Vintage kitchen

Anyone who know me knows I love everything vintage! Whether it is vintage hair, clothing, accessories or home interiors, I just love it!!

I always try to incorporate vintage style in my home. It can add a bit of life and character into a room and it doesnt have to cost you a fortune. I have different vintage elements around my home which I will be blogging about to give you ideas and tips on how u can create some vintage flare around the home without breaking the bank.

I am going to start with the kitchen, the heart of any home. Lets face it we all spend alot of time in the kitchen weather you like too or not! hehee! So if we are, then why not make it funky and interesting to be in. This can be done in many different ways. Here are three main things to look at....

1. Wall art or signage - I am a huge fan or reproduction vintage signs. Dont get me wrong I would love original vintage signs but they cost a fortune!!  I picked up some replica's at a market but you can easily get them online. They are quirky and fun and add to the vintage vibe.

2. Decorate your fridge - you dont just have to put on tacky magnets. Infact magnets are quiet cool now esp with ones you pick up on holiday and ones with slogans and signs. Make a feature of that fridge door!

3. Kitchen appliances- Again you dont have to spend a fortune as you can get great own brand appliances in many good stores. I did have a complete Purple set out of Next but when we bought a Dualit cream and stainless steel coffee maker and decided it was time for new appliances we completed the Dualit set. I love the design. It has a modern vintage look if you get what I mean. I also have to say the Dualit products themselves are fantastic.  Great buy!

Here are some pictures and will get the rest up later...

Dualit Architect Range in Cream and Stainless Steel

Close up of Dualit Architect Kettle

Close up of Dualit Architect Kettle And toaster

Vintage Style Clock in cream bought in Tesco!

★★★ more photos to follow later ★★★

Dualit Website

• 
  

Purple poodle tote bags

I stumbled upon making bags originally when I made a lightweight tote gift bag for a cushions set . I then went on to make a bag for a friend and one for my mum and the rest is history. 

I have developed a handmade, canvas strength lined, double stitched handled tote shopper. I wanted the bags to have strength and durability as well as looking pretty.

The shoppers now come in different designs. It can have a pretty fabric outer, which can be contrasting fabics on either side, a patchwork finish or handmade printed material which you then can customise to any print. Even though hand printing material is time consuming and sometime tricky I do feel it is a fantastic finish and a product that is even more bespoke and personal to the owner.

The sewing machine was definitely well welcomed in the designing and production of tote bags. Working with double layers of canvas and cotton is certainly hard work but the Brother sewing machine made it much more easier.

Bags that I sold a year ago are still being used today for everyday shopping use and this makes me proud to know I produced a long lasting product.

Check out just some of the bags I have made below.

Thanks for reading!

Laura x

About me

Hello everyone

My name is Laura Joss, 31 and from Belfast,  N. Ireland. I am currently living in London with my Husband, Mylo, my 10 year old Cavalier king charles spaniel, Deano, my 8 year old Retriever cross and Lola the 5 month old sliver bengal cross (the princess of the house!)

I started Purple Poodle Craft Creations around a year or so ago making bespoke one off vintage style pieces. The products range consisted of cushions, bags, card making, frabic prints and soft toys. I mainly did this venture for the love of crafting and along the way made some products for family and friends.

My art background

I have a BA Hons in Fine and Applied Arts from the University Of Ulster, Belfast. I have taught art workshops in the past while doing youth work, taught art workshops  in schools  and I currently help teach Art Classes for a charity called DRUM, which works with disabled adults of various abilities.

I am so excited about this blog and sharing ideas!!

Love

Laura x

♡ Purple Poodle ♡

http://www.facebook.com/purplepoodlecraftcreations

Purple Poodle Cushion Set's.

I totally love to make cushion set's. Finding the right fabric is key for look and feel. I especially love to source vintage material if possible and if not then materials with a vintage look. That is not to say that all the cushions I have made have been floral and vintage looking , as if a customer has a request or a colour way then that is what I will create. I love getting ideas and creating to a brief.

The most popular cushion sets that I have made have been Cath Kidston and Laura Ashley looks. I was actually able to source vintage Laura Ashley material for a patchwork set that just looked amazing when constructed. 

I originally started making cushions completely by hand which were heart shape and I would have added ribbons and buttons. I eventually invested in a Brother sewing machine and thats when I didnt look back! Cushion construction can be quiet simple unless you branch out into patchwork style and then you need to be abit more methodical and patient. Well worth it in the end! 

Cushion stuffing quality is key. If you are going to go to the trouble of creating a beautiful cushion it needs to be packed correctly for maximum comfort and softness. I find that using toy stuffing in certain cushions makes them even softer but with the sturdiness it requires.

Here are some pictures of cushions I have created. I hope it gives you some ideas!

My first cushion set.

Vintage Laura Ashley style cushion set

Cath Kidston material patchwork cushion with heart cushion.

Cath Kidston material pathwork cushion

Heart and pillow cushion bed set made with extra soft cotton.

Patchwork and button chair cushion with heart contrast back.

Thanks for reading!

Laura xx

Some cushions I created.  Just wanted to give you an idea of my work while I work on my first proper blog!

Happy Sunday Everyone

Laura x

♡Welcome to Purple Poodle Craft Creations♡

Hello everyone,

Well suppose I may tell you all a little about myself. My name is Laura Joss, I am 31 and from Belfast,  N. Ireland. I am currently living in London with my Husband, Mylo, my 10 year old Cavalier king charles spaniel, Deano, my 8 year old Retriever cross and Lola the 5 month old sliver bengal cross (the princess of the house!)

I started Purple Poodle Craft Creations around a year ago making bespoke one off vintage style pieces. The products range consisted of cushions, bags, card making, frabic prints and soft toys. I mainly did this venture for the love of crafting and creating and along the way made some products for family, friend and purple poodle fans. Since christmas Purple Poodle was put on the back burner for awhile for reasons out of my control but I'm back and this blog will accompany the current facebook page.

I am so excited to start this blog to share ideas and designs.  

Love

Laura x

Link to the Facebook page for all your gift ideas

http://www.facebook.com/purplepoodlecraftcreations