My story

Hi, I’m Ranee Lemke, the face behind Blackhoof Valley Leather. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but have lived more than half my life in the woods of northern Minnesota. I love it here in the Blackhoof Valley! I am married to my best friend, who is not only supportive of all I do, but has done all in his power to help me grow. He is currently helping me to expand my leather workshop up in the loft of our home. When he came home one day to find two walls torn down upstairs he laughed and then donned his toolbelt and has been helping me create the space I have been dreaming of. We are also blessed with 4 grown children (all of whom have helped in one way or another to get this business off the ground) and many grandchildren!

For most of my life I have had a passion for sewing. First it was for clothes, then accessories and then quilting. But, the springboard for my biggest endeavor yet started in the beginning of 2022. I made my first big purchase of a leather bag from an online company, and then another, AND THEN ANOTHER! I was hooked! Not only did I purchase five different styles and colors of the same type of bag, but went on to buying three larger totes, a small backpack and quite a few “littles”. Then it occurred to me…I CAN MAKE THESE!

I searched for a local leatherer to mentor me, but found no one close by. So, day and night I spent my time watching YouTube Video, after YouTube Video, AFTER YouTube Video to learn the craft. In addition I went to the library and checked out every book I could get my hands on pertaining to leather crafting. Then I ordered my first set tools and away I went! One year later I am loving what I can do with leather and can’t seem to get enough of learning new techniques and designs.

I love to hear the excitement in my customers voices and see the joy on their faces when I present to them the leather goods they have had their hearts set on. I know the feeling! When I receive another shipment of leather the first thing I want to do is touch it, then smell it and start dreaming of the next project I want to create!

I would love to create for you and am thrilled to place in your hands one of my handcrafted leather creations!