CRAFT DRAFT Live Workshops

Join us for an engaging workshop series where we will explore the intricate art of Moroccan geometric ornaments using a compass, divider, and ruler. Together, we’ll draw original designs while asking questions and sharing insights. As we create, we’ll embark on a virtual journey to Morocco with artisan and author Hamza El Fasiki, who will deepen our understanding of the cultural and practical aspects of this beautiful art form. 

Hamza will guide us through each step of drawing these stunning ornaments, accompanied by the soothing sounds of Andalusian Oud music.

These live workshops are open to anyone with an interest in geometric arts and a desire to celebrate the rich heritage of Moroccan arts and crafts, particularly from Fes Medina. Join us in this artistic exploration!

**This Month:**

This January 2026, immerse yourself in the refined world of Moroccan geometric design through an exclusive live course on at-Tasṭīr, focused on the captivating al-Ankabūtiya—the “Spiderweb” pattern. 

This three-session course is thoughtfully structured for experienced practitioners, featuring: 

- Two intermediate classes exploring rare al-Ankabūtiya patterns from Fes 

- One advanced masterclass dedicated to an intricate variation from Marrakesh 

Together, we will trace the historical roots of al-Ankabūtiya, examine its distinctive regional expressions, and uncover the geometric logic and construction techniques that bring this remarkable pattern to life. Each session offers a deep, hands-on exploration of authentic Moroccan design principles rarely taught in contemporary settings. 

Guided by Hamza, you will attend a lecture followed by Q&A and a Live hand-drawn constructions using traditional artisanal Qasma techniques, accompanied by the evocative sounds of Moroccan Andalusian oud music, creating an immersive and contemplative learning atmosphere. 

This course is ideal for artists, designers, architects, and geometry enthusiasts seeking to deepen their mastery of Islamic geometric art through authentic practice, historical insight, and sensory immersion.

**Required Tools:**

- Professional Drawing Compass with a 0.5mm mechanical pencil

- Divider (essential for precision)

- 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil for line drawing

- Metal Rulers (30 cm & 50 cm)

- A3 Sheets of Drawing Paper

- Eraser

**About the Instructor:**

Hamza El Fasiki trained as an apprentice under his father at the Dar-Attamania Studio in Fes, Morocco, where he earned an Ijazah in the art of at-Tastir. He holds an MA in Moroccan Cultural Studies from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes, where his academic work centered on the cultural history of traditional Moroccan crafts. Hamza is also an Andalusian oud musician and an expert in traditional Moroccan geometric design, brass engraving, and leather bookbinding.

His recent publication includes a book chapter titled "Sacred Space: Geometric Patterns in Moroccan Art," featured in the anthology *Perspective: Selected Essays on Space in Art and Design* (2023).