Wrap-around Leather Journals Bookbinding Workshop

Learn how to make your very own wrap-around soft-leather journal, hand-sewn in coloured thread using various Longstitch binding techniques, featuring a variety of papers inside, and finished with either a magnetic clasp or leather-strap closure.

In this workshop all materials are provided, and you can choose from many eco-friendly upcycled leathers, an assortment of found/vintage papers for the book’s pages, and a colourful range of waxed-linen threads, all coming together to make a truly 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, and the workshop offers several sewing variations for you to select from in the making of your book. And because this simple hand-stitched binding enables the book to open completely flat, it’s suitable for creating 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 different Longstitched leatherbound books, and draw inspiration from the many 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 wrap-around leather books at home.

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

Date: Sunday 30 August 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/wrap-around-leather-journals-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)