How to create Your Own Zine DIY Self Publishing Printing

Zines (pronounced 'zeens', shortened from the word 'magazines') are small independent publications. Fun and easy to make, they are a great way to get your ideas across and to share your voice so it is heard in a creative form.

Before there were blogs, there were zines and before there was print on demand books, there were zines. What’s important, is the mere fact of creating, design it, paste it, scan it, print it, then distribute it and or hand it out. Whatever comes natural to you. Design your own publication to reflect the craziness and calmness of your life,  or whatever it is around you that you would like to share with others. Enjoy the ride and thrill of self publication of your own zine, it's all about self expression and creativity.

How To Make A Make a 12-page (10 pages plus a front and back cover), 8.5' x 5.5' zine.

+ Start by taking three pieces of regular sized computer paper, fold them in half horizontally, and hold them sideways like a book.

+ Next pick your subject(s). It doesn't need to be all on one topic. You can have a different topic on every page if you want. Some popular topics are: art zines, photography, poetry, cooking, recipes, self help, diy, psychic, paranormal, discoveries, history, stories, polls, video game tips, talking about a band you like, comics, artwork, recipes, fashion tips, local news, and politics.

+ Pick a title. A good title is short, to the point, and easy to remember.

+ Start looking at the layout. You can do the write-ups by drawing, collaging by hand or on the computer, as long as it all fits on your page size.

+ Make your master copy. This will be what you use to make copies from. Everything should be firmly fastened down and the way you want it to look like.

+ Start making copies. The easiest and cheapest way to print up a zine is usually a making 'two-sided copies;' i.e., you're copying both sides of a master sheet onto both sides of a blank sheet.

+ Possible Extra Supplies
Stapler
Comics
Crayons

Stickers

Magazines

Glue sticks

Washi Tape

Rubber stamps
Colored pencils

Scrapbook Papers
Old Postage Stamps

Security envelope linings
+ Start handing out your wonderful creations, or upload online. Or find others' who love to trade zine for zine :)

You can also research how to Create Digital Download Zines

Velvet and Rust Etsy Shoppe

DIY How To Make Your Own Beads Mixed Media Handmade Fiber Beads

 Mixed Media Fiber Art Beads DiY

DIY beads come in many different forms & flavors. You can experiment with all types of materials, drinking straws, paper, tyvek, fabric, threads, epoxy clay, polymer clay, wool, felt, acrylic felt and various types of wire. My beads have been varnished, glued, baked, wrapped, painted, gilded, mica powdered, heat distressed, coated with resin. DiY beads are so easy and fun to create, the results are endless :)

Here is how to create fiber beads. First gather your materials...

* drinking straws and or other base materials
* white glue
* scissors
* muslin, tapestry, nearly any cotton blend material
* acrylic paints
* 22 gauge wires ~gold copper silver
* needle nose pliers
* wire cutters
* beads, charms & glitter!!

Tear/cut your muslin or cotton materials 1/2 to 1 1/2 inch strips, this will be the width of your beads. You will want different sizes of beads. Cut your strips to about 6 to 12 inches long (experimentation is best)

Proceed to wrap the material around the end of the straw, adding the white glue onto the material as you wrap it around the straw. Make sure it is glued securely & then cut the straw leaving some still within the middle of the wrap. You can usually get 3 beads per straw depending on length of the beads you create.

Now let the fun begin!!

Paint metallic paints on the material & ends. Wrap fibers or yarn around the bead. Wrap wire pieces 5 to 6 inches long, around the fibers or yarn to hold it in place. You can also add beads & charms to the wire, then add glitter or try dipping the beads in embossing powders!!

Have fun creating!!!

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