Meet the Macclesfield woman who makes handbags for charity out of Arighi Bianchi leather
A Macclesfield woman has started an innovative project preventing leather from going to waste.
Janice Byrne spends her spare time making handbags and shoulderbags out of Arighi Bianchi leather.
The leather, which comes out of old swatch booklets (that demonstrate samples of leather for furniture), would normally go to waste.
But Janice has not only done good by repurposing the leather, but she has also had an impact on local charities.
That's because although Janice sells the bags, 100% of the money goes to charity.
Macclesfield Nub News met with Janice to find out more.
"Every bag is unique," said Janice.
"No two are the same.
"I don't make any money out of the bags.
"I add lining fabric and magnets to it.
"Because they are swatches, it takes ages to strip them down, it takes me a day to make one."
She started the project to raise money for East Cheshire Hospice, and now has started to sell the bags for a second charity, being Bollington Parkinson's support group The ALEX Project.
The ALEX Project meet at Bollington Health and Leisure every Wednesday morning.
Carole Anne Poole, of The ALEX Project said, "Janice's bags are amazing. We were delighted when she said she'd come and sell her bags here at The ALEX Project, to raise money for us."
Furthermore, Janice sometimes has a Treacle Market Stall in St. Michael's Churchyard, and will next be there on December 22.
She is one of two stalls at the Treacle Market that fundraises money for East Cheshire Hospice, and Treacle Market organisers let Janice have the gazebo for free.
Janice, who is a surveyor for an insurance company, is also a driver and befriender at East Cheshire Hospice.
"I sell the bags for £10," added Janice.
"I have sold 20 so far, but I was only selling them for a fiver then.
"People kept telling me to raise the price.
Arighi Bianchi, The Silk Road, Macclesfield. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)
"I take cash or card, if you buy from me at the Treacle Market.
"Thank you to everyone in Macclesfield for their support so far."
Luke Brightmore, marketing and communications manager at East Cheshire Hospice said: "We are so grateful for Janice's incredible creativity and generosity.
"Her beautiful, one-of-a-kind bags bring in essential funds for the Hospice, helping us continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most in our local area.
"Thank you to everyone who has purchased one, and don't miss the chance to grab one of Janice's creations at the Treacle Market in December!"
Arighi Bianchi itself already does lots for East Cheshire Hospice, but it is inspiring to know that even waste products from the Macclesfield institution, can support another, with a little help from Janice.
And Arighi Bianchi, were contacted by Macclesfield Nub News for comment.
Lisa Easterby, Store Manager at Arighi Bianchi said: "Here at Arighi Bianchi, we regularly update our collections, including our leather furniture products, so we're delighted that Janice is putting these old swatch books to good use."
"Her creativity and commitment are truly inspiring; by transforming our old leather swatch books into beautiful handbags, she's giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste.
"Janice's dedication to supporting these fantastic local charities through this venture is something we're immensely proud to be a part of. It's a brilliant example of sustainability, craftsmanship, and generosity coming together for a greater cause."
Arighi Bianchi also donated a voucher to raffle off, at The ALEX Project, where Janice sold her bags on Wednesday.
Marks and Spencer and B&Q Macclesfield also supported this week's meeting.
Should you wish to buy one of Janice's bags, you can email her at [email protected].
To find more about The ALEX Project, please click HERE.
UPDATE: This article was edited to remove the inaccurate statement that Janice's bags being available at East Cheshire Hospice. They can not be bought there.
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