FreeManchester

Zines

Zines are a form of DIY publishing. Alone or with a group of mates find a topic you’re interested and get writing. The zine has provided an alternative to glossy magazines and mainstream publication for hundreds of years. It is associated with political discussion and has also been a forum for punk music fans to talk up their favourite bands and promote them.

‘Your Voice’ is a creative zine that welcomes contributions from any one who is experimenting with their creative side. From poetry to short stories with occasional artwork and random journal entries this new publication is eclectic and includes people from all age groups and walks of life. It is distributed for free around the Manchester and in Cornwall and invites people to start their own edition in their local community. It aspires to be self perpetuating . You will find details of where the next edition (Dec/Jan) can be found on the blog (http://yourvoicezine.blogspot.com/). Previous copies have been found in public toilets on park benches and in health centre waiting rooms.

Candles

It’s very simple to make your own candles.  Save up any left over wax from previous candles and melt it down.  You can do this in a old tin can. For the wick you can use string, dip the string in the melted wax and set out to dry in a straight line.  Ideally you want to put the tin can in a pot of boiling water rather than heating the can straight from the heat.  If you do this over an open fire you don’t waste any gas or the heat.

Pour the melted wax into a suitable container with the wick balanced in the middle and leave the candle to set.

Tips, oiling the setting container allows the candle to be removed easier.  Keep each candle colour separate to avoid an ugly greeny brown coloured candle. Balance the wick in the container using pencils over the top.  Don’t light the candle in a plastic container.  Don’t use thick string for a thin candle as this causes a big and dangerous flame.  Keep it safe.