How to Make a Zine

Mon, Aug 26, 2024 By: Erica Gibbons

Create Your Own Zine: A Fun DIY Guide 🎨

Zines are the ultimate form of self-expression and come packaged as a cute little handmade booklet that can be about literally ANYTHING. Whether it’s a mini art gallery, a collection of your most random thoughts, or a story that only you could tell, a zine is the perfect canvas for your creativity...and your STICKERS!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies ✂️

Blank Paper 📄: Download your zine template here.
Stickers, washi, scissors, glue, pens and markers, photo printer

Step 2: Fold Your Zine 📐

Print your paper with little to no margins, or trim the margins of your paper off so the cut lines meet the edge of the paper.

Now it's time to fold! Fold your paper hamburger style, perfectly in half, and then with scissors cut along the dotted line through both layers of the paper.
Unfold the paper flat with the Front and Back cover side up, and the #13 and #9 side of the page up to meet the middle crease you just made. Then lay the paper flat.

Do the same fold but on the other end of the paper with #16 and #12 meeting the middle crease. Lay the paper flat.
Now fold your paper hotdog style!
Pick up the paper in the hotdog fold and let the cut in the middle open to create the shape above.
Bring the corners to meet.
Now fold your zine together and ensure the Front and Back covers are in the right spots! Your Zine is ready for decoration!

Step 3: Add Stickers and Washi 🌟

Time to go wild with those stickers! Each page of your zine is a blank canvas. You can overlap stickers, cut stickers and photos up to fit your page, or create vignettes based on theme.

Brighten up your zine with washi tape. You can use them to frame each page or create little dividers between sections, or create a fun washi collage like we did on the fornt page! Mix and match patterns for extra fun!

Step 5: Write Your Story ✍️

This is your zine, so tell your story! Jot down little notes, doodle some fun memories, or even add quotes that inspire you. Don’t worry about being perfect—this is all about letting your creativity shine. ✨

Step 6: Share or Keep It Personal 🤫

Once you’re done, you’ve got a choice: keep this zine as a personal memento, or share it with a friend. They’ll love seeing a piece of your world! 🌍

And there you have it—a totally unique, fun zine that’s as one-of-a-kind as you are. Now, go on and fill your pages with all the things that make life awesome! 😎📚