JLN Custom Leatherwork
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Featuring the work of the Wyoming Rawhide braider and Leatherworker Justine Nelson-Graham. From childhood she sought to create the gear she observed around her.
Justine Nelson-Graham
Rawhide Braider, Leather Worker, and Saddle Maker. Born in the Magic Valley of Southern Idaho, raised around horses and other livestock, Justine has always been fascinated by the western way of life; particularly the tack and equipment that are unique to it's heritage. Often using whatever materials she could find to build tack for toy horses. At the age of 15 she was introduced to the writings of Bruce Grant. His books detailed the process of braiding rawhide into functional horse tack. She was hooked, and immediately took to braiding anything she could get her hands on. Shortly afterwards she also began working with and tooling leather. Eventually going on to learn saddle making and opening her own custom leather shop. In 2015 she was able to begin to learn the process of taking a fresh cowhide through the curing and cutting stages and then braiding the resulting strings into finished pieces. She has continued to hone her skills in this craft., helped along by many of the top braiders in the industry. This hard and exacting process continually provides her with fresh challenges which she finds very satisfying. Always one to use the gear she builds on her own horses she is able to maintain a strict quality control over the pieces she builds. Working in both rawhide and leather gives her a unique advantage as she is able to combine elements of both crafts seamlessly into her finished pieces. Her work is as functional as it is beautiful and is sought by cowboys, horsemen and collectors throughout the west and even abroad. She currently splits her time between her leather/rawhide shop and the Wyoming cattle ranch where she lives with her husband, saddle maker Chip Graham.
This video does not do this set justice! I'll keep working on getting better photos.
Finely braided rawhide headstall paired with a center-tie bosalita and completed with a set of 12 strand reins with a 16 strand romal all braiding and leatherwork by Justine Nelson-Graham.
Adorned with hand beading done by TJ Wald, and finished by the hand fabricated and engraved silver pieces set with turquoise built by Jodi Echeverria.
(Let me know If you need it for your collection!)
09/19/2026
https://mobb.galaapp.com/auction/
I am so honored to have my work included in the 2026 Trappings of Texas Show!
There are so many beautiful items in this year's show! Be sure you check out the catalog.
08/26/2026
Nearing the finish line on this set.
It has been so enjoyable collaborating with two such fine artists!
08/24/2026
Buffalo helping me with my center tie measurements!
08/18/2026
This bridle set just headed off to Texas!
I am so honored to have been invited to have my work displayed at the 40th Annual Trappings of Texas at the Museum of the Big Bend!
Exhibition is September 17- October 31, 2026
Museum of the Big Bend. Alpine ,TX
Opening weekend is September 17-19
08/08/2026
Putting rawhide wear "leathers" on rein eyes and working on a very colorful popper!
07/18/2026
Exciting news today!
06/29/2026
Come see me in Cheyenne on the 4th!
Meet the artists of the Wyoming Folklife Festival.
Many of the artists you'll meet on July 4 are mentors and apprentices connected through the Wyoming Arts Council's Folk & Traditional Arts Mentoring Project Grant, which supports the passing of traditional knowledge and skills from one generation to the next through hands-on learning.
Today's featured artist:
Justine Nelson-Graham, of Weston, is a rawhide braider. Justine processes her own rawhide and uses it for creating working horse gear such as reins and bosals.
See this tradition demonstrated in person at the Wyoming Folklife Festival.
đź“… July 4, 2026
🕛 Noon–4 p.m.
đź“Ť South Lawn of the Barrett Building (Wyoming State Museum), Cheyenne
The festival is free and open to the public and is part of Cheyenne's Capital City Celebration commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
Learn more: wyoarts.state.wy.us/programs/wyoming-folklife-festival
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Telephone
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Weston, WY
82731
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