For those of you doing the From The Heart Thank You Card on page 48 of The Crafty Countdown book or page 24 of the bookazine, there are some corrections you need to know about:

1. The envelope size is listed as 5″ square. Nope! It should be a 5 1/2″ square envelope. (Resources below.)

2. Some folks are having problems scaling the heart template on copy machines. To help you out (and save some frustration), here’s the template I used in PDF format: http://www.diybride.com/the-crafty-countdown/attachment/heart_thank_you_template_orig/

Some swell places to buy 5 1/2″ square envelopes:

• LCI Paper: http://www.lcipaper.com/55-envelopes.html
• Paper Papers: http://www.paper-papers.com/square-envelopes-5-5-inch.html
• Paper and More: http://www.paperandmore.com/search/search.php?keywords=5+1%2F2%22
• Action Envelope: http://www.actionenvelope.com/ae/control/category/~category_id=SQUARE
• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Square-Invitation-Envelope-White-5-5/dp/B001BZVAHU
• Envelopper Inc: http://www.envelopperinc.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=ENQ55

Dear Bride,

When you asked me to be your bridesmaid, I was flattered you asked me and was genuinely excited to part of this experience with you. It’s one of the most important days of your life and that you chose me to stand with you as witness to this sacred event is an honor. At least it was until the devil of the wedding underworld possessed your soul and erased all sense of reality and compassion from your being.

I hate the world “bridezilla” because (a) it’s a dumb cliche and (b) it does not begin to touch on how horrible you can be around with all this wedding stuff. Someone needs to tell some things about you and your wedding. Think of this as your exorcism.

1. I am excited about your wedding and love hearing about the details but NOT ALL THE FREAKING TIME. Every conversation we have ends up being about your wedding. I realize it’s all-consuming for you to plan such a big, important day that’s still 9 months away. Let me say this: YOUR obsession is not MY obsession. Can we talk about Real Housewives or funny stuff at work or how my mom is doing after her 2nd chemotherapy session? I’m sure figuring out how many cocktail napkins to order or whether registering at Pottery Barn is better than Crate and Barrel is troublesome but I can’t relate. And, honestly, I don’t care. I know that hurts to hear but none of that really matters to me. I want to know if you’re happy (did you get that promotion at work?)  if there’s anything I can help with within my means (more on that later) and to share what’s going on in my life – like we’ve always done up until the day you got engaged.  The minutiae of your wedding planning: yawn. It’s ok to blow off steam and talk about that stuff every once in a while but not EVERY SINGLE CONVERSATION we have during the next 12 months.

2. You did NOT just ask me to color my hair, grow it out, lose some weight, whiten my teeth, get a spray tan, or tone up my arms, did you?!?!  If you want a model or a clothes hanger, get a mannequin and leave me out of it. I’m not an accessory to your color scheme or your bridal outfit, got it? I’m a human being, presumably your friend, please remember that. Don’t ask me to alter my body to be a part of your wedding. You’re an asshole if you do and nothing will change that. Ever.

3. Speaking of clothing, please pick something that’s flattering on all of our bodies. I feel so bad for the plus-size girl you have in our party because she always get screwed in the flattery department.  I’m glad the size 2 girl looks smashing in that pretty little gown you picked and, yes, it’s your dream bridesmaid gown since you saw it 9 days ago on StyleMePretty and it’s the perfect style to compliment your country chic theme, but on the rest of us – the sizes 8/10, 12, 14, and 18 – it’s not a good choice at all. Pick something else.

4. No, $250 plus alterations for a gown I will wear once is not an option. And, hell no, no matter how much you try to convince me I can “totally wear it again like at a New Year’s Eve bash!”, it’s totally not going to happen. You want me to wear a $250+ gown? YOU pay for it.

5. Unless we actually live in Vegas, a bachelorette party in Sin City is also not an option unless YOU pay for it.

6. Listen, being part of your big day is expensive to me. Dress, shoes, accessories, bridal shower, bachelorette party, hair/makeup, day-of stuff equals big bucks on my part. *I* don’t have a $25,000 budget for your wedding. I have my own financial commitments that preclude me spending $1,695 to be a bridesmaid (average cost per WeddingChannel.com) on YOUR big day. $1,695 would totally pay off my credit card plus two car payments. Or rent + utilities + food for an entire month. Think about that. Seriously, very seriously, think about the expense you expect your me to shell out before you start making grandiose plans for MY money. Don’t be pissed when I politely bow out of some activities or expenses because I refuse to go into debt for any part of your wedding. You can call me a bitch if you want as long as you call me a financially responsible one.

7. Let’s talk about the DIY stuff. I’m not a crafter. You know this. You’ve even laughed at me for my non-DIY ways like the time I called over a neighbor to nail in a picture hook because I was too nervous to hammer anything into my wall. So, yeah, when I come over to help with your projects don’t get in a snit because I’m not doing it right. Or if I volunteer to bring drinks and snacks or plates and cups to our “craft party” instead of being on the assembly line. I can stuff a envelope with flair or make a kick ass cosmo and tell great stories but beading/sewing/painting/stamping is not something you really want me to do because I don’t want to do it.

8. And speaking of crafts and expectations: it’s ok to ask me if I want to help and give me options on the things to volunteer for. Demanding or expecting me to create your whole freaking wedding with you is way out of line. I’m not free labor to be summoned at your will. My free time is precious to me and I don’t want to give up a whole weekend working on your wedding projects. I really don’t. I will, however, devote a few hours every now and then when it’s convenient for me to give you a hand because I love ya and truly want to be helpful. Another thing: give your helpers credit. I’m seeing too much of this “oggle my totally handmade wedding” B.S. that doesn’t mention 99.9% of the stuff was made by the bride’s friends and family.

9. Crafts and expectations, part deux: get your shit together ahead of time. Your inability to plan ahead should not equal panic on my part. Order your supplies, get the instructions in hand, and know well ahead of time how long a project requires to finish before it comes down to the wire. I’m never, ever going to stay up until 2:00 am on the day of the wedding assembling programs with you because, OMG guys!, you realized at 8pm that you forgot to pick up the pages at the printers and they closed at 6pm so you had to run to Office Max to get a new home printer and, wouldn’t ya know, you don’t have the right print driver for your laptop so it’s 11 pm by the time you’re done printing and we can start assembling. /rant

10. Don’t forget to have fun and be in love. I’ve been watching you torture yourself (and those around you) with the stress of putting on The Greatest Wedding on Earth for the last few months and you’re unbearable to be around. It’s not just incessant wedding talk, it’s the snarkiness, the constant indecision, the forgetfulness, the financial strain, the pressure on your awesome independent guy to turn into a male clone of you, the neglecting of your other relationships and the things you once enjoyed being replaced with this fantasy day you’re obsessed with. I miss you and want you back with sanity intact. Come back soon.

The downloads section is back online! Thanks for your patience while we cleared out some old stuff. The direct url is: http://www.diybride.com/free-downloads/

My third book, An Affair To Remember, was released yesterday. Like the previous two books, it’s a general wedding crafts book, covering a wide range of projects (40 of them to be exact) from your engagement party through your reception.

Publisher’s Weekly (this is a Very Big Deal – for me, at least) gave it a really swell review:

Cochran (DIYBride.com) provides an idea trove that will inspire the nuptial process of the budget-conscious. Projects are mostly favors, invites, ring holders and a few of the unexpected, such as making your own wedding rings with precious metal clays. She holds the crafter’s hand through the process of producing cigar-box welcome packages, teacup centerpieces and paper parasols, with detailed lists of supplies and directions, tips and hints, and an itemized price breakdown – with a dollop of humor hot-glued on the side. Eight wedding themes are presented, with five projects for each, enhancing any occasion calling for extra flair and less expense. And, if fairy-tale flower girl costumes or chicken-wire seating holders aren’t your thing, inspiration can be mixed and matched. And of course, that critical element – an estimate of just how many bridesmaids, moms and aunts will be required for crafty assistance – completes this wicker basket of ideas that will enliven the celebration of marriage – or just any good party.

DIY Bride BookAZine 2012

My publishers have released an abbreviated version of my second book, The Crafty Countdown, in magazine format. It’s called a bookazine and you’ll find it on well-stocked newsstands. (Sightings at Costco have already been reported.)

You know how much I love a good giveaway so stay tuned for chances to win copies of all the DIY Bride books!

This year is gearing up to be one of my most creative and exciting yet. It’s going to be so fun to share it all with you!

2011, a year many of us are unlikely to ever forget, has finally come to its end. On a personal level it was a year of trials and frustrations but also of tremendous growth and blessings. Though still a little scarred, I’m delighted to be on the other side of 2011 with a clear sense of purpose and direction in all areas of my life – including DIY Bride.

2012 begins as 2011 ended: with gratitude.  I want to thank each of you, dear friends, new visitors, and drop-in buddies, for the overwhelming support and kindness you contribute to the DIY Bride community. Your questions, contributions, participation, and financial support (advertising, purchases of books) has helped keep DIY Bride going strong as we celebrated our 9th year of blogdom last year. That is an extraordinary milestone for not only for me but for bloggers, crafters, and for the wedding industry. From the bottom of my heart: thank you, thank you, thank you!

This year brings many new challenges for us: sustainable growth, adding new features, maintaining the site, and expanding the brand into the DIY home/entertaining/cooking arena. It’s an exciting time and I hope you join me, Valerie, and Whitney, as strive to bring you exciting and useful content, inspiration, resources, and opportunities to help you celebrate who you are every day of the year.

Each January, instead of resolutions I never keep, I create a theme for the year ahead. 2011′s theme was “growth” (got that in spades, thank you very much). For 2012 I’ve chosen INCLUSIVE. This year is about bringing people together, creating welcoming environments, and strengthening communities. It’s about collectively working towards something greater. It’s about sharing and connecting and actively making a difference not only in our lives but in the lives of others. It’s harnessing the power of good for the benefit of all.

I welcome you to our community and look forward to doing wonderful, powerful acts of kindness and good together this year. Happy 2012!

It is true that most of the product reviews here are indeed positive. Why? Because I like sharing only the products I truly like, am enthusiastic about, and can personally recommend without reservation.  I can see how it looks like “Khris loves everything!” to DIY Bride’s visitors and how that can seem disingenuous. Here’s the deal: there’s no shortage of awesome products coming through my office (both that I buy with my personal funds and/or that are sent to me by companies for review) so I’m electing to spend time my limited blogging time talking about the good stuff.

In short: I find products I love, share those with you, and ignore the rest. It’s that simple. Or is it?

There’s also the issue  that I accept money for “sponsored posts” which highlight a company or a product, often written in review format. (ALL sponsored posts are clearly marked as sponsored in the body of the post.)  Those are always positive and, I believe, fairly written. I only accept sponsored posts from companies I can truthfully and honesty recommend. I regularly turn down sponsored opportunities because the product/company isn’t a good fit.

I feel that posting a less-than-positive review can invite a negative element to the site. After 9 years of doing this, I know how quickly something negative on the internet attracts even more negativity and I don’t have patience for that stuff. And, on a more personal note, I’d rather send a personal note to a vendor saying “Thanks, but it wasn’t a good fit for us” than pointing out a product’s faults publicly.

You’re free to browse the product review policy: http://www.diybride.com/about-2/editorial-policies/product-review-policy/and the editorial policies: http://www.diybride.com/about-2/editorial-policies/ for more info.

So, now it’s your turn. Would you like to read reviews about products or services that we don’t like? Is that helpful to you? Sound off in the comments or in the poll below.

Thanks to Diana I found out that our community was not open for registration for over a week. That deserves a big ol’ DUUUUUUUH from me and huge apology to those that’ve tried to register since we’ve launched. I turned off registrations while I did some updates and neglected to turn them back on. Sorry, sorry, sorry!

It’s fixed now.

-Khris

As this year comes to an end, I wanted to share a couple of nifty DIY things coming in 2012.

DIY Bride: An Affair To Remember

The first is my next book, The DIY Bride, An Affair To Remember. Like my other 2 books, it’s a 40 projects of crafty wedding goodness. In Affair the projects are organized by style: Sun & Sand, Fairy-Tale Wedding, Exotic Destinations, Winter Wonderland, A Touch of Country, Bright Lights, Big City, Into The Garden, and The New Modern.  It’s a fun mix of projects, techniques, and styles that can be mixed and matched to your own personal tastes. Look for it on shelves in January.

DIY Bride BookAZine 2012

The other bit of goodness is my 2nd “bookazine”, a 22-project magazine based on the content from my 2nd book, the Crafty Countdown. It’ll be available at fine magazine stands, book stores, grocery stores, and other places that stock cool magazines. It is also available in January.

I’ll be opening up shop here for pre-orders next month and, of course, you know I’m gonna be doing some booktastic giveaways!

Got that not-so-crafty feeling? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered with our inspirational and educational online classes!  Learn new skills, make some nifty new friends, gather some swell ideas, and get your crafty mojo back with:

DECEMBER

• Photoshop Invitations: Join us as we show you how to create professional-looking invitations with Photoshop.

JANUARY

• Budgeting 101: Everything you ever wanted to know about wedding budgets. Join our experts as we have some very frank discussions about creating (and staying on) realistic budgets.
• DIY Printing Techniques: Get the how-to on screen printing, block printing, letterpress (we’re using the L Letterpress), rubber stamping, and stenciling.

FEBRUARY

• Scrapbooking Your Wedding
• Non-Pro Wedding Photos: Using Adobe Photo Elements to make the most of photos given to you by your guests.

Sign-ups begin on Monday. Full class details will be posted along with the sign-up forms.

If you’re in the Los Angeles/Santa Monica area, be sure to join the utterly wonderful Wayne Gurnick from Moments By Wayne for an engagement party for engaged couples on Tuesday 10/25 at 7 pm at the Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar! Taste wine (compliments of Pourtal), meet wedding professionals and just have fun. http://engaged.eventbrite.com/