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Johnny Jimenez

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Johnny Jimenez

Handcrafted leather home decor in The Andes

"When my dad ran the workshop, we specialized in Colonial motifs. I prefer Inca motifs. I studied Business Administration, but the truth is, I much prefer doing this."

Johnny is heir to a family leather tanning tradition. His father, Don Diomedes had a leather workshop, and he learned the craft alongside his siblings. Their parents and uncles were their teachers. By the time he was six years old, Johnny would play with spare pieces of tooled leather, making designs. He eventually learned to tool. "It's ironic how, back then when I was a kid and had no experience, I never had an accident. And later, with years of experience, I cut my hand!" Johnny confides.

"When I was 12 years old I was allowed to work on my own designs, and when I was 15, I was given my own set of tools! I used to compete with other people in the workshop too. Now I'm married to Irene, and we have two children, Brigitte and Johnny.

"When my dad ran the workshop, we specialized in colonial motifs. I prefer Inca motifs. I studied business administration but, the truth is, I much prefer doing this. I like to try new things, including different leather tooling methods and, in doing so, I realized the quality of my work improved drastically. I am regarded as being one of the few tanners in Peru that still works with his hands.

"Some people from the United States visited my workshop and liked my work, and since then they keep commissioning items for cowboys. This experience has taught me the value of constantly creating and renovating, and working with different materials, including leather, wood, and wrought iron.

"My dad and I learned to draw on our own, because we enjoy creating new designs for our leatherwork.

"There used to be many leather tannery workshops, but now there are only two where I live, mine and that of another featured artist. Moises Alvarez. That's why I'm very happy to be associated with you. I'd love to show the world how rich Peruvian artistry is, so that we may stop it from dying out. That's why I dedicate all my time and energy to my work, so that it may be worthy of your admiration."

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Preserving Traditions

Microcredit Financing

Profound Impact

Caring for Children

38 items by Johnny Jimenez

Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

103

Maryann

From Anaheim Hills, CA USA

Verified Reviewer

02/20/2021

"Exceptional quality"

Wonderful in its simplicity and usefulness.

Purchased Item:

Tree of Life, Tree of Life Artisan Crafted Tooled Leather Catchall

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Cynthia

Verified Reviewer

02/18/2021

"Unique & Original"

Beautiful craftsmanship and design. I love its simplicity as a catch-all for my bracelets, but at the same time its one-of-a-kind handcrafted artisan appeal. I will look for more by this artist.

Best Uses

Useful for jewelry on top of a dresser OR empty as an object d'art!

Purchased Item:

Caramel Pyramid Tattoo, Leather Catchall in Caramel Brown Artisan Crafted in Peru

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Judy

Verified Reviewer

02/10/2021

"Perfect Christmas gift"

Bought this to give as a Christmas gift. Beautifully crafted leather. Large enough for many uses. Do not hesitate to purchase this piece - it was outstanding!

Best Uses

A place for keys, pens, note pads, even wrapped candies

Purchased Item:

Floral Star, Leather Catchall in Honey Brown Artisan Crafted in Peru

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Brigitte

Verified Reviewer

02/09/2021

"A beautiful gift"

This Item was a gift for family member, he loved it

Purchased Item:

Caramel Pyramid Tattoo, Artisan Crafted Dark Brown Leather Catchall from Peru

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Brigitte

Verified Reviewer

02/09/2021

"A beautiful gift"

This Item was a gift for my son, he loved it

Purchased Item:

Tree of Life, Tree of Life Artisan Crafted Tooled Leather Catchall

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Mary

Verified Reviewer

01/31/2021

"Brown Lasso"

This catchall is a beautifully crafted item. I gave it to My husband for Christmas and he loves and appreciated the fine workmanship.

Purchased Item:

Brown Lasso, Artisan Crafted Leather Square Catchall from the Andes

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