Image of zine standing on it's spine with four pages splayed. There is a pathos vine plant on the table behind it with a pen and highlighter. The zine pages, in order, are turquoise, red, what appears to be a map with yellow, and blue with white dots.

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School and Youth

Make a Zine

Let’s get started by watching this brief video on how to make a zine. Step-by-step instructions follow the video.

Once you are finished creating your little blank book, get creative with it! What will your zine be about…? As Shannon tells us in the video, we can choose a theme, write a story, or decorate each page with things that you like. If you love animals, why not make a zine about animals and why you think they’re amazing? Have fun using the materials you have in your house and be sure to share your creations if you like.

How to Make a Zine

Materials: One piece of paper that is at least 8 ½” x 11”, Drawing/Writing Materials – markers, pens, color pencils, crayons, etc. Optional Collage Materials – magazines, scissors, glue sticks, etc.

Instructions:

1. Start with a piece of paper that is rectangle and at least 8 ½” x 11”. Fold your sheet of paper in half lengthwise.

An 8 1/2 x 11" piece of paper folded lengthwise.

2. Now fold it in half width-wise.

Paper folded it in half width-wise.

3.  Fold it again width wise so that now you have folded it into quarters.

Fold paper again width wise so that now you have folded it into quarters.

4. When you open your paper it should have 8 sections.

When you open your paper it should have 8 sections.

5.  Fold your paper in half width-wise. Tear or cut halfway across the middle from the fold.

Two images showing the folding thepaper in half width-wise. Tearing or cutting halfway across the middle from the fold.
When you open your paper it should have a slit in the middle.

6. When you open your paper it should have a slit in the middle.

Fold your paper lengthwise (along the crease that has the slit).

7. Fold your paper lengthwise (along the crease that has the slit).

8. Hold the paper at either end, then push the ends in toward each other. The sections should fold into each other to form an eight-page booklet.

Step 8-12 for Zine Making Hold the paper at either end, then push the ends in toward each other. The sections should fold into each other to form an eight-page booklet.

9. Design your zine. What do you want to say? Your zine could be a journal, diary or comic book. Think of a beginning, middle and end. Use images or words or both! Sketch and/or write your ideas on separate sheets of paper before committing to the book. You can share your zine book or keep it private.

Two blank zines made according to the above instructions.
A colorful handmade book where collage has been applied to the zine.
Another view of a decorated zine using paper with a space theme.

Need inspiration? Check out the following examples.

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