Southwestern Ontario Chapter

The Southwestern Ontario Chapter welcomes anyone residing in the region who is interested in learning about bookbinding and related book arts. The chapter offers workshops in-person and online along with a Tool Lending Library for members to borrow from. 

All current members of CBBAG who reside in southwestern Ontario (postal codes starting with N) automatically become members of the CBBAG Southwestern Ontario Chapter. Please note that SWO chapter does not include the GTA. Others may join the Chapter mailing list by expressing interest (no fee for Chapter membership).

Contact us at cbbag.swochapter@gmail.com or visit us us on Facebook or Instagram.

President: Arielle VanderSchans
Vice-President: Tim Dyck
Secretary: Rhiannon Allen-Roberts
Treasurer: Mirela Parau

Upcoming Events and Workshops

Paste Papers (London, ON) - June 27-28
Bibliomania Bookfest (London, ON) - June 20
Models of Bookbinding Techniques: Sewing Structures - July 18-19*
Chapter BBQ (London, ON) - July 18
Marbling (London, ON) - July 25-26*


*Registration forthcoming. Registration usually goes live 4-5 weeks before the workshop.



Past Events and Workshops

Join The Club (London ON) - May 23
BiblioArts (Owen Sound, ON) - May 14-15
Finishing (London, ON) - May 16-18 & 23-25
Bookbinding 1 (Durham, ON) - March 21-23 & 28-30
Self-Publishing via Chapbooks (London, ON) - February, 2026


Paste Papers Workshop

Paste paper is a centuries-old decorative technique used in bookbinding, collage, and mixed media. By applying pigmented paste to paper and manipulating it with simple tools, you can create vibrant, expressive patterns and textures. In this hands-on class, students will learn the history, materials, and techniques of traditional and contemporary paste paper, while exploring colour, pattern, and experimentation. The class also includes a demonstration on making paste bookcloth. By the end of the session, students will leave with a sample book and a collection of original paste papers.

All materials and tools are provided. Feel free to bring your own specialty papers or mark-making tools, and wear clothing that can get messy.

Dates:  Saturday June 27th & Sunday June 28th, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: London ON
Cost: $140 & $35 material fee

For more information or  to register, please fill in the registration form and submit your payment.

Registration deadline is June 19, 2026.






Handbound & Homegrown
Bookbinding in Our Backyard

We’re excited to share that we are hosting a 2026 chapter exhibit, Handbound & Homegrown: Bookbinding in Our Backyard Exhibit, happening this Fall (date TBD)—and it’s got a beautiful home! Attic Books in downtown London, Ontario, is opening up their storefront windows to showcase our work.

The theme is simple but wide open: Local.

What does local mean to you? Maybe you make your own inks from plants in your garden, maybe you’ve got handmade paper from a nearby papermaker, or maybe you want to bring new life to the words of a local poet or author.

This exhibit is all about celebrating the creativity, resources, and inspiration we can find right in our own backyard. We can’t wait to see how you bring local to life in your bindings and books.

This exhibit is open to CBBAG members in the SWO and GTA chapters.

If you’d like to participate in the exhibit, you can find more information and the submission form here: https://forms.gle/662J6cdFDspEm74h6

The deadline for entry is  Fall 2026 (date TBD soon).


We want to hear from you!

Are you a chapter member? Or do you live in Ontario and are looking to do courses in the Southwestern Ontario region? 

Fill in our workshop survey! 

This short 5 minute survey allows us to see what courses are in-demand and helps determine what we will offer next year. 

2026 Workshop Survey


Interested in Bookbinding Courses?

Email us at cbbag.swochapter@gmail.com to let us know what you're interested in taking!


Local Suppliers

Bijan's Art Studio (London, ON) offers art supplies

Colour Jar (Durham, ON) offers bookbinding supplies

Columbia Finishing Mills (Cornwall, ON) specializes in bookboard, bookcloth, cover paper, end papers

George Hill & Co (Milton, ON) offers bookbinding tools and supplies

Lee Valley Tools (London, ON) offers chisels, punching, woodworking and leather tools

Papertrail (New Dundee, ON) offers papermaking supplies and some bookbinding supplies

Local Bookbinders

Book and Paper Conservation (London, ON)

Dan Mezza Book Binding (London, ON)

  • Bookbinding and book repairs/restoration
  • 519-434-0964

Miller Bookbinding (Waterloo, ON)

Colour Jar (Durham, ON)


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Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG)

Charitable Business Number 89179 5445 RR0001


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