Bookbinding Workshop: Flexible Cloth Spine

Create your own flexible spine journal or sketchbook in this hands-on workshop



3.5 hours Location Albert Park Class size 1 to 10 guests   $100 - $120 (Earlybird price of $100 applies if you book into a public session 7+ days ahead) (Afterpay available)

Immerse yourself in a joyful, hands-on bookbinding workshop and discover the beautiful, traditional craft of making your own 64-page flexible spine, hardcover journal or sketchbook.
Over the course of this engaging three-hour class, you’ll design and create a stunning cloth and paper-covered hardback book featuring a flexible yet strong spine that opens flat—making it perfect for sketching, journaling or writing on the go. Your book will be crafted using eight hand-sewn signatures and finished with unique decorative endpapers, all carefully assembled with guidance every step of the way.
Whether you're brand new to bookbinding or looking to build on existing skills, this workshop is designed to be welcoming, supportive and inspiring for all levels.
Guided by artist and educator Nicole Wassell, who brings years of experience working with people of all ages and abilities, you’ll be encouraged to explore the joy of creating something truly personal with your own hands.
During the class, you'll learn how to:
  • Sew your pages into signatures
  • Assemble and glue your book block
  • Add beautiful, decorative endpapers
  • Create and attach a strong, flexible spine and sturdy hardcover
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a handcrafted 64-page journal or sketchbook, made using a curated selection of high-quality papers—plus the skills and confidence to continue bookmaking on your own.

money_off
Save $20 per guest, when you book 7+ days before a session

Upcoming dates for Bookbinding Workshop: Flexible Cloth Spine

Times are Melbourne time. Dates and prices as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:38am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 14 Nov 2026 and 14 Nov 2026.

  • Sat 14 Nov 2026, 2pm-5:30pm
What you'll get
  • A beautiful 64-page hardback journal or sketchbook to take home
  • Access to exclusive workshop notes so you can keep creating after class
  • The deep satisfaction that comes from creating a one-of-a-kind book, whether for yourself or as a meaningful, handmade gift.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
What to bring
Just your enthusiasm and creative spirit.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, birthday or hens party.

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 12 years old).

Adult accompaniment is not required.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Gasworks, ART & CRAFT Studio - Gasworks Arts Park, Graham Street, Albert Park VIC

The ART CRAFT Studio is located on Richardson street. Plenty of parking out front. look out for the yello Banner.

Your teacher can also travel within 200 kms of Albert Park, to a venue of your choice for a private class.

Bookbinding Workshop: Flexible Cloth Spine location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Bookbinding Workshop: Flexible Cloth Spine

  • 5/5 from Haemund Pong, attended Sep 2026: Back for book binding round two with Nicole and it was as fun as the first time! Nicole's such a great teacher, so patient and easy to learn from. Something so satisfying about turning a stack of paper into an actual book. Already thinking about when I can go again. Highly recommend if you're even a little bit curious!
  • 5/5 from Sarah Izhak, attended Sep 2026: Another wonderful class with Nicole. I appreciate Nicole's way of teaching and her patience, as my brain works a little differently. Nicole really takes the time to ensure you leave with a beautiful product. Thank you Nicole
  • 5/5 from Tabitha Melgalvis, attended Jun 2026: Great class, lots of options for decorative covers and end papers.
  • 5/5 from Nazia Wasif, attended Jun 2026: Loved my experience!!!
  • 5/5 from David Widdess, attended Mar 2026: Very enjoyable and relaxing afternoon learning something new. Thanks Nicole
  • 5/5 from Judith Henderson, attended Mar 2026: Great course, teacher extremely well prepared and very friendly and approachable. Took home a professional, beautiful book. Will do this again and will happily recommend to others.
  • 5/5 from Cole Darmenia, attended Mar 2026: I had a lot of fun. I gained this skill I came for learning how to do the soft cover so I’m not so freaked out. The teacher is very knowledgeable and well worth it. I loved picking out end pages. And pasting down was very fun. I loved all the templates she had. Might have to invest in some she has available. Thanks Nicole
  • 4/5 from Glenys Bezett, attended Mar 2026: Class was very enjoyable. Well organised. Very clear instructions and easy to follow. I have a lovely book for all my efforts today. Thank you.
  • 5/5 from Ruth, attended Aug 2025: Fantastic. This was my second workshop with Nicole different style of book building on my skills from last time. Nicole is able to skilfully guide participants working at a variety of skill levels guiding some people to keep moving through stages or taking the extra time to guide beginners. Her range of papers and the quality of the equipment we use is just sensational. Definitely going to keep my eye out for new workshops. I’ll be back.
  • 5/5 from Rachael Hartwell, attended May 2025: What a great workshop, making a beautiful book, with lovely people. Thanks Nicole and Kate for a fun and informative 3 hours. I loved all the choices of beautiful paper (too many choices) and the wonderful set-up of our own book binding supplies for the day. Everything close at hand and step by step guidance. I know I will make more books and feel like this is such a lovely idea for personalised gifts. I highly recommend this workshop.
  • 5/5 from Danni Eather, attended May 2025: This class was soo much fun. Nicole was so payient, clear with her instructions and made it feel like we were just a bunch of friends hanging out. My book is beautiful and im alreasy hooked on book binding as my new hobbie.
  • 5/5 from Alexandra Wright, attended Apr 2025: I walked past a QR code advertising workshops which led me to the soft bind bookbinding workshop, something I had always been keen to learn. I underestimated just how beautiful of an experience it would be! You got to create a beautiful journal which are such great tools for our inner worlds! It was special to weave my very own! I love getting to chose all my own details for my journal.The class ran seamlessly, Nicole was fabulous and knowledgeable! gave very clear instructions and her background in primary teaching definitely added to how easy things were to follow! I couldn’t recommend this workshop more! It is a skill I will use and have forever, Thankyou!
Your teacher

Nicole Wassell
Nicole Wassell

5.0 (67)
female Women-owned

Nic has been a practising artist for over 40 years and an arts educator for more than 20 years, with experience teaching all ages and levels of ability. Nicoles personal practice involves bookbinding/ artists books, printmaking, painting, and mixed media collage.
She is driven by a passion for sharing the things that bring her joy and her patient and supportive teaching approach fosters self-confidence and creativity in those that are new to the skills she teaches as well as inspiring people with some experience seeking to develop existing skills to the next level.

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class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production melbourne Melbourne VIC AU melbourne