Notice. Wonder. Make: Autumn Zines

It’s the time of year when changes make themselves known, from the falling leaves to the crisp air to the sweaters bundled around your classmates. It’s an invitation to explore the neighbourhood your school is in –– an opportunity to look closely, to listen, to ask questions like:

• What is the air telling us?

• What are the trees telling us?

• If you look into yards, what do we see?

• What does change feel like?

This zine is made up of things I noticed in my SE neighbourhood. I noticed that my community is getting ready for change and with this change comes a few of my favourite things. 

I documented these changes with found objects, painted pumpkins, and exploration of positive and negative space inspired by the giggles and joy of yard decorating being done by families.

This form of documentation can be done daily, weekly or as it fits with your class needs. This zine could be out up on a bulletin board and then bound with string for students to take home at the end if the season. Have fun finding a few of your favourite fall things!

My Supplies:

• Watercolour paint

• Paint brush and water bucket

• Black sharpie

• 1 piece of 11x17 watercolour paper, ripped in half lengthwise

• Other paper, as needed

• Leaves that I found in our park (thank you to the trees and the land for providing us with such beauty)

• Glue stick

I made a ghost stencil and used the positive and negative with splatter paint. Other homemade stencils could be:

• Leaves

• Trees

• Animals

• Clouds

Now it’s your turn! Get out, explore your neighbourhood, and uncover the magic waiting around every corner. Don’t forget to tag us @yycartsed 📸