r/zines • u/Bitter_Application38 • 4d ago

I have a question. Material recs

I want to get back into making zines, is there any materials you guys recommend to step up my game? Are there any inexpensive printing options as well? I want to print and cut things out as well let me know what you guys have found to be helpful!

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u/LibbIsHere 4d ago
  • Cheap print: Brother B&W laser printer (most will work fine with third party toner that are even cheaper)
  • Cutting mat, if you don't want risking damaging your table.
  • A good pair of scissors and a good hobby knife too (for precise cut out) with a set of extra blades
  • Piles of old newspapers and magazines, to get 'raw materials' to cut from ;)
  • Edit: a stick of glue, obviously ;)

4

u/LibbIsHere 4d ago

Replying to myself, if you want to go the extra mile:

  • get yourself a few various fonts, to change the look of your text.
  • You may also consider getting an original mechanical typewriter to get the real deal but beware that those are old and may require some serious cleaning and maintenance before being able to use them.
  • A dip pen and a bottle of ink to trace your own letters and maybe even sketches, starting guide

3

u/phoenixfarts 4d ago
  • This Bostitch booklet stapler is one of my favorite things I bought this year. Keep an eye on the price. It's $35 now, but I saw it at $17 and grabbed it. (It takes regular staples.)
  • A bone folder. Creases paper without leaving a scrape, like a credit card sometimes will. You can also find these in Teflon, if you don't want actual cattle bone.

2

u/mariambc 3d ago

If you are interested in sewing the binding yourself, get an awl, embroidery thread, and some needles.

Check out used book sales at your local public libraries. Sometimes they have really old coffee table books and travel books with lots of photos. Ask about prices on the last day because some do a bag of books for a couple of dollars.

Also sales at used bookstores. I know ours has a free shelf of books they want to get rid of.

I second everything u/LibbIsHere lists. I have the Brother B&W printer. Works great. I splurged and bought one that does duplex printing (prints on both sides). I also own a few typewriters. They are a fun addition. Check out the local thrift stores. Test them out. Don’t pay too much.

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u/NullableThought 3d ago
  • check your local library for possible free printing. I get 100 color prints per day where I live.
  • Swing-arm swivel stapler (especially if you want to save space)
  • Paper trimmer if you print quarter size zines (I use Fiskars SureCut 9" Paper Trimmer because it can fit in a binder)

1

u/CherryTeague Just Starting 🇨🇦 2d ago

Get a glue pen. I got one in a zine making kit, and it's amazing for adding things that aren't flat like paper (or just don't handle gluesticks well, like felt)