Knowing that I’m new to bookbinding, I sort of randomly decided to give one a try just to find out what they do. I came across Books & Boxes after a quick search on the web, and they were thrilled to have me when I went to visit their place!

I asked for one of my journals to undergo a general binding that’s section-sewn– just so it’d look better and be more durable. It was the first journal that I finished too, so it had to be special. With that, I also availed of their gold foiling because gold symbolizes wealth.

It only took them a day to finish because I arrived in the afternoon! And I was so surprised with the results– my journal looked like it was released to the public and not just written by some guy before he slept.

I guess they weren’t bluffing on their website! They mentioned that their craftsmen have over 150 years of combined experience, and they clearly showed that. Books & Boxes even sold me a box for my new journal so the cover can be protected more.

And while I truly appreciated their service as a first-timer, I would have appreciated it if they had talked me through the process. Because despite being experts at what they do, a few conversations would have elevated the experience even more!

A genuine 5-star business

We’ve been semi-regular customers of Books & Boxes for a number of years. We’ve always found them to be thoroughly professional, extremely helpful and always timely in delivery of their services. They are very reasonably priced for the quality of the binding etc that they provide. Couldn’t recommend them highly enough, a genuine 5-star business.

Paul Le Clercq | Google Reviews

Does an exquisite job

Craftsmanship at its best. Books and Boxes does an exquisite job when it comes to book binding. Got my old Bible binded to the best finish with a high quality Kangaroo leather hard cover. Highly recommended.

Joseph Matthew | Google Reviews

For my next bookbinding experience, I wanted to look for a service that could restore one of my busted-up journals because of the poorly-made material. It didn’t have any torn pages, but almost all pages were falling away from the cover.

The journal I’m talking about was about my final years in the university, so I couldn’t afford for it to stay damaged. One of my friends recommended Northside Bookbinding to me, and so I immediately went to their place. I was welcomed by the friendliest staff!

First off, they were extremely helpful and professional. All their questions were related to the service, and they listened to everything that I had to say. They even asked me questions about how special the journal was, which I really appreciated.

They did a quick paperback repair, and they even explained to me how they were going to do it. It was a great experience because I was welcomed, educated, and assisted with my project! The service was done quickly, too– I even stayed at their place.

My journal looked brand new, and it seemed that the pages weren’t going to fall out anymore, just the way I liked it! One thing they can improve on, though, is if they can put up a website. It’d surely improve their accessibility, leading to more customers like me!

Already planning on coming back

Amazing work done, I am already planning on coming back with more books to be worked on.

Phoebe Victorsen | Google Reviews

Did a wonderful and caring job

Dan did a wonderful and caring job of restoring my grandmother’s Bible which is almost 100 years old. He added a hard covered sleeve which will help maintain its integrity and longevity! Thank you Dan, I so appreciated your expertise and care!

Paul Boyd | Google Reviews

After a while, I decided to continue with my project, and F & R Pohlmann Master Bookbinders was one of my top search results. I gave them a visit to see if they also have the same quality of work as the ones I’ve visited.

The shop is old school! It looked like it was still stuck in the 20th century, and that’s how I knew that they were experts at the job. The place was peaceful, the equipment looked like antiques, and the workers were very straightforward.

I asked for a simple binding service, and I was immediately given a reasonable rate. I trusted their rate because why else would they be in business with old equipment if they didn’t do their jobs well? And what I immediately noticed? They were crafty and efficient.

I watched how they did the binding process, and they were like well-oiled machines! Very seasoned in the art with amazing attention to detail. I never saw any mishaps during the process and even the edges were done smoothly!

In the end, my journal about my young adulthood looked like one you’d see in a stock photo– clean and downright seamless even! However, what I really liked about the entire thing was that they gave advice for maintenance. They cared about their product!

Provided their classic equipment and doing things the old-fashioned way, the turnaround time was longer than I would’ve liked. Still, if the output always looks like the one they did, then they can take their precious time if it means quality and efficiency!

Very pleased with the level of craftsmanship

We have used the services of Pohlmann Bookbinders for many years at the Parliamentary Library and we are very pleased with the level of craftsmanship and quality. We have entrusted Fred with many precious volumes from the collection and have never been disappointed with the results. Thank you Fred!

Ruth Nitkiewicz | Google Reviews

Workmanship and attention to detail are exceptional

From the moment I walked into Fred’s workshop I knew our precious family Bible was in good hands. The workmanship and attention to detail are exceptional. We can’t thank you enough and are delighted with the restoration.

Carli Treacy | Google Reviews

Able Bookbinding was another firm I found online. I needed a special service for some of my most recently done journals because I believe that I’m going through such an important phase of my life– approaching my prime. 

When I went to visit them, I was met with the most enthusiastic craftsmen. They sounded excited because they loved what they were doing. They even walked me through their large catalogue of services, which no business has done to me before!

I went for the leather binding because the samples looked sleek. Plus, I thought that it’d give my small collection of journals an older look as if they were antiques! Since it was a bulk service, I didn’t mind the longer turnaround time for this one. It was affordable too!

However, what’s most impressive is that they provide kangaroo leather, which was a unique touch! It really can’t get more Aussie than that, in my opinion. Plus, they also had boxes to protect the material, which I liked and also bought as an additional!

However, the downside I noticed was that their website needs some updating. It still looks like it’s stuck in the late 2000s, but other than that, everything else was smooth and excellent! I loved being there to avail their service that I’ll probably come back soon!

Absolutely stellar job

An absolutely stellar job on my theses. Wynston was extremely quick and had calculated the cost and actioned the order in record time. I received my thesis copies today and they are impeccable. Highly recommend for thesis printing and binding.

Tom Porta | Google Reviews

Does an amazing job every time

I could not recommend more highly if I tried! Fantastic quality, fast (AND AFFORDABLE) and friendly service. My huge congratulations to Wynston, the owner, who does an amazing job every time. To hell with office work bindings, let Wynston be your man to help!

Lucas D. Lynch | Google Reviews

As I was getting the hang of the beauty of bookbinding, I wanted to have a unique experience for my next one. What if I have my other journals bound, but with me involved in the process? That’s exactly what I found at Shelbyville Bindery!

They provide workshops over there, complete with materials. When I went to a few of their sessions, they were very hands-on and had excellent mentors willing to help! They were very patient too– something you’d expect from people who are book lovers. 

Not only that, they asked what kind of design I was targeting and immediately taught me how to achieve that. What’s more impressive is that I can choose to make it myself, ask for their help, or they do it instead! The choices made the experience fulfilling for me!

I told them that I only required their assistance, and with their help, I was quickly able to make simple yet elegant designs that fit my standards. Truly one of a kind that everyone has to try! It changed my life, so it can probably have that same effect on others.

The only thing that’s lacking is the other, more complex services that can be found in other firms. Yes, these people are all about workshops and assistance, but it would also be nice if they sold more special procedures as services!

Deserving of a 5-star rating

Michelle is undeniably a creative powerhouse and all round amazing human. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of participating in several bookbinding workshops facilitated by Michelle. Her generosity knows no bounds as she willingly shares her time, knowledge, and skills, enriching the experiences of all attendees. Additionally, as a creative producer I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Michelle as an artist for events. Her workshops were not only well-received but also left a lasting impression on all participants. Michelle’s expertise and passion shine through, making her workshops deserving of a 5-star rating!

Alarna Zinn | Google Reviews

Such a user friendly design

So love seeing these different papers within these gorgeous travellers notebooks. Such a user friendly design too! The one I made a few years back at one of your workshops has been joyfully used.

Fee Garrett-Benson | Facebook Reviews