My camera did not come with a camera bag. I have looked at traditional, ho-hum bags starting at $50 for a good quality and size. I have looked online at the stylish bags that you can get for $80, $120, $200 and more.

While I loved many of these fashionable styles, my frugal side screamed, “Isn’t there a better option?!”

I couldn’t justify spending $100 or more on a bag, when investing that money in a lens was a wiser path.

So I set to searching. Surely, I was not the only frugal gal who has had this thought.

I found a couple of tutorials from other blogs, and I was inspired.

Vanilla and Lace

Blue. Lace. House.

I started by purchasing a purse ($18), 1″ foam (1/2 yard on sale for $3.00), 1/2 yard fabric ($2.00 clearance). I already had sew on velcro on hand.

Please do not look closely at the sewing job. I am a sew-as-you-go gal. I go for function, not perfection. In about an hour, I was able to measure and cut all the pieces and sew it all together. The other thing I like about this is that I can carry my sketchbook and a few markers, my wallet and phone, other camera accessories, and I still have room to fit the lens I am saving up for. I did have about half the foam leftover that I can use for another project that is yet to be determined.

When I am tired of this bag, or it gets beat up, I can simply find another purse of similar size and slip my insert into it.

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