About JK Leather

JK Leather is owned and operated by Janel Hendricks. She says about herself:

I am Janel Hendricks. I live in Riverside, WY with Chris, my husband of 16 years. We have lived in Germany, Washington State, and 8 years ago, we moved back to Wyoming. We now call Riverside home, and live here with our 1 cat, 2 dogs, and 3 horses.

I grew up on a dairy farm in Western Nebraska, where I spent all my free time riding my horse. In junior high, I did some leatherwork and really enjoyed it, but I didn't pursue it further until 2005, when I took a 4 day class in Sheridan, WY, at the Rocky Mountain Leather Show.

The class was Introduction to Professional Leathercraft. I learned things ranging from how to make a basket weave stamp, to making floral carvings and oakleaves. I made a checkbook cover, and with that I learned to sew. I enjoyed learning to make a belt for myself, and how to size and craft a belt.

A picture of my work was printed in the Leather Crafters and Saddlers Journal, Sept/Oct. 2005, in the article A Hand Stitching Pointer, by Len Rothfeld, who was one of the instructors for the class. This class made me eager to learn and do more with leather, so I bought some tools and have spent the last couple of years practicing my carving and stamping techniques.

Since that first class I have trained with people such as George Hurst; owner of Hidecrafters. His course helped me improve my oak leaf and floral carving. I have participated in training with Jeff Mosby, of Mosby Guitars to improve my floral carving. Dale Grabowski of Grandpa's Pasttime taught me how to cover picture frames with leather.

I enjoy making high quality leather goods such as wallets, purses, checkbook covers, day planners, and many more things. My goal is to make you a one of a kind item that fits your needs and personality, with the durability to be enjoyed for many years.