A lack of classic Western accessories led Paige Albrecht of Alberta, Canada, to launch Paige Leather, focusing on making a Western purse with elegance that could last for generations. The self-taught leather worker and artist started out making items for her family’s ranch, but has since grown her business to include gunslinger belts, purses, and other leather accessories.
Raised on a ranch that also trained horses for working cow horse and cutting, Albrecht learned early on how to fix and repair tack.
“We were a do-it-yourself family, making our own chaps, so it was a natural fit for me to start making belts,” she says. “It grew into what I’m making today. A lot of people in the Western lifestyle are do-it-yourselfers, so it was an easy fit for me, plus I’m artistic. I had very basic knowledge of leatherwork. We didn’t do tooled work but made everyday leather tack and items you’d need.”
She moved away from the ranch and was working as a hairdresser when both her oil painting and leather crafting businesses took off. Albrecht threw herself into Paige Leather. Using her own background in the Western and equine worlds, Albrecht creates couture-style leather purses with flair.
Evolving Her Style
In Alberta, Albrecht says the opportunity to find Western goods that compare to those offered in the United States was rare 20 years ago. Using inspiration from Western lifestyle magazines, she started making her own to wear to the Western events where she sold her oil paintings.
“I started dabbling in more detailed leather work and went to the art shows,” she says. “My art and leatherwork began competing. I had to pick one to put all my effort into so I could do one really, really well and not be just OK at both. I left my painting and went full-bore on the leather work. A defining moment was taking my work down to the [National Finals Rodeo] in 2016 and having a booth for the first time. That was such an eye opener! Seeing other makers that had been doing it for a while showed me the possibilities.”
Work at the level of quality of companies like Double D Ranchwear inspired her. The self-taught artist and craftsman has never been to a workshop. Her purses fall into two categories: boho and classic. The purse’s direction depends largely on materials.
“I create a more boho look, more raw, with really unique cow hides,” Albrecht explains. “If I have a nice, jagged edge, I think how I can create a purse. Then, I add fringe. A lot comes from the material. For the more structured pieces, I try to be really classic. Years ago, I came across bandolier bags, which are Navajo bags with excessive conchos on them. That is kind of where I got my inspiration. In those patterns and having lots of conchos, it spoke to me. I found some vintage, collectible purses on Pinterest and was inspired.”
One thing she doesn’t compromise on, no matter the style, is quality materials.
Focusing On Quality
As a youth, Albrecht recalled purses she bought falling apart after a short time. As a maker, she wants to alleviate that issue.
“If someone is going to invest in a purse from me, I want it to last; I want it to be something to pass along,” she says. “When I design my purses, I choose elements that won’t break down. That is one reason I don’t line my purses; fabric will break down. I also avoid zippers because they break down.”
She works with two other makers, Kristen Allen of Twisted K Leather and silversmith Kellie McCrae, to create one-of-a-kind pieces. She displayed her work at the 2023 Art of the Cowgirl event and plans to attend again in 2024. While the leather craft is her bread and butter, Albrecht wants to return to her art in 2024, having taken a five-year hiatus.
“Artists can be caught up in doing too many things but not being good at any of them,” Albrecht says. “I want to figure out how to fit both leather and art into my life, as well as riding horses. It’s all about being organized and is a never-ending battle. I’m looking forward to do doing more.”
One thing is certain: This Canadian horsewoman and craftsman will continue to create.
FAQ: Paige Leather
◆ Price Range: Gunslinger belts are roughly $340. Purses are a wide range, and depend on time and material, but budget $500 to $1,000.
◆ Facebook: @thebrandpaigeleather
◆ Where to shop in person: 2025 NCHA Futurity
This article about Paige Leather appeared in the February 2024 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!
