Zines

  When preparing to teach a class, i generally make notes of what I plan to include in my journal, and may add to my set of prompt cards. A fan of things 'tiny,' I  was intrigued a couple of years ago when I happened on a call with the lovely Denise Daffara on working in little "zines" 

... but I had missed the instructions, lol! 

So after the circle, I looked for more info on making these little booklets, and was enchanted! 

Calendar and Zines in process

Who doesn't like tiny booklets? And with the central slit, these fold into a cover and several pages - perfect for a little collage session, class notes, or a planning booklet! 

Double Calendar spread, paint and collage

I made a handout that would fold into a zine, and brought this project to our next Red Thread Circle - For my own, I used a double spread from this large biodynamic calendar. I liked the black and white illustrations of candles and beeswax, so worked around including them, and some of the text. The small blue Zine was created from another calendar. 

Acrylic paint and collage

A piece of Junk Mail, a double calendar spread, or even piece of notebook paper is great for a small "class notes" booklet, which can be written in directly or painted and collaged. 

Here's a little "kid friendly zine" tutorial.

A Zine could also used for:

• A poetry booklet
• A mini art journal
• Class notes
• A process page - write what you want to compost on the 'inside,' paint over' then flip and fold to "grow some lilies"
• A booklet of symbols you use in your paintings
• Writing about your painting

During the Color of Woman teacher training, we create Vision Plan and Story books on a half sheet of watercolor paper as part of the quest. These are a lovely visual way of collating ideas for our work with IC, but generally in a larger format. Here's one side of mine from the course - it makes a lovely background for an altar.

Vision Plan Book

I enjoy the compact booklets for collection my class ideas, as another option. They are a great size to tuck into a Planning Pocket, and a page may provide inspiration for a Story Card!

Happy Paint Party Friday!
Do you have a favorite style of art journal or booklet? 

Heron Walking

 This week one of the artists at our church is hosting a show of pieces bespeaking Peace, and I selected Heron Walking from the Spring class Awakening our Mythic Legend.

On the train headed from Oregon to my Color of Woman Graduation celebration in California in the fall of 2015, I began seeing herons in the wetlands, and later heard they were much loved by our teacher Shiloh's mentor Sue Hoya Sellers!

Heron stands tall and silent, rooted in the watery depths, watching, waiting for a day we can gather with our artful crafts of music, dance and storytelling, sharing in wonder and the inspiration of creativity.

Heron Walking - 2021

Crossing the threshold

we are enough, 

each of us, all of us.

We can be heard

singing our songs

calling for change

for respect

choosing to rise.

Rose petals on the path

and waiting, in still waters

Diving deep

Emerging

with hidden treasures.

Nadya Vestella King, 2021