Lisa Billings

Welcome back to beautiful handmade bags. Her addiction to fabric began when she started making quilts about 15 years ago, and she has since expanded her repertoire to include handbags, pouches, and various home goods.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your art form.

I love fabric and I love sewing. I love sewing fabric. I am hooked on prints, patterns and the inconceivably numerous ways to cut, combine, appliqué and construct with them. I love making handbags because they are relatively quick, easy and lend themselves to any number of embellishments and shapes. I am also very into utilitarian art/craft. I love making a bag in the afternoon and taking it out for dinner later in the day! I like to combine fabrics in dynamic ways - I go for contrast and excitement in design. I love to appliqué or apply other fabrics on the bags for interest and uniqueness, or adding handmade silk or crochet flowers to the bags. I've just started dabbling in fabric paint on natural linen, and so far I love that. I think I will continue to explore that avenue. I love the unexpected.

What was it that attracted you to working with fabric?

I love textures and the tactile nature of fabric, I love smooth, crisp cottons and linens, the iridescence of a dupioni silk, the nubby texture of a thickly woven home decorating fabric, and of course the endless, mind-blowing array of commercial printed fabric out there. I am especially enamored with Japanese fabrics and prints. They have an indefinable modernity about them that also references a traditional aesthetic. I would say that juxtaposition might also define my sense of style.



What is your favorite part of creating your work?

Probably the initial idea. I might be inspired by the most random thing, and I will quickly sketch something in my little idea book that I always carry with me. Then it might percolate in my head for a few days, usually during some sort of half asleep/half awake period at night, and I often wake up with something close to being gelled and concrete. I'll then get to work on a flat pattern, usually made from a "high tech" material like a brown paper bag. I don't usually make a mock up, I like living dangerously and will often cut right into my most coveted Liberty of London fabric. I love the process more than anything.

What's the most challenging part of creating your work?

I would say fighting boredom, which comes with the territory of production, especially for shows and such. Also, being a good marketer is something I am not. And the nuts and bolts of business - yuck.

What's your current favorite product, and why?

I love the Liberty of London messenger bags I have in my shop! I bought the fabric in NYC during a visit with my family. I love the utility of the bag, and the femininity of the fabric.



Can you share some tips on how to choose fabrics for a handmade bag?

I would say just about anything works, as far as fabric goes. I try stay away from synthetics, because I hate the feel of them. Sometimes I will use a high quality satin for linings, but that's about it. I don't give thought to matching or neutrals, because I feel if you love something, chances are it'll go with what you normally wear. I interface all my fabric bags, for strength, structure, and durability, so even delicate fabrics usually work. Of course, fine silks are appropriate for smaller, formal duty bags, and canvases are suited to larger bags you might use every day, but of course, you could always mix it up and go crazy!

Anything else you'd like to share?

I've recently been published! I have contributed to a modern quilting book about an online quilting bee - Block Party: The Modern Quilting Bee.

Congratulations on your book, Lisa, and thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I simply love how vibrant and dynamic your work is. You have an amazing talent for unexpected fabric pairings. What liberating advice you give - if you love a particular fabric, it is sure to work with your style.

To see more of Lisa's stunning handiwork, visit her Etsy shop: Pink Lemonade Boutique.

Photos: pinklemonadeboutique, reprinted with permission.