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, this course is for you.
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
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
Course content
What will be covered in this beginners bookbinding course?
In this beginners bookbinding course, you will learn:
- Key bookbinding terminology
- The core skills of accurate measuring and cutting, paper handling, folding, glueing and stitching
- How to use specialist tools as well as simpler homemade devices
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.
Intended audience
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
Room 14, Garry Owen House
Callan Park, Balmain Rd
Rozelle NSW 2039
Course materials
Please bring to class
- Your own lunch
- You may wish to bring an apron. The Guild has clean aprons available for students to use
Additional information
Please note the following:
- Please wear closed-in shoes as an occupational health and safety requirement
- 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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Cathy said: Avril was a terrific and enthusiastic teacher. I came away with an excellent understanding of the basics.
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Heather said: Avril was an excellent tutor - knowledgeable, patient, clear instructions. Taught the skills but also brought the art and craft to life.
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Beate said: I loved this course! Great pace, learned a lot and had a lot of fun making books and paphlets. Will definitely do another one!
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Richard said: I absolutely loved this course. It was great that we came away from the course with a number of completed books in different styles and complexity, each providing some new skills & techniques. Avril is a fantastic teacher and was more than happy to share her skills and knowledge. Even though the class was small, there were varying degrees of ability across the class and Avril made sure everyone received enough instruction and encouragement to complete the projects and gain confidence with our new skills. Avril has definitely sparked my creativity and I will be continuing with more courses in this field. Highly recommended course!!
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Ruth said: Excellent teacher, and we achieved much more than I could have imagined in one weekend. We learnt a big variety of binding and stitching, with lots of really helpful tips and tricks from Avril.
Course tutors
Avril Makula
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
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Short & sweet
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Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process, and you can change your mind up to 7 days before class starts.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
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Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
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Classes Online Courses
<p>Learn the alchemy of bookbinding fundamentals with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/handcrafts">handcrafts short courses</a> at the <a href="https://
...<p>Learn the alchemy of bookbinding fundamentals with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/handcrafts">handcrafts short courses</a> at the <a href="https://
...<p>Learn the alchemy of bookbinding fundamentals with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/handcrafts">handcrafts short courses</a> at the <a href="https://
...<p>Learn the alchemy of bookbinding fundamentals with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/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
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