Travellers’ Notebook/Sketchbook Bookbinding Workshop

Create your own version of this modern classic, a soft-leather A5-sized notebook holder with a coloured elastic strap closure, filled with 3x handmade notebook/sketchbook inserts that are infinitely adaptable and customisable.

Your book inserts can be handstitched from interesting ‘found’ card and papers (such as upcycled vintage books, designer wallpaper/giftwrap, scrapbooking papers or handmade papers) or even make them from particular drawing/watercolour papers that you’d like to bring in. Alternatively, you can bring in 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, a colourful range of waxed-linen threads to stitch the book inserts, and a choice of colourful elastics to bring it all together.

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/sketchbooks 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 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/adapting more Travellers’ notebooks/sketchbooks at home.

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

Date: Sunday 22 March, 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 txt/phone 0412 550 981
or
Book tickets through Humanitix

Parking information:

Located on corner of Ferry Rd and Duncan St, in a grey warehouse-style building with 6 off-street carpark spots. Other street parking available, or undercover paid parking at Montague Markets (Woolworths). 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)