We welcome Students, Teachers and Homeschool Groups
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A morning spent getting hands-on with bookmaking in our Traditional Bindery, one of the very few in Australia, offers an exciting and unforgettable experience for students. We cater to class groups of up to 24 participants, including teachers, at a time. With nearby parks for lunch breaks and other museums in close proximity, teachers can easily plan a dynamic and educational day out.
We offer bookbinding classes ranging from two-hour sessions to full-day experiences. No prior experience is necessary, as all of our workshops are taught by professional bookbinders and educators, each holding a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Students will enjoy hands-on technical learning in a fully compliant, safe, and supportive environment. And of course, we will make lots of books!
Class Options
Time: Morning Session 9am - 11.30am, Afternoon Session 12.30 pm - 3pm OR Full Day 9am - 3pm
Days available for Booking: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
Strictly Age: 7 - 14
Price: $75 per session or $150 for the full day
Minimum number: 4, adults can join in for the full price of $150 per session, or $300 for the full day.
Get Making with Bookbinding!
Ready to turn loose pages into something amazing? Join us for a fun-filled day of bookmaking! Whether your child is a returning participant or brand new to the club, every session offers something different. We always have ‘serious’ bookbinding in the morning and a more creative book structure in the afternoon.
Option 1:
We’ll begin the day creating a delightful collection of notebooks, sketchbooks, and journals. Then, let your imagination run wild as you experiment with your own one-of-a-kind designs. With colourful papers, sturdy card-stock, and all tools provided, everyone will head home with a stack of gorgeous, handmade books, plus plenty of inspiration!
Option 2- :
Step into the enchanting world of magical books that flips and flaps. Learn how to make more Pop-up creative book structures that moves!
Important Information
All children and adults attending the workshop must hold a valid booking.
For safety, this experience is not suitable for children under 6 years of age. Non-participating spectators, including, infants, children or adults are not permitted in the bindery space during the workshop.
This is a guided creative experience, not a technical masterclass. No recipes, formulas, or take-home instruction notes will be provided.
Designed for participants who can comfortably follow verbal and visual instructions in a group setting.
All materials, tools, and protective equipment are provided.
Important Notes:
Taught by professional educators and Early Years teachers with valid Working With Children Checks (WWCC).
A fully compliant, safe, and supportive environment.
Hands-on technical learning in a creative and fun setting.
This workshop is technical in nature; sharp instruments will be used.
Full day session includes outdoor lunch at a nearby park—please bring a hat, a nut-free packed lunch, and a drink bottle.
Refunds are not available for a change of mind—please read our Terms and Conditions before booking.
Written and delivered Isabelle McGowan and Jennifer Cowle © 2024 Isabelle McGowan. All rights reserved.
Time: 9am - 11.30pm
Days available for Booking: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
Cost: $100 per person ) children and adult
Minimum Class size: 2
A Creative Day
Step into a joyful world of colour, movement, and imagination in this relaxed marbling experience. Designed for both children and adults, this workshop is a wonderful chance to roll up your sleeves, get a little messy, and create side by side.
Together, you’ll explore the magic of floating colours and watch as simple drops of paints together swirl and transform into beautiful, one-of-a-kind patterns, each one a surprise waiting to happen.
What to Expect
This hands-on family session is light-hearted, welcoming, and full of creative play, allowing you to experiment, explore, and make your own colourful papers.
There’s no “right” outcome, just the joy of watching colours move, mix, and bloom. Some pieces will come quickly, others may take a little patience… but every print will be completely unique and full of personality.
Important Information
All children and adults attending the workshop must hold a valid booking.
For safety, this experience is not suitable for children under 6 years of age. Non-participating spectators, including, infants, children or adults are not permitted in the bindery space during the workshop.
This is a guided creative experience, not a technical masterclass. No recipes, formulas, or take-home instruction notes will be provided.
Designed for participants who can comfortably follow verbal and visual instructions in a group setting.
All materials, tools, and protective equipment are provided.
Important Notes:
Taught by professional educators and Early Years teachers with valid Working With Children Checks (WWCC).
A fully compliant, safe, and supportive environment.
Hands-on technical learning in a creative and fun setting.
This workshop is technical in nature; sharp instruments will be used.
Full day session includes outdoor lunch at a nearby park—please bring a hat, a nut-free packed lunch, and a drink bottle.
Refunds are not available for a change of mind—please read our Terms and Conditions before booking.
Written and delivered Isabelle McGowan and Jennifer Cowle © 2024 Isabelle McGowan. All rights reserved.
Date: Available for booking on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
Time: 2 hours session, choose your own time
Cost: $150 per person
Minimum class size: 4 person
Creative Bookbinding Experience for Teachers and Educators
Step away from lesson planning, emails, and the usual school day, and spend some time making something with your hands. This practical bookbinding session is designed for teachers, educators, teacher librarians, and creative learning teams who would like to learn some traditional bookbinding techniques and discover ideas they can take back into the classroom. Come together, have a go, learn something new, and leave with a collection of handmade books of your own.
The Experience and What You Will Make
You will be guided step by step through simple traditional bookbinding structures and techniques. You will learn how to fold, sew, and assemble paper into your own handmade books, while exploring materials and techniques that can also be adapted for classroom projects.
The session is practical and relaxed, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, try things out, and discuss how different techniques could work with your own students. By the end of the session, each participant will have a bundle of handmade notebooks to take home.
Why Educators Love It
There is something very satisfying about learning a craft from the beginning and seeing a finished book appear in your hands. The session provides time to work alongside colleagues, share ideas, and enjoy making without the usual pressure of planning or teaching.
Materials and Setting
All materials and specialist tools are provided.
Tea, coffee, and biscuits are also provided.
Who This Is For
This session is suitable for:
Teachers
Visual arts teachers
Primary educators
Teacher librarians
Librarians
Art departments
Creative learning teams
School staff looking for a hands on professional development activity
No previous bookbinding experience is required.
Please Note
This is an introductory creative session rather than a formal bookbinding masterclass. The focus is on learning practical techniques, enjoying the process, and discovering ways to bring handmade bookmaking into your own creative or teaching practice.
Please review the Terms and Conditions before booking. Refunds are not available for change of mind.
Workshop designed and delivered by Isabelle McGowan © 2026. All rights reserved.
Contact us
Please contact us directly at hello@owlandlion.com if you have enquiries about restoration and/or re-binding an old book, please attach multiple images with your email so we can advise you.
The bindery is located in Ultimo near the centre of Sydney. It is within walking distance of Central railway station and the light rail Exhibition Centre terminus.
Our opening hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 9am - 2pm
Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 5pm
Address:
Shop 193
392 Jones Street, Ultimo, 2007
On-street parking available outside the shop