Shelbyville

Bookbinding workshops for 2020

Here's the current range of workshops on offer throughout 2020, including Japanese stab bindings, wrap-around leather journals, Secret Belgian binding, and classic cross-structure leather journals. More workshops will be announced during the year, but these are the ones currently confirmed:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Quick overview for 2020:

Sunday 23 February............Japanese stab bindings

Sunday 12 July.....................Wrap-around leather journals (Longstitch binding)

Sunday 30 August...............Secret Belgian binding

Sunday 13 September.........Criss-cross Longstitch binding

Sunday 22 November.........Leatherbound journals (cross-structure binding)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

All bookbinding materials and tools are provided as part of every workshop. And all templates and instructions are also included to allow you to continue making more books at home :)

Cost: $100 per person, per workshop

Location:  All workshops are held in a well-lit, air-conditioned space at the Wellers Hill Arts Hub, 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi. 

Bookings: To book your place, please email Michelle on the address below (or there's an email link in the blog's sidebar), or txt/ph 0412 550 981

Scroll down below for pics and all the extra details relating to each individual workshop.

 

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WORKSHOP ONE

Sunday 23 February 2020
Japanese stab bindings

Learn a variety of Japanese stab bindings, by making FOUR different notebooks using the most widely recognised Oriental bindings: Traditional 4-hole; Noble; Tortoiseshell; and Hemp-leaf stitching patterns.

This is a great workshop for beginner bookbinders, and is also exciting for those who already have experience with western bookbinding because it offers a new set of decorative opportunities. Japanese stab bindings are also an easy and practical way to bind single loose sheets, which is difficult in western book structures.

All materials are provided in the workshop, and you can choose from an assortment of different papers/card, a colourful range of waxed-linen thread, and also a variety of upcycled leathers and Japanese Chiyogami papers to make a set of unique and personalised books.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your books)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $100 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email: [email protected]

Four different oriental bindings to try your hand at stitching.

 

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WORKSHOP TWO

Sunday 12 July 2020
Wrap-around leather journals (Longstitch binding)

Learn how to make your very own wrap-around soft-leather journal, hand-stitched using a Longstitch binding technique and featuring a magnetic closure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads, all coming together to make a unique and personalised book.

Longstitch binding features a linear pattern of coloured thread sewn up and down the spine directly through the leather, without the need for glue. This simple hand-sewn binding enables the book to open completely flat and makes it perfect for journals, diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Longstitched leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $100 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email: [email protected]

The blue and red stitched books above show the traditional straight Longstitching, while the book with mustard-yellow thread is an example of the sewing technique known as French-link stitching, which you're also welcome to try in the workshop.

 

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WORKSHOP THREE

Sunday 30 August 2020
Secret Belgian binding

Try your hand at making a hardcover journal with Secret Belgian Binding, featuring paper-wrapped covers and hand-stitched with a distinctive thread pattern across the spine.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of interesting and decorative papers to cover your book boards, plus an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages within. And with waxed-linen bookbinding thread provided in a wide choice of colours, you’ll be able to make a uniquely personalised book.

Secret Belgian binding features a linear pattern of coloured thread criss-crossing over and between the spine and the two covers, holding the cover boards together without any need for glue, and the page sections are then cleverly stitched in to the spine. This hand-sewn binding creates a sturdy binding and enables the book to open completely flat, making it perfect for journals, diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Secret Belgian bound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book).

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $100 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email: [email protected]

Example of a Secret Belgian bound book created from transparent materials to show the dual binding.

 

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WORKSHOP FOUR

Sunday 13 September 2020
Criss-cross Longstitch journals 

Make yourself the perfect sketchbook or journal, created with buttery-soft leather covers, your choice of papers inside, and hand-stitched using coloured thread using a fancy criss-cross Longstitch binding technique. The books we make in this workshop are approx A5 in size, and can include an optional elastic closure and/or bookcloth or paper lining to the inside of the leather.

Bring along your own mix of creative papers (drawing or watercolour paper, coloured or patterned papers, etc) or use something interesting from the variety supplied. Your personal selection of leather, papers, coloured thread, and decorative stitching pattern will be sure to create a very individual and unique book, just how you like it.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of criss-cross Longstitched books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities shown.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book).

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $100 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email: [email protected]

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WORKSHOP FIVE

Sunday 22 November 2020
Classic leatherbound journals (Cross-structure binding)

Learn how to make a classic leatherbound journal, with your choice of papers inside, hand-sewn using a traditional binding technique known as Cross-structure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of soft upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen bookbinding thread, all coming together to make a unique and personalised journal.

Cross-structure binding has been around since medieval times, and is distinguished by sections of pages sewn onto the leather 'fingers' of the covers, either leaving the colourful stitching exposed or concealing it behind the spine panel of leather (both styles are taught in this class - your choice of which you'd prefer to make).

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Cross-structure leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $100 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

A soft leatherbound journal created using the Cross-structure binding technique. This book uses a deep plum purple leather for the back cover (with the fingers coming around to the front) and a lighter lavender purple leather for the front cover, to give a distinctive two-tone effect. Exposed binding, a window cut-out on the spine, and an assortment of deckle-edged papers inside, make for a unique journal.

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Bonus new bookbinding workshop for 7 July

Bookbinding workshops coming up in Brisbane for 2019

  




2019 could be the year you try your hand at making your own journal, sketchbook, notebook, or some other useful handmade book! - read on to find out about the range of bookbinding workshops I have available in Brisbane throughout this coming year...

There's a terrific variety of workshops on offer, including old favourites like Coptic binding and classic leatherbound journals, plus brand new workshops such as Travellers' Notebooks or the fancy looking Criss-cross Longstitch, and others that offer opportunities to try something a little different, including wrap-around journals, Secret Belgian binding, Japanese stab bindings, and fun Longstitch-bound books using found materials (like vintage novel covers or cigar box lids!).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Quick overview for 2019:

Sunday 24 February............Japanese stab bindings

Sunday 24 March................Wrap-around leather journals (Longstitch binding)

Sunday 28 April...................Coptic bookbinding

Sunday 23 June...................Criss-cross Longstitch

Sunday 7 July......................DIY Longstitch sketchbook/journal

Sunday 28 July....................Longstitch journals (leather spine + hard covers)

Sunday 29 September.........Secret Belgian binding

Sunday 27 October..............Travellers' notebooks

Sunday 24 November..........Leatherbound journals (cross-structure binding)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

All bookbinding materials and tools are provided as part of every workshop. And all templates and instructions are also included to allow you to continue making more books at home :)

Cost: $95 per person, per workshop

Location:  All workshops are held in a well-lit, air-conditioned space at the Wellers Hill Arts Hub, 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi. 

Bookings: To book your place, please email Michelle on the address below (or there's an email link in the blog's sidebar), or txt/ph 0412 550 981

Scroll down below for pics and all the extra details relating to each individual workshop.

 

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WORKSHOP ONE

Sunday 24 February 2019
Japanese stab bindings

Learn a variety of Japanese stab bindings, by making FOUR different notebooks using the most widely recognised Oriental bindings: Traditional 4-hole; Noble; Tortoiseshell; and Hemp-leaf stitching patterns.

This is a great workshop for beginner bookbinders, and is also exciting for those who already have experience with western bookbinding because it offers a new set of decorative opportunities. Japanese stab bindings are also an easy and practical way to bind single loose sheets, which is difficult in western book structures.

All materials are provided in the workshop, and you can choose from an assortment of different papers/card, a colourful range of waxed-linen thread, and also a variety of upcycled leathers and Japanese Chiyogami papers to make a set of unique and personalised books.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your books)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $95 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

Four different oriental bindings to try your hand at stitching.

 

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WORKSHOP TWO

Sunday 24 March 2019
Wrap-around leather journals (Longstitch binding)

Learn how to make your very own wrap-around soft-leather journal, hand-stitched using a Longstitch binding technique and featuring a magnetic closure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads, all coming together to make a unique and personalised book.

Longstitch binding features a linear pattern of coloured thread sewn up and down the spine directly through the leather, without the need for glue. This simple hand-sewn binding enables the book to open completely flat and makes it perfect for journals, diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Longstitched leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $95 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

The blue and red stitched books above show the traditional straight Longstitching, while the book with mustard-yellow thread is an example of the sewing technique known as French-link stitching, which you're also welcome to try in the workshop.

 

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WORKSHOP THREE

Sunday 28 April 2019
Coptic binding

Learn the traditional craft of Coptic bookbinding by making two different Coptic-bound books, one a classic hard-cover, and the other with a soft leather cover.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from an assortment of different papers/card, a colourful range of waxed-linen thread, and a variety of upcycled leathers (for the soft cover book) to make two unique and personalised books.

Coptic binding is a simple handsewn technique characterised by two separate covers and a distinctive chain-stitch sewn across an exposed spine. The decorative sewing even allows the book to open beautifully flat, making it perfect for binding your own journals, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, albums, or notebooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of Coptic-bound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your books)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $95 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

Coptic-bound books using a variety of materials and different cover options.

 

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WORKSHOP FOUR

Sunday 23 June 2019
Criss-cross Longstitch sketchbooks / journals

Make yourself the perfect sketchbook or journal, created with buttery-soft leather covers, your choice of papers inside, and hand-stitched using coloured thread using a fancy criss-cross Longstitch binding technique. The books we make in this workshop are approx A5 in size, and can include an optional elastic closure and/or bookcloth or paper lining to the inside of the leather.

Bring along your own mix of creative papers (drawing or watercolour paper, coloured or patterned papers, etc) or use something interesting from the variety supplied. Your personal selection of leather, papers, coloured thread, and decorative stitching pattern will be sure to create a very individual and unique book, just how you like it.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Criss-cross Longstitched books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities shown.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers you'd like to use in the creation of your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $95 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

Criss-cross stitching in pink and red, personalised choice of art papers inside, white leather cover over-applied with a colourful vintage picture - this sketchbook has personality!

 

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WORKSHOP FIVE

Sunday 28 July 2019
Hardcover Longstitch journal (leather spine + hard covers)

Learn how to make a useful and practical journal with a soft-leather spine and two hardboard covers, hand-stitched using coloured thread and a beautiful Longstitch binding technique.

Your book's hard covers can be created from 'found things' such as vintage hardcover novels, cigar box lids, or boards wrapped with interesting papers (such as designer wallpaper, fabric, or handmade papers). Bring your own hardcover 'found thing' or use something from the variety supplied.

All materials are provided in the workshop, and you can choose from a selection of eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads to make a unique and personalised journal.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Longstitched books (both hardcover and soft leather covered), and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers you'd like to use in the creation of your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $95 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

This unique Longstitched journal features a vintage cigar box lid as its front cover, and a back cover of leather wrapping around to form the book's spine.

 

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WORKSHOP SIX

Sunday 29 September 2019
Secret Belgian binding

Try your hand at making a hardcover journal with Secret Belgian Binding, featuring paper-wrapped covers and hand-stitched with a distinctive thread pattern across the spine.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of interesting and decorative papers to cover your book boards, plus an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages within. And with waxed-linen bookbinding thread provided in a wide choice of colours, you’ll be able to make a uniquely personalised book.

Secret Belgian binding features a linear pattern of coloured thread criss-crossing over and between the spine and the two covers, holding the cover boards together without any need for glue, and the page sections are then cleverly stitched in to the spine. This hand-sewn binding creates a sturdy binding and enables the book to open completely flat, making it perfect for journals, diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Secret Belgian bound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book).

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $95 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

Example of a Secret Belgian bound book created from transparent materials to show the dual binding.

 

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WORKSHOP SEVEN

Sunday 27 October 2019
Travellers' Notebooks

Create your own version of this modern classic, a soft-leather notebook holder with an elastic strap, filled with customisable book inserts and infinitely adaptable.

Your notebook inserts can be handstitched from interesting ‘found’ card and papers (such as salvaged vintage books, designer wallpaper, or handmade papers). Or you can bring your own existing commercial sketchbook/notebooks (ie. Moleskine cahiers) and make a matching leather cover to suit.

All materials are provided in the workshop, and you can choose from a selection of eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the notebook’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads to stitch the book inserts.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Travellers’ Notebooks and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making/adapting more travellers’ notebooks at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $95 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

 

[More photos of this brand new workshop to be coming soon :)...]

 

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WORKSHOP EIGHT

Sunday 24 November 2019
Classic leatherbound journals (Cross-structure binding)

Learn how to make a classic leatherbound journal, with your choice of papers inside, hand-sewn using a traditional binding technique known as Cross-structure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of soft upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen bookbinding thread, all coming together to make a unique and personalised journal.

Cross-structure binding has been around since medieval times, and is distinguished by sections of pages sewn onto the leather 'fingers' of the covers, either leaving the colourful stitching exposed or concealing it behind the spine panel of leather (both styles are taught in this class - your choice of which you'd prefer to make).

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Cross-structure leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $95 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

A soft leatherbound journal created using the Cross-structure binding technique. This book uses a deep plum purple leather for the back cover (with the fingers coming around to the front) and a lighter lavender purple leather for the front cover, to give a distinctive two-tone effect. Exposed binding, a window cut-out on the spine, and an assortment of deckle-edged papers inside, make for a unique journal.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Upcoming bookbinding workshops for 2018

2018 could be the year you try your hand at making your own journal, sketchbook, album, or some other useful handmade book! - read on to find out about the range of bookbinding workshops i have available in Brisbane throughout this coming year...

There's a terrific variety of workshops on offer, including old favourites like Coptic binding and classic leatherbound journals, plus brand new workshops such as the fancy looking Criss-cross Longstitch, and others that offer opportunities to try something a little different, including wrap-around journals, Secret Belgian binding, and fun Longstitch-bound books using found materials (like vintage novel covers or cigar box lids!).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Quick overview for 2018:

Sunday 25 March................Wrap-around leather journals (Longstitch binding)

Sunday 29 April...................Coptic bookbinding

Sunday 29 July....................Longstitch journals (leather spine + hard covers)

Sunday 19 August...............Criss-cross Longstitch

Sunday 23 September.........Secret Belgian binding

Sunday 18 November..........Leatherbound journals (cross-structure binding)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

All bookbinding materials and tools are provided as part of every workshop. And all templates and instructions are also included to allow you to continue making more books at home :)

Cost:  $90 per person, per workshop

Location:  All workshops are held in a well-lit, air-conditioned space at the Wellers Hill Arts Hub, 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi. 

Bookings: To book your place, please email Michelle on the address below (or there's an email link in the blog's sidebar), or txt/ph 0412 550 981

Scroll down below for pics and all the extra details relating to each individual workshop.

 

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

WORKSHOP ONE

Sunday 25 March 2018
Wrap-around leather journals (Longstitch binding)

Learn how to make your very own wrap-around soft-leather journal, hand-stitched using a Longstitch binding technique and featuring a magnetic closure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads, all coming together to make a unique and personalised book.

Longstitch binding  features a linear pattern of coloured thread sewn up and down the spine directly through the leather, without the need for glue. This simple hand-sewn binding enables the book to open completely flat and makes it perfect for journals, diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Longstitched leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $90 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

The blue and red stitched books above show the traditional straight Longstitching, while the book with mustard-yellow thread is an example of the sewing technique known as French-link stitching, which you're also welcome to try in the workshop.

 

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WORKSHOP TWO

Sunday 29 April 2018
Coptic binding

Learn the traditional craft of Coptic bookbinding  by making two different Coptic-bound books,  one a classic hard-cover, and the other with a soft leather cover.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from an assortment of different papers/card, a colourful range of waxed-linen thread, and a variety of upcycled leathers (for the soft cover book) to make two unique and personalised books.

Coptic binding is a simple handsewn technique characterised by two separate covers and a distinctive chain-stitch sewn across an exposed spine. The decorative sewing even allows the book to open beautifully flat, making it perfect for binding your own journals, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, albums, or notebooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of Coptic-bound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your books)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $90 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

Coptic-bound books using a variety of materials and different cover options.

 

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WORKSHOP THREE

Sunday 29 July 2018
Hardcover Longstitch journal (leather spine + hard covers)

Learn how to make a useful and practical journal with a soft-leather spine and two hardboard covers, hand-stitched using coloured thread and a beautiful Longstitch binding technique.

Your book's hard covers can be created from 'found things' such as vintage hardcover novels, cigar box lids, or boards wrapped with interesting papers (such as designer wallpaper, fabric, or handmade papers). Bring your own hardcover 'found thing' or use something from the variety supplied.

All materials are provided in the workshop, and you can choose from a selection of eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads to make a unique and personalised journal.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Longstitched books (both hardcover and soft leather covered), and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers you'd like to use in the creation of your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $90 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

This unique Longstitched journal features a vintage cigar box lid as its front cover, and a back cover of leather wrapping around to form the book's spine.

 

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WORKSHOP FOUR

Sunday 19 August 2018
Criss-cross Longstitch sketchbooks / journals

Make yourself the perfect sketchbook or journal, created with buttery-soft leather covers, your choice of papers inside, and hand-stitched using coloured thread using a fancy criss-cross Longstitch binding technique. The books we make in this workshop are approx A5 in size, and can include an optional elastic closure and/or paper lining to the inside of the leather.

Bring along your own mix of creative papers (drawing or watercolour paper, coloured or patterned papers, etc) or use something interesting from the variety supplied. Your personal selection of leather, papers, coloured thread, and decorative stitching pattern will be sure to create a very individual and unique book, just how you like it.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of criss-cross Longstitched books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities shown.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers you'd like to use in the creation of your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $90 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

Criss-cross stitching, personalised choice of art papers, black leather covers with rounded corners, and an elastic closure - this Longstitched sketchbook has personality!

 

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WORKSHOP FIVE

Sunday 23 September 2018
Secret Belgian binding

Try your hand at making a hardcover journal with Secret Belgian Binding, featuring paper-wrapped covers and hand-stitched with a distinctive thread pattern across the spine.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of interesting and decorative papers to cover your book boards, plus an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages. And with waxed-linen bookbinding thread in a wide choice of colours, you'll be able to make a unique and very personalised book.

Secret Belgian binding features a linear pattern of coloured thread criss-crossing over and between the spine and the two covers, holding the cover boards together without any need for glue, and the page sections are then cleverly stitched in to the spine. This hand-sewn binding creates a sturdy binding and enables the book to open completely flat, making it perfect for journals, diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Secret Belgian bound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $90 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

Examples of Secret Belgian bound books created from paper-wrapped hard covers.

 

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WORKSHOP SIX

Sunday 18 November 2018
Classic leatherbound journals (Cross-structure binding)

Learn how to make a classic leatherbound journal, with your choice of papers inside, hand-sewn using a traditional binding technique known as Cross-structure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of soft upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen bookbinding thread, all coming together to make a unique and personalised journal.

Cross-structure binding has been around since medieval times, and is distinguished by sections of pages sewn onto the leather 'fingers' of the covers, either leaving the colourful stitching exposed or concealing it behind the spine panel of leather (both styles are taught in this class - your choice of which you'd prefer to make).

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Cross-structure leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $90 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

A close-up of a soft leatherbound journal created using the Cross-structure binding technique. This book uses a deep plum purple leather for the back cover (with the fingers coming around to the front) and a lighter lavender purple leather for the front cover, to give a distinctive two-tone effect. Exposed binding, a window cut-out on the spine, and an assortment of deckle-edged papers inside, make for a unique journal.

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52 Books by Shelbyville - a personal challenge

For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in making books. When I was a wee little girl crafting bits and bobs in my bedroom, I would spend hours and hours making tiny little stapled books filled with nifty Crayola sketches and collaged with pictures cut out of magazines. Three decades later, not much has changed really...I'm still handcrafting little books and making collages from bits cut out of old books, allbeit with a lot more sophistication and intellect these days ;) 

These days, I am inspired to seek mastery. I want to try my hand at each and every bookbinding style I can discover. I want to be creative and crafty with the myriad of materials I have all around me in my studio, and push the limits of my knowledge and skills with paper, card, leather, wood, fabric, bookcloth, and how I can combine these into new and exciting book projects. 

And so I set myself a personal challenge - to focus on making 52 different handmade books, with just three little guidance points to help direct my efforts:

1/  Each book project needs to challenge me in some way, whether it be an unfamiliar binding technique I wish to learn, or experimenting with unusual/found materials, or trying to create a book to a particular theme/inspiration.

2/  No real time limit (life as a mother of small children doesn't really offer the luxury of creative deadlines. and who needs that pressure anyway?), but making at least 2 or 3 books per month would be a bloody commendable effort! ;)

3/  Try really hard to use up materials I already own. Try not to purchase any new materials. Secondhand/vintage/op-shop materials are ok to buy, but it's extra bonus points if such things are already in my possession and I can find a good use for them as a book project.

Simple and straightforward, but verrrrrrry inspiring.

And so the '52 Books by Shelbyville' project was born, a hashtag was created on Instagram, I cleared my desk, and I set to work making books. And these are the book projects that were thus created:

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BOOKBINDING PROJECT #1 - Maryanne's plum leather journal

Binding technique: Cross-structure

Size: A5

Materials: Plum-coloured soft leather, chocolate-brown linen thread, assorted 'found' papers throughout

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BOOKBINDING PROJECT #2 - Marrimekko cherry-red book

Binding technique: Cross-structure

Size: A6

Materials: Cherry-red leather, candy-pink linen thread, assorted 'found' papers throughout (Marrimekko catalogue pages, vintage wallpaper, linen fabric, hot-pink translucent paper, gold foil paper

Special features: Hand-embroidered 'building' motif on the front cover, inspired by one of the Marrimekko patterns; window cut from the spine to show the colourful sections within.

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BOOKBINDING PROJECT #3 - Journals for Charlotte & Molly

Binding technique: Straight Longstitch

Size: slightly shorter than A5

(Charlotte's book)
Materials: Maroon-red leather, candy-pink linen thread, assorted white + scrapbooking papers throughout, elastic closure
Special feature: Leather cover lined inside with pasted scrapbooking papers

(Molly's book)
Materials: White leather, candy-pink linen thread, assorted white + scrapbooking papers throughout, magnetic closure
Special features: Wrap-around leather cover lined inside with pasted scrapbooking paper; window cut into spine to show coloured sections within; Letter M monogram handcut from white leather and glued to the front cover.

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BOOKBINDING PROJECT #4 - Coptic notebook upcycled from Uppercase magazine pages

Binding technique: 2-needle Coptic binding

Size: A6

Materials: Dark chocolate-brown soft leather front cover, black cardboard back cover; cream linen thread, mostly white paper inside, with feature pages created from cropped sections of pages from an old Uppercase magazine

Special feature: Front leather cover is collaged with two offcut strips from leftover Uppercase pages

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BOOKBINDING PROJECT #5 - Chunky leatherbound notebook for my teenage nephew

Binding: Staggered Longstitch

Size: A5

Materials: Chocolate-brown soft-leather wrap-around cover; cream linen thread; bookblock comprised of textured writing papers in shades of white/stone/pale blue.

Special feature: Magnetic snap closure (antique gold) reinforced with additional panels of leather, one wrapping around the front cover and the other to stiffen the front flap, and both helping to conceal the magnetic closure.

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BOOKBINDING PROJECT #6 - Chunky wrap-around caramel-leather journal

Binding: Straight Longstitch

Size: A5

Materials: Caramel soft-leather wrap-around cover; cream linen thread; a bookblock mostly comprised of textured white paper, interspersed with found papers throughout, including old sketches, pianola paper, floral illustrations and other pages from vintage books, and a sheet of origami instructions.

Special feature: Magnetic closure concealed by a reappropriated pianola-roll pull tab.

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BOOKBINDING PROJECT #7 - Cigar-box lid sketchbook/journal

Binding: Straight Longstitch

Size: 210mm x 140mm x 25mm

Materials: Front cover made from a found vintage wooden cigar-box lid (La Flor De Meritas, with original paper graphics on both sides of the lid) further embellished with a vintage paper doll outfit. Black leather spine continues around to form the back cover, adhered to 2mm black cardboard. Bookblock made entirely from BFK Rives art paper, cream-coloured, 175gsm, with deckle edges. Bound with 4-ply waxed linen thread (rust coloured).

Special features: Hand-torn + natural deckle edges to all the pages; simple 3-section Longstitch binding (chunky sections)

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BOOKBINDING PROJECT #8 - Chinese-inspired wrap-around chunky leather journal

Binding technique: Gathered Longstitch

Size: A6 (150mm x 110mm x 40mm)

Materials: Brown soft-leather wrap-around cover; ornate red Chinese 'knot button' closure; red linen thread (from a vintage spool, unwaxed); a bookblock comprised of textured white, cream, pale blue, and straw-yellow papers, interspersed with various found papers (silver/pale blue translucent papers, Chiyogami and rice papers); and featuring a variety of vintage Chinese postage stamps throughout.

Special features: 5cm-high window cut out of spine panel to reveal the ten coloured/patterned sections within.

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To be continued...

Upcoming bookbinding workshops for 2017

 

Announcing this year's range of upcoming bookbinding workshops

If 2017 is the year you're keen to try making your own journal, sketchbook, album, or some other useful handmade book, then check out the range of bookbinding workshops available in Brisbane throughout this coming year...

There's a terrific variety of workshops on offer, including old favourites like Coptic binding and classic leatherbound journals, plus brand new workshops such as Secret Belgian Binding, and others that offer opportunities to try your hand at something different, including Japanese stab-bindings, wrap-around journals, and fun Longstitch-bound books using found materials (like vintage novel covers or cigar box lids!).

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Quick overview:

Sunday 26 February............Wrap-around leather journals (Longstitch binding)

Sunday 26 March................Coptic bookbinding

Sunday 30 April..................Japanese stab bindings

Sunday 13 August...............Longstitch journals (leather spine + hard covers)

Sunday 24 September.........Secret Belgian binding

Saturday 21 October...........Coptic bookbinding

Sunday 19 November..........Leatherbound journals (cross-structure binding)

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All bookbinding materials and tools are provided as part of every workshop. And all templates and instructions are also included to allow you to continue making more books at home :)

Cost:  $85 per person, per workshop

Location:  All workshops are held in a well-lit, air-conditioned space at the Wellers Hill Arts Hub, 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi. 

Bookings: To book your place, please email Michelle on the address below (or there's an email link in the blog's sidebar), or txt/ph 0412 550 981

Please scroll down below for pics and all the extra details relating to each individual workshop.

 

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WORKSHOP ONE

Sunday 26 February 2017
Wrap-around leather journals (Longstitch binding)

Learn how to make your very own wrap-around soft-leather journal, hand-stitched using a Longstitch binding technique and featuring a magnetic closure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads, all coming together to make a unique and personalised book.

Longstitch binding  features a linear pattern of coloured thread sewn up and down the spine directly through the leather, without the need for glue. This simple hand-sewn binding enables the book to open completely flat and makes it perfect for journals, diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Longstitched leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $85 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

The blue and red stitched books above show the traditional straight Longstitching, while the book with mustard-yellow thread is an example of the sewing technique known as French-stitching, which you're also welcome to try in the workshop.

 

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WORKSHOP TWO

Sunday 26 March 2017
Coptic binding

Learn the traditional craft of Coptic bookbinding  by making two different Coptic-bound books,  one a classic hard-cover, and the other with a soft leather cover.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from an assortment of different papers/card, a colourful range of waxed-linen thread, and a variety of upcycled leathers (for the soft cover book) to make two unique and personalised books.

Coptic binding is a simple handsewn technique characterised by two separate covers and a distinctive chain-stitch sewn across an exposed spine. The decorative sewing even allows the book to open beautifully flat, making it perfect for binding your own journals, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, albums, or notebooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of Coptic-bound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your books)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $85 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

Coptic-bound book featuring black drawing-paper pages and its front board covered in vintage black paper with gold graphics, all bound with black bookbinding thread.

 

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WORKSHOP THREE

Sunday 30 April 2017
Japanese stab-bound books

Learn a variety of Japanese stab bindings by making FOUR different notebooks using the most widely recognised Oriental bindings: traditional 4-hole; Noble; Tortoiseshell; and Hemp-leaf stitching patterns.

This is a great workshop for beginner bookbinders, and is also exciting for those who already have experience with western bookbinding because it offers a new set of decorative opportunities. Japanese stab bindings are also an easy and practical way to bind loose sheets, which is difficult in western book structures. 

All materials are provided in the workshop, and you can choose from an assortment of different papers/card, a colourful range of waxed-linen thread, and also a variety of upcycled leathers and Japanese Chiyogami papers to make a set of unique and personalised books.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your books)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $85 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

These Japanese stab-bounds books feature an articulated hard-cover (the mustard yellow one with Hemp Leaf stitching) and a soft-leather cover (the smaller brown one), and both are embellished with vintage matchbox labels from Asia.

 

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WORKSHOP FOUR

Sunday 13 August 2017
Hardcover Longstitch journal (leather spine + hard covers)

Learn how to make a useful and practical journal with a soft-leather spine and two hardboard covers, hand-stitched using coloured thread and a beautiful Longstitch binding technique.

Your book's hard covers can be created from 'found things' such as vintage hardcover novels, cigar box lids, or boards wrapped with interesting papers (such as designer wallpaper, fabric, or handmade papers). Bring your own hardcover 'found thing' or use something from the variety supplied.

All materials are provided in the workshop, and you can choose from a selection of eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads to make a unique and personalised journal.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Longstitched books (both hardcover and soft leather covered), and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers you'd like to use in the creation of your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $85 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

This unique Longstitched journal features a vintage cigar box lid as its front cover, and a back cover of leather wrapping around to form the book's spine.

 

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WORKSHOP FIVE

Sunday 24 September 2017
Secret Belgian binding

Try your hand at making a hardcover journal with Secret Belgian Binding, featuring paper-wrapped covers and hand-stitched with a distinctive thread pattern across the spine.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of interesting and decorative papers to cover your book boards, plus an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages. And with waxed-linen bookbinding thread in a wide choice of colours, you'll be able to make a unique and very personalised book.

Secret Belgian binding features a linear pattern of coloured thread criss-crossing over and between the spine and the two covers, holding the cover boards together without any need for glue, and the page sections are then cleverly stitched in to the spine. This hand-sewn binding creates a sturdy binding and enables the book to open completely flat, making it perfect for journals, diaries, notebooks, scrapbooks and sketchbooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Secret Belgian bound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $85 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

An example of a Secret Belgian bound book created from vintage novel covers, reworked with a new black spine and cream coloured bookbinding thread, with drawing paper inside. 

 

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WORKSHOP SIX

Saturday 21 October 2017 (note, this is a Saturday class!)
Coptic binding

Learn the traditional craft of Coptic bookbinding  by making two different Coptic-bound books,  one a classic hard-cover, and the other with a soft leather cover.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from an assortment of different papers/card, a colourful range of waxed-linen thread, and a variety of upcycled leathers (for the soft cover book) to make two unique and personalised books.

Coptic binding is a simple handsewn technique characterised by two separate covers and a distinctive chain-stitch sewn across an exposed spine. The decorative sewing even allows the book to open beautifully flat, making it perfect for binding your own journals, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, albums, or notebooks.

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of Coptic-bound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your books)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $85 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

A Coptic bound book with a soft-leather front cover that has been embroidered with a cross-stitched D monogram in colours that match the vintage storybook pages featured inside the book (and seen in the exposed spine).

 

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WORKSHOP SEVEN

Sunday 19 November 2017
Classic leatherbound journals (Cross-structure binding)

Learn how to make a classic leatherbound journal, with your choice of papers inside, hand-sewn using a traditional binding technique known as Cross-structure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from a variety of soft upcycled leathers, an assortment of different papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen bookbinding thread, all coming together to make a unique and personalised journal.

Cross-structure binding has been around since medieval times, and is distinguished by sections of pages sewn onto the leather 'fingers' of the covers, either leaving the colourful stitching exposed or concealing it behind the spine panel of leather (both styles are taught in this class - your choice of which you'd prefer to make).

Ideal for complete beginners, as well as those who would like to expand their range of bookbinding techniques. You'll be able to examine finished examples of a variety of Cross-structure leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the variations and possibilities.

All tools and materials are provided as part of the workshop, but you are welcome to bring your own items from home (i.e. A3 cutting mat, a metal ruler, craft/Stanley knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder, and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book)

Comprehensive instructions and templates are also included, to enable you to continue making more books at home.

Location: 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi (plenty of parking available)
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Cost: $85 per person

Bookings essential:  Phone/txt 0412 550 981 or email:

A close-up of a soft leatherbound journal created using the Cross-structure binding technique. This book uses a deep plum purple leather fort he back cover (with the fingers coming around to the front) and a lighter lavender purple leather for the front cover, to give a distinctive two-tone effect. Exposed binding, a window cut-out on the spine, and an assortment of deckle-edged papers inside, give this journal real personality.

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Bookbinding workshop - Japanese stab-bound books (Sunday 15 May 2016)

workshop one

Japanese stab-bound books

Sunday 15 May 2016 @ 1-5pm

This workshop is an exploration into stab bindings, a functional and beautiful structure popularised in Japan, and covers four of the mostly widely recognised Japanese stab bindings: traditional 4-hole; Noble; Tortoiseshell; and Hemp-leaf stitching patterns.

This is a great first book structure for beginner bookbinders, and is also exciting for those who already have experience with western bookbinding because it offers a new set of decorative opportunities. Stab bindings are also an easy way to bind loose sheets, which is difficult in western book structures. 

Participants will make TWO books: the first a simple 4-hole binding to learn how the structure works, and the second a more complex design of their choosing.

All bookbinding materials and tools are provided as part of the workshop. And all templates and instructions are also included so you will be able to make more books at home.

Cost: $80 per person

Location: Wellers Hill Arts Hub, 140 Weller Rd, Tarragindi

Date/time: Sunday 15 May 2016, 1-5pm

Bookings: Email Michelle on the address pictured below (or use the email link in the sidebar on the left), or txt/ph 0412 550 981

Or book online now to reserve your place, over here on Eventbrite.

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The simplicity and elegance of Japanese stab bindings, and the wide variety of binding patterns that make this technique so appealing