About
My journey into leatherworking began in an unexpected place: Final Fantasy XIV.
While spending a little too much time in the game, I became fascinated with the crafting systems, in particular leatherworking. Curious, I visited my local craft store, picked up some basic tools and materials I had seen in-game, and decided to try it myself.
What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into a real passion.
A few years later, in 2016, I opened an Etsy shop so I could keep creating without completely filling my workspace with finished pieces. Since then I’ve continued learning new techniques, tools, and skills while slowly growing my craft.
Today I work out of a small basement workshop in Massachusetts, where I make every item myself in my spare time between my full-time job, hobbies, and everyday life.
Inspiration
My work is heavily inspired by the things I love most: fantasy, nature, and folklore.
I’ve always been drawn to worlds like Dungeons & Dragons, Lord of the Rings, and the many fantasy novels that fill my shelves (I’m currently re-reading The Wheel of Time). Growing up in New England, I was also surrounded by old ghost stories, strange legends, and quiet forests.
Those influences naturally find their way into my work shaping the style, themes, and atmosphere of the pieces I make.
Craft & Materials
I try to keep my process thoughtful and sustainable wherever possible.
Leather is a natural material, and every hide has its own character. Because of this, you may notice slight variations in dye, tooling, or grain from piece to piece. Rather than flaws, these differences make each item unique.
I also make an effort to reduce waste by using minimal and recyclable packaging whenever possible, and by upcycling shipping materials like cardboard and bubble wrap when I can.
A Small Workshop
Black Cat Craftworks is still a small, one-person operation. Every item is cut, dyed, engraved, and finished by hand in my workshop.
Thank you for visiting and supporting handmade craft.
— Morgan
