Designer and Maker Julie Meyer Creates Handbags with a Flair for Function

By Sharon Parker

Julie Meyer creates stylish and sturdy fabric handbags, performing all stages of the process herself, from design to construction, in her home studio in Longfellow.

This will be her second LoLa art crawl, and she’ll be set up at the home of her brother-in-law, Adam Meyer, another LoLa artist (MPLS Woodworks), located “just a few doors down from Merlin’s Rest” on 36th Avenue. Merlin’s Rest is also a stop on the LoLa art crawl this year.

What media do you work in?

Textile/Fiber.  I make handbags from design to finished bag using new and upcycled fabrics.

What inspires/informs your art?

I'm inspired by quality fabrics and simple designs for everyday functionality when I'm creating my bags. I use a mix of new durable fabrics along with vintage and upcycled pieces. I'm currently working on vinyl and leather bags with upcycled straps from vintage camera straps and leather belts.  

What do you like about LoLa?

I've lived in the Longfellow neighborhood for nearly 20 years and have been making handbags out of my home studio for the past 6 years.  I love the opportunity to discover artists right here in my neighborhood.

Are you doing anything special during the art crawl?

You will find my bags along with my brother-in-law’s woodwork, including jewelry, bowls, cutting boards and more. Stop in for refreshments!

You can also shop Julie’s handbags and more local art this weekend, July 26–27, at the Red Hot Art festival in Steven’s Square Park, as well as online in her Etsy shop.