MY STORY
I'm Tom Berney, the owner and maker of Buan Crafts. My journey with leather crafts started over 15 years ago in my family’s business, Berney Bros Saddlery in Kildare. It was here, working under my grandfather and father who are both master saddlers that I learnt the craftsmanship of working with leather. I come from a long linage of leather craftsman in my family making me a fifth generation leather worker.
I have always enjoyed working with leather and decided I wanted to take the craft that I have learnt over my lifetime and put it to new and creative uses. Buan Crafts organically evolved from designing a minimalist tote bag for a few of my mates. The interest I received indicated that there was demand for Irish made, handcrafted goods, which sparked the idea to set up my own business designing and crafting my own creations. Shortly after, Buan Crafts was founded. BUAN’s products are 100% made in Ireland, handcrafted leather goods.
Buan is an Irish word for “long-lasting”. I strive to create high quality, timeless designs that last the test of time. Handcrafting quality leather goods, by sourcing quality materials and using traditional techniques and craftsmanship which have been passed down to me in the Berney family.
Tom Berney Jr.
“Buan crafts and designs functional and durable leather goods for everyday use, with consideration and respect for nature.”
Reason for being
As the climate crisis deepens I feel a sense of responsibility for our planet and to do right by it. As a craftsman and small business owner I am privileged with the opportunity to create a business which can be part of the solution no matter how insignificant it may be. This is the driving force for Buan. Doing my best to address the causes, and not just symptoms, of global warming.
Core values
BUAN’s values reflect my inspirations. I am a passionate designer, outdoorsman and craftsman inspired by nature and quality handcrafted goods. Simplicity and utility are essential elements in the creation of BUAN’s product design process.
Crafted For Life
Amongst other qualities, function, repairability, and durability are the fundamental considerations to ensure BUAN’s products are here to stay. High-quality goods that are designed to last an adventure of a lifetime. Crafting lasting goods is one way of limiting ecological impacts, which counts for saving our planet.
Guided By Nature
BUAN recognises that producing products is part of the ecological problem. However, BUAN is constantly changing and striving to achieve more sustainable business practices. This includes integrating existing materials into products by upcycling and having a no plastic and minimal waste policy. BUAN has a lifetime warranty on every product, because we know prioritising durability results in consuming less energy, wasting less water and creating less junk.
Designed For Everyday Use
In terms of design, BUAN embraces the idea of “less is more”. Minimalist, considered design that prioritises necessity and functionality that improve everyday life, celebrating the natural beauty of the raw materials used. Striving to create timeless designs which outlast fashion trends throughout the life of the product.
Tom Berney Jr.