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Article: Why We Make Books By Hand (& Why We Think It Matters)

Why We Make Books By Hand (& Why We Think It Matters)

Why We Make Books By Hand (& Why We Think It Matters)

Bookbinding isn't fast work - not the way we do it, anyway! It's slow, steady and hands -on. 

When we say our books are 'handcrafted', we don't just mean they've been assembled by hand. We mean that each book has been individually made, cover materials cut, a spine shaped and moulded, and hand tooled decorative finishes - all with attention, not automation. 

What Handmade Means in Our Bindery

We choose materials for their beauty, but also for their strength and longevity. The materials are carefully checked for grain direction - to make sure everything opens and functions perfectly, no warping or buckling. It's definitely slower, but it's worth it. 

Sewn book blocks - not just glued, means books that open flat but the pages won't fall out from use. We trim and press each book with tools that have been used for generations. 

Why It Matters (To Us & Hopefully To You)

A handmade book lasts longer — not just physically, but emotionally.
It’s the kind of object you keep close. A book that ages with you.
You can feel the care in every page before you’ve even written a word.

For some, that’s reason enough. For us, it’s the whole point.

When someone picks up one of our journals, we want them to feel that it was made for them — not just made.

We make books to be used and kept.
Journals for everyday writing.
Albums for weddings or family memories.
Guest books for meaningful gatherings — where the words inside carry just as much care as the binding.

They’re not flashy. They’re not trendy. But they’re made to hold what matters.

Join Us Behind the Scenes

We love sharing behind the scenes footage from the bindery (& our retail space). Follow us on Instagram (@sblibris), or if you're keen to get all the news from the bindery, shop plus first access to new products and deals, join our Weekly Newsletter at the bottom of this page!

2 comments

Hello Simon,
I am in awe of your approach & ability doing what you do so well with book binding. I have a couple of old (over 100 years old). Autograph books from my Grandmother. I am afraid to touch them. So I’m wondering about a trip to Bendigo to see you if that is possible so you could look at them and give me your opinion as to how to approach them. Are some days better than others to see you?
Cheers,
Elisabeth

Elisabeth McMillan

Beautifully expressed sentiments Simon and team. I continue to create books for all those reasons. I’m getting better at getting it right and my twentieth book will be completed today! That’s Christmas sorted.
Best wishes, Jan Durbridge

Jan Durbridge

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