Make a Retro Journal Workshop

Learn the art of bookbinding and make a cute book from a vintage children's picture book



3.5 hours Class size 4 to 10 guests

  $85 ($95 per guest when you book for 4+ guests, $85/guest for 4+ guests. $50 per class surcharge applies for private classes) (PayPal Pay in 4 available)

New to bookbinding? Want to learn coptic binding? Join this retro journal making class!
In this workshop, you’ll repurpose a pre-loved children’s book into a blank journal with an exposed spine, bound with double needle Coptic Stitch.
We’ll be working with classic Golden Books that have been rescued from landfill, and giving them a new life as a blank book. We’ll also incorporate other decorative papers to make your journal unique and colourful.
This workshop is ideal for those with minimal bookmaking experience, as you’ll learn all the important foundations of making books including:
  • Folding papers
  • Layout of the book pages
  • Punching holes
  • Making covers and
  • Two-needle Coptic stitch
We supply all materials including your choice of Golden Book (we have lots!), colourful waxed thread, blank papers, decorative papers, and use of bookbinding tools.
Note: This workshop will take place in our upstairs workshop space, which is accessible via a staircase with a landing. If you have any accessibility concerns, please message us, and we’ll arrange to use the downstairs space instead.
Cancellation Policy: Life happens, we get it! You can cancel or reschedule your workshop booking anytime up to 7 days before the class. Unfortunately, if you cancel within 7 days and we're unable to fill your spot, we won’t be able to offer a refund or credit. You’re welcome to pass your ticket on to someone else - just send us a message with their name and contact details so we can update the booking. Thanks so much for your understanding and support.
What you'll get
You'll take home a beautiful A6 size book with blank pages and decorative papers, sewn with colourful thread. Notes on how to sew the book are included for you to take home so you can make more books.
Knowledge required
No prior art experience required.
What to bring
  • Apron and nametag
  • Drinks and snacks
Location

Hive Studios, Unit 13/10 Depot Street, Banyo QLD

Art from the Urban Wilderness is located at Hive Studios in the suburb of Banyo, 15 km from the centre of Brisbane City. By Car – via the Gateway Motorway, take Exit 112 at the Nudgee Service Centre. By Train – walk from Northgate Station (2 kilometres) or Banyo Station (1.2 kilometres) or catch an uber or taxi from the station (1-2 minutes drive).

Your teacher can also travel within 50 kms of Banyo, to a venue of your choice for a private class.

Make a Retro Journal Workshop location
Verified reviews

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Your teacher
Sandra Pearce

Sandra Pearce

5.0 (1)

Sandra Pearce is a Brisbane/Meanjin based artist working with artist books, printed images and paper installations. Her art practice responds to ideas relating to nature-human conflicts, the impacts of urbanisation and the human manipulation of landscape.

Sandra has exhibited widely in both regional and private art galleries and has participated in several artist-in-residence programs including Curtin Springs (NT) and Cataract Gorge (TAS).




Your host

Art from the Urban Wilderness
Art from the Urban Wilderness

5.0 (286)
female Women-owned

Art from the Urban Wilderness is a community art studio located at Hive Studios in Banyo, northside Brisbane/Meanjin.
The studio was founded by artist Sandra Pearce in 2021, and specialises in the techniques of printmaking, papermaking, drawing, bookbinding and artist books. We offer workshops, courses, social art days, and artist talk events.
Our mission is to build an inclusive art community that nurtures creative authenticity, confidence and resilience. We also believe in the power of art to break the cycle of disaffection towards nature, to enrich lives and inspire care for the environment.
The studio is fully air-conditioned with some onsite parking as well as street parking.
2026-06-26 15:00:00
class V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d production brisbane Brisbane QLD AU brisbane