What you'll learn
Learn the alchemy of bookbinding fundamentals with our handcrafts short courses at the NSW Guild of Craft Bookbinders in Sydney!
For hundreds of years, books were made by hand. Now you rarely handle a book that isn’t made by a machine.
This bookbinding course intends to re-introduce you to the ancient craft of hand bookbinding. If you have a love for books, you will love this course.
This bookbinding course is the official introductory course of the NSW Guild of Craft Bookbinders. It is held at the Guild’s professionally equipped Ralph Lewis Bindery in Garry Owen House, Writing NSW, Callan Park, Rozelle.
The NSW Guild of Craft Bookbinders is a non-profit organisation with the following objectives:
- To promote and exhibit the art of the hand-bound book
- To maintain traditional craft bookbinding skills
- To seek and exert a progressive influence on the design and technique of bookbinding
- To further the cause of book arts in general
Learning outcomes
In this beginners bookbinding course, you will complete at least 4 projects. A choice of coloured and decorative papers and a card will be available for use for the covers of all books. There will also be time to add decorative paper weaving into covers if you choose.
You will make:
- two single-section stitched booklets, binding the NSW Guild’s publication 'The Alchemy of Bookbinding’ as well as your course notes
- a single-section cased-in hardcover book
- a hardcover concertina photo album
- a multi-section French-stitched notebook with a wraparound cover
- if time allows, a full paper Japanese four-hole pouch (fukuro-toji) binding
What will be covered in this beginners bookbinding course?
In this beginners bookbinding course, you will learn key bookbinding terminology and the core skills of accurate measuring and cutting, paper handling, folding, glueing and stitching. You will be introduced to specialist tools as well as simpler homemade devices. You just need to bring your creativity, curiosity and passion.
Please note, for this workshop students require good hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and the capability and confidence to use sharp knives for cutting. Basic numeracy is required to facilitate accurate measurements and calculations. You should be able to follow verbal instructions and understand health and safety information.
Who is this beginners bookbinding course for?
The course is suitable for those who are starting from scratch and also for those who want to refresh their skills learned from a previous bookbinding course.
Course venue
Ralph Lewis Bindery
Room 14, Garry Owen House
Callan Park, Balmain Rd
Lilyfield NSW 2038
Please bring to class
- Closed-in shoes to wear as an OHS requirement
- Your own lunch
- You may wish to bring an apron. The Guild has clean aprons available for students to use
Additional information
- All materials are provided by the NSW Guild
- A take-home beginners kit of tools will be available for optional purchase at a discounted rate
- For ages 18+
Course testimonials:
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Heather said: I knew I was getting the best, and not just what little was left of the book binders of Australia. It was completely hands-on, friendly, and couldn't have been in a better location as they were allowing us to use and be amongst the equipment that the professionals use. This course was everything I could have hoped for and more. Will definitely be fighting to secure myself in a second class.
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Gillian said: It was such a great weekend, and I came home with lots of lovely first attempts at bookbinding. Avril was so friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I'd highly recommend this course.
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Robyn said: I loved it all! Avril is a great teacher. The venue is iconic and the other students, friendly. I came away with a real feeling of accomplishment. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves paper craft or craft in general.
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Lars said: Great beginning course. Very hands on. Nice atmosphere.
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julia said: comprehensive professional accommodating fun, everything was supplied except lunch and you get to take home 5 books. Was fantastic
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<p>Learn the alchemy of bookbinding fundamentals with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/arts/handcrafts">handcrafts short courses</a> at the <a href="https://
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Bookbinding Course for Beginners at NSW Guild
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Bookbinding Course for Beginners at NSW Guild
