Join award-winning artist Deanna Hitti for a two-day masterclass in the craft of hardback bookbinding.
With over 25 years of experience creating artist books, Deanna brings a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic insight to this immersive, hands-on workshop.
Designed for beginners and those looking to deepen their bookbinding practice, this masterclass guides you through the complete process of making a traditional hardback book. You’ll learn how to fold and sew your own multi section text block, build a cloth-covered case, and bring it all together using archival techniques. Alongside the practical skills, Deanna will share her approach to making artist books, offering inspiration and insight into how the book can function as both object and artwork.
What you’ll learn:
- Folding and preparing signatures
- Sewing multi-section bindings
- Constructing and covering hardback cases
- Casing-in and finishing techniques
- Professional tips and artistic insights from a master book artist
By the end of the two days, you’ll leave with a beautifully handbound hardcover book—and the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue binding at home.
Dates
Session 1- Saturday 13 June | 10am- 3pm
Session 2- Saturday 20 June | 10am- 3pm
Participants must be able to attend both sessions.
Ages
Suitable for adults 18+
Cost
General admission: $90+ booking fee
Blaktix: $60 + booking fee
*Ticket includes attendance to both sessions
What are Blaktix?
BlakTix are discounted or free tickets reserved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. No proof of identity is required to book this ticket type.
About the Facilitator
Deanna Hitti is an Australian artist based in Melbourne with Lebanese heritage. Her multidisciplinary arts practice spans over 20 years and investigates representations of the Middle East through the lens of historical and cultural material. Combining traditional and experimental print methods—such as screen printing, cyanotype, and photography—Hitti creates intricate artist books and large-scale prints that explore language, identity, and cultural hybridity.
In 2005, she founded the printmaking studio Rambunctious Press, where for nine years she taught printmaking, bookbinding, and alternative photographic techniques. During this time, she also worked as a master printer, collaborating with artists to produce plates and print limited editions.
Hitti’s work has been shortlisted for numerous national awards. Her artist book Towla won the 2018 Fremantle Arts Centre Print Award. She has exhibited widely across Australia and internationally, with solo and group exhibitions at venues including State Library of Victoria, Fremantle Arts Centre, Artspace Mackay, Counihan Gallery, Scuola de Graphica in Venice and IMPACT8 International Printmaking Conference (Scotland).
After the workshop, see Deanna's artwork in the Darebin Art Prize 2026 showing at Bundoora Homestead Art Centre until Saturday 20 June 2026.
www.deannahitti.com
Access
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accessible toilet
- Flexible seating options
- Assistance animals welcome
- This event is not Auslan interpreted
Visit our Accessibility page for more information and resources to help plan your visit.
On this webpage you will find:
- A virtual tour of Bundoora Homestead
- A social story
- A sensory map
- A video tour of Bundoora Homestead
- A floorplan of the building
- Accessibility and transport options
If you have any questions please contact us via bundoorahomestead@darebin.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9496 1060.
Getting here
- Disabled parking available (2 spaces); entry via ramp at main entrance
- Free car parking available (40 spaces) via onsite car park
- Bike parking also available
- Tram route 86, stop number 63 (Greenwood Drive) + approx 6 min (550m) walk. This tram stop is accessible.
To plan your visit click here.
Terms & Conditions
Please note we are a cash-free venue.
No refunds (partial or full) are available for tickets, all sales are final.
Please note general photography and short videos (for social media) may be recorded at this event for promotional use only and to document this event internally. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know once you arrive.
To plan your visit and for more information please click here.
Image credit: Courtesy Deanna Hitti