40 under 40: Meet Jennifer Barnett

Every Monday, we will be celebrating one of our 40 under 40 makers.

Kicking off 2023 we are getting to know Jennifer Barnett from Verdant Leather. A small business using the best and finest leather to create beautiful handmade pieces for their customers to show off to family and friends and to keep forever.

Let us get to know Jennifer abit better below.

Tell us a bit about what you do.

 I'm Jennifer. I'm married to the wonderful Dan that nominated me for this and managed to keep it a complete surprise. We have 2 little Jack russells, mini monster and cookie monster and we are from very different beginnings. Dan is a city lad from Liverpool. I grew up on a farm, farming and countryside in the muck was where I was always happiest with my ponies and dogs, cats and birds. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up fixing and making things and developed a love of arts and crafts. Furthermore, I studied art and design at college, then to art college, where I gained my degree in Ba photography. I always had involvement with horses and ponies, everything from my first lesson with a neighbouring farmer's wife that wouldn't let me sit on a pony until I could take a bridle to pieces and put it back together. Both Dan and I now work factory jobs, while spending our spare time working on building our leather business.

How did you get into making leather goods?

So how I got into leather work is two pronged, my interest and love of leather had started from those early days with the horses, in fact that very first lesson handling the leather, I was amazed by the qualities. I became almost obsessed with cleaning tack pony club camps was when it was picked up I'd be late for dinner because I strip my bridle down and clean it, one particular day I remember going to our chief riding instructor, Dianne Laundy, (who was also our saddler) to ask if I could have some warm water to clean my tack, she seemed shocked but in a good sort of way, she went on to tell me how she back in the day had done much the same thing. I would go on to make field fixes with plating thread, hole punch. I didn't have the confidence or know of a way into leather work, so I carried on with the day jobs. So Dianne would be one of my first inspirations.
Then last year, Dan got a parcel in the post. He's been watching YouTube videos, he's going to make himself a wallet and a watch strap. He knew all about my horses after all, we still had my last saddle in the loft that I can't bear to part with, but I didn't know if he realised to what extent I loved leather. Ok ,looking back of course he did. I'd look at handbags and say ohhhh that's nice leather, or I like that bag but it's not made of leather, and shoes are much the same story. Anyway, he started tinkering and I sat watching videos with him. Obviously, I couldn't have not given it a go. Little did I know this was all part of Dan's plan. He knew all about my love of leather and design and crafts. We booked in for a craft fair in November now that's another story snow storms power cuts roads blocked that was the start of the business.

What is your favourite product to make?

My favourite product or thing to make would be bespoke handbags I think, that I can fully design from pattern to finish. Making it unique to suit the client that's fully functional for its purpose that will and last that they can cherish.

What do you love most about working with leather?

The things I love about leather is its versatility, rugged robust, smart stylish, funky and fun, while always holding those tactile qualities it has, and the knowledge of its longevity.
My long term goal is to make this a full time career. Short term aims are to give people the opportunity to own unique, quality handmade leather products. And on a personal level, it's making that old saddle I had in the loft into something that I can carry with me and use every day.

What are your next goals? 

What advice would you give to someone who's thinking about becoming a leather worker or who has just started out?
Advice for someone that's looking to start or a beginner... honestly, I feel that I'm still in the beginner stage. Research, YouTube is great. Get hands on, try different leathers, practice practice practice. Ask questions. Believe in yourself.

What does it mean to you to be included in the 40 under 40 list?

 It's a massive honour to be recognised and alongside some of those from the videos I referenced when I first started, along with so many other wonderful creators.

How important do you think it is to keep traditional techniques alive in the modern world?

The traditional techniques are important to us as it's the heritage and skills that are tried and tested, adding to the longevity of our products, those traditional techniques are those that make the product unique and crafted give them a personality of their own that reflects the vision or personality of their owners. Keeping leather work or any craft relevant in a digital age, I feel is important as it holds on to something that's real practical using a skill made with passion and love for the product. We make use of the digital age to let people follow or progress and give them insights into our craft.

What is the biggest challenge to becoming successful in your discipline?

I think it's probably self-confidence and juggling time between shift work and leatherwork.

For more information, please visit www.verdantleather.co.uk

To join this network of great makers, please follow Jennifers Instagram page HERE