Secret Belgian Binding Bookbinding Workshop

Try your hand at making a hardcover journal with Secret Belgian binding, featuring fancy paper-wrapped covers and hand-stitched with a distinctively linear coloured 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 a wide range of 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 knife, pencil, awl, bonefolder), and any sheets of fancy/coloured/found papers if you want to use these in your book.

Comprehensive instructions are also included to enable you to continue making more Secret Belgian bound books at home.

Location: The Nest Creative Space, 31 Ferry Rd, West End

Date: Sunday 25 October 2026

Time: 1pm to 5:30pm with a mid-afternoon tea/coffee break

Cost: $250 per person

Bookings essential as spaces are limited: email [email protected] or text/phone 0412 550 981

Online bookings available:

https://events.humanitix.com/secret-belgian-binding-bookbinding-workshop

Parking/Event Space Information:

The workshop is located on corner of Ferry Rd and Duncan St, in a grey warehouse-style building called The Nest. There are 6 off-street carpark spots on the Ferry St side of the building. Street parking is generally available in the surrounding area, otherwise there is undercover parking at Montague Markets (Woolworths) (first 2 hours are free, $30 for 4-5 hours).

Workshop held in the front gallery space of The Nest. Entry through the Ferry Rd door.

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Host or Publisher Michelle Vandermeer (Shelbyville)