DIY DSLR Camera Strap Cover

Since I decided to make my own camera bag, I thought I could make my own camera strap too!

The ones I saw online seemed pretty simple to make yourself if you had a sewing machine (I do! Of course, I bought it to sew on my scrapbook layouts, but that doesn't really matter!). I found some tutorials that were a little over my head, but then I found this super easy one on Skip to my Lou.

What do you think? I love it!

Then I tried to make a little bag to carry just my camera for when I don't want to bring my whole big bag from yesterday. But that one wasn't going as well, so I think I'm going to put that aside for a bit, and work on some cards and layouts :) Especially cards - since today is AJ's 24th birthday! Happy birthday babe!

DIY DSLR Camera Bag

I really wanted a bag for my new camera - I found a ton that I loved on line, but they are all so expensive!

Then, I remembered that Ashley Sisk had a guest post by Kristina of Moms Who Click with directions on making your own camera bag! I looked the post again and it seemed so easy! Except, I wasn't sure what kind of foam to get, I don't really sew or anything like that. So I emailed Kristina and she was super helpful, even sending me two posts she did on her blog with more details about the bag! You can check those out here and here.

My mom had a bag from Kohl's (I think, or Macy's, those are her go to bag stores!) that she never used that would be perfect for this! I love the cute pattern, and that it has a detachable strap for those times I want to wear it across my body instead of on my arm.

I went to Jo-Ann's Fabrics Wednesday and immediately started making my bag.

My materials:
1/2" thick high density foam (about 1 yard)
orange fabric
low temp mini glue gun
lots of glue sticks

I followed all of the instructions here pretty much exactly, but I took lots of pictures, so I thought I'd share them!

I measured and cut all of my foam first, for the bottom and sides, I doubled up the foam to make it extra thick (but I didn't take a picture of that!). Then, I put everything in my bag to make sure it all fit nicely before I wrapped it all up in the fabric. The only place big enough and close enough to an outlet was my kitchen counter (because my desk was still in pieces on the floor, but that's a post for tomorrow!).

I put all the pieces in the bag, and my camera is ready to go! I have a double divider between the camera and my other lens as a safe place to keep my extra dividers and to fill up extra space in the bag. I made a second divider between the lens and my point and shoot, but that was after I took the picture! You can see here how thick the foam is on the right and left sides compared to the top and bottom, because that's where I doubled it up. Its like that on the bottom of the bag too. And of course, if wouldn't be my bag without a hairclip on the strap!

This project was totally out of my comfort zone (um, fabric instead of paper!) but it was fun! Do you ever do projects that are outside of your comfort zone? Do you like it, or do you just want to get back to what you love?

Black and White Cookie Thank You

While I was in New York for Columbus Day, I really wanted a black and white cookie. I can't find them anywhere in Chicago, so on my way to the airport, my mom and I stopped at two different delis, and they were both out!

My mom told her friend this story, and she saw some right before Thanksgiving, so she gave them to my mom to give to me!

I tried to email her a bunch of times about it, but unfortunately, every time, it bounced back!

So I made her this cute card instead. (Sorry about the picture, it was dark, but then I mailed the card, so I couldn't get a better picture! And I forgot to take one of the inside!)

But I really like how this turned out, I hope she liked it too!

December 23, 24 and 25

I can't believe Christmas is over already! I hope you all had a wonderful time, and get to enjoy a nice day off tomorrow too!

We had such a relaxing day. After our big family dinner last night, my parents, brother and I (and of course, Benny the doggie) went out east to just hang out, since we don't get to spend as much time as a family together anymore, with us all in different states. We ate lots of food and watched Christmas movies (and some not so Christmas movies - I'm talking about you Men in Black!) and we all even got in a nap at one point! I spent some time playing with my new Canon Rebel from AJ. And Santa left me some crafty things here, so I'll get to be creative with them tomorrow! But, for now, my craftiness consisted of finishing up my December Daily.

I'm feeling a little bittersweet at the end of my December Daily. I'm so proud that I finished it, and I'll have a pretty book to look at soon, but I'm also sad that this fun project is over! Thank you all for all of your support and lovely comments during this project - they really helped keep me going on the days I was feeling a little "blah"! I can't wait to do another December Daily next year!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas According to Luke and Linus van Pelt

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angle of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not:for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.

And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

December 22

Yesterday, I posted my Home Alone story. So you know that had to be on my December Daily page for today! I wanted to take a picture of me in the mirror doing the Home Alone face. And maybe I will later, but I could not get a good picture yet! I looked, well, frightening...So for right now, I've got Kevin McAllister, but that could change if I like the pictures I'm planning on taking again :) I wish I could remember where I found this picture, but I can't. I googled Home Alone White Christmas, and like, a gagillion copies of this image came up!

But despite the quiet work day, yesterday was a very busy busy night! I cleaned the kitchen, mopped the floors, and straightened up the living room. I wanted to vacuum, but it just got too late, and I didn't want to wake anyone up! Then I packed, put together one last Christmas present, and wrote out AJ's Christmas card!

And I even found time to scrapbook a little bit. Although, I'll save that page for a different day after Christmas! It was great to find some time to be crafty, I didn't realize how much I missed it, but it definitely was a relaxing spot in a crazy evening. Plus, sitting by the tree scrapbooking was a great substitute for my one of my favorite Christmas things - wrapping in front of the tree. The only thing I was missing was a nice hot chocolate, but I'd just done all of the dishes! So I had a nice cold refreshing glass of water instead.

Now let's celebrate that its Christmas Eve Eve!

December 21

This morning, after I dropped AJ at the airport, I had to get ready for work. So I'm standing in the bathroom mirror putting on deodorant when White Christmas by the Drifters came on. And, I'm Home Alone in Chicago!

I was tempted to do the scream, but I settled for an immediate Twitter update, and texts to my brother, AJ and my dad, who all love that movie as much as I do. No need to frighten all of my neighbors at 7am!

So, on to my December Daily...I just love that little penguin. He looks like he is dancing!

Have a great last Thursday before Christmas!

December 20

How is Christmas this weekend?!

They are predicting a nor'easter in the North East (duh Katie, that was pretty much in the title of the storm!) I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get an awesome white Christmas in New York. I've never had one before - snow on the east coast usually comes in January and February, and I don't know what's going on with this unseasonable weather in Chicago! But, I'm really hoping it doesn't start until after I've landed in New York, and AJ has drive up from Jersey. I'd be so upset if I was stuck here alone, or if AJ was stuck in Jersey all far away on Christmas Eve!

But, that's next weekend, and I'm posting about yesterday! I went back to Verizon and got myself a Blackberry. I just love it! I'm so happy I decided to switch back, the touch screen just was not for me!

Other than that, it was a pretty quiet night, I had plans to do laundry and clean, better known as blog and scrapbook, but instead I blogged and ate pizza and watched It's a Wonderful Life.

Well, the last hour of It's a Wonderful Life. I watched the whole movie from beginning to end with AJ last year (he'd never seen it before!) and I'm a firm believer that the first time you watch it, you need to watch from beginning to end, after that, you only need to watch the last hour, with a full three hour refresher every decade or so :) Its one of my favorite Christmas movies, along with Home Alone and Griswald's Family Vacation.

Are there any Christmas movies you just have to see every year? For AJ it is A Christmas Story (not my favorite) and mine are those three, and A Year Without A Santa Claus. How could you not love the Miser Brothers?

Well, I'm off to do that laundry and clean up the kitchen. There is nothing worse than coming home to a messy apartment! Have a wonderful night!

December 18 and 19

AJ has to go to a work dinner tonight, because this girl is moving away (far far away!) and their boss is having all of the engineers out to dinner to celebrate her move wish her luck.

So that leaves me with lots and lots of free time to do laundry blog and clean scrapbook.

Aaand, I finally got all of my photos uploaded so I could catch up on my December Daily!

Well, I'm off the Verizon, the one actual errand I have for tonight. I'm going to return my Android touch phone and get a Blackberry. I just don't like the touch screen, and since I never use my phone for internet (except the check the score of the Mets game during baseball season), just emailing, texting and phone calls, I never should have left Blackberry to begin with!

Have a great Tuesday...only 5 days until Christmas!

December 16 and 17

Ah! I cannot believe it is Monday already. And the last Monday before Christmas!

We had a very Christmas-y (and relaxing!) weekend! This was the first weekend all month that we didn't have any parties or plans, so it was nice to just do whatever we wanted.

Friday night, we took pictures of Navy Pier. And of course, I have a funny story...

After we went and took lots of pictures, we walked over to Rock Bottom, a brewery we've been wanting to try for a while, for dinner. While we were waiting to be seated, I ordered a glass of wine. I sipped this glass of wine the entire time we were there. So we eat a very yummy dinner, and a delicious dessert, and leave the restaurant. I didn't see that there was a step down right outside the door. So I started to fall, almost caught my balance, stumbled and fell right on top of myself in the middle of the sidewalk! Then, I couldn't even get up because I'd gotten wrapped up in the strap of my bag when I fell! AJ and I laughed all the way home, because I'd literally fallen out of the brewery! I think everyone on the street though I was a mess!

Saturday, we walked to Daley Plaza to check out the Chriskrindl Market and the Macy's windows. Where I got accosted by some drunk guy! This really was a great weekend for crazy stories!

(I'm sorry about the little warning sign, apparently, Shutterfly does not like the word Christkrindlmarket!)

I hope everyone else had a great weekend! I'll be back tomorrow with December 18 and hopefully, 19!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday {12 28 2011}

I can't believe Christmas Eve is next weekend! This has been such a crazy week, but my computer is working again and I was able to get my pictures uploaded today (yesterday I wasn't so lucky!) So yay!

1. What is it?

This is one of my favorite categories! AJ and I love to look at everyone's shots and try to guess what they are!

2. Children/Fur Babies

Benny :) I took this picture over Thanksgiving, but I'll get to see Benny next weekend!

3. Joy

I love seeing Christmas decorations covered in snow. It definitely makes the decorations more joyous :)

4. Window

Last night, after we walked to Daley Plaza to see the tree and the shops, we walked over to Macy's to see the windows.
The weirdest thing happened there though. We were going from window to window following the story, as were a few other groups around us. I had scootched up to the front to get a picture, like I usually do, and AJ was hanging back waiting for me, when I felt him come up and stand just behind me. Then, he started reading the story on the window and I realized, the man standing so close he is touching my shoulder is not my boyfriend! So I jumped and looked over my shoulder - and he started yelling at me that he wouldn't read if people were going to get so offended. Then he started saying other rude things about me giving him a nasty look, but in his defens, he was extremely drunk. I felt bad for his kids and didn't want to yell at him for touching me in front of them. But I was so upset. We skipped a window just to get out of his group.
I'm still freaked out though, I hate to be touched by strangers!

5. Half

I intended to take this picture when my glass was half full...but I drank it before I got my camera out! Oops!

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and has a wonderful week before Christmas!

December 13, 14 and 15

Technology and I haven't been getting along for the past few days. I broke my blackberry Tuesday night (oh my poor little blackberry, and it was all my fault too...). Then, my computer screen just refused to turn on. The lights would go on, and I would hear noises like it was booting up, but the screen. Just black. I think it was mad at me for breaking the blackberry.

Today, I brought my laptop into work after reading on my new phone that it could just be the screen, so hook it up to a different monitor and try it out. I hooked it up to an extra monitor we had, and the monitor screen stayed black...but the computer turned on like nothing was wrong! Yay!

Now that my computer is back, I can share my December Daily pages for the past few days!

 

Our weekend is going to be very Christmas-y! Tonight, we are going to walk to Navy Pier and photograph the snowflakes on the entrance. In New York, Saks does a snowflake display that flashes and dances to Carol of the Bells, and I was so upset that I'd miss it this year, until I was the Navy Pier snowflakes! They don't dance, but that's okay. Then tomorrow, we are going to the Chriskrindl Market at Daley Plaza. I can't wait to see the tree and all of the little shops they have there too! Hopefully Sunday we can just relax and maybe I can get some crafty time in too! What are your plans for the weekend?

Have a great weekend!

December 12

I didn't get much done last night. AJ got stuck at work because of a burner problem, so instead of starting dinner, I decided to just have a quick snack, then I'd cook when he got home. But my "quick snack" turned into Reese's peanut butter trees, follow by chips and I made myself sick.

So I didn't get any pictures at all! I didn't even make dinner, AJ had a sandwich and I had tea! But I am feeling a lot better today, and I won't be eating any chips after work!

Instead of writing about my day for my December Daily, I decided to focus on an ornament my Nonni gave us this year.

AJ has a work party tonight, so I am planning on getting some cards and layouts done tonight! What are you plans for this evening? Do you plan on getting some crafty time in, or wrapping presents (I wish I could, I love to wrap, but all of mine are at my parents' house in New York!) or maybe having some hot chocolate and watching tv?

December 9, 10, 11

I can't believe it is Monday morning already! How did that happen?!

My dad was here this weekend, which was so much fun! We went out to dinner Friday night, lunch Saturday and breakfast Sunday. We tried to walk around the city a little bit, but it was freezing! Seriously, at one point, even with my gloves on, I couldn't feel my fingers!

And, I let my dad change in my room. Normally, this would be a big deal, except for the laundry I had on the drying rack in there taking up a very large amount of space. Here is what I didn't think of when AJ was looking at me like, ummm, what are you doing babe??:

Earlier in the month, my mom called and said "Don't get your packages today". Then AJ texted and said, "Don't get the packages, I'll pick them up." So I knew one of my Christmas presents was coming!
I go walking into the building, and right there in the middle of the lobby, is a HUGE box with a picture of this desk on the outside, and my apartment number emblazoned in dark black numbers!

I wasn't planning on telling my mom I had seen my gift until after Christmas (the intention was for me to open a picture of what was in the box and I didn't want to ruin the surprise!) But this box is bigger than I am, so AJ and I have had a hard time finding a place to put it in the apartment. We finally decided to "hide" it in our room (and by hide I mean, put it there, in front of the closet, where it is blatantly obvious to anyone in the room, but not visible if you just look in the door!)
So my dad saw it, and I told him the story, and he told my mom! She wasn't upset though, although I had been so disappointed that I saw my big present ahead of time!

That was my funny story from the weekend. And here are the December Daily pages for Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

How was your weekend? Did you get any shopping done? Or maybe some crafting? (I had the best of intentions to scrapbook while AJ watched the Cowboys game, but that didn't happen!)

Have a great Monday, I'll be back tomorrow with another December Daily layout!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday {12 11 2011}

My dad came to visit this weekend and we all went out to dinner Friday night, and lunch on Saturday. Then, our friends came over before we headed out to the holiday party. Now, AJ and my dad are talking about his job and drinking coffee, while I'm posting my scavenger hunt! Also - I'm going to be visiting and commenting tonight, because we are heading over to get egg sandwiches and hang out with my dad some more before he has to fly back to New York!


1. Less is More

This is the only decoration on the wall in the little room at Malnati's. It fits perfectly for the room, and here, less really is more - anything else would be to crowded!

2. Holiday Lights

I love Home Goods! I got this awesome Merry Christmas light up box back in October, and It looks so pretty in our window.

3. Ornaments

Our first ornament, a present from my Nonni.

4. Cup of Cheer

Yummy peppermint hot chocolate! Peppermint hot chocolate tastes just like Christmas :)

5. Nativity

My Gran gave this nativity to my mom years ago, and this was the one we had when I was growing up. She gave it to me now, because AJ and I didn't have one!

Well, I'm off for egg sandwiches! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and has a wonderful week :)