WELCOME BOOKBINDERS AND BOOK ARTISTS

Since 1983 the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild has worked to support the development of the book arts in Canada. This web site is dedicated to that effort. The book arts include bookbinding, artists' books, papermaking, calligraphy, letterpress printing and typography, wood engraving, paper decorating, restoration, and conservation.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:


ONLINE WORKSHOP

Triple Shape Flag Book with Kit Davey

Sunday, June 14, 2026, 4.30 - 6.30 p.m. (Eastern time)


This unusual variation of the flag book consists of three different shapes that pass through each other when the book is extended.  

It’s helpful to use a variety of colours to create a more dramatic effect.

Video of the book in action. 

Click here for full details.




ONLINE WORKSHOP

The Case Bound Book with Andrew Huot

Tuesdays, June 16 & 23, 2026, 6.00 - 9.00 p.m. (Eastern time)


The flat back case bound book is a durable and classic form, combining sewn pages with a hard cover. 

Students will learn a sewing structure for the block of pages and create covers, which will then be joined to the sewn block. 

Click here for full details.


ONLINE WORKSHOP

Crossed Structure Bindings with Erin Fletcher

Tuesdays, July 7, 9 & 14, 2026, 6.00 - 8.30 pm (Eastern time)


The Crossed Structure binding is a non-adhesive binding that offers much freedom to the text block. This Twentieth century design was developed by Carmencho Arregui, who was greatly inspired by the Long Stitch bindings of the medieval era.

It is suitable in conservation or new bindings, such as travel journals or decorative bindings. The structure is uniquely constructed by interlocking the front and back cover at the spine.

In this workshop, we’ll explore three of Carmencho’s variations: Hidden, MarcoPolo, and Solo.

Click here for full details.




ONLINE WORKSHOPS

Home Study Guided Stream Bookbinding 1:

August 2026 - July 2027 with Spike Minogue, Cohort 13

Bookbinding 1 is the first workshop in CBBAG’s core curriculum and introduces the variety of tools, materials, sewings, and constructions fundamental to hand bookbinding.

Using the Thinkific online teaching platform, the workshop is a series of lecture-style videos, direct demonstration videos, and how-to pdfs housed into modules. The workshop will start with the making of a simple pamphlet and proceed to the binding of two hard cover books.

For further information about the Home Study Guided Stream programme, click here.

Click here for The list of all workshops and courses.



Kindred Spirits: The Lucy Maud Montgomery Legacy as Interpreted by Contemporary Book Artists

For the list of exhibition venues across Canada, visit the exhibition's website:  kindred-spirits-bookarts.com

The Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada.

Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube (for exclusive lecture recording, Beyond Anne of Green Gables, presented by Kathy Wasylenky from Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario).

BOOKBINDING

WHAT IS IT?

Image of brass gold finishing tools being heated on a finishing stove.

Work & Hobby

Bookbinding consists of many different types of work, particularly in North America where it can be difficult to specialize and make a living.

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Magazine

EXTENSIVE LIBRARY

Image of a Book Arts Canada (Arts du Livre Canada) magazine cover.

Publication

Book Arts arts du livre Canada is published twice a year. It features book arts events, book artists, book and exhibition reviews, technical articles, and historical essays.

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EDUCATION

RESOURCES

Detail of the face of a brass finishing tool in the shape of a raven .ARTISTS & BOOKBINDERS

CBBAG has a few curated lists of resources that we think will be of use to bookbinders and book artists. 

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Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG)

Charitable Business Number 89179 5445 RR0001


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