Meet Jeana Marie Andreatta | Ranch-Raised Artist – Silversmith, Mohair Tack Weaver, & Keeper of Old Ways

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeana Marie Andreatta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeana Marie, what makes you happy? Why?
Happiness for me has always been rooted in the simple things. The things that make me happy are the things that remind me of where I came from and the people I love most—my mom, my dad, and my grandparents. I’m very sentimental, and there are some vivid, lived memories that have stuck with me over the years. They represent who I am and what shaped me and the things that I create with my hands.

It started in childhood, sitting under my Nonna’s giant lilac bush in the early morning light, waiting for the school bus with my brother, my dad, and my Nonno. The bus driver was our cousin Fiore, and those quiet, ordinary moments were everything. After school, we’d return to our family’s homestead—built in 1904 at the base of the Spanish Peaks in southern Colorado. My Nonna would have a slice of her homemade bread waiting, spread with butter she had made herself and sprinkled with sugar. That kitchen, filled with warmth and care, was my first memory of comfort and unconditional love.

On the small cow-calf operation in the mountains where I grew up, we raised polled Herefords. My dad, an old-school Italian cattleman, believed girls belonged in the house—not out working cattle. But even then, I knew I loved the life. I just had to wait to live it out loud. That chance came when I got a little older and spent more time with my mother, Evelyn Jodine. Her roots are in Anson, Texas but she grew up horseback, working ranches across Colorado and New Mexico with my grandpa. She passed down her love for cowboy life and horses—but also something softer, something beautiful. Mom had a pair of early 80’s handmade Sanders boots—deep brown with inlaid butterflies. I remember staring at them as a little girl, completely mesmerized at the blend of work and femininity those boots represented.
The butterflies that show up in both my mohair tack and my jewelry, are a “me and Mom” thing. They still make my heart flutter in memories of my mom in her younger years—tiny sparks of beauty that bring her close to me, especially now.

And to this day, when I see a big, handsome Hereford bull or a fresh little bald-faced calf with bright white on his head, it brings me right back to my home place at the Spanish Peaks with my dad and my Nono and , bumping around with them in the old ‘68 feed truck, sitting on a pile of orange baling twine —and of 3 generations of my family’s blood, sweat, and tears to build our place in this country as Italian immigrants, starting in 1904.

One memory I’ll never forget: I was about 8 years old and we didn’t yet have phones at the ranch. So when my dad came to pick us up from school early one afternoon, it was a total surprise. Inside the building, we could hear his 1980s-model Chevrolet 4×4—geared low, growling as he downshifted to a stop in front of our little Catholic school. Behind it, he was pulling our open-top, red wooden sideboard, bumper-pull stock trailer. And inside that trailer? One very ill-behaved Hereford bull.

My dad, Dominic, (who seriously had the looks and swagger of a real life Marlboro Man) hustled into the school, grabbed my brother and me, and said, “c’mon you guys, before this bull jumps out!” And he meant it. We scrambled into the truck, and off we went down Highway 10 toward La Junta. We slid into Winter’s Livestock, ready to unload this bull and make him someone else’s problem. But before the sale barn crew could open the gates, that bull launched—right out of the open-top trailer—and took off running down highway 10 in La Junta, Colorado!
That sight was pure excitement to my brother and I, and not so much to our dad who was LIVID!
It’s moments like that—pieces of my life—that have shaped who I am and what I create. My inspiration doesn’t come from trends or borrowed images. The things I create are my way of honoring where I came from and the people I love most.
I love the smell of horse sweat and worn leather reins. I love a smooth (cattle )gather. I love a newborn calf. I love nice horses, old antiques that remind me of Nonna’s house, and being surrounded by old, beautiful, useful things that have some history and soul to them.

Now, I am blessed to get to live the life I love, fully—with horses, cattle, and my partner Reece (also a maker of good cowboy gear himself) , a professional farrier and good cowboy who shares my values. I love gardening, watching my hummingbirds, caring for my flowers and bottle kittens, and cooking for Reece on my 1952 O’Keefe & Merritt stove. I’m happiest when I’m creating something that matters; whether it’s a home cooked meal to nourish Reece after a hard day of work, or a tack set that’s going to keep a horse comfortable as we works in partnership with whoever is doing the job.
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That’s what led me to start Tumbling J Cinches & Silver. I began weaving mohair tack about ten years ago because I needed something I couldn’t find in a tack store—so I made it myself. Then in 2020, when the bar I worked at shut down during COVID, I picked up silversmithing. I skipped a phone bill, bought a few basic tools, turned on YouTube, and started experimenting. I’ve always been determined to figure things out on my own, and later, I had the honor of learning from two incredible mentors: Nick Cunningham of Bad Bronc Studio, who gave me my first jeweler’s saw and let me watch over his shoulder for three days straight, and Garren Still of Chief’s Trading Post in Weatherford, TX, a longtime friend turned mentor.

My jewelry isn’t a copy of what’s already out there—it’s my own expression. Western and Southwestern in spirit, but with a fresh, distinctly feminine feel. The ranching world is tough. It’s still very much a man’s world. And too often, women feel they have to act like one of the boys just to prove they belong. I don’t believe in that. My jewelry is for women who’ve lived the life—who’ve worked hard, gotten dirty, held their ground—but who haven’t let go of their softness. Women with grit and grace. Women who still want to feel pretty and powerful.
When I create something that reminds a woman she’s beautiful and strong—that lights something up in her—that’s what makes me happy. Because I believe femininity isn’t weakness. It isn’t fragile or fussy. It’s powerful in its own way.
I’m an old soul. I love old country music, old things, and old values. And I find happiness in all of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’d say that my creations live at the intersection of tradition, function, and soul. I handcraft mohair tack and Western silver jewelry under the name Tumbling J Cinches & Silver. Every piece I make carries a story—of the land, of the horses and of the people who’ve lived this life that we all love.

My mohair tack is woven by hand, designed with the horse in mind first, and built to hold up to long days and hard miles. My tack is for cowboys and cowgirls who put their horses first. They’re the people who do the work; the people who understand that good tack is an investment and that their horse is their partner. I started making cinches because I couldn’t find what I needed in a tack store—so I made it myself. My jewelry is where I let my femininity speak. It’s Western in spirit and a little unexpected. Not the same worn path that’s been walked a thousand times. It’s Western, but it’s mine. I hear often, “oh, I’ve never seen anything like this!”

Right now, I’m rebranding my jewelry line as The West, Adorned™. By Jeana Marie. It reflects the shift I’ve felt in my creative work—toward something more expressive and personal. It’s still grounded in the grit and grace of the women in ranch life, but with a new kind of beauty that honors feminine strength. It’s not quite out in the world yet, but it’s coming—and I’m excited to share it when the time is right.

This road as a maker isn’t easy. It’s messy, frustrating, expensive and full of trial and error—but you show up every day and figure things out. Over time, with passion, perseverance and mentorship, I hope to build something real and lasting, with my own hands. I believe that everyone should create something with their hands. It’s healthy and fulfilling. Those who don’t “make” are missing out. Humans are wired to CREATE! Make something…bake cookies, paint a painting , fabricate a tool, a create flower arrangement, write a real letter, start a colt…just do SOMETHING with your hands! It’s good for the soul.

One of the hardest parts of being an artist is walking the line between what sells and what speaks to your soul. There’s always pressure to make what looks like everything else because it’s safer. But I try to follow what sparks in me—because that’s where the most meaningful work comes from.

Another hard truth I’ve learned is that no one appreciates handmade quite like another maker. The general public often doesn’t understand what goes into a single piece—the hours, the trial and error, the cost of quality materials, the years it takes to build the skill. If something looks the same, they assume it is the same. That disconnect can be disheartening when you pour your heart into your work—but it also makes it that much more meaningful when someone does recognize the difference. That’s who I create for.

I also create for those who may dream of living it. Because people adorn themselves—and their horses—with things that reflect who they are, or who they hope to become. Whether it’s one of my handmade cinches or collars or a piece of silver, people want to see a bit of themselves in what they choose. They want their (horse)tack and jewelry to speak to something inside them. What that means for me as the maker, is that I need to be able to get a glimpse inside the soul of the people I’m creating for. I need to be able to see them, the way they see, or want to see themselves. In a way, we have to recognize one another, as perfect strangers.

Maybe someone who buys one of my cinches didn’t grow up on a ranch. But maybe they always wished they had. Maybe they’re trying to learn right, do right, and honor the life they’re drawn to. That deserves just as much respect. Or maybe a woman like me looks at a piece of jewelry and thinks, “I don’t deserve something that beautiful.” But she does. She’s worthy of beauty, of craftsmanship, of something that reminds her who she is. That’s really the reason I started building jewelry. I had never really had any nice jewelry. There were always more important things that I felt I needed to prioritize. Someone gifted me the most beautiful silver and turquoise butterfly necklace. It was native made and It was the only piece of real jewelry I’d ever had. I adored it and I wore it everywhere because it brought me so much joy. That piece got stolen and I was crushed. I knew I couldn’t afford to replace it. So I said, “I’ll make my own.”

Whether someone’s lived this western life or just deeply respects it, the common thread is love for this culture. My work is built for both—those who carry it in their boots and those who carry it in their hearts.

I’ve also learned some uncomfortable truths along the way. One of the biggest challenges artisans face is a culture that prioritizes “the look” over the legacy. People want cheap, fast, mass-produced goods so they can play the part and look the part—but they don’t always understand the integrity behind true craftsmanship. And too often, large companies exploit silversmiths in vulnerable situations—paying them pennies while middlemen profit. That cheapens the entire craft. It makes it harder for honest makers to survive, let alone thrive. And yet, here we are—still making, still standing, still doing our best to offer something real to the people to whom authenticity matters.

I’ve learned that perfection is overrated. That honesty is what people connect with. That starting before you feel ready is often the only way forward. And that no matter how humble or “unimpressive” your story may be, it’s your greatest strength.

Tumbling J Cinches & Silver is a reflection of the life I live and the values I carry. My work is built slowly and intentionally, for people who understand the value in the process . I make gear and jewelry for people who live close to the land, close to their animals, and close to the truth of who they are.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d want to show her the heart of Texas, the way I experience it every day.

I’d start by settling her into our cozy little antique farmhouse, with its warm original wood floors and quiet charm. I’d cook her a big, beautiful breakfast like my Nonna used to make—hearty, homemade, and full of love. Then, I’d ask Reece to saddle up his best horse, Peanut, for her, so she could ride with us as we checked our yearlings, fences, and pastures that day. I’d want her to see the vibrancy of the Indian paintbrush and bluebonnet wildflowers, and to respect the tough beauty of mesquites and briars. And of course, I’d make sure the sweet tea was made just right that evening so we could sit together and watch the Texas sunset in all its glory and then watch the magic of the fireflies when they come out.

The next day, I might tell her to dress up a bit and take her into Fort Worth for a show at Bass Hall—one of my absolute favorite places. I’ve seen everything there from the legendary Ray Price to the Nutcracker at Christmas, and it’s always magical. If the show gets out early enough, we’d head over to Lil Red’s Longhorn Saloon in the Stockyards—our favorite place to dance to—to listen to our dear friend Landon Dodd play real-deal Texas dancehall music. There’s nothing like it.

And of course, after the music winds down and everyone’s hungry, we’d head to Ol’ South Pancake House for a late-night plate of Dutch Baby crepes—because that’s just tradition. Then it’d be back home to the peaceful quiet of the country, where the stars shine brighter, the windows stay open, and the frogs and crickets sing you to sleep.

The rest of the week would be filled with slow mornings, horse rides, antique shops in Weatherford, good food, and good music. I’d want her to experience the rhythm of the life I love—equal parts grit, beauty, and simplicity

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Nothing I’ve done has been done alone, and I’m proud to say I’ve had some incredible people believe in me and lift me up along the way.

Garren Still has been one of the most influential people in my journey. He’s a longtime friend turned mentor, and a true encourager. Garren is the kind of person who will say your name in a room full of opportunities—and mean it. His support, advice, and belief in my work have helped shape me as a maker. From the beginning, he’s supported me with advice, encouragement, and the kind of grounded wisdom that only comes from having walking the road himself. He’s offered insight not just into craftsmanship and business, but into life as a whole. I’ve always valued his honesty, his generosity with knowledge, and the quiet, authentic way he’s helped shape my path. His friendship and influence have left a lasting mark on both my work and the way I navigate this industry. Now, he’s building something great alongside his wife, Annalee, who has also become a dear friend and a wonderful supporter of mine. It’s a gift to know them both.

Nick Cunningham is the one who got me started in silversmithing. He gave me my first jeweler’s saw and let me hover like a shadow for days, just watching and learning. His encouragement gave me the nudge I needed to dive in.
Nick has continued to invest in me, even now. He’s offered me opportunities to learn from some of the best in the business—quietly opening doors that help me advance my craft. He once told me that he was happy to pour into me because I “didn’t just expect the information to be handed over”—I took initiative, dug in, and worked for it. That meant a lot coming from him.

One of the highest compliments I’ve ever received came through Nick. He told his mother, Exa—who is a very accomplished artist herself—that he had never seen anyone dive in and catch on as quickly as I did. That kind of affirmation from someone I respect so deeply isn’t something I take lightly. It sticks with me and keeps me reaching for more. Nick is a bit of a gypsy and a free spirit who prefers to travel light and experience life from all over, but he resurfaces every now and then and he will call me up just to ask how I am and offer encouragement.

Rebecca Albertson of Santa Fe, NM, is the woman who taught me how to make mohair cinches over 10 years ago—and honestly, she changed my path. She was a single mother, raising her daughter alone. Her only way of surviving was to dig deep with her “can-do” attitude. I drove from far south Texas to Santa Fe, NM to sit with her and be shown her craft. I was mesmerized watching her seasoned hands work the mohair cordage, turning raw material into something functional and beautiful. Rebecca was the first person to tell me, “You can do it. You’re worthy. Your work is good. Put it out into the world.” To this day, I call her my Fairy Cinch Momma. Now, she and her grown daughter are business partners have changed the life of many women entrepreneurs.

And of course, my partner Reece Hutton—my biggest fan, my daily encourager, and the love of my life. He built me a shop behind our house so I could have a peaceful space to work right here at home—surrounded by my animals, my flowers, and the quiet I need to create. Every time he comes home and I excitedly ask, “Wanna see what I made today?” In his soft voice, he says yes with a smile and a twinkle is his kind, blue eyes. After doing life on my own for so long, to finally have the kind of love and support that Reece showers onto me, makes all the difference in the world.

I wouldn’t be where I am without these people. They helped me believe I could build a life and a business that reflects who I really am and that can make a difference to others.

Website: https://Www.tumblingJ.com

Instagram: @Tumbling J Cinches & Silver

Facebook: @Tumbling J Mohair Tack

Image Credits
Rebecca Cornelius Photography
Jo-H Photography
Arianna Taylor Photography