diy, weekend edition

so claudette, my holga, has been looking rather sad lately & seeing as though i am doing photoswap-2010, i decided to give her a mini-makeover before taking her to the streets.

introducing: super tacky, yet fabulous, holga strap (modeled by pebbles):

more details & photos after the jump…

so first things first, gather up supplies:

• tacky chain: you can get this almost anywhere. who knows, you might even have one lying around the house. i got mine at a local craft store. if you are super crafty (and can stand the heat outside) you can spray paint your chain. i used about 3.5 feet.
• some jump rings or wire & a mandrel, if you have it. it is super easy to make your own jump rings. curious how? click >> make your own jump rings! i used a crochet hook to make mine, but really you can use anything cylindrical. i use either 18 or 20 gauge wire…
• two small key chain rings (slip rings): this is for attaching your chain to your camera. i would not advise using jump rings…
• pliers. regular pliers will do, unless you are making jump rings. then i suggest close cutting ones as well. some round nose pliers may come in handy too.
• embellishments: the fun part! i got some really tacky antiqued gold looking pearl things (i don’t know what they are called) & a light blue filigree looking thing. I scoured my bead area at home and found some cheap glass pearls*. you can also get some buttons (oo!) both vintage or new. any kind of charms or things you can attach using jump rings will work. If you get buttons, you can even sew them on directly to your chain**. 

* side note about beads: if you want to attach beads to your chain, you will need some headpins. you can make your own out of wire as well…if there is a demand for it, i will be happy to show you how

** if attaching buttons, you can sew them on directly. a trick however, is to not use normal thread. you want something stronger…try dental floss! that’s right. it’s super strong so you won’t have to worry about the buttons coming off & chances are you have it lying around the house. 


now, it’s time to assemble…

1. measure length: use an existing camera strap to get the length that you want, or eye ball it. you can also drape the chain over your neck and measure out where you would want the holga to lay. i would add at least an inch to that to be safe. you can always shorten it up a bit later. 
2. cut your chain to size using pliers. hopefully this part isn’t too hard, depending on the chain you are using. sometimes it is easier to pry open the chain links than to cut them…
3. attach embellishments using jump rings, headpins, strings, whatever.
4. attach key chain rings to ends and then to camera. try it on.
5. add more embellishments. you know you want to.

this is a rather easy project. best part about it is dusting off the ol’ holga, getting out with your new strap & taking some photos. you can make a whole mess of fun straps, for any lightweight camera even. i may try to spray paint a chain and put some enamel flowers on it….hmm