Ruby+Prankstar Artist in Residency
THANK YOU BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!! We've reached the target of $5500 in just 10 days!!
I am incredibly grateful and humbled ..
There is still time left on the campaign - and I would love to extend your generosity!
Please continue your pledges and with further funds raised I will purchase small hand tools to gift the leather artisans I meet in Morocco. Hole punches, awls, skivers, lacing chisels .. Quality hand tools are truly cherished objects. I am sure the artisans would be deeply grateful for tools which will serve for many years to come.
Hello. I’m Kristy Morgan, designer and maker of Australian leather and accessories label Ruby + Prankstar. I have been selected to participate in an Artist in Residency program in Fez, Morocco. This five-week residency is an incredible opportunity to connect, share and learn traditional skills and leatherwork techniques from master leather artisans.

Image | Nabil Sabio Azadi
The Leather Souk in Fez is one of the oldest leather tanneries in the world, maintaining traditional methods unchanged since the 11 th century. The leather artisans and shoemakers housed in the Fez Medina continue to use hand-powered machinery and equipment, manufacturing on a nine centuries old production line. To experience such rich historical customs, culture and techniques first-hand will significantly inform my practice .

Image | Jimbo Jack
I hold a deep appreciation and respect for traditional techniques and quality craftsmanship. Materiality and the nature of process is key to all of my work. I draw on traditional metal-smithing, saddlery and leatherwork techniques to create jewellery, leather accessories and objets d’art. Leathers, skins and natural fibers are manipulated, reformed and worked by hand. Short batches of dyes are mixed and applied manually to each hide and pieces are hand cut and hand stitched exposing the raw elements of the materials.

Image | Scott Kimber
Since discovering an affinity for leather in 1999, while working with a cobbler, I have sort hands-on experiences via master practitioners. Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work with a cobbler, lapidaries and silversmiths, a master chain maker and a saddler. The connections, time honoured techniques and invaluable knowledge I gained during this time have culminated in a rich education. This Moroccan residency is the next chapter in my education, and fortuitously a return to shoemaking where my love of leather began. Working with local artisans in the Medina and Leather Souk in Fez is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to extend my learning and practice.
Any assistance you can offer is deeply appreciated.

Image | Jearld Moldenhauen
Exhibition - Works from Morocco
Thank you Crew
Director : Joseph McTavish
DOP : Scott Kimber
Sound Specialist : Xani Kennedy
Original Music : Hannah Griffiths
Editor : Lucas Thyer | Pixel Frame Studios
A special thank you to Joseph, for your time, generosity and string pulling!
How The Funds Will Be Used
Breakdown
Airfares and Insurance $2000
Residency Program - Course and Accommodation $2200
Living Expenses $700
Leather & Materials $600
Pledge of $5500
Join the Journey
Thank you! Join me on the journey - enjoy a virtual exploration of my experiences in Morocco. Receive journal updates via email, documenting the Fez Medina, exchanges with the leather artisans and my processes.
Writings from Morocco
Receive a hand written post card from Morocco. From a bustling café or the symphony of the Medina in Fez – I'll write to you of the atmosphere and senses that surround. A Personal invitation to the exhibition opening
Set of 3 Original Prints
Receive a set of 3 original photographic prints taken on my journey in Morocco. Each print will be personally signed, numbered and come with description and location details. A Personal invitation to the exhibition opening.
30% Discount Online
Receive a 30% discount code for use on our online store. You have an entire 12 months to redeem your reward. So you can purchase from an existing collection or wait, enjoy the journey and observe what new techniques and designs unfold from my Moroccan Residency.
Leather Steeple Ring
A unisex black leather ring hand sculpted from the finest kangaroo leather. Each ring is cut, sculpted and dyed by hand then softened with natural bees wax. A Personal Invite to the exhibition opening.
Silver Horsehair Pendant
A unisex pendant of finely gathered horsehair enclosed in tubular 925 sterling silver. The fine 925 sterling silver chain is approx 55cm in length. The horsehair is naturally dark or pale in colour. A Personal Invite to the exhibition opening.
Leather Lily Pin
A hand sculpted leather lily pin – pin to your clothing, lapel or use as a hat pin. The leather lilies are individually sculpted by hand from a single piece of kangaroo leather, dried in the sun, hand stitched, painted with leather dye and treated with natural beeswax. A Personal Invite to the exhibition opening.
Handcrafted Silver Ring
An original handcrafted 925 sterling silver ring. This piece will form part of the series inspired by my Moroccan Residency. The ring pictured here is an example of the ring – the new design is yet to come. 2 Personal Invites to the exhibition opening. A personal public mention and thank you for your support.
2Handcrafted Silver Rings
Go halves in a pledge with a friend and both receive a silver ring or keep one and gift the other to someone special. 2 original handcrafted 925 sterling silver rings. These pieces will form part of the series inspired by my Moroccan Residency. The ring pictured here is only an example of the rings – the new design is yet to come. 2 Personal Invites to the exhibition opening. A personal public mention and thank you for your support.
Intimate Leather Workshop
After I return from Morocco, let me share my experience and skills learnt whilst working with the leather artisans. Join me in an intimate workshop to handcraft your own leather bag or pair of leather sandals. Materials and lunch provided. 2 Personal Invites to the exhibition opening. A personal public mention and thank you for your support.