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

Edible Book Day @ The Colour Jar - March 30
Bookbinding 1 (Durham, ON) - April 5-7 & 12-14
Wayzgoose (Grimsby, ON) - April 26
Bookbinding 1 (London, ON) - May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18
*Registration coming soon


Past Events and Workshops

Boxes & Protective Enclosures (London, ON)  - March 2025
Repair & Restoration Part 1 - February 2025 
Kindred Spirits Western University Launch - January 2025
Book-by-mail workshop - January 2025




Disaster Response Techniques - Wet Salvage of Library Materials

Disasters can be big or small, and can arrive anytime. Being prepared when a water disaster hits our libraries is an important part of caring for the collections. This workshop will prepare you with the materials and the techniques for recovery, including drying techniques and preparation for freezing of books for later treatment.

Where: FIMS Nursing Building, Western University, London, ON
When: Monday, April 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. OR 2:00-5:00 p.m. EST (Two separate sessions)
Cost: $55
Instructor: Andrew Hout

The morning and afternoon sessions each have a limit of 15 spots open to the public.  To see more information and to register: 

9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.: https://forms.gle/LcctHNvXbU8RwjA18 

2:00-5:00 p.m.: https://forms.gle/xWpcatNNyC5E8vN57  

Bookbinding Level 1 with Tim Dyck

Bookbinding I is considered the fundamental course of the CBBAG curriculum by teaching terminology, materials, tools, techniques, and basic concepts. The course includes six components: setting up the shop and tools; materials and techniques, sewing variations, endpapers; book cloth and board; making the case; hanging-in the text block, adhesion; and expansion and contraction. This course includes pamphlet sewing, lap stitch sewing, quarter and half full cloth case binding; and concepts of grain, warp and pull, swell, and the joint.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Dates: 6 days running April 5th, 6th, 7th and April 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2025
Location: The Colour Jar, 120 Garafraxa St. N., Durham, ON, N0G 1R0
Prerequisites: Current membership in CBBAG
Cost: $495 + $50 material fee

For more information or to register visit: Registration Form




Edible Book Day - Chapter Social 

Ever read or made a book so good you just wanted to sink your teeth in? Well now you can! Join the us for a casual social potluck where all the food is themed after book forms OR literary content!

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: The Colour Jar, 120 Garafraxa St N, Durham, ON N0G 1R0
Participants: CBBAG SWO members

In the event of forecasted bad weather, a cancellation notice will be sent out to all participants a week in advance.

Drinks, napkins, plates, cutlery will be provided. Sign-up was sent to members via email, if you did not receive please email us.

Bookbinding Level 1 with Arielle VanderSchans

Bookbinding I is considered the fundamental course of the CBBAG curriculum by teaching terminology, materials, tools, techniques, and basic concepts. The course includes six components: setting up the shop and tools; materials and techniques, sewing variations, endpapers; book cloth and board; making the case; hanging-in the text block, adhesion; and expansion and contraction. This course includes pamphlet sewing, lap stitch sewing, quarter and half full cloth case binding; and concepts of grain, warp and pull, swell, and the joint.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Dates: 6 days running - May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 
Location: Huron University, London ON 
Prerequisites: Current membership in CBBAG
Cost: $495 + $50 material fee

Registration: Coming Soon







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

Curry's Artists' Materials (Hamilton, ON) offers art supplies

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 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)

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