Get creative and prepare for a fresh start to 2027 by designing and binding your own handmade journal.

Whether you’re making a journal to keep for yourself or a thoughtful handmade Christmas gift for someone special, this hands-on workshop will guide you through assembling your own A6 notebook from start to finish.

What to expect 

Start by learning simple bookbinding techniques as you fold and stitch your notebook. You’ll be guided through the process, using decorative papers, matboard and optional finishing touches such as ribbon bookmarks to make your journal your own.

This is a relaxed, hands-on session suitable for beginners, with plenty of opportunity to experiment with materials and get creative.

You’ll leave with your own beautifully handmade journal, ready to use yourself or give as a thoughtful handmade Christmas gift.

Good to know

Basic materials are provided, and you’re welcome to bring your own decorative papers if you’d like to personalise your cover.

Food and drink is also available for purchase throughout the session from our cafés.

This workshop is suitable for ages 14+ and no previous experience is needed.

Accessibility information for your visit

About your tutor

Martine is a bookbinder and maker whose practice explores the creative possibilities of handmade books through paper, colour, texture, and construction.

After studying art from a young age and attending an art academy for over a decade, she later moved to a remote artistic community in Canada, where she discovered the craft of bookbinding through local workshops.

What began as a fascination with traditional journal making soon developed into an ongoing creative practice experimenting with sculptural forms, decorative details, unique bindings, and handcrafted presentation boxes.

Her work celebrates the accessibility and versatility of bookbinding, combining traditional techniques with playful experimentation and personal expression.

Through her workshops, she encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence in making by hand, showing how simple materials can be transformed into beautifully functional objects.