12 Days of Home for the Holidays Welcome Cheryl Mezzetti

Cheryl is the Education Director and Design Team Coordinator for Creative Imaginations and product designer for AccuCut Craft.  I adore Cheryl's craftiness and I am happy to Welcome Cheryl Mezzetti.

When I was asked to write about my Christmas traditions I was excited to participate but soon realized that I had little to share from my childhood.I struggled to find something elaborate or monumental but it simply was not there. We had no big family gatherings, treasured handmade ornaments or recipes passed down from generation to generation. As a child I always loved Christmas but my heart always ached for more than just the gifts.

It was not until I was married that I discovered the missing part of Christmas that I longed for a child - traditions.   My husband grew up in a big Italian family were Christmas and food go hand in hand.  Christmas Eve was a monumental event, were extended family gathered to open presents and eat until no one could move.  Navigating through the house was something of an art, weaving through rooms of extended family, excited children running through the house with toys in hand and torn wrapping paper piled high.  It was then that I realized Family Christmas Traditions could not be bought, wrapped or even put under the tree.  Christmas was magical and some families had a real knack of making it such a special time

When our children were born until a few years ago we continued to join my husband's family each year.  There were Italian dinners, lasagna and meatballs, turkey or ham and of course desserts.  At the end of the evening, we would gather up carry our sleepy children and gifts to head home and prepare for Christmas morning.  As we exited her house my mother in law would hand each of her children one more gift, her traditional "cookie".  She made these every year and they were something of a treasured item.  A biscotti textured cake with frosting that was eaten with a large glass of milk.  To my husband, Christmas was not complete without one her "cookies".  

 
I knew someday I wanted to start my own Christmas traditions, something I could pass down from generation to generation.  When my mother in law passed away a few years ago, we took on the role of Christmas Eve at our home.  It is a wonderful time with family and friends, delicious Italian food, children running through torn gift wrap and of course, memories.  Some traditions have been handed down generation to generation, others have been carefully nurtured year after year and some simply happen.  Christmas is meant to be magical and Christmas traditions are what bind us together.  

Cheryl
After This (blog)
Creative Imaginations 
AccuCut Craft

Cheryl shared some good news with me that I wanted to share with you.  "My mom used to tell me that I could alter anything lol I guess my teachers noticed too because in fourth grade one of my teachers made me the bulletin board artist. She used to tell stories of my adventures to everyone before she passed including the time I painted the entire kitchen with pink calamine lotion - snicker. This week I will be signing my book agreement with a publisher and hopefully releasing a book this time next year It will be dedicated to my mom - for her patience with my altering obsession."  Congratulations Cheryl.

Giveaway

What an incredible giveaway from Graphic 45, X-ACTO, Sizzix, and May Arts!  Leave a comment for Cheryl and I’ll put your name in the drawing. Leave a comment on each of the 12 day's posts to be entered for 12 opportunities to win this gorgeous prize package!  You can also go to  X-ACTO's, Graphic 45's, Sizzix's, and May Art's Facebook page and “like,” leaving a comment you came from D’s Paper Studio and leave another comment on one of the blog posts letting me know to be entered again.  One blog reader's name will be drawn and announced on Monday, December 14th. On your Mark, Get Set, Go....!

Included in the Giveaway: 

Graphic 45:  Nutcracker Sweet 12x12 paper pad; both sets of coordinating stickers; Ornate Metal Keys; Ornate Metal Key Holes; Flower Staples, Envelope Tag Staples

May Arts:  (as pictured) Red and Green Center Strip 25 yards; Jute 400 yards; Mini-Pom Poms 30 yards; Velvet 50 yards; Cotton Strip 30 yards

X-ACTO: X-ACTO Designer Series 9’’ Fixed Blade; X-ACTO Designer Series Precision Scissors; X-ACTO Designer Series Corner Punch; X-ACTO Designer Series Gripster; X-ACTO Designer Series Shapes Templates; CraftBond Glue Spots; CraftBond Quick Dry Dual Tip Glue Pen; CraftBond All Purpose Glue Stick

Sizzix: The New Tim Holtz Texture Fades; They include: 658269 Holly Pattern & Wreath Set; 658273 Brush Poinsettias & Winter Berries Set; 658270 Textured Poinsettia Pattern Set; and 658272 Holly Branch & Pine Branch Set

Have a Wonderfully Crafty Day!