JENNIFER CROFT ( nee JARRED ) IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED 3D LEATHER ARTIST, CRAFTING AWARD WINNING LEATHER WORK AND SCULPTURE, BLENDING TRADITION, CREATIVITY AND TEACHING FROM HER RURAL WORKSHOP.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
In her unique studio on the outskirts of Tongala, Victoria, artist Jenni Croft transforms raw materials into breathtaking works of leather art — bridging the world of creativity and craftsmanship like few others in Australia can.
To look at some of Jenni’s artwork from a distance you would never believe it was made out of leather.
Walk into Jenni’s shed and the overwhelming aroma of leather hits you.
“I’ve been working with leather for more than 40 years,” Jenni said,
“So I don’t smell it as much anymore.”
From humble beginnings, Jenni grew up in children’s homes, and at an early age she developed a passion for drawing.
Her love of horses was acknowledged by her foster parents, who gave her her first horse.
From there, her journey into the world of equine leather began.
By the age of 13, she had crafted her first bridle and five-plait reins — reins that now hang in the doorway to her shed as fly streamers.
Jenni pestered the local saddlery for employment — they finally relented and gave her a job.
She was 18, swept floors, cleaned and restacked leather, and unpicked more than 50 machine-stitched stirrup-leathers — quite an achievement at that age.
In due course, Jenni made her first complete saddle, with many more made at O’Dea’s Saddlery in Shepparton.
In her lunch hour she began to explore the wider world of carving belts, wallets and book covers from premium leather.
Leather is a natural product that lends itself to creative minds and endless possibilities.
“I remain endlessly fascinated with what is possible using leather, and having some self-taught skills I love exploring new ideas,” she said.
“Leather is such a diverse medium — limited only by your own imagination.
“When I'm working with leather I am totally absorbed, bringing my creations to life, be they flora or fauna. I feel like I'm in my own world — it is surreal.”
Jenni has always enjoyed working with leather and now leather is her labour of love.
On a blank piece of leather she proceeds to draw, carve, sculpt and colour.
Gradually, a new lifelike creation appears, to dazzle and impress anyone who sees it.
Decoration adds final touches to practical and functional items, including saddles, whips, handbags, coats, vests, shoes, belts, wallets, phone cases and planners.
Today, Jenni is widely recognised for creating detailed three-dimensional leather art, embracing texture and imperfection as part of each story.
She pushes the boundaries of her craft into sculptural territory, mounting some of her works on rustic surfaces including corrugated iron, timber fence palings, and both weathered and salvaged material.
Jenni has created and displayed many such pieces at exhibitions, and demonstrated a variety of techniques at art shows across Australia.
She receives commissions from many countries, with creations making their way to America, England, Japan, Thailand and France among others.
Jenni observed that leatherwork is an art form that is rarely pitted against other art forms in shows.
“When one wins Best In Show at Melbourne Royal — against an array of entries from across the arts and crafts spectrum — then that is a real honour, Jenni said.
“I also enjoy show judging, as it presents a welcome opportunity to give back to the leather community.”
Jenni’s Shed continues to thrive, holding weekly leather-working classes for students at all levels from beginners to advanced.
Weekend workshops at the shed are always well attended, as are classes and tours held across Australia.
“I enjoy the challenges and rewards of teaching leathercraft, as my knowledge and skills are enhanced along with those of my students,” she said.
Jenni’s passion for leather has been lifelong.
“When I first started,” she reminisced. “Leather was an intriguing material. The more I worked with it, the more I realised what could be done to push its boundaries.
“Being able to carve, emboss, sculpt and colour leather gives me enormous satisfaction.”
“It is truly realism in art.”
JENNI CROFT - JENNI’S SHED
phone : 0402 758 099
email: jjroxinjennisshed@hotmail.com