starr Timmons Leanne Seed Please enjoy this free Gecko Galz Collage sheet as well as the samples I have made using the images on the next entry,

Thank you so much

The Gecko Galz Design Team

Gecko Galz Blog Hop

Glad you visited my blog. I have the ONCE UPON A TIME emphemera. I had a bit of trouble adding it as a download, so if you wouldn't E mailing me, I can send it very to you...... sugarsherri@gmail.com



planting...I used the Emphemera that really looked like gardening...actually attached it to a tag, added some ferns and odd findings . I wanted to keep the look of aged and used buttons that I dipped in Bronze UTTEE

Ren fest...that Emphemera really spoke Renaissance to me so I got a page ready for when I go next week. We always dress so I had fun creating a dress on my page, and even added texture to the top layer! Added the clock and lots of small detail.

This one is DREAM and it is going to be a tag on my new Grandsons gift. I punches 3 sheets of paper and pieced them together, adding a bit of paint to enhance. I found the word dream on a greeting card and added it to the tag. Added a big blue box as a finishing touch!

My Anniversary is coming up in a few weeks and this Emphemera talked SweetHeart to me, so that is his card. I framed it 3 times and used a corner rounder. I also used a large deep edge punch on the edge.

This looked like a rock a by baby Emphemera a and made a beautiful Welcome Baby card.

Thanks for looking...E mail me any questions you have

Regards,

Sherri

Instructions for Halloween page

You can use any sheet of orange paper. I used all Martha Stewart new craft punches...with the any where on the page punch ,a spider web, I punched along the left border and down the bottom. I used Geckogalz Gothic papers (really cool Halloween paper) and filled in all the punched holes. I took Tim Holtz resist paper and cut a strip 4x 6 inches, and used the all around punch on it. To get the resist I used orange distress ink. I also cut the title from the resist paper. I took orange chalk and went around and enhanced the spider webs. I took the deep edge fence punch (MS) and used it for a strip on the bottom of my page. I matted my photo on black, using an all around the page spider punch, adhering that to a strip of resist paper. I then added spiders, cats and a witch cut from Cricut, curling the spider legs and witches hair. Reallyspooky!!!!!

Have fun, regards,
Sherri

Scary

Only posting a picture now and will post instructions tonight!

If you e mail me and ask I will enter you in a drawing for a free gift...if not, come back tonight for SCARY INSTRUCTIONS!

Happy Birthday Sherri

The celebration started Saturday and ended on my birthday. Linda took me to Chuys and it was a nice, relaxed meal. We went to old Katy and did a little shopping...fun!

I had school at night and it is the next to last class..that is sad, I am really intuned to it and will miss it, but I am taking another class in October, as well as keeping up with some other related classes now.

Just wanted to say hello and now that I am 1 year older, if I forget anything, blame it on me being old!

Love ya,

Sherri

Gecko Galz Design Team "Remeber my Mom"

Ok, I used the Emphemera from Geck Galz September "Aint She Cute"....

From the new Cricut Cartidge Projects..Fancy Frames, I cut a 10.5 Background Frame in Black Cardstock, the overlay for that frame, very lacey and loopey..cut it out of cardstock with an old fashioned postcard print. On the print I aged it with Gellato, ink, and a bit of paint. I cut a backing of chipboard for support, and also added a chipboard wedge so the frame can stand. I took the cut oval from the frame and cut the Emphemera apart, glued it overlapping the oval, then used Faber Castell glaze which is like Decopauge Medium. I attached the overlay to the frame. attached the oval to another piece of cardstock, and then set it in the opening. I also aged the Emphemera as some of it was very white. I ran a tape runner around the total back of the frame, tryin g to stay in the line with the black thicker frame. Then I took lace fabric and went around the tape adding pleats as I went. I added some sticker flower, and jewels around the frame, and then added a matted picture of my beautiful Mom, a sticker right across from it says "ALWAYS IN MY HEART", and lastly added some beads on clear string just to give some additional flare.

Any questions, please contact me. It sounds harder than it was as I try to give all the details!

Talk to you soon,

Sherri

Happy Birthday

Cutter is 5 today! He is so cute...love him!

He told his Uncle Adam that he wanted money for his birthday....$2000.00

Way to go Cutt1

See you

Sherri

Happy B

Crochet gold wire necklace

All the rage right now...chunky crochet wire neck laces....going for over $100......I have this beautiful one for sale for $50.00 and also will have a pair of earring to matchfor $10.00. Contact me for info, or customize your own.

Don't forget about the classes in Michaels....Katy. Beautiful jewelry comes with your own creativity is so special!

See you latter

Sherri

Dress forms...dream

Told you I love dress forms.......multi technique using acrilic paint, gellatos, ink, chalk, slick sticks and decoupage and paper. It has a lot of texture in person. I used the negative space to create the background and then used Gecko Galz August emphemera and decoupaged them...it is a lighthearted sort of piece and I washed away some of the color to make it appear a dream.

Sherri

Jewelry class

This is the type of earrings we will make in the class. If you can make these, you can make any kind...its wire wrapping which is very popular todat...lots of good techniques!

CROP NIGHT

Our monthly crop was held last night and I do believe that everyone had fun. I am so glad that everyone got a prize and learned a few new techniques.

I am glad to say all the croppers ate my greatest friends...if you don't scrape, you need to learn as I do believe that "WE" are the friendliest and most giving people.

If you never have done it, I encourage you to join the scrapbook class...you learn, you have fun, you preserve history, but you make wonderful friends. It has really enriched my life and help me make a statement....

Thank you all for coming and being part of my life

Luv ya

Sherri

Updated schedule including earring classes

This is a calendar of planned events for Michaels, Katy

August

Wed Aug 03 6-8 pm necklace class

Thurs Aug 11 11- 1 necklace class

Wed Aug 17 6-8 pm bracelet memory wire class

Wed Aug 24 6-8 earring class (JUST ADDED)

Thurs Aug 18 11-1 earring class (JUST ADDED)

CROP Sat Aug 13 3:45 to 8:45

September

CROP Sat. Sept 24 3:45 to 8:45

Wed. Sept 07 necklace class 6:30 to 8:30

Wed Sept 14 earring class 6:30 to 8:30 (JUST ADDED)

Wed Sept 21 6:30 to 8 :30 bracelet with knotting, macramé

Thurs Sept 22 necklace class 11-1

Fri Sept 23 bracelet class---memory wire

Adult scrapbook class will be Saturdays

Sept 10, 24, Oct 01, Oct 15 12-2

October

CROP Oct 22 3:45 to 8:45

Princess Scrapping Oct 01,15,22,29 2 to 4PM

July 23, 2011 Michaels crop

Michaels

Would like to invite you to a

Ladies Day Out

Scrapbooking Crop

Saturday, July 23, 2011

3:45 PM to 8:45 PM

bring your own basic tools such as ink, adhesive, paper trimmer, pictures

Have fun….bring your own projects to work on if you like

Bring your friends and neighbors for a get out of the house fun day

Sherri will be your hostess

Our fun project will involve “dress forms”

Bring a small gift to exchange for fun

Food, drinks (non-Alcoholic) are fine

Upcoming classes, events

This is a calendar of planned events for Michaels, Katy

August

Wed Aug 03 6-8 pm necklace class

Thurs Aug 11 11- 1 necklace class

Wed Aug 17 6-8 pm bracelet class

CROP Sat Aug 13 3:45 to 8:45

September

CROP Sat. Sept 24 3:45 to 8:45

Wed. Sept 07 necklace class 6:30 to 8:30

Wed Sept 14 earring class 6:30 to 8:30

Wed Sept 21 6:30 to 8 :30 bracelet with knotting, macramé

Thurs Set 22 necklace class 11-1

Adult scrapbook class will be Saturdays

Sept 10, 24, Oct 01, Oct 15 12-2

October

CROP Oct 22 3:45 to 8:45

Princess Scrapping Oct 01,15,22,29 2 to 4PM

Jewelry classes to be announced

Sherri

281 389-1218

going to put all his on my blog cuttergazette.blogspot.com

Princess classes

Michaels presents the Princess Scrappers

SUPPLY LIST ON MY BLOG cuttergazette.blogspot.com

OCTOBER 01,15,22,29 2PM-4 PM

As scrapbooking is a wonderful hobby to preserve pictures and as a form of art, we are going to have a new version of the Spotted Canary School for girls from about 7 to 13…depends on maturity….they will be doing work, cutting, painting, learning.

The class will be 4 weeks, approx. 2 hours each session.

The classes will be in Oct, on Saturdays. We will be making pages for ABOUT ME, FRIENDS, and FAMILY …that is 6 pages I hope to complete, so please start looking for pictures to support these topics

The supply list needed for the 2^nd week…first week we will talk about different types of albums, paper trimmers and start learning about matting photos

• You need a 12.12 album but that can wait until you find what you like…not a necessity for the beginning
• Solid color 12.12 cardstock, 3 colors (2 sheets each)
• Solid color 12.12 cardstock atleast 3 pieces to co ordinate with above…these will be for mounting photos
• Co ordinating print 12.12, atleast 3 pieces, or a book if you like….somwtimes books come with solid also
• Paper trimmer…I like Martha Stewart, but Cricut makes a green one that is in expensive
• 2 sheets of white cardstock, can be 8.5 x 11 or 12.12…this is to cut titles out of
• A black marker, ruler, scissor, adhesive runner and wet glue…Martha steward makes a nice runner, as does tombow, Michaels brand recollections, and paper craft. Wet glue can be a glue stick
• Either crayons, colored pencils, colored fine markers, cheap childrens crayola watercolors
• A small punch, be it a flower, circle…your choice
• An edge punch…these ate the longer punches, Martha stewart, recollections, EK Success,,,just pick something you like
• Stickers to co ordinate with one of the topics, or just flowers
• Color wheel..usually found in our art department

Jewelry classes coming up

bead corner Design Academy Taught by

exclusively at Michaels Sherri Levinton

Certified bead instructor

There are 4 different classes, each one is 2 hours, each one you will learn different techniques necessary to make wonderful Jewelry, gift, Etc. for you and your friends. It is possible to find a Bead Corner starter kit, but if not the supplies needed are the ones you will use forever. Each class may have something a bit different in supplies, but in the long run, you will be using all the supplies for your projects at home. Choose your beads wisely so you can make all the projects and have them match each other for a nice set. Please bring an old towel, color wheel and regular scissors to any supplies you do bring/buy/have. You will need storage containers for your items, but we can discuss this in class. All classes are $25.00 each.

Class 1 Fundamentals of Bead Stringing…make Memory wire bracelet

Round nose pliers, Chain nose pliers, Memory Wire Cutter, Beads, Memory Wire- bracelet type…usually sold in different size packages, Bead Board, Jump rings, Charms, Color Wheel (you can use the small beads that are 6mm…Triangle in tubes)

BEADS 36 4 mm beads, 30 6mm beads, 30 4mm Bicone, 15 6mm Bicone, 2 charms

Bicone is the shape…you can change as long as you have enough beads

Class 2 Fundamentals of crimping, making a necklace with a clasp

Crimping tool, chain nose pliers, nippers, bead board, package of crimping beads, lobster claw closing and attachment or jump rings, 7 strand wire (spool)…choose all the findings in your choice of metals, 2 to 3 charms, pendant, mixed beads of your choice….2 to3 packages of beads that can mix well, 1 package Crystal Bicones…/..Jolees with holes or another of your choice

Class 3 Fundamentals of Knotting –string a bracelet with hemp, learn knotting techniques, and use beads

Hemp cord, 20 wt---2 yds, small beads, at least 12, Duct tape or scotch tape, Glass disc or larger bead as focal bead.

Class 4 Fundamental of wire wrapping, will be bead wrapping and making earrings

Chain nose pliers, round nose pliers, nippers, bead board, 20 guage German wire, briolette shape beads, lever back earring wires or French wires (try to get Nickel free), 1 string 13.15 leaf shape beads or your choice, 1 string faceted tear drop glass beads or your choice, head pins 2 in, and eye pins(your choice metal)

***all the closures, eye pins, head pins, jump rings, earrings etc. may come in a package in your choice of metals….that will save you money..make sure you have plenty of extra 2 mm tube crimp beads as you will be learning and using a lot! Don’t forget wire as mentioned…stringing in a roll, and German wire…match colors!

Call me if you have questions…but you re going to love these classes

Sherri 281 389 1218 or sugarsherri@gmail.com

This is a page using Gecko Galz Beachy Keen papers. I filled the frames with both pictures and different papers to get a bit of a whimsical look. I used a Martha Stewart all around punch to get a few strips to look like surf....also in the surf are a few hot fix jewels to get the sparkle of the water, and the gleem in Daddys eye. Lastly used Sandy Lions Essesntials to add a few 3 D fish!

Ok y'all...here is an idea for Independance Day. This will be my left side page...I cut 4 4x6 pieces from 4 different Geckogalz Independance Day papers and mounted them as I would photos. I then cut 1 inch strips of red and white paper and mounted them on the side...the back ground is navy. Using Cricut Independance Day, I cut the Statue of Liberty, painted it with silver, and added a metally texture look to it, and cut I LOVE USA and dry brushed it with blue and red.

I hope you enjoy my page

E mail me with any questions

luv ya

Sherri

Missing you

Sorry I haven t written in awile but you never let me know you visit..please drop me a line saying you have been here. I am designing Jewelry and teaching in Michaels, going to school and feel that I am busier than when I worked full time...still looking and nothing seems to happen. No one wants to pay... that is the problem. Adam still gets around in a wheelchair, and Evan is always sick, now Robert is hurting...his knee that he already had surgery on!

Fathers Day is this week end and Carol and Randy are driving to Houston, so with the exception of Ira, we will all be together for Dad. I haven't made my cards yet...I am having to keep lists of what to do. What do you do...go with the flow I guess...its that train ride Linda talked about, once you get on, you don't know who will get off, when or who will come back...life is a mystery...just live each day, smile and be kind.

Kisses to all and to all a good night!

Cutter is graduating pre school on Friday. My, has time just flown by!

But now that I have your attention, wanted you to know that I will soon have my Certification to teach Jewelry at Michaels....this is going to be so exciting! Classes will start really, really soon!

My 3 loves 1. Cutter,Sierra,Olivia,Aurora,Jake and Hannah

2. Scrapbooking

3. Jewelry design

ok... A. Robert (he is really #1) but I like to be funny

B. My Dad

somewhere in between Adam, Derek, Evan, Dori, Devin

and also Adam and Leslie THE KIDS

Luv ya

Sherri

This is my Fathers Day page for Geckogalz. I used Basic Grey Recess as my background paper, Basic Grey Basic Craft to mount my picture. I used Geckogalz Emphemera...F is for Father, embossed a Geck stamp, added Champagne hot fix jewels and even framed the saying on the Emphemera MY HEART BELONGS TO DADDY. The Happy Fathers Day wording is from Cricut.

The paper is pretty light as

I wanted some contrast from the old black and white photo.

Any questions, please contact me

Luv ya

Sherri

Sierra at 8 months

T his is a layout I just finished of my Grand baby Sierra...she is 8 months old. The picture was the only one I received and it was sort of small...I painted the scrolly edges with light pink painat to blend with the pretty pink in the paper.

Design team

Both of these projects arecreated with stamps on clear glass. Bella is the first image and actuak stamps are used to emboss bronze butterflys around the outline of the picture. The edges are just dipped in embossing powder to give a bronzed look.

The second image is called "Mirage" and it is a digital stamp, enlarged, painted and enhanced wwith tulle and flowers. She is looking into a mirror of silver paper.....is it a mirage.......

The Carol

This is a beautiful design with pearls and black...could go with anything...designed for my sister Carol.
$25.00, available with earrings, or interchangeable earrings for an additional charge

Double necklace

Diouble strand necklaces are about $45.oo...just want to clarify

call me

Sherri

Custom jewelry

Some previews of my new jewelry line....all glass stones, jade, amethyst...necklaces $25.00, earrings $15.00...all necklaces can have matching earring...all ear wires hypo allergenic, necklace wires are 49 strand wire, all quality materials. Can custom design any length and color.

please email me

Thats my boy...always with a motorcycle, dirt bike or AMX racer. I am so sorry you broke your leg today. I know the sport means the world to you, but to many falls and bones injured! Time to sell everything...but we love you and wish you the best with your surgery!

Always your Mom

Mirage

This was made using a Gecko Galz digital stamp and clear glass. The image was colored with water color pencils, adorned with tulle and flowers and cut out. She was attached to the front of clear glass, a silver shiny paper acts as a mirror, a dress formis in the back ground......"who am I really"...............

Finally home

I have been with my Dad for the last several days as he had surgery. He is actually better and doing great. Spending time with him was eye opening and made me see him different. He actually has a secret life and that is why he won't move with any of us. He is the center of attention at the Restaurant he goes to 7 days a week!

We stayed up watching old movies and talking...he keeps telling me old family stories. He is just a hoot...sharper than any tack I know!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As soon as my LAp top is fixed, I will post several projects and the Jewelry I am selling...should be by Saturday night!

Talk to you soon

Luv ya
Sherri

Happy Easter

My lap top is not connecting to the internet so I can t load my new creation "Mirage" for Gecko Galz, BUT i CAN ATLEAST WISH YOU ALL GOOD HOLIDAY THOUGHTS! This will be a short sale week and I only know HL will have some beads on sale. I am building up my collection to make several Christmas gifts and hopefully sell a few. If anyone would like to purchase a necklace, let me know. I just finished a beautiful double strand with purples. I have purchased some pretty greens beads, naturals and actually some red, blues and yellows. Just your choice...let me know. Mothers Day will be here very soon and it would make a wonderful cstom gift.

THe big crop is still May 14 9-9...lots of fun in Katy.

CKC is coming up fast and that will be wonderful...lots of you are going to Arlington, but I am passing that one.


Luv ya
Sherri

Sign up for National Scrapbook Day FUN

On May 14, Saturday, your neighborhood Katy Michaels store is going to have a SUPER CROP from (9 am to 9 PM.) There are lots of prizes, and lots of fun planned for that day. If you help me make my goal in attendees, I will add to the prizes, make everyone a gift bag and give away FREE hot fix jewels!!!!!!!!!!!!

The sign up is BUY !< GET ! FREE at $5.00
You can t go wrong

Please help me reach my goal and I promise you will have fun...we will have make and takes, and a contest that you can do before the date...create the best name badge and get a prize...cotact me if you have questions, otherwise please register before so we know who to expect.

Luv ya
Sherri

Beach Babes for sale

eighteen pages of picture places and blog spots, bound in a spiral and little bling
sale $25.00 and shipping

For Sale...BEACH BABES ALBUM

fUTURE BEACH BABE...SWEETEST CHILD AROUND...CUTTERS COUSIN
I am almost finished with a bound 6.6 album called BEACH BABES...it really is very cute with little journalspots and layering and bright colors. it make a wonderful gift...sales price is $25 and shipping, which is probably $5..it will fit in the small Priority mailer. Will post it in person tonight.