October 2005

Issue 7 / Fall 2005, Interview by Hillary Harrison

Who are you and where are you based out of?

My name is Adrien Lucas, originally from cloudy gray Ohio, spent my formative years (whatever that means) in Los Angeles and the past four years in sunny, yet rapidly growing, Sarasota, Florida.

Where does your inspiration for your amazing bags come from?

My brain is spazzy in that so many things infiltrate and then suddenly I want to make something. Anything from vintage bugs made by classic jewelers like Rene LaLique, Tiffany Glass or nature photos from National Geographic to old graphics that have fallen by the wayside with a splash of new wave, punk rock and other musical notes creeping in to get me in the sewing mood.

When did you discover your inner craftiness (i.e.: how long have you been making good stuff?)

My dad is a retired art prof and my mom can sew anything. It was my aunt Dolly who got me into embroidery and it just went on from there from a very young age. I embellished all my vintage outfits for high school; I was the poor posh gal with the sparkly get-ups or my morbid blacks when I wanted to be alone!

Why do you think it’s important to be creative and/or make things instead of buying completed goods from stores?

I don’t necessarily think that one choice is more right than the other. For instance, I have a genuine black hole in my brain when it comes to mathematics. My parents wasted more dough on tutoring for me and I have nothing to show for their effort. Some people know they’re limitations with their hands and that no matter what they try and make, it just isn’t going to happen. And that’s OK, they have talents in other areas. But what I do think is it is very important to encourage people to try and be creative, whether it’s on their own, with a cool kit or by buying an outfit that compliments their style sense, knowing they would have had a hell of a time trying to make it!

Do you have any advice for other crafters?

Well as my father said to me, “If you don’t buy a ticket, you’ll never get to ride.” And he’s right. I use to make things and horde them or give them as gifts, hoping someone would see me out with a bag or the Prince of Marketing would come knocking on my door. The fact is, you do your craft first, because you are a creative being and feel compelled by joy to make stuff. Secondly if you really want to take it further, it is up to you to create your own buzz and to use that buzz as your launch pad for getting your crafts into the venues that you want to see and sell them at.

What do you have planed for your future craftiness?

Currently I’m really trying to push my D-I-Y Wristlette Kit featuring celebrity mug shots. The kit includes everything (except a sewing machine) to make the little bag which is a perfect bag for going out. Other than that, ultimately quit my day job and focus on my hand bag business full time!

How can someone get a hold of a Tuff Betty Hand Bag?

Simply go to my website www.tuffbettybags.com and shop from there or come to Sarasota and shop locally. Or stalk me, yes I love those kinds of shoppers, that would be my third choice.