Little Jul’s mission is to create one of a kind beautiful pieces that spark joy and last!

Julie Irvine, Artist & Owner of Little Jul, LLC

The Short Version

  • The most frequently asked question I have gotten is by far "How did you get into this? And I never miss a beat responding that I started sewing leather handbags after finding some leather at a yard sale for $5! I could always pick out the most gorgeous leather bag at TJ Maxx in a heartbeat but I would never buy myself one because high price fashion was not in my budget habits. So when I picked up that yard sale leather I decided to try making my own leather bag. The rest is history!

A few more details...

  • Background

    Hello and welcome! I’m Julie an artist and creator for as long as I can remember. Growing up my mother encouraged a wide variety of creative experiences, art education and even taught me to sew as a child. My small farming community gave me constant support and the teachers I needed to learn how to sew and much more!   “You (or we) can do it” was instilled in me in that small town.

    After studying art and psychology I worked in the mental health field where I used the tremendous therapeutic power of creating with clients. Then as I transitioned to being home with my family I felt the need to create more than ever. Creating is an incredibly grounding and soothing gift I am thankful for!

  • I pour out my heart through my art.

    I have always loved to get to know people, their stories, their hearts and dreams. I aim to share in their excitement or lighten their load and bring peace and hope to each situation. As an artist, I bring these desires and skills to my craft as I want to make things that resonate. I pour out my heart through my art.  Each Little Jul work is a lovely piece of leather that turns into something useful and pleasing- a tool that doesn’t only serve its master in the practical way, but brings a joy by serving with beauty as well. Because life is so much better when we see and experience beauty!

    I’m convinced recognizing and being grateful for the beauty around us, be it in a purse, glorious sky, a child’s delight, or in the cashier in front of you, is the way of joy.  Life is full of hardship but full of gifts to rejoice in too!  And gifts declare to us we are not unnoticed, not unknown and not alone (James 1:17, Genesis 16:13).

  • Wife, Mother, Entrepreneur

    In addition to being an artist, I am a wife and a mother of two amazing kids based in Richmond, Virginia. I opened Little Jul in 2018 and have never looked back. I love crafting beautiful, custom pieces for my customers that will last for years to come. I believe a beautiful journal, wallet or bag brings a spark of joy to everyday life!

Little Jul focuses on leather goods created as one-of-a-kind art pieces.  

I never want to reproduce a product over again because the joy of the creative process would be lost. My aim truly is to make something unique about every piece. Each it’s own little piece of original art, a “little jewel” intended to share joy and light.

Photo Credit: Heather Dodge Photography