Zines, a creative outlet for artists

Do you have a creative side that you want to explore in a hands on kind of way?

Wodonga Council will have a small selection of makers joining us for Upstream as part of the festival's Street Party at Junction Square on March 7.

This will include some amazing, creative people to show you how to make your own zine at the festival's Zine Fair, one of many experiences and activities at the street party.

What is a zine?

A zine (pronounced zeen) is an independently or self-published booklet, often created by cutting and gluing text and images together onto a master flat for photocopying. It is also common to produce the master by typing and formatting pages on a computer.

A zine is usually folded and stapled. They are sold or traded cheaply or free.

Zinester Rae White, who lives in Brisbane, will have a stall at the Zine Fair and lend expertise as a maker to help people perfect the art of the zine fold.

"In my one and a half hour workshop we’ll explore alternative zine folding techniques, including concertina/fan, bookmark, chatterbox and poster style folds," Rae said.

"All equipment will be provided and participants will walk away with one or more zine creations."

Rae is a poet and writer who creates zines as a source of pleasure and income.

Zine culture has made its comeback in recent years, due to the rise of individual expression in social media and the ability to self-publish and circulate.

Zines have become a part of Rae's life after creating them for the past four years.

"I write about plants and funny things that pop into my head ... if you have a an idea then it's good to roll with it because you will always find your niche of people who will like your zine."

Meet our other makers:

Rose Marin – aka Ms Constance Spry (who some might recognise from our previous Library Lovers’ Days) will be conducting a Type-in – a first for Albury Wodonga, complete with games and prizes.

Typing enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their own typewriter or a limited number will be available for use from Ms Spry's personal collection.

Ms Spry will be on hand to give that sometimes much-needed flourish to your writing to take it to the next level.

Our third maker will be artist Paul Summerfield who will be there to help you construct your characters using collage and the most amazing array of sharpies you have ever seen.

Come and join us to make, create, write and explore.

Above photos are of Rae White and the zines Rae has created.