DIY Vintage Ribbon Camera Strap

By Thehousethatlarsbuilt @houselarsbuilt
I know, I know..."But you just did a camera strap DIY!" I can hear it now. Last month I made a camera strap from a Laura Ashley scarf and it was a hit. I gave the strap to Maurine as a thank you and so I needed one of my own. I have a little thing for ribbon and most of my vintage ribbon is just sitting rolled up on my shelves. I have NO idea what to do with beautiful ribbon. Seriously. Anyone? AND THEN, like lightening, I thought...camera strap! It's the perfect size, it will get seen and used, and it adds so much to a black hunk of plastic. I bought a few yards of this beautiful ribbon from the Brooklyn Flea when I was there for the Today Show in May, and I'm so glad I found something to do with it. Supplies: 2 split metal rings, 2 large dog leashes (on clearance at Joann right now), thread, scissors, vintage ribbon (I got mine at the Brooklyn Flea from Etsy seller Gifted Putterer. She has AMAZING stuff), 1 1/2" cotton webbing, sewing machine
Step 1: Decide how long you want your strap to be and cut the ribbon that length. Cut the cotton webbing about 6" longer than the ribbon. Step 2: Fold the edge of the ribbon over about 1/4" inch.  Step 3: Place the ribbon on top of the cotton webbing about 2" from the end. Step 4: With your machine, stitch down the side of the ribbon. Make sure you have a needle strong enough to go through all the layers. I got a needle that works for leather just in case. Step 5: Insert your dog leash at the end of the cotton webbing and stitch across the end.  Step 6: Stitch many times over. I even stitched across into the end to really make sure. Step 7: Repeat at the other side. The cotton webbing will overlap on the back about 2-3". Step 8: The dog leashes were too large to enter through the space of my camera holder attachments so I added in the metal split rings.
DONZO. Easy, right? And seriously, I'm stoked for my new camera strap. I'm even more stoked that I found a good use for my beautiful ribbon. Now, what do I do with the rest of the yardage? I think I have like 6 yards! Help!