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Taking time to live well
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How To | Launch Your Own Tiny Magazine

Iona Bower September 21, 2024

If you’ve ever flicked through a copy of The Simple Things and thought that we must have a lot of fun making an independent magazine, you’d be absolutely right. Here’s how you can have a slice of the fun yourself by creating a ‘mini’ magazine of your very own.

A ‘zine’ (pronounced ‘zeen’) is a magazine in a very small format that you can unfold to photocopy and then distribute within your community, whether that’s your church, school or a gang of your friends. They began back in the 1930s when people produced their own science fiction fanzines (or ‘zines’, for short) to share with other fans. They’ve had many resurgences over the years, with political zines being published in the 1960s and cultural ones during the punk era of the 80s. Whatever your interest, there will have been a zine for it at some point and if not - you can make your own! Here’s how:


1. Decide on a theme for your zine. It could be for a local community group, it could be self-published poetry, or just something very niche… recipes for brownies? Portraits of your neighbourhood’s cats? An illustration of the life cycle of a hawk moth? It’s all up to you. You’ll want to give it a name, too.

2. Decide whether you need to assemble a team of mates to help or if this is a solo project, and then get people on board or simply stock up on coffee and good biscuits before going it alone. 

3. Make your original zine. There are several formats you can use but the easiest is the eight-page zine. You can search instructions on how to do the folds for an eight-page zine online. There are several on YouTube or try ‘How To Make a Zine’ on Mymodernet.com. Make the folds first and number the pages, then you can flatten it out again to write or draw on each page. You will need to make one snip between pages 3 and 8 or 4 and 7. 

4. Design your cover on page one and your back cover on page eight, then fill the remaining pages with your content. Don’t forget you can stick in photos and blocks of text, use calligraphy or other images. It just needs to be clear enough to read when photocopied.

5. Unfold and flatten out your zine, photocopy as many copies as you need and then fold them all in the same way as you folded and snipped your original. 

6. Sell, give away or foist your indie zine upon friends, family and unsuspecting locals. 


If you’re already feeling inspired, don’t miss our My Living feature in the September issue, which is all about producers of indie mags. And if you’re looking for more indie mags to read yourself, you can always find plenty of them on our sister site Pics & Ink where you can buy mags on every subject imaginable, from adventure and travel to food and drink to film and music. Head to picsandink.com to have a browse.


More from our September issue…

Featured
Make a zine.JPG
Sep 21, 2024
How To | Launch Your Own Tiny Magazine
Sep 21, 2024
Sep 21, 2024
My Neighbourhood Island.jpg
Sep 17, 2024
10 Reasons | To Live on an Island
Sep 17, 2024
Sep 17, 2024
Hedgerow Fizz.jpg
Sep 7, 2024
Tipple | Hedgerow Fizz
Sep 7, 2024
Sep 7, 2024

More things to make with paper…

Featured
Make a zine.JPG
Sep 21, 2024
How To | Launch Your Own Tiny Magazine
Sep 21, 2024
Sep 21, 2024
Origami folds.jpg
Mar 23, 2024
Learn | Basic Origami Folds
Mar 23, 2024
Mar 23, 2024
135_PaperStars.jpg
Dec 12, 2023
Make | Painted Paper Stars
Dec 12, 2023
Dec 12, 2023



In Making Tags issue 147, paper, zines, papercraft, magazine
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Wild: May cover reveal

Lottie Storey April 27, 2016

That’s you, right there on the cover. Take a moment, put your hands behind your head and soak up the view. There’s no rush. Nibble a slice of cake from your backpack and watch the birds while you munch. Where are you? Scandinavia, Bavaria or a spontaneous picnic at the British seaside? Back home, there’s a jug of flowers on the table, a cat on the mat and the feel of a wood floor beneath bare feet. Embrace the wild and the free, like you’re the May Queen. Find The Simple Things all around you at springtime.

 

Get hold of your copy of this month's The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe

View the sampler here

In Magazine Tags magazine, may, issue 47, cover reveal
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Carefree: August cover reveal

Lottie Storey July 29, 2015

Open one eye. The sun streams through the curtains. And, sigh of contentment, it’s another lazy, hazy day of summer. Pop on a kaftan or a cool Hawaiian shirt and pack the picnic hamper. Seek out water – ocean, river, lake or lido – and let your cares slip away. Sip fresh lemonade or bright juices. Soon it will be time for an afternoon nap or to seek shade, time to learn the lingo or read a poem. Shall we come back every year? Enjoying The Simple Things, it’s what summer is for. 

August's The Simple Things is on sale today - buy, download or subscribe now.

In Magazine Tags cover reveal, august, issue 38, carefree, magazine
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New app for Apple Newsstand

David Parker April 29, 2015

At last we have a new Apple app!

‘The Simple Things – Taking Time to Live Well’ is available to download here

We’ve got a very nice special offer to new subscribers:  If you take out a year’s subscription to The Simple Things Magazine digital edition through Apple newsstand between 29 April and 25 May, you’ll receive 12 back issues (May 2014 to April 2015) FREE on 26 May. 

A year’s subscription costs £44.99, saving 26%. 

Already a subscriber? Our old app is now closed, however you can continue to enjoy the magazine through our new app. And as a thank you for staying with us, we’re giving you the special offer of 12 back issues for free too!

Full details of how you can get a refund for any remaining issues on your subscription are posted on your existing app. Note that you will still be able to read any issue of The Simple Things that you have already downloaded on the old app. However, if you change devices or delete the app then you may not be able to access it again.

 

In Magazine Tags digital magazine, Apple, magazine
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Subscription offer - FREE Seasalt socks - offer expired!

David Parker April 21, 2015

 

Take out a subscription to The Simple Things and pay just £11 every three issues. Save £26 and get these Seasalt Floral Feet socks (worth £23), inspired by Cornish gardens, free when you take out a subscription to The Simple Things.

Very limited stocks, so don’t hang around! 

Seasalt’s Floral Feet socks are made with bamboo, are beautifully soft and breathable and will keep your feet warm in winter  and cool in summer. In two colourful floral styles, these Floral Feet socks come as a  set of three in their own pretty gift box,  which can also be kept to look after all  your keepsakes and jewellery.

Seasalt is a family business based in Cornwall with studios looking across Falmouth Bay to St Anthony’s lighthouse, a daily inspiration to the team to design garments that represent the locality. With ranges of homeware, womenswear, accessories and Seasalt Rain® outerwear, Seasalt is famous for its quality, unique textile prints and nautical stripes.

Please quote SEAOFFERBL15 or enter code online to receive your gift*.

To see all our offers for UK and overseas subscribers visit:

www.icebergpress.co.uk/subscribe (or call 01342 859002 – we are a small team so at busy times we may be an answerphone –  leave us a message and we’ll call you back)

*Terms and conditions: Offer open until 4 May 2015. Saving compared with buying 12 full-priced issues from the UK newsstand. This offer is for new UK print subscribers only, check online for overseas prices. Socks will be sent by Royal Mail. Seasalt Floral Feet Socks are available in the following colours: Assorted Boom and Assorted Ditsy. Colour selection will be made at random. Stocks are limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis. No alternatives, cash or otherwise, are available. You will receive 12 issues in a year. Prices correct at point of print and are subject to change. For full terms and conditions, please visit www.icebergpress.co.uk/tandc.

 

In Magazine Tags subscription offer, seasalt, the simple things, magazine, free gift
1 Comment
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The Simple Things September issue cover reveal!

lsykes August 29, 2014

Psst! Have a look at the cover of the August issue of The Simple Things.

 

Let September surprise you. Blousey blooms are back; pouffes return to the lounge, and garlic gets gorgeous. Even the adventures are small and midweek. Culinary wonders come courtesy of plump blackberries and ripe tomatoes. There are new notepads, new trousers, and new ways to pack your lunch.

Signs of summer linger in recipes full of sunshine, holiday souvenirs and a lakeside retreat. The season is turning in The Simple Things.

Out today, The Simple Things September issue is available from all good newsagents and supermarkets, or you can buy online or download an issue now.

 

In Magazine Tags cover reveal, issue 27, magazine, september issue, The Simple Things
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Ideas, recipes, and inspiration every fortnight: sign up to The Simple Things newsletter!

lsykes August 27, 2014

Searching for simple things to buy, cook, read and do online? Sign up to our newsletter for fortnightly updates on recipes, competitions, and plenty to inspire you.

To receive The Simple Things newsletter, type your email address in the newsletter sign up box in the sidebar >>

All signed up? Show us what’s inspiring you by sharing with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram using #thesimplethings

 

In Magazine Tags magazine, newsletter, The Simple Things
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Want to work for The Simple Things?

lsykes August 7, 2014

The Simple Things are recruiting!

We are now an indie mag owned by Iceberg Press (read more at www.icebergpress.co.uk) and are looking for people to join The Simple Things team. We think it makes a lot of sense to hire our readers, the people who get what Taking Time to Live Well is all about.

Our team are all freelance and part-time, giving us the flexibility to work on other projects or spend more time with family. We share a love of good food, learning new skills, enjoying the outdoors, spending wisely and the satisfaction of a job well done.

If this appeals or sounds like you and you are an experienced art editor, designer, picture editor or commissioning editor, then email lisa@icebergpress.co.uk. Tell us why you’d be a good person to come on board and send your cv too.

If you know any of the above who could be or should be a reader of The Simple Things, it might be worth telling them to get in touch too.

We know it is August but don’t delay as we want people to join us fresh from their summer holidays in September. Our office is in central London.

Looking forward to meeting you!

In Magazine Tags editorial, magazine, recruiting, The Simple Things
3 Comments
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August issue cover reveal!

lsykes July 30, 2014

Psst! Have a look at the cover of the August issue of The Simple Things.

Out on 30 July 2014, The Simple Things August issue is available from all good newsagents and supermarkets, or you can buy online or download an issue now.

In Magazine Tags august issue, cover reveal, magazine, The Simple Things
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June issue cover reveal!

lsykes May 26, 2014

Psst! Have a look at the cover of the June issue of The Simple Things.

Out on 30 May 2014, The Simple Things June issue is available from all good newsagents and supermarkets, or you can buy online or download an issue now.

In Magazine Tags cover reveal, june 2014, magazine, The Simple Things
1 Comment
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The Simple Things arrives in France!

lsykes May 8, 2014

The Simple Things is finally in France! Close your eyes and think about what really matters: sharing, bonding, smiling.

Take a deep breath and smell the sweetly scented air of blooming flowers.

Let the sunlight stroke your eyelids. Take your time. Enjoy every moment.

Dive into a river and let yourself drift away like a child.

Let go and marvel at little things, at nature that gives so much.

Let your meals simmer, savor them with those you love, and talk until the crack of dawn.

Breathe.

Simple Things is finally in France...

Find Simple Things France on Facebook

 

In Magazine Tags france, french, magazine, The Simple Things
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May's issue of The Simple Things

lsykes April 24, 2014

Have a look at the new issue of The Simple Things before it hits the shops. No need to be a teenage May Queen to personify spring. Just wear jeans and plimsolls instead of a white gown; swap the crown of flowers for a sprig of blossom and armfuls of home-grown greenery; and make your speech a quiet hurrah for headspace, pets, tea, cakes and all that stuff your mum calls 'tat'.

And should you feel compelled to hop, skip and jump, just make the nearest sapling your maypole. Lead your own parade through the town. The Simple Things will be at your side.

May's issue of The Simple Things is on sale from 29th April in all major supermarkets, WHSmith, M&S and larger newsagents. If you can’t find a copy, you can buy an issue here.

In Magazine Tags magazine, simple things
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The Simple Things #15 cover reveal!

Future Admin September 9, 2013

A sneak peek of The Simple Things October #15 cover.

Our rallying cry this month is 'To the woods!' Packed with beautiful photography and inspiring features all designed to restore your spirits this autumn.

Subscribers will have their copies dropping on the mat very soon and you can find us in WH Smith, Marks & Spencer and larger supermarkets from 17th September.

To subscribe to The Simple Things and save up to £25, head over to My Favourite Magazines.

In Magazine Tags magazine, October
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Pitching tents this summer, the dos and don'ts

Future Admin June 24, 2013

Heading to Glastonbury this week? Or perhaps you're preparing for the first camping trip of the year, either way here's a recap of everything you've forgotten since the last time.

1. Lay the flysheet (outer layer) flat, ensuring doors and so on are zipped up.

Think: "I could be at home now, catching up on Borgen." Say: "Nobody panic! It's all coming back to me." 2. Feed the poles carefully through the sleeves and bend them up to form the tent's 'skeleton'. Lock the ends of the poles into the metal rings at the edge of the tent.

Think: "The manufacturer's given us the wrong poles." Say: "We'll be on the beach within five minutes!"

3. Look for loops on the corners, sides and guy ropes, and stake these out with tent pegs and a mallet, keeping tension equal all around. Now secure the inner tent into place using the toggles provided.

Think: "Why are we listing violently to one side?" Say: "Ta-daaa!"

Alternatively – get a pop-up tent.

Taken from Issue 10 of The Simple Things,  download a back issue now.

Photography: XPeria2Day

In Escaping Tags camping, extract, featured, festivals, magazine, outdoors
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Free gifts when you subscribe today!

Future Admin March 22, 2013

Subscribe today and receive this exclusive gift pack worth £38!

Delivery direct to your door at no extra cost

Receive 13 Issues a year

Your exclusive gift set includes a beautiful matching kitchen apron, oven mitt and tea towl, all made from 100% organic cotton by Orchre & Ocre (www.ochreandocre.com). Subscribe now to get your free gift!

In Magazine Tags exclusive, featured, free, gift, magazine
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Featured
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025

Buy, download or subscribe

See the sample of our latest issue here

Buy a copy of our latest anthology: A Year of Celebrations

Buy a copy of Flourish 2, our wellbeing bookazine

Listen to our podcast - Small Ways to Live Well

Feb 27, 2025
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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