Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas and gifts!  Handmade personalized gifts are ALMOST always a good idea.  {There are some exceptions to this rule…don’t paint them a picture if you’ve never painted in your life!!}

In the next few weeks, I am putting together a series of tutorials for items that you can make easily and inexpensively to give to your family and friends.

Today’s tutorial is for the photographer in you life.  I am showing you a feminine version, but you totally change it up to make it masculine.

Supplies: old purse with cool strap, two inexpensive necklaces, heavy gauge jewelry jump rings,  jewelry pliers.

I found the handbag at Goodwill for a few dollars and I purchased the necklaces from the craft store.  You could also use an old necklace, as long as it’s sturdy.  The camera is heavy and valuable, so you don’t want the strap to break!  If you are using a vintage necklace, you will also need two lobster claw necklace clasps.

Cut the strap off the purse, leaving the rings on each end.

Use pliers to open up a link on one necklace and attach it to one side of the strap.  Depending on the necklace you are using, you may have to attach a jump ring.  These are just metal circles that you can find in the jewelry section of the craft store.  Make sure you have a pretty heavy gauge, so that it is strong.

Do the same thing on the other side of the strap.  If you bought two necklaces that have lobster clasps, you are finished.  Otherwise you will need to make sure each end has a locking clasp.  These will secure the strap to the camera.

I made my strap extra long, but you can adjust the length by how long the necklaces are.

For a younger child who loves photography a fun twist for this would be to add charms to the chain!  There are tons of variations with this project, so have fun and make it personal!

~Angela