{This was originally posted on the main DIY Bride blog in December. It has been at the forefront of my thoughts lately and thought it relevant over here.}

Last weekend I participated in a holiday boutique at the art studio where I teach. Originally I had planned to sell a series of kick-ass prints but the ink hadn’t dried in time. (Note: last minute print runs will always bite you on the arse. Plan ahead. Waaaaay ahead.) The night before the boutique I scrambled to put things together to have something to sell.

As I displayed my small collection of bits ‘n bobs, I was struck at how unlike me these things were – especially when I looked around at the other awesome artisans’ works. Their stuff was rocking my little crafty world. Their creations were more my style than most of my own work. How could this be?

It has been a conscious effort to create projects for DIY Bride (the site and books) that appeal to a broad range of tastes and styles, to create things that can be adaptable to a multitude of styles.  Which is fine. I like that challenge. But somewhere along the line I’ve lost my own creative voice and have become a generic version of my crafty self. This, dudes and dudettes, totally bums me out.

Going back to last weekend, there was one project of mine that got a lot of attention from customers and artists alike. The project was one I adored, a last-minute spark of an idea, that was fun and playful – totally something that reflected my true creative self. It sold really fast and it was my only sale that day.

Why the heck am I telling you this? There’s a lesson here that I want to share as you’re crafting your wedding day.

Create things that make you happy. Don’t try to fit into a mold that’s been set by your family, wedding blogs, wedding magazines, vendors, your friends, or anyone else. Your wedding is a deeply personal and important day. Make it as authentically YOU as you possibly can. Break rules! Mix ‘n’ match styles! Be daring and bold or as subtle as you want to be. The only expectations you need to meet are your own.  This is the path to true happiness in and beyond crafting. {ed: This applies to your business as well.}

In spirit of authenticity you’ll be seeing more projects here that reflect who I am because I’d like to share that side of me with you. ‘Cos we’re friends and I like you. Maybe we’ll connect on those projects, maybe not. Whatever. It’s all cool. (Don’t worry – I’ll still be doing the adaptable stuff because I know lots of you  need little sparks to get you started.) You’re always welcome to send me your creations, too. I love seeing the uber-cool stuff that you guys are doing and the Disciples of DIY Bride really love seeing “real world” projects from their peers (that’s you).

Thanks for sharing this moment with me. Now, let’s get crafting!