Explore the art of bookbinding through my workshops.
Upcoming Workshops
Japanese Bookbinding Workshop
Bathurst Library
10th April 10.30 -11.30am
Limited to 10 per session
Ring Library for bookings
Japanese Binding Workshops
At The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail
I am running 4 workshops over the weekend. Each session lasts about an hour. You need to book and pay to ensure you get a spot or you can take a chance and pay on day.
Where: Bathurst Showground
When: 11th and 12th April 2026
Times: 9.30 - 10.30am and 2pm - 3pm on both days
Only 8 spaces per session.
Cost only $35pp
Japanese Bookbinding Workshops
Join my Japanese Bookbinding Workshop and discover a simple yet captivating way to bind books. Perfect for groups of 5 to 8, all you need is a space with tables—I’ll provide everything else. Under my expert guidance, you’ll create a stunning handmade book using genuine materials and traditional techniques. By the end, you'll have the skills and inspiration to embark on your own Japanese bookbinding journey..
My workshops provide a hands-on experience in traditional Japanese bookbinding, offering expert guidance and authentic techniques for a truly immersive learning experience.
- Authentic techniques
- Expert guidance
- All materials supplied
- Costs just $40 per person/book. You can have a helper for free.
- 1 hour long
Japanese Bookbinding - the next level
At this workshop you will make 2 beautiful books using 2 different sewing styles. The papers you will use are speciality papers including beautiful indian cotton papers. We will also explore paper properties and learn about common paper terminology and how they relate to their use
- Authentic techniques
- Expert guidance
- All materials supplied
- Costs just $110per person/books. You can have a helper for free.
- 2-3 hours long
Venetian Journal Workshop
Join Janita Ayton, professional bookbinder, for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn to create a beautiful, functional venetian journal covered in book cloth. Perfect for drawings, writings, photos or as a project book. The pages in this book can be changed and added to easily making it both a very flexible and eco friendly type of binding. This project is ideal for beginners and craft lovers alike.
All materials provided – just bring your curiosity and creativity
- Authentic techniques
- Expert guidance
- All materials supplied
- Costs just $110 per person/book. You can have a helper for free.
- 2 -3 hours long
- Limit 10
Concertina Folder/book
Join my Concertina Folder Workshop and explore the charm of creating beautiful, functional, hard cover concertina folder/book by hand.
Perfect for groups of 5 to 10, all you need is a space with tables—I’ll bring all the tools and materials and with my expert guidance, you'll craft your own elegant concertina folder using quality materials and time-honoured techniques. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a unique handmade folder and the confidence to continue your bookbinding journey at home.
- Authentic techniques
- Expert guidance
- All materials supplied
- Costs just $110 per person/book. You can have a helper for free.
- Limit 10
- 2-3 hours long
Coptic Bookbinding Workshop
Join Janita Ayton Bookbinder for a hands-on, creative workshop where you’ll learn the ancient art of Coptic stitch bookbinding — a beautiful and functional binding style with exposed stitching that opens flat.
🪡 What you’ll do:
Learn step-by-step Coptic binding techniques
Create your own handmade book to take home
Choose from a selection of quality papers and covers
Explore the history and contemporary use of this versatile binding style.
Beginners welcome — no experience needed
- Authentic techniques
- Expert guidance
- All materials supplied
- Costs just $150 per person/book. You can have a helper for free.
- 3-4 hours long
Personal Bookbinding Lessons
Have a book you’ve been dreaming of creating or repairing? These lessons focus entirely on you, offering a hands-on experience where you’ll receive personalized guidance to craft or restore a book that holds special meaning for you or a loved one.
All lessons take place in my one-of-a-kind, custom-designed caravan, fully equipped with premium materials and tools to bring your project to life.
Cost is $60 per hour which includes all materials other than leather.
“I absolutely loved the Japanese bookbinding workshop at Janita's Bookbinding. The instructor was knowledgeable and the materials provided were top-notch. Highly recommend!”
Newcastle school