DIY No-Sew Camera Bags

Since I've been on a crafting kick lately, I thought I'd repackage our DIY camera bag tutorial from last year.  These are super easy to make and inexpensive to boot.   All you need is a cute bag, some 1" high density foam (found at Michaels or Joann Fabrics), a hot glue gun, scissors, and a bit of time.   And you can whip up something like this:

or this:

While I don't have a step by step tutorial photographed for you here, making one is easy.  

Here is what you will need:

• Stylish purse that will hold your camera and a few favorite lenses (I found mine at Marshalls for under $25)
• 1" High Density Foam (approx. $7)

• Scissors
• 1/2 yard of cute fabric
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks ($4.00 for glue)
• Optional:  Cardboard for base (cereal box will do)

The Steps:

1.  Cut 3 foam pieces that are the length  of the sides of your bag and the bottom of the bag.  

2. Wrap each piece (like a present) using your material (1/2 yard should be enough for this project) and hot glue to secure.  

3.  Cut smaller pieces as dividers (based on the width and height of your purse) and wrap them in your fabric as well.    

4.  Optional:  Cut a piece of cardboard that is the same size as the base.  Glue the base piece of foam to the cardboard before wrapping in fabric.  This helps give a little extra bit of protection to the bottom of your bag.   

If you have a purse to repurpose or are looking for a great gift for a fellow shutterbug, this is the project for you!  

Here are some other great links with photos that show "HOW TO" make these bags too (they are listed in no particular order):

• http://www.cheekymagpie.com/?p=3311
• http://www.goingthewongway.com/643/diy-camera-bag/
• http://www.livelaugheat.com/2011/02/02/diy-camera-purse-bag/
• http://lindenclairephotography.com/2011/02/09/diy-camera-bag/
• http://vanillaandlace.blogspot.com/2011/01/diy-camera-pursebag.html

More About DIY Bags

We got a tremendous response from our post on DIY Camera Bags.  There is a big demand for stylish camera bags at a reasonable price.  The nice thing about DIY is they are unique, reflect your own personal style and are super, super easy.

Check out this wonderful site called Tales of the Wife by Jacqie (no "u").  Jacqie provides a detailed write-up complete with photos that show step-by-step how to make your own stylish camera bag.  We love Jacqie's site.

Jacqie has a knack for crafts - we've learned a lot from her talent.  Please check out her instructions for a DIY camera bag and you'll soon become a pro with several of your own.  Share your pics, we'd love to see everyone's creations!  By the way, if you're not as handy with a sewing machine as Jacqie is try following all of her procedures but replace the stitches with a hot glue gun.  We've had great success using one for our projects.

DIY Camera Bag by Jacqie!

Check out Tales of the Wife's site for complete details (we LOVE this turquoise blue bag - very stylish!)

Click this forward - one of our very favorite sites - Tales of the Wife!

Another DIY Camera Bag

I just had to share my latest DIY camera bag creation.  I have had this sassy, brand new, shiny purse sitting under my bed for a year.  It was a Christmas gift that I purchased and then forgot about--out of sight out of mind.....

Anyway, I decided to turn this cute little handbag into a functional camera bag for a dear friend of mine who has been toting around her gear in an old backpack.

After a quick trip to the fabric store to buy foam and the adorable material, I was back at home getting my craft on.  In just 1 1/2 hours, I had transformed this bag into a great gift.

If you have a purse to repurpose or are looking for a great gift for a fellow shutterbug, this is the project for you!  You can find all the details on how to whip up a little bag of your own by visiting our original DIY Camera Bag post.

Here are some great links with photos that show "HOW TO" in no particular order:

• http://www.cheekymagpie.com/?p=3311
• http://www.goingthewongway.com/643/diy-camera-bag/
• http://www.livelaugheat.com/2011/02/02/diy-camera-purse-bag/
• http://lindenclairephotography.com/2011/02/09/diy-camera-bag/
• http://vanillaandlace.blogspot.com/2011/01/diy-camera-pursebag.html

DIY-Camera Bag

Days after I put in the big order for my gorgeous turquoise Belle Epiphanie bag, I stumbled across Little Miss Famous’ DIY bag via I Heart Faces.

I was so impressed by her cleverness that I decided to make one myself despite the fact I had just ordered one!  Like shoes, a gal can not have too many camera bags (I think I now am up to 6–egads, do not tell my husband!).


So using the helpful tips from Little Miss Famous as well as numerous other tips from DIYers, (Google “DIY camera bag”and you will find a plethora of crafty, clever photographers), I made this sassy, patent pleather bag!

My total cost was $33–$22 for the bag, $7 for the foam, $4 for the material.   I already had the hot glue gun and glue sticks.  This was a total no-sew project. 

This was a great project for a rainy afternoon and only took me about an hour (and a few blisters from the hot glue gun--watch out!). While I doubt I would use this for a big photo shoot, it will come in handy when I go out with friends or up to The City and want to schlep my camera in a safe, padded bag.

Now, I’m eyeing the other purses cluttering my closet.   I have a feeling I will be making some foam inserts for my super cute brown Coach bag soon, too!

DIY Camera Bag

Days after I put in the big order for my gorgeous turquoise Belle Epiphanie bag, I stumbled across Little Miss Famous' DIY bag via I Heart Faces. (Update:  her link is not longer working:  try this Vanilla and Lace instead for more details....)

I was so impressed by her cleverness, that I quickly emailed the link to my ultra crafty mom (who is now somewhat tech savvy--she knows how to do email AND book airline tickets), to put in a Christmas gift request.

Anyway, being impatient (who can wait until Christmas???) I decided to make one myself--like shoes, a gal can not have too many camera bags (I think I now am up to 6--egads, do not tell my husband!).

So using the helpful tips from Little Miss Famous as well as numerous other tips from DIYers, (Google "DIY camera bag"and you will find a plethora of crafty, clever photographers), I made this sassy, patent pleather bag!

My total cost was $33--$22 for the bag, $7 for the foam, $4 for the material.   I already had the hot glue gun and glue sticks.  This was a total no-sew project. I did buy velcro for all of the foam pieces but decided I didn't really need it, the foam pieces fit together nicely without it.

This was a great project for a rainy afternoon and only took me about an hour (and a few blisters). While I doubt I would use this for a big photo shoot, it will come in handy when I go out with friends or up to The City and want to schlep my camera in a safe, padded bag.

Now, I'm eyeing the other purses cluttering my closet.   I have a feeling I will be making some foam inserts for my super cute brown Coach bag soon, too!