FAQ

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Q: What is making magic?

A: It's a collection of creative making kits that anyone can use to experience a bit of everyday joy and wonder, whether they’re 4 years old or 104 years old. I'm currently assembling the first batch (90 kits to start), which I’m calling “Upcycled Zine Kits”, filled with all of the materials needed to make crafty little micro-publication. Just add scissors and glue or tape to transform curated, repurposed materials into something with personal meaning.

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Q: Why is it called "making Magic"?

A: “Making Magic” encompasses a double meaning. It refers both to the process of making something (which I believe is a sort of magic or alchemy), as well as refers to the final product of the making, which can often be magical in whatever final form it takes. Working with creative constraints, establishing meaning through storytelling, following curiosities, and just generally getting lost in the act of doing outside of commercial goals are all opportunities for small transformation I hope kit-goers will find with a collection of materials in-hand. ​

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Q: How is this project different than other creative making kits?

A: One of my aims with these kits is to explore alternative creative economies in practice, and to reimagine what a transaction-less non-monetary creative exchange system could look like. The three economies are as follows:

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1. Circular Economy: Circular economies are based on low waste or no waste systems that minimize excess. The majority of materials in the kit are found, salvaged, and repurposed, giving them a new lease on life.

2. Gift Economy: Gift economies facilitate a free exchange of goods without expectation of compensation. It’s about keeping the creative wealth in motion, therefore once you receive a kit, you’re encouraged to make things, gift resources, and pay ideas forward through sharing them with others. It’s about reciprocal giving and strengthening social relationships through generosity and mutual support.

3. Inspiration Economy: Inspiration economies highlight the value of creative ideas for personal and collective growth, fostering a sense of shared purpose to collaborate and innovate. The kits are designed to allow for time and space to think and make and play; radical acts for uncertain times.

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Q: Where Can I Buy one?

A: You can't! I will not be selling them but I will be giving them away in the spirit of of the circular, gift, and inspiration economies. Come chat with me on campus or come find me at workshops and events that I’m attending. You’ll also find them in some Little Free Libraries in and around the city of Toronto & beyond.  

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Q: I have crayons, markers and/or other bits and bobs lying around...can you turn them into kits?

A: Yes! If you have these types of materials lying around not living their best creative lives, I would love to turn them into kits for future zine makers. Please drop me a line.​​​

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Q: What other kits do you plan to offer in the future?

A: I have big ideas and big plans for at least two other kit ideas, namely:

• New POV kit using legendary design educator, Sister Corita Kent’s concept of a “finder” to see the world from a literal and figurative new perspective.

• Stamp Walk kit to invite folks into their communities to be pirate printers and capture the incredible metal type, shapes, and patterns in their environments.