Level 1
Bookbinding for beginners
The Guild runs regular weekend short courses and workshops catering for skill levels from beginners to advanced. The aim of these courses is to introduce and familiarise students with the binding procedures and book arts skills necessary for a life long exploration and enjoyment of the craft of hand bookbinding.
The courses and workshops are run at the Guild’s professionally equipped bindery in Room 14 Writing NSW, in Callan Park, Lilyfield. Membership of the Guild is open to anyone. Members may use the bindery facilities on open access days to work on their own projects.
As part of our training we also offer a set of four courses. See The Alchemy of bookbinding
TUTOR
Avril Makula
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2025 DATES
Saturday and Sunday 1st & 2nd, February
Saturday and Sunday 5th & 6th, April
Saturday and Sunday 3rd & 4th, May
Saturday and Sunday 5th & 6th, July
Saturday and Sunday 2nd & 3rd, August
Saturday and Sunday 1st & 2nd, November
Saturday and Sunday 6th & 7th, December
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PLEASE NOTE!
This course is run through the Sydney Community College.
Cost: $290
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ABOUT THE COURSE
For hundreds of years books were made by hand. Now you rarely handle a book which isn’t made by a machine. The intention of this course is to re-introduce you to the ancient craft of hand bookbinding.
The course is suitable for those who are starting from scratch and also for those who want to refresh half-remembered skills from a previous course.
‘Bookbinding for Beginners’ is the NEW official The Alchemy of Bookbinding Level 1 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.
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COURSE CONTENT
In this 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 bring your creativity, curiosity and passion.
Please note, for this course students require good hand-eye co-ordination, 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.
OUTCOMES
In this course you will complete at least 4 projects. A choice of coloured and decorative papers and 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.
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YOU WILL MAKE
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a single-section stitched booklet, binding the NSW Guild’s publication ‘The Alchemy of Bookbinding: Basics Terms and Concepts’
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a full paper Japanese four-hole pouch (fukuro toji) binding
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a hard cover concertina photo album with dimensions to fit standard 4” x 6” photos
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a multi-section French-stitched notebook with a wraparound cover
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MATERIALS
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.
You may wish to bring an apron, and the Guild has its own aprons for sale
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VENUE
Ralph Lewis Bindery
Room 14, Garry Owen House
Callan Park, Balmain Rd
Lilyfield NSW 2038
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DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Follow the orange signs for Writing NSW (formerly the NSW Writers’ Centre) to the carpark behind the building.
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OTHER INFORMATION
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Please wear closed-in shoes as an OHS requirement
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For ages 18+
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Avoid disappointment. Enrol early.
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Please ensure that you have provided a valid email and mobile number as any course changes will be communicated via SMS or email.
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