Whiptips - camera case advice
Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.
After watching my photography evolve over the past year my husband got me a fancy DSLR this past Christmas. I love it. But, I don’t love the strap that came with it that so blazingly advertises the maker of the camera. I’d love something more “me” and unique. I’ve done some searching and haven’t found many options to buy ones from independent crafters. I’m wondering if any of the readers now of some good indie artists that sell such things or know of any good tutorials for making one yourself. Alternately, are there any tips they have for covering the one that came with my camera?
May 30th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
I’ve made a camera case, a quilt kind, that you can view here:
http://www.ihanna.nu/blog/?p=458
I think you can figure out how to make a similar one, but if you want to ask questions about it please contact me via the blog.
Good luck!
May 30th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
I’m thinking you could take some ribbon the same width as the strap or fabric that you’ve trimmed and hemmed to be the same width and just top stitch it over the offending advertising. You could cover the whole strap, but that might make it difficult to adjust. Topstitching something on just one side may help to keep it’s adjustability. Good luck! and happy new camera!
May 30th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Have you tried Etsy? These sellers have camera straps
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5159339§ion_id=5097012
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=102997§ion_id=5099005
and there are many others with cute camera bags.
May 30th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Here is a tutorial for a wrist strap: Super Cheap DIY Camera Wrist Strap
There are also some tips on craftster on how to make a guitar strap. Guitar and Bass Straps
I was thinking that you could just combine the two ideas.
May 31st, 2007 at 12:15 am
Try Emily Falconbridge’s site on Etsy. She makes camera straps. I think her shop is listed as emfalconbridge.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:50 am
why not buy a pretty trim and just sew it on over the existing strap? it’d be sturdy and beautiful at the same time.
May 31st, 2007 at 2:54 am
If you are looking for straps specifically, there is a seller called “emfalconbridge” at Etsy.com who makes camera straps. The selection is limited since they are unique and handmade, but they are all very nice. “vmjess” is another Etsy seller of camera straps that are trendy and cute.
May 31st, 2007 at 9:52 pm
I recently finished covering my camera strap. I got a big honkin DSLR for mother’s day so I know kinda what you’re thinking. I just covered the webbing part of the strap so it’s still adjustable. I measured it then found a piece of fabric, left a seam allowance of course. Sewed up the long side, turned it right sides out and slipped the strap in. I then hand quilted the whole thing. I think topstitching the ends would be fine though! Just a tip though, the foam pad that was on the underside of the webbing is glued in place. Really gummed up my needle! Now for that hideous camera bag…
June 1st, 2007 at 11:22 am
You can make a very sturdy and pretty strap using tablet weaving. There is a how-to for tablet weaving here: http://www.stringpage.com/tw/basictw.html.
The tablets are very easy to make, you can use sturdy cardboard or plastic from an ice-cream container.
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I didn’t like the wrist strap that came with mine - like to have my hands free, so I removed it and made one that goes around my neck. I used hemp in a natural color and did simple macrame w/some beads to make it interesting. I used a larks head knot to attach it directly to the camera, but if I did it again, I think I would work it on one of those lanyard clips so I could make different ones to change it out.
June 9th, 2007 at 11:18 am
You might like to see this felted camera strap. I think it’s gorgeous, but it might not be for everyone. A lucky Craftster received the strap in a swap.
Here’s the thread: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=144131.msg1461778#msg1461778
Good luck!