Pssst…have you checked out the giveaway for Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3?

When I spoke at Declare, I hauled a pretty ridiculous amount of stuff to Dallas with me—flat-irons and snacks and 4 pairs of shoes (the conference was only two days) and back-up chargers for all my technology and notebooks and, of course, my camera.

You’d have thought I was leaving for a month!

But one thing I didn’t bring was a camera strap. I don’t usually use one at home, and it just never occurred to me to throw the basic black strap that came with our Canon in my overstuffed bag. (Because yet another back up to my back up/optional necklace choice was totally necessary, but something to help me keep track of an expensive piece of equipment was clearly not).

Fortunately, in a stroke of DIY genius desperation in my hotel room, I turned one of those back-up necklaces into a makeshift camera strap, and—WALA—problem solved!

bib necklace camera strap5 

This particular “project” was a cinch, since all I did was take this DIY Flower Bib Necklace that I made with super-long grosgrain ribbons already sewn to it and tie the ribbon ends to the little metal loops where the camera strap ends usually attach.

Did I double-knot? Yes!

Do I recommend this for a long term solution as a camera strap attachment system? NO!

However, I highly recommend thinking outside the box and adding a fun (sturdy) statement necklace as an embellishment to a camera strap or even using it as a strap itself after you figure out how to safely secure it to your camera’s strap loops. (I’m thinking buttons or industrial strength Velcro might work).

I’m actually going to revamp this idea for a more workable long-range solution for a pretty and durable camera strap embellishment, but I just wanted to let you in on an unexpected little discovery that worked for me.

I’d love it if you had any suggestions for safe ways to attach it to my camera.

Oh, and here’s how I wore it—the ribbon was long enough to wear across my body, which put the flowers at my shoulder. They’re attached to a felt backing, which made for a nice cushion that kept the ribbon from cutting into my neck.

bib necklace camera strap collage 

Honestly, I was just making do, but I got compliment after compliment on my—ahem—inventive camera strap and lots of questions about where I’d bought it.

And the ribbon knots never slipped or loosened a bit throughout the weekend (believe me, I was obsessively checking), so it was a total win. Don’t you love it when necessity is not only the mother of invention but cute invention at that?

It’s just too bad that I can’t win today’s fabulous giveaway or I’d have a gorgeous camera bag to house my camera and my fun strap.

But lucky for YOU, Jo Totes has graciously offered one of you awesome folks $100 to their shop, which features some of the most stylish and beautiful camera bags out there. I hear tell that they also work as pretty rockin’ purses/junk-luggers for all of you who commented yesterday that you’d like to find a better option to your diaper bag + purse + random Walmart sack (I so do that) “system” you’ve got going on right now. So, even if you don’t need a camera bag, you can enter anyway to win a new “purse.”

P.S. I luuuurve reading all your comments. Most of you sound just like me when it comes to killing plants and leaving jewelry all over the house and hauling way too many bags everywhere. And the rest of you that don’t do all that are an inspiration. Pretty sure we could all be besties.

So! Ready to win some o’ dis?

jototescollage

Simply complete the following two steps! (3, if you want extra entries!)

step 1

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Leave me a blog comment letting me know you have subscribed and completing the following sentence: “When I find myself without something I need, I usually ________________.”step 3 not optiona

Fine print: Open to residents of U.S. and Canada only. Must be 13 or older to enter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

134 Comments

  1. I subscribed. I am totally guilty of blaming my toddler when I find myself without something I need. Realize I forgot my wallet in the checkout line? Oh, she must have taken it out of my bag. 😉

  2. I have subscribed. When I find myself without something I need I try to do without or replace it when I can. Living an hour from stores makes it important to stay on top of things so lists are important!

  3. I subscribed! When I find myself without something I need… I usually write myself a note to get it & then usually forget! Lol) LOOOOVE this giveaway… bunches!) xx

  4. When I find myself without something I need…I usually improvise. If that doesn’t work…I summon the power of the internet to find it for the best possible price 🙂

  5. I subscribed. When I find myself without something I need, I try to find the most economical way to obtain it!

  6. When I find myself without something I need, I brainstorm with my husband how to either get it, or find a way to improvise! 🙂

  7. when I find myself without something I need, I usually see if there’s someway to DIY or adjust it with something I already have on hand. If not, I see if it’s in the budget., If it is, I buy it. If not, I try to find someway to DIY it without waiting until it’s in the budget. Then, many times, I just have to wait until it’s in the budget….

  8. I subscribe and when I find myself without something I need I may or may not pout. Then I pull myself off the floor and improvise.

  9. I’m subscribed already…

    When I find myself without something I need….I either improvise or forget about it, there’s no sense in worrying about something I can’t fix

  10. …scramble around through the house/car/diaper bag (depending on where I am) and find a make-do item! And like your (CUTE!) camera strap, sometimes I like it better than the “right” thing. : )

  11. I already subscribe. When I find I need something I don’t have I try to improvise, substitute, make do, or call my husband!

  12. …I usually kick myself for not remembering that that was the thing I knew I was forgetting, but couldn’t figure out what it was. Ya follow?

  13. I already subscribe (one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!) and when I find myself without something I need, I usually get frustrated! I am a “lister.” I make lists for EVERYTHING most importantly when I am going somewhere to make sure I not only take everything I need when I leave, but that I also return with everything I took! (yea yea…I know, a bit obsessive, but it keeps me organized.) So when I don’t have something, I usually get upset, then decide said items importance, and then either make do w/o, or get it as cheaply as humanly possible!

  14. When I find myself without something I need I usually try to find it as cheaply as possible, but just as often I just do without for a time. Sometimes I discover I don’t “need” that item as much as I thought!

  15. I have subscribed for a while now 🙂
    “When I find myself without something I need, I usually am surprised because I normally have a checklist and check it once or twice or more. If I did forget something, I do the saying: make do or do without…..or borrow 😉 “

  16. I subscribed. 🙂 When I find myself without something I need, I usually try to find a substitute that will work until I get the real thing.

  17. I subscribed. When I find myself without something I need, I usually improvise in some way…like the time my husband used the last of the baby wipes in the diaper bag without telling me….let’s just say wet paper towels work in a pinch!

  18. When I find myself without something I need (especially on a trip), I usually PANIC. Sometimes more than others. But panic is the most common theme among all situations (I am a planner! And besides, the first step to fixing it is admitting I have a problem…. only I don’t think a good panic now and then is bad for anyone…. makes you feel alive!)

  19. When I find myself without something I need, I usually go to target! or Hobby lobby so buy craft supplies to make it myself!

  20. When I find myself without something I need, I cry.

    But really…I guess I look for it online first. Love me some online shopping. As a SAHM, it’s the easiest, right?

  21. When I find myself without something I need….I usually say something like “OH RATS” and then try to be like MacGyver and improvise on my own trying to make the things I have work as double duty for whatever I need. And of course, if that doesn’t work…there’s alway Target! 🙂

    Love your blog!

  22. I try to rig up something using what I have. Depending on when I need an item or what the item is, I will look for it at a garage sale, thrift store, or Target. if its a one time use clothing item I would probably borrow it from my mom or sister.

  23. I subscribe. When I find myself without something I need….first I freak a little (because I’m an over packer, pack for every situation) and then I get creative with what I got…..or I just go buy what is needed!

  24. When I find myself without something I need, I usually improvise with something else, go bargain-hunting, or add it to my Amazon wishlist 😉

  25. I ask my husband, ponder on it awhile and then if it’s something I do need or have the finances to get I find coupons and wait for it to go on sale

  26. I am a subscriber! When I find myself without something I need I… often times will seek out an alternative on the internet especially if it involves a food need.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  27. I’m already subscribed…looove your blog 🙂 When I find myself without something I need, I get flustered and then find some kind of substitute and get on with life!

  28. “When I find myself without something I need, I usually substitute. I am famous for doing this with cooking and have served some very inventive recipes.”

  29. When I find myself without something I need, I usually try to invent a replacement! We’re a family of 3 living on a 50% salary, so I can’t just go out and buy it!

  30. When I find myself without something I need, I usually figure out a way to make whatever it is I need work – whether I get something new or find something else that’ll do.

  31. If I can go out by myself, I’ll head to the store. And Starbucks. Maybe just Starbucks. If all 3 darlings must tag along, I’m making do! It’s amazing what I can create for meals, projects, or outfits from things around my house when I’m properly motivated!

  32. When I find myself without something I need, I go to Target! Seriously, is there anything that that place doesn’t have??

  33. When I find myself without something i need, I usually add it to my mental wishlist of items I know I won’t be getting anytime soon because my list is already too long. 🙂

  34. When I find myself without something I need, I usually panic. Then I’ll calm down and get to work on a solution. When I’m at home in my comfort zone, it’s a lot easier!

  35. When I find myself without something I need, I usually try to borrow it from someone, or try to go buy it unless it’s really expensive and then I wait until Christmas and ask for it 🙂

  36. I subscribed!!!! When I find myself without something I need, I usually freak out, then take deep breaths and feel better! I can usually do without!! 🙂

  37. When I find myself without something I need, I usually freak out for 3 seconds, then try to figure out the easiest, quickest, cheapest way to get it.

  38. I usually find a substitute or go without. I had been looking for a rack to hold my pan lids and none of the stores had anything like the picture I had in my head. Then one day I was in the basement and spotted my husband’s rib rack for grilling. It was exactly what I was looking for! Being resourceful (cheap?) is one of my best traits.

  39. When I find myself without something I need, I usually sit tight for a day or two. If I need it after that then I will go get it. Usually to target.

  40. When I find myself without something I need I usually repurpose something else to serve the need. I also keep a mile long list of things I’d like to get at some point, but I usually don’t ever remember to actually pick any of those things up!

  41. When I find myself without something I need I scour the local thrift stores, online blogs for the best savings or a high value coupon to pair with a sale. Yep, I’m el cheapo and refuse to pay full price for pretty much anything!

  42. Totally depends on the item, most likely I’ll either ransack the house for something that will work, thrift for it or just head to Target.

  43. When I find myself without something I need I shop around my house to see what I could use in its place for the time being and then hunt down a good deal for that item!

  44. I subscribed! When I find myself without something I need, I usually try to see if I have something else I can use instead. If not, I may try to borrow it from a friend 🙂

  45. When I find myself without something I need, I usually make do without, or buy something inexpensive that will work just as good.

  46. … I either figure out that I don’t need it, or make something else work. I love your invention… and the new photos are awesome. 🙂

  47. When I find myself without something I need…. I either borrow it from my sister/mom, attempt to create it myself, depending on what it is…. or just deal with not having it!! haha

  48. I subscribe to you! When I find that I’m without something I need, I try to look around my house for something to make do! I’m often way too lazy to figure out where I might buy it and get overwhelmed by the number of stores I might have to go in before I find it!

  49. When I find myself without something I need, I usually come up with some creative solution (not as pretty as yours).

  50. When I find myself without something I need. I will look on freecycle or will try to make it if I can. I also will google the item to see who has the cheapest price or some kind of discount.

  51. I subscribed! When I find myself without something I need…I usually try to find the best deal I can on it if I need it at that moment, or I will wait and see if the feeling that, “I need it”
    passes.

  52. I subscribed on Monday, when I find that I am without something that I ‘need’…I head to goodwill! Seriously one of the top reasons I started following your blog was because of all your GW goodness! Plus your family is adorable! 🙂

  53. When I find myself without something I need I ususally find an alternative and it’s usually practical but not as cute or creative. For example we forgot my daughter’s diaper bag for church one day which always includes a sandwich for lunch. So we stopped by Subway and got her a kids meal which had a cute bag that came with it, and that became her diaper bag for the day! Thank goodness our church has an extra stash of diapers and wipes by the changing table!

  54. I already subscribed. I will either make do, find an alternative, put it on a list for future purchase, or buck up, get what I need and then wonder why I waited and made it so painful!

  55. “When I find myself without something I need, I usually…buy it, unfortunately…depending on what it is.” Needs are so subjective though. I rarely borrow stuff. I might think to make it by hand, if that option is possible– like a long slip to wear under long see-through skirts. Why don’t stores sell those?! I do like Jo Totes and would love one of her bags.

  56. Hmmm, wen I find myself without something I need, I usually do without or improvise. On a 3 day trip I forgot to pack my toothbrush. A little dab of toothpaste on the corner of a washcloth worked for a while, but when we ended up having to run into town for something else, you’d better bet I was in the store buying a real toothbrush!

  57. When I find myself without something I need, I usually see if I can make do until I can afford what I really want… and then I over think the money I’d be spending and It gets discontinued. Issues!

  58. Just subscribed. When I find myself without something I need, I usually try to make do with something I already have if possible. If not, I plead my case to my husband and try to find it on sale 🙂

  59. When I find myself without something I need, I usually hum and haw about it for ages (because I’m cheap when it comes to me) then wonder why it took me so long once I take the plunge and buy it.

  60. When I find myself without something I need…. I usually bug my husband enough that he tells me to go ahead and get it so I will leave him alone!

  61. When I find myself without something I need I try to make do with what I have around, maybe a have some goodies in my junk totes yes totes to make up for it or I will go baragin buy 🙂

  62. I drive 45 minutes to the nearest Walmart and buy myself the underwear I forgot to pack for our 9 hour drive to the middle of nowhere in Nebraska.

  63. It depends…. If it’s one of those necessity type things, I immediately rack my brain to remember the cheapest place I can find the item. If it’s not a necessity, just something I need for the future, I shop around for the best price. Wow. That’s boring.

    I already subscribe! 🙂 That’s exciting, right?

    1. I subscribed! When I find myself without something I need I usually ask my husband what I should do because he is better than I am at thinking outside of the box, he’s good at saving the day……..lol! 🙂

I love hearing from you guys!