My camera is one of my most prized possessions. I take it almost everywhere — and when I don’t, I feel like I’ll miss out on capturing a life moment. The thing is, I think camera bags are some of the most hideous types of bags around. That black canvassy-plastic fabric? Yuck. When it comes to camera totes, why do we have to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality? There are a few cute places to buy camera bags on the web, but many of those bags have pretty steep price tags. With a bit of stuffing, fabric, and a sewing machine, you can make your own camera insert so that you can carry your camera in any handbag you choose.

This is what my camera-holding insert looks like. I bought the dandelion print fabric from Fabric.com. They have really cute prints on their site. Essentially this insert is just a little bag to go in a bag, but I made it have a flap to protect the camera from all sides, while still allowing the camera’s strap to hang out. (You can carry it like that, too!)

To make the camera case you need:

-Sewing machine
-Fabric
-Bias tape to go around the edges (You can make some with this print-out)
-Quilt batting or stuffing
-Pins
-Scissors
-Velcro or snaps

Step 1:

Choose your fabrics. I chose a soft leopard print fabric for the inside and a thicker, more canvassy feeling fabric for the outside. The polka dot fabric was used to make bias tape. (See the link in the supplies list on how to make bias tape.)

Step 2:

Next you need to cut out the shape of your bag. For the first side of the bag, I traced on the fabric the general shape of my camera, and then cut 3″ outside of the tracing to make the bag roomy enough. Then I cut the same shape out of the black dandelion fabric. For the second side of the bag, I used the same width and shape as the first, but made the fabric a lot longer so that it could be a flap and velcro around the camera to keep it secure.

Step 3:

Next take the quilt batting or stuffing and cut it to be the same size as your other fabric. Then pin a fabric/batting sandwich together and sew it up. It should go: soft fabric, then the batting, then the canvas fabric. Make sure both of the soft fabrics face each other on the inside.

Step 4:

After you have the two sides of the case done, you can pin the two together and stitch them. This part is a bit trickier because the fabric layers are so thick by now. If you sew slowly or stitch by hand it will work well. After you have the two layers of fabric together, you can then pin the bias tape around the outside to make the edges look nice. (In this photo I have a little metal bias tape maker that I bought at Jo-Anns.)

Step 5:

After you have everything stitched up, all you have to do is sew on the Velcro or snaps. Then you’re done! A camera case meant for a lady.

Here is where to find the leatherette messenger bag that I used!

Good luck!

Confession time: my handbag collection is starting to get out of hand and it’s causing a bit of a storage issue. My clutches are encroaching on my satchels. My hobo bags are picking fights with my shoulder bags. It’s getting out of control. That’s why with the help of a few little odds and ends from around the house and some pinspiration, I crafted an easy an inexpensive way to store my bags and promote handbag harmony. Now I just have to decide which bag to start the new year with!

What you’ll need

• Metal shower curtain rings - I used one pack of rings for four bags, but the amount you need may differ depending on the number of handbags you have to store
• Over the door hook – I got mine from the dollar aisle at Target
• Your handbag collection!

Now get ready, because this project is as easy as 1-2-3. Literally.

1. Hang hook over your closet door
2. Link shower curtain rings together and hang from the hook
3. Open curtain rings and loop through handbag handles (just make sure you empty your bags beforehand - those rings can only hold so much weight!)

Voila. Just like that your handbag collection is easy-to-access and easy-to-show-off!

Happy New Year!

2012 is officially here and that “new year feeling” is in the air! You know, that feeling of having a fresh start, of having a brand new planner to start filling in, and of having a New Year’s resolution you’re ready to keep?

If you’re anything like me, by the time February hits that “new year feeling” begins to fade and so does the motivation to keep up with any and all resolutions. In an attempt to beat that February hump and hold strong to my goals for the year I crafted a New Years Resolution tracker to monitor my progress. Plus, it adds a glittery flair to my normally oh-so-boring desk!

What you need:

• A killer New Year’s resolution that you want to keep. Mine is to appreciate the little things by keeping a daily highlight journal.
• An index card file box
• 365 lined index cards
• Pen
• 12 photographs / magazine clippings
• Scissors
• Mod Podge
• Glitter
• Paint brush
• Plastic cup

2. While the glitter is drying, select 12 photos or magazine clippings to use as monthly dividers. Choose photos that will motivate you to stick to your resolution. For instance, if your goal is to exercise daily why not use a photo of Jillian Michaels or that ultra complicated yoga move you hope to master one day! Cut the photos or clippings down so that they’re just slightly bigger than your notecards. You want to be able to see them, but you still want them to fit in your chic new tracker. Since my resolution is to appreciate the little things, I chose photos of important people and places in my life.

3. After applying another coat of glitter, it’s time to start date writing. Turn on your favorite episode of Gossip Girl and settle in for some calendar making. When your hand starts to cramp around the time you hit July, take a little break and just remember that this New Years Resolution Tracker will last you for the next ten years - totally worth it! Or, if you don’t have the time to commit up front, you can simply add the date to each note card as you go along throughout the year.

4. Once the glittery exterior of your tracker has dried, it’s time to assemble. Use your photos to separate the notecards by month, and place them all in your brand new New Years Resolution Tracker.

5. Each day, simply write a brief summary of how well you did. If your resolution is to save money, make a note of any major savings or how you successfully avoided the temptation of a gorgeous window display. Make note on the days you don’t do so well too. We all slip up sometime and it’s easier to avoid in the future if you know your weaknesses.

At the end of 2012, take a look back at your progress and start brainstorming the ultimate resolution of 2013. Change out the monthly divider photos to fit your new resolution and enjoy that fresh start all over again!