Book Binding Workshop

2026 Heritage Artisan Faire Workshops – Rediscovering the Past Through Craft.

Book Binding Workshop – Traditional Craftsmanship

Step back in time and discover the timeless art of traditional book binding. Learn classic techniques used for centuries to preserve stories, records and treasured writings, while creating your own handcrafted book to take home.

Guided by an experienced artisan, you’ll explore traditional tools, materials and methods, gaining an appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship behind this beautiful heritage trade. Perfect for beginners, this workshop is a relaxing and rewarding hands-on experience.

9.00am – 4.00pm

 

Step back in time and discover the timeless art of book binding in this hands-on heritage workshop.

As part of AdventureFest 2026, Redlands Coast Museum invites you to embark on The Heritage Artisan Faire Workshops: a hands-on journey through heritage skills, artistry, and self-discovery. Vintage trades meet modern creativity in a series of immersive workshops that celebrate craftsmanship as a living link between past and present.

Book binding is a traditional craft that has been used for centuries to preserve stories, records and treasured writings. In this workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of classic binding techniques while creating their own handcrafted book to take home.

Guided by an experienced artisan, you’ll explore the tools, materials and methods used in traditional book making, gaining an appreciation for the patience and skill behind this beautiful heritage craft.

Perfect for beginners, this workshop is a relaxing and rewarding experience for anyone who enjoys creativity, history, or working with their hands.

 

The Ideal Sketchbook

Strong, elegant, and pleasing to use, this binding was the “daybook” of choice for the great Romantic English poets and artists. Learn this structure in this full day class with Sandra Johnson

This structure is modelled on the nineteenth century artists’ sketchbooks and journals, similar to the ones used by Wordsworth and Ruskin as they wandered across the Lake District to draw and write. It is an honest structure made simply and from high quality materials, it opens beautifully and is very durable.

The pages are made from good cartridge paper. Working from full sized sheets, we will fold and slit the paper to give a beautiful, feathery deckled edge. We will then sew the book with linen thread on strong tapes, and sew in a cloth hinge for strength. The book is rounded, for easy opening, but not backed, eliminating the need for a press. The case, or cover, is made from cushioned boards covered in strong natural canvas that can withstand all the hard knocks associated with going ‘out into the field’. Suitable for all levels of bookbinding experience.

 

 

What’s included

 

• All materials and tools provided
• Step-by-step guidance throughout the session
• Learn traditional binding techniques and finishes
• Book Binding Tools kit to take home
• Lunch provided (BYO Morning tea)

What to wear
Wear comfortable clothing and enclosed, comfortable shoes.

 

What to bring
Please bring your own apron.

 

About the Facilitator – Sandra Johnson

Sandra is a mixed media artist and retired Visual Arts teacher, based in South Brisbane and recently Redland Bay. She is also a trained bookbinder and an active member of the Queensland Bookbinders Guild, creating a wide variety of handmade books and teaching fundamental bookbinding skills.

Sandra has held several exhibitions in recent years at the Logan Art Gallery, showcasing her mixed media works, handmade books, altered books, and eco-dyeing techniques.

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Duration:

Full Day (9.00am – 4.00pm)

 

Suitable for: Ages 16+. Suitable for all levels of bookbinding experience.

 

Workshop Capacity:

All our Heritage Artisan Faire Workshops have a limited number of participants to ensure you receive all the assistance and direction you require.

 

Ticket Includes:

• Lunch is provided (BYO morning tea, or purchase from the Museum Radio servery)

• Entry to the Museum to explore our fascinating exhibits

 

Ticket Types:

• Non-Members

• Redlands Coast Museum Members & Volunteers ($10 discount)

 

Important Information:

• Discounts apply only to valid Redlands Coast Museum Members and Volunteers

• Member and volunteer discounts cannot be used by non-members

• Discounts are not transferable or shareable

 

 

*Booking fees apply.