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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Jules said: Learning new skills with Averil who imparted her knowledge in an professional manner but with humour and an easy to understand way. She made you feel that you could achieve. Thoroughly enjoyed.
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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.
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Janet said: I’m in education and know a wonderful teacher when I come across one. Avril is warm, welcoming, helpful but not intrusive, and very good with absolute beginners. The course is well paced... I am looking forward to working with Avril again.
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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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Michelle said: I absolutely loved the course! Our tutor Avril was fantastic – knowledgeable, patient, and a great instructor. She made the class fun. I learned so much, and I now have the skills to start making books on my own. Highly recommend this course.
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
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.
Business or pleasure
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/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