Cincy-Based Baqette Upcycles Old Leather Scraps Into New Handbags

Artist Quinn McIlhargey-Nicholson makes stylish leather accessories from repurposed leather scraps for her business, Baqette. The versatile pouches and bags she hand-makes are a great choice for sustainable shopping. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

The pouch is a classic and versatile design that can be used for anything from a wallet to a passport holder. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

Quinn sources her leather scraps from Cumberland Furniture, her uncle’s furniture shop in Grand Rapids, MI. Baqette was founded in 2012 when Quinn lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but as she’s moved and grown creatively, the business has always stayed with her. It's currently headquartered in Cincinnati. “I started messing around with the leather scraps probably over 10 years ago now, and I’ve consistently done Baqette on the side since then,” she says. “It has developed along with my life and the time I have for it has ebbed and flowed and has never been a high-pressure situation.” / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

The pouch in the 'royal' colorway{ }/ Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

Baqette’s classic pouches come in a variety of colors including chartreuse, emerald, and dijon.{ }/ Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

While also working full-time, Baqette has always remained a part of Quinn’s creative expression. She says that her goal was to channel her creative energy into something both sustainable and functional. She creates all of her up-cycled leather accessories in her home studio in Cincinnati. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

You can shop Baqette’s full line of products <a href="http://www.baqette.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.baqette.com/">online</a>. Get updates about upcoming ways to shop the selections in-person by following them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/baqette/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/baqette/">Instagram</a>. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

True to Baqette’s mission of functionality, the Caro cardholder is one of their most popular products. Just fill it with cards, clip it to your keys, and you’re good to go. It’s the perfect accessory for anyone who doesn’t like to carry a purse or stuff a bulky wallet into their pocket. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

All Baqette pouches are made from repurposed leather scrap, giving new life to a beautiful, high-quality material that otherwise would have gone to waste. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

The multi-functional Mini Halfie can be folded like an envelope into a clutch or unfolded for use as a zippered pouch. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

$You can shop Baqette’s full line of products{ }<a href="http://www.baqette.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.baqette.com/">online</a>. Get updates about upcoming ways to shop the selections in-person by following them on{ }<a href="https://www.instagram.com/baqette/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/baqette/">Instagram</a>. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20$

Navy, chestnut suede, sunshine, royal, rorange, and rust pouches / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

The Halfie pouch can be folded over and carried as a clutch or unfolded to fill with larger items like a laptop.{ }/ Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

Quinn’s studio is filled with light and color, which is reflected in her Baqette creations.{ }/ Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

Cozy lambswool pouches / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

$You can shop Baqette’s full line of products{ }<a href="http://www.baqette.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.baqette.com/">online</a>. Get updates about upcoming ways to shop the selections in-person by following them on{ }<a href="https://www.instagram.com/baqette/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/baqette/">Instagram</a>. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20$

As a growing company, Quinn is excited about what the future holds for Baqette. “Lately I’ve been feeling that I have so much creativity going through my head and I have all of the tools and materials and relationships now, so I’m just keeping it moving in a positive way,” says Quinn. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

$You can shop Baqette’s full line of products{ }<a href="http://www.baqette.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.baqette.com/">online</a>. Get updates about upcoming ways to shop the selections in-person by following them on{ }<a href="https://www.instagram.com/baqette/" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/baqette/">Instagram</a>. / Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20$

Currently, Quinn is excited about working on some new brightly colored designs, so keep an eye out for new products and colorways coming soon.{ }/ Image: Shea Renusch // Published: 11.19.20

Restart Gallery

You May Also Like These Photo Galleries

You May Also Like These Photo Galleries