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What's on at the Ralph Lewis Bindery

LIDDED BOXES.JPG

The lidded box is a versatile and practical box. Not just for precious books which need protecting it can be used for other objects; prints, photographs, jewellery...

In this workshop you will make a sturdy double-walled box which is also elegant and attractive.

May 17th, 2025

long-stitch 2.jpeg

The long-stitch binding makes a great journal or note book. A non-adhesive stationary binding it has its origins in the European early modern period. Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks were long-stitch bindings.

In this class you will also make a leather wrap around cover to go with your book.

May 25th, 2025

Lobo Pop up.jpg

Explore the intricate world of pop-up books. You will be making two books; one in which you discover the different folds which create different moving 3D constructions and the other based on the nursery rhyme Hey diddle-diddle which will be made into a concertina book.

July 20th, 2025

COURSES

In this section you'll find courses that are currently on offer and others that will become available during the year.  Please note that:

​​For Level 1: Bookbinding for beginners your booking will be processed by Sydney Community College.​

​​When a course is flagged as "Read more ..." it could mean that the course is fully booked, that the course date is yet to be confirmed, or that the course has just ended. You can join the waiting list or express interest in future courses by clicking the "Let us know" button to the left. ​

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.​

  • Level 1: Bookbinding for beginners

    NSW Guild of Craft Bookbinders Alchemy of Bookbinding Level 1 course.

    Ended

    Book from SCC site
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  • Level 2: Flatback case binding – May

    Some basic bookbinding experience, such as ‘Bookbinding for beginners’, is recommended

    Starts May 31

    From 290 Australian dollars

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  • Level 2: Flatback case binding – October

    Some basic bookbinding experience, such as ‘Bookbinding for beginners’, is recommended

    Starts Oct 25

    From 290 Australian dollars

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  • Level 3: Rounded & backed case binding

    Some bookbinding experience is highly recommended.

    Starts Nov 22

    From 290 Australian dollars

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  • Level 4: Letterpress binding

    Completion of levels 2 and 3 highly recommended.

    Ended

    From 350 Australian dollars
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  • Millimetre binding

    Some basic bookbinding experience, such as ‘Bookbinding for beginners’, is recommended

    Starts Jul 26

    From 290 Australian dollars

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  • Level 2: Flatback case binding – Sept

    Some basic bookbinding experience, such as ‘Bookbinding for beginners’, is recommended

    Starts Sep 20

    From 290 Australian dollars

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  • Watercolour marbling

    Limited to eight participants.

    Ended

    From 350 Australian dollars
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  • Watercolour marbling revisited Full Day

    Limited to eight participants.

    Ended

    75 Australian dollars
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  • Suminagashi

    Suitable for beginners as well as more advanced binders.

    Starts Jul 5

    From 160 Australian dollars

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  • Exploring endpapers

    Suitable for students who have completed the Level 2 course and wish to learn more.

    Ended

    From 160 Australian dollars
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  • Making bookcloth

    Suitable for all levels.

    Starts Aug 17

    From 160 Australian dollars

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  • Japanese bookbinding

    Suitable for all levels.

    Ended

    From 160 Australian dollars
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  • Chinese thread book

    Suitable for all levels including beginners.

    Starts Jul 19

    From 180 Australian dollars

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  • Pop-up books

    A great introduction to pop-up structures, suitable for all levels.

    Starts Jul 20

    From 200 Australian dollars

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  • Flexible sketchbook

    A great follow on for beginners, and for those wanting to explore bespoke bindings.

    Starts Oct 18

    From 160 Australian dollars

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  • Drum-leaf binding

    Suitable for all levels.

    Starts Oct 19

    From 160 Australian dollars

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  • Coptic binding

    Great follow on for beginners, and those wanting to explore different binding styles.

    Starts Nov 30

    From 160 Australian dollars

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  • Long-stitch binding with leather cover

    Suitable for beginners as well as more advanced binders.

    Starts May 25

    From 160 Australian dollars

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  • Simple leather binding

    Suitable for beginners as well as more advanced binders.

    Starts Aug 16

    From 160 Australian dollars

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  • Book repair for the home library

    Basic bookbinding knowledge necessary.

    Starts May 24

    From 105 Australian dollars

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  • Paper repair clinic

    Suitable for all levels but some bookbinding experience is an advantage.

    Starts Jun 7

    From 160 Australian dollars

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  • Board reattachment techniques

    Basic bookbinding knowledge necessary.

    Starts Jun 19

    From 575 Australian dollars

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  • Clamshell boxes: made to fit

    Some bookbinding experience recommended.

    Ended

    From 160 Australian dollars
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  • Lidded box

    Suitable for all levels including beginners.

    Starts May 17

    From 280 Australian dollars

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  • Portfolio box

    Suitable for all levels.

    Starts Nov 29

    From 190 Australian dollars

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  • Library style binding

    Suitable for those who have completed Levels 1–3 or equivalent.

    Starts Oct 4

    350 Australian dollars

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EVENTS

  • Decorated papers June (MEMBERS ONLY)
    Decorated papers June (MEMBERS ONLY)
    Sun, 15 June
    Lilyfield
    15 June 2025, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm AEST
    Lilyfield, Callan Park, Balmain Rd, Lilyfield NSW 2040, Australia
    Dive into colour and pattern.
  • Decorated papers August (MEMBERS ONLY)
    Decorated papers August (MEMBERS ONLY)
    Sun, 10 Aug
    Lilyfield
    10 Aug 2025, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm AEST
    Lilyfield, Callan Park, Balmain Rd, Lilyfield NSW 2040, Australia
    Dive into colour and pattern.
  • US binder Coleen Curry returns
    US binder Coleen Curry returns
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, 30 Aug
    Lilyfield
    30 Aug 2025, 9:30 am – 31 Aug 2025, 4:00 pm
    Lilyfield, Balmain Rd, Lilyfield NSW 2040, Australia
    In conjunction with Bind25 Andersen’s Bindery is pleased to announce that we will be hosting classes with Coleen Curry. Coleen is an award-winning contemporary design binder and book artist. Check on the RSVP button and book through Andersen's Bindery today.
  • Bind25 Conference, Auckland, NZ
    Bind25 Conference, Auckland, NZ
    Fri, 12 Sept
    Auckland
    12 Sept 2025, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm NZST
    Auckland, 55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
    Preserving the past. Crafting the future.
  • Decorated papers October (MEMBERS ONLY)
    Decorated papers October (MEMBERS ONLY)
    Sun, 12 Oct
    Lilyfield
    12 Oct 2025, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm AEDT
    Lilyfield, Callan Park, Balmain Rd, Lilyfield NSW 2040, Australia
    Dive into colour and pattern.
  • NSW Guild AGM 2025
    NSW Guild AGM 2025
    Sat, 15 Nov
    Lilyfield
    15 Nov 2025, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm AEDT
    Lilyfield, South Cres, Lilyfield NSW 2040, Australia
    Join us for our Annual General Meeting and Sale Day!
  • Decorated papers April (MEMBERS ONLY)
    Decorated papers April (MEMBERS ONLY)
    Sun, 13 Apr
    Lilyfield
    13 Apr 2025, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm AEST
    Lilyfield, Callan Park, Balmain Rd, Lilyfield NSW 2040, Australia
    Dive into colour and pattern.

Membership

Discover the exceptional services we offer at NSW Bookbinders. From custom design consultations to premium printing techniques, we are committed to bringing your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and care.

Beginner's course​

All other courses

Contact

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BINDERY OPENING HOURS FOR MEMBERS

1st Tuesdays of the month 10:30am - 4:30pm

2nd Saturdays of the month: 9:30am - 1:30pm

All Wednesdays: 10:00am – 5:00pm

NB. The Bindery is closed over Christmas and New Year from mid December until mid January

NSW Bookbinder's Guild
PO Box 1110
Rozelle, NSW 2039

NSW Bookbinder's Guild Ralph Lewis Bindery
Room 14,  Garry Owen House
Callan Park, Balmain Rd
Lilyfield, NSW 2038

 

In the spirit of Reconciliation, the NSW Guild of Bookbinders acknowledges the Wangal people,
Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Bindery is located, and pays respects to their Elders past and present.
 

© 2024 by Stefania Riccardi for NSW Guild of Bookbinders. All rights reserved.

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