Purse into Camera Bag {DIY}

Wayyyy back in March I came across this tutorial to transform a regular 'ole purse into a camera bag.  Since those adorable girly camera bags are way out of my price range (our full set of luggage was cheaper than these bags!) this was the perfect solution for me! 

I promptly headed out shopping (with coupons of course) and purchased a bag for around $20-30.  I made sure to get a bag that had both short straps and a long strap to give me options when carrying it.  This is the bag I chose (actually in it's finished state). 

I didn't find the headliner fabric at JoAnn's so I bought the cheapest foam I could find.  It was about $3-5 for a 1 inch thick sheet.  I also got the stiffest needlepoint canvas they had (to give the bag structure). 

I didn't take pictures of the process and be thankful I didn't!  It was ugly.  ha!  It was pretty much trial and error with the canvas and foam.  I cut them both down to size and attached them with spray adhesive.  I made canvas/foam pieces for the bottom and the longer sides.  I ran out of foam so for the ends I used batting and hot glued fabric over the batting and canvas. 

If you were to look inside the lining of my bag it wouldn't be pretty...but it's all covered up, so who cares?  The trickiest part about this bag was the shape.  It's narrower at the top so I had to trim the foam/canvas to be curved in these spots.  After the fact I figured out I could have gotten away with not turning the bag inside out, as I could have just pulled the liner out.  I had trouble turning the bag right side out and had to re-open the liner to get everything in the right place.  But in the end I have a cheap, cute and padded camera bag!

(Since my DSLR is the only camera I have I couldn't show it inside to show how roomy it is)

I currently don't have any extra lenses (hoping Santa brings me one!) so I haven't made any dividers.  But I have some from my old camera bag so I'm just going to use those since they fit (the orange divider).  There is plenty of room for my charger, cord, manual, lens(es), camera and any other accessories!  There's even room to throw in my phone and wallet so I don't have to carry my purse when I have my camera.  I love it!

Total Project Cost: $30-35
Time to Make: an hour or two, just however long it takes you to customize it for your bag

If you have a DSLR camera, what do you use for a camera bag?

Matchbox Advent Calendar {Mini Tutorial}

Thanks to Pinterest, I decided to make an Advent calendar for Brett and I.  There are so many great ideas out there, but I needed something quick, cheap and easy.  So I decided upon a matchbox advent!

To make this advent calendar I did the following:

1. Gather empty matchboxes (or buy 3 packs of 10 at the dollar store and empty out the boxes)
2. Make a template to use to cut out scrapbook paper (I just wrapped a small piece around a matchbox and made little cuts on the edge and then used my paper cutter to trim it down)
3. Select  scrapbook paper and cut out covers for matchboxes
4. Using spray adhesive, cover the matchboxes with the cut paper
5. Punch/cut out circles from scrapbook paper
6. Stamp 1-25 onto circles (you could also print out the numbers and then cut them out)
7. Adhere circles onto matchbox with spray adhesive
8. Hot glue magnets onto the back of the matchboxes
9. Fill matchboxes with activities, candy or tiny gifts/ornaments
10. Put matchboxes on fridge or other metal surface (I am using a cookie sheet from the dollar store-I may paint it red and attach something to hang it, but it will have to wait til after the move!)

Easy peasy! 

Since it's just Brett and I, I thought it would be a good idea to put activities for us to do together inside the matchboxes.  In this busy time of year it's easy to get caught up in the holiday preparations and over look spending time with our spouse so I wanted to avoid that (especially since it is our last Christmas just the two of us!).  Here are the activities we will be doing (but in a different order):

• Bake and decorate sugar cookies
• Watch A Christmas Carol
• Drive and look at Christmas lights
• Make peppermint bark
• Wrap presents together
• Read the story of Christ's birth (in Luke)
• Enjoy hot some homemade hot chocolate
• Watch Polar Express
• Decorate the Christmas tree
• Take spare change to the Salvation Army bell ringer
• Buy each other's stocking stuffers for under $10
• Watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
• Play a board game
• Have a candlelight dinner at home
• Send out Christmas cards
• Make a gingerbread house
• Attend Christmas Eve Service
• Plan & go on a free date
• Watch Elf
• Participate in an Angel Tree or Food Drive
• Listen to favorite Christmas music
• Take cookies to friends and/or family
• Make ornaments
• Take a family picture
• Go see a Christmas movie

Did you make an advent calendar this year?  I'd love to see it so let me know if you did!

Book Page Canvas {Tutorial}

Book Page Canvas {Tutorial}

Like many other bloggers, I love book page projects!  Here's on that I made using a Goodwill canvas and a tutorial to make your own!

Supplies:
Canvas, any size (mine was $3 from Goodwill)
Book pages ($.50 for a book from Goodwill)
Tape
Mod Podge
Paint brush
Scissors

Total Cost: $3 (give or take $1-2 depending on what you have on hand)


Time to Make: 30-60 minutes

Now the fun part...
 1. Gather your supplies.  This is the canvas and books that I used.  I have nothing against the National Cathedral, but it just isn't quite my style!

2. Next, tear out the book pages.  I used dictionary pages and some from the paperback on the stack above.  The smaller and lighter pages are from the paperback and have dates on them (from a diary).  I decided to use dates that were special to Brett and I (birthdays, anniversary) to make it  more personalized.  Arrange your book pages on the canvas however you would like.  There really is no right way!  Just make sure that the edges are covered.

3. The tricky part of this project is getting the book pages adhered to the canvas.  I knew that once I arranged them I didn't want to have to try and lift the pages to get under them to the canvas.  So I used double sided tape to tape the pages together to make one big piece of paper.  This way you can get to the whole canvas.

4.  Next, cover the canvas with mod podge.  I took the easy route and just poured it on and spread it out with a foam brush.

5.  While the mod podge is still wet, put the book pages on the canvas.  Make sure it is even with the edges before you put it down because once you do, you could rip the pages if you try to move it (yes, I figured this out the hard way!).  Press down lightly on the pages to make sure it's stuck on there good.

6.  Now start to put mod podge under all of the pages that are on top of other pages.  While you are doing this you will also put a layer over the pages on the top. 

 

7.  Make sure you put mod podge on the edges too.  When you get the edges covered fold the edges down like you would when wrapping a present.

When you are done with the edges, let it dry and trim any excess book pages off the back.  You are done!!  If you want you could add embellishments to the front...rosettes, glitter silhouettes, text, etc.  Get creative with it!  I haven't added anything yet in case I decide to use it in the nursery! 

If you make your own, let me know!!  I'd love to see!

Link parties I'm participating in:  (go check them out!)
The Home Stories of A to Z Tutorials and Tips
Craft-O-Maniac
Tatertots & Jello

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 31 {DIY Clocks}

Welcome to Day 31! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

Well the last day is here!  I had planned on doing another gift idea, but it was something I wanted to make but I never got around to making it before today.  But I will be making it soon so stick around!

I don't know about you but I've seen quite a few DIY or revamped clocks out in blog land and they are too cute!  Here are some of my favorites that you could make for gifts to just about anyone on your list.  Everyone needs to know what time it is!

Landee See, Landee Do made this adorable photo clock.  Instead of the traditional numbers, she used family photos.  It's a great way to personalize a clock and make it a centerpiece on the wall instead of a boring wall decoration.  If you have an old clock you aren't using it would be perfect for this project.  Or you could find a cheap clock at a thrift store.

This photo clock by Rosy Red Buttons would make a great wedding gift or Christmas gift for a newlywed.  And it is pretty affordable too!  With the right coupons you could make this for under $10.

This clock by Le Petite Sweet was made using an old picture frame.  Once again, you could make this for under $10 and could be personalized in any way you want.  I think scrapbook paper would look great as a background!

Hope you all have enjoyed 31 Days of Handmade Gifts!  I definitely have.  I also surprised myself that I was able to post everyday (well some were scheduled, but I wrote 31 posts in a row!)  I have some tutorials to share in the coming weeks as well as finish up and share a few sewing projects.  So stick around!

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 30 {Necklaces}

Welcome to Day 30! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

A piece of jewelry is always a great gift for a woman.  On limited budgets accessories can sometimes be the last thing people buy for themselves so they appreciate when they receive them as gifts.  Here are some great necklaces that you can make for gifts.

Pom Pom Necklace by Stay At Home Artist
 

This necklace would not take very long to make at all but it is very stylish and cute!  I found the supplies needed at JoAnn's, but I'm sure Hobby Lobby would have them as well.  The tutorial can be found at Stay At Home Artist.


Mixed Metal Tassel Necklace by Infarrantly Creative
 

I love this necklace as well!  It would go with just about anything and since it has three different metals you can mix it with different colored metal pieces.  Head on over to Infarrantly Creative for the tutorial.


Fabric Bead and Knot Necklace by See Kate Sew

This necklace is great for moms of little ones, its safe for teething babies to chew on!  It is just fabric wrapped and knotted over wooden beads.  Cute!  You can find the tutorial over at See Kate Sew.

See you all tomorrow for the last day of 31 Days of Handmade Gifts!

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 29 {DIY Photo Canvas}

Welcome to Day 29! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

I'm sure you all have seen the photo canvases that are becoming very popular.  I have only purchased one (as a gift) since I found a good deal with a coupon code.  I recently saw on Pinterest that you can make your own photo canvas, for just the price of a blank canvas and the print.  Now that's definitely cheaper since a 11 x 14 can run over $50!  Here are some tutorials you can try.  I plan on it!

This canvas was made by adhering the picture with modge podge.  The edges are covered with scrapbook paper and some acrylic paint was added to the corners to give it an antique look. You can hop on over to Girl.Inspired for the easy tutorial.

Blue Cricket Design has a tutorial similar to the one above, but I like that they connected three canvases using ribbon.  What an easy way to display family or wedding photos!

Another option is a distressed photo canvas. Delia Creates has a tutorial for a distressed canvas using a gel medium.  This tutorial is a little more involved and uses a product you will probably have to buy, but I really like the look of the distressed photo!

Only two more days left in October!  Wow!

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 27 {Organizing Clutches}

Welcome to Day 27! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

So I am finding that my "nesting" tendencies are starting to set in.  Last week I spent hours organizing both of our clothing closets and our bathroom.  It wasn't entirely necessary since strangers movers will be coming in a couple months to pack it all up, but it made me feel so much better!  I have also gotten on an organizing kick in other places, even sewing and crafting.

Today's handmade gift idea falls in the organizing category.  One place that get can quite disorganized quickly is a purse or diaper bag.  Here are some solutions that would make great gifts.  What person doesn't like adding a little organization to their life?!


Potholder Emergency Clutch

This clutch, made out of a potholder, is a quick way to organize all the loose items in your purse, diaper bag, car, etc.  I use a zippered pouch, but it overflows quickly!  I picked up several potholders from Target for $.98 so I will be making a couple of these soon!  You can find the super easy tutorial over at Tidy Mom.

Place Mat Purse Organizer

In a few simple steps you can covert a place mat into an organizer for your purse. I have seen these in Bed Bath and Beyond, but using a cute place mat is way more stylish (and affordable)!  This organizer would make switching purses a breeze!  Especially if you switch often and/or like using big purses where things can get lost.  Footprints has a great tutorial for this easy project. 


Place Mat Diaper Clutch

In looking at all of the baby gear available I have been quite annoyed surprised at the price of the diaper/wipe organizers.  Making your own is definitely a great way to save money for yourself or as a gift to a new mom.  You can make a diaper and wipe organizer from one place mat and use another as a changing pad.  You can find the tutorial at Junk Mail Gems.

Well I didn't intend to, but today's post was all about re-purposing kitchen items! Funny how things work out that way.  Have you seen any other tutorials for things to keep you organized?

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 26 {Tote Bag}

Welcome to Day 26! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

In my opinion, one can never have too many purses and bags.  And I think most women are this way (if they're not, it makes me feel better to think they are! haha).  A handmade purse or tote is a great gift for a female of any age.  There are a lot of purse tutorials available out there, but I'm sharing the ones that are pretty simple so that you can knock out gifts quickly. 

20 Minute Tote

The Purl Bee has a great tutorial for a 20 minute tote bag.  It might take a beginner more than 20 minutes, but not too much!  Part of the ease is that the straps are cotton webbing so you don't have to spend time making them.

Ruffle Embellished Tote

Stripes and chevron ruffles...my favorite!  This tote found over at UCreate is super simple, as the actual bag is pre-made!  I have a couple of these and have embellished one for a gift before (last Christmas, seen here).  You can find the plain bags at Wal Mart for about $6 in a pack of 3.  So a simple and affordable gift!

Lined Scallop Tote

For See Kate Sew's anniversary she is giving away a free pattern for this cute scallop tote!  She is also having a link up party with everyone's finished totes (by November 15th) which means I need to get started on mine!  Be sure to head over and get your pattern (and follow along if you don't already!).

Bamboo Handled Purse

I wanted to also include a tote that was more like a purse since all of the previous totes are pretty similarly shaped (but remember you can simply add more width to your fabric to make them wider!).  And Little Birdie Secrets delivered!  I love this purse!  For one I just love that fabric (why can't I find that kind of fabric!?) and it is a simple project-no handles to make!  I actually have some purse handles like this (for a project that never got done...sad face) so I might have to make it to clear out some of my fabric stash!

What's your favorite tote bag tutorial?  Do you have another one to add?

Hope you all are having a blessed week!  October is almost over...wow!

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 25 {Decorated Onesies}

Welcome to Day 25! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

Everyone knows that onesies are a necessity for a baby, so they make a great gift.  It's even better when they aren't just the store bought onesies, but are personalized and unique!  The great thing is that they don't take too long to make.  And they can be quite affordable too.  Craft stores (Michael's, JoAnn's) sell Gerber onesies in a multi-pack for about $10.  If you have a coupon you can get 5 or 6 onesies for about $5-6!  And with dye (I've used Rit dye successfully) you can make them unique colors too!
There are lots of ways to embellish a onesie...

1. Appliqued Onesies

Image Source: Bump Smitten

 
How adorable are these!  My favorite is the turtle.  You don't have to do anything elaborate, just a simple shape adhered with something fusible (Heat N Bond) and outlined in a simple topstitch is perfect! 

2. Simple Onesie Dress

Image Source: Prudent Baby

With just a little fabric, you can make a onesie into a complete outfit for a little girl!  Prudent Baby has a super simple tutorial for a onesie dress.  You could even embellish the top to add to the cute factor!

3.  Painted Onesie

Image Source: Faye Dodges Zombies

 
I love this one and will definitely be making it for our little girl!  The flower stems were painted on with a freezer paper stencil and the flowers are fabric circles sewed on.  You could also use rosettes and use fabric glue to adhere them (that stuff is strong!).  I'll be doing a freezer paper stencil tutorial after the 31 days, so stick around if you're interested in learning how.

4.  Heat Transfer Onesie

Image Source: Homemade By Jill

If you have a way to cut out heat transfer material (Silhouette, Cricut or super awesome scissor skills) heat transfer is a quick and simple way to embellish!  I haven't tried it with my Silhouette yet, but I will be soon!


5.  Ruffled Onesie

Image Source: UCreate

Who can resist a ruffled bum?!  I know I can't, and I'm sure other mommas would say the same!  Ruffles don't take long to make, so this could be done in less than 10 minutes.

I hope you are onesie embellishing inspired!  Have you made any embellished onesies?  Please share if you have!

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 24 {Book Page Gifts}

Welcome to Day 24! You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

One of the biggest "crazes" of the craft blog land is book pages.  They are cheap (Goodwill sells books for $.50) and make unique decor.  I have gotten a lot of comments on everything I have made out of book pages (now that I think about it I think that's only three items, but people have loved them!)

Here are some of my favorite book page crafts.  I think for gift recipients that like home decor items, these would be great gift options.

Book Page Wreath

This is the book page wreath I made. (Inside the frames are more book pages).  My tutorial for the book page wreath can be found here. 


Glitter Book Page Ornaments

Image Source: Flea Market Style Mag

I found these on Pinterest and they are on my must make list!  I might even make some for myself they are that cute!  You just need any ornament (craft stores sell glass and plastic ones in packs and with a coupon they are quite cheap), book pages, glitter and modge podge.  A sealer would help the glitter stay in place.  I also really like the Noel tag, it gives them a great vintage look.

Rolled Book Pages Monogram 

Image Source: Little Things Bring Smiles

Ahh how cute is that!  This is just book pages rolled up and glued to a wood letter from the craft store. You could also use flat book pages or little ripped up pieces and modge podge it on.

Vintage Book Page Pomander

Image Source: Our Footprints

 This is definitely on my DIY decor to-do list!  It's so vintage and cute and would look great anywhere!  The hard part would be deciding where to put it!  You can find the tutorial over at Our Footprints.  But all you would need is a candlestick and foam ball from the dollar store, some book pages and hot glue!

What's your favorite book page craft/gift?

31 Days of Handmade Gifts: Day 23 {Camera Strap Cover}

Welcome to Day 23!  You can find the other 31 Days posts here.

If you have anybody on your list with a digital camera that has a strap, a personalized strap cover would be a great gift!  I made one last year for myself. 

Since it was my very first sewing project it is so not perfect (one end is smaller than the other!), so I will be making another one that is much cuter!  I have found two tutorials that I really like.

Finding My Feet has a great tutorial for a ruffled camera strap with a lens cap pocket.

How cute is that!  This tutorial is for any camera strap so it's great to follow if you are making a gift and don't have the strap to measure.

Cluck.Cluck.Sew. posted a tutorial over at Make It Do for this next camera strap.

This strap cover doesn't have a ruffle so it could be used for a guy or a girl that isn't a big ruffle fan (although I don't know why anyone wouldn't be!).  It does include batting which in my opinion isn't completely necessary (especially if you don't have it).  Mine was made with the batting but I don't think it's that uncomfortable to have to have it.  Your choice.  :)

If you or the gift recipient doesn't have a SLR you can always make a strap for a point and shoot camera.  I made a couple last year when I made my strap cover. (Sorry for the terrible picture!)

You can find the tutorial over at A Pretty Cool Life.  It's very simple and takes less than 30 minutes to make one!

Have any of you made a camera strap before?