A Derby University graduate is the brains behind one of the UK's most innovative new companies - and all because she accidentally burnt her carpet with an iron!

Kelly Atkins, 23, is the proud owner of Carpet Burns - a company that recycles used carpets to create unique pieces of purses, vanity cases and handbags.

The accessories are created using an environmentally friendly technique which Kelly discovered completely by accident.

See some of Kelly's work here.

Heat and pressure are used to melt unwanted and spare pieces of carpet which can then be moulded into any shape.

An innovative purse design

Kelly discovered this method when she left an iron on the floor of her room at the University of Derby halls of residence - and she decided to experiment more with it.

Now just a few years later, Kelly has a patent pending on the technique and has turned it into an ongoing enterprise.

Based at the University's Britannia Mill complex, Kelly creates new pieces for exhibition and for sale.

Whilst currently specialising in smaller pieces, she hopes to move into larger items such as suitcases and furniture soon.


See some of Kelly's work here.

The innovative technique has brought Kelly's work to the attention of a wider audience - and money has been provided by the Prince's Youth Trust and the Crafts Council to help her continue her work.

Kelly says the advantages of her designs are the fact they are waterproof and flexible enough to take a person's weight.

She also feels the items have a strong commercial value as they don't look recycled but look completely new.

You can contact Carpet Burns on 01332 594044 or email: kelly@carpet-burns.com