One day, while feeling particularly rich, I up and subscribed to Elements & Seasons, sight unseen. There was a lot of good press about its inaugural issue, and I let the spirit of consumerism sweep me right off my feet. (And onto, it would seem, my pocketbook.) I had heard about zine editor JayLene Seeley's dream interpretation article, and figured it'd be worth the $16 just to get some mail every few months that wasn't a bill.

My first issue arrived, and I hastily flipped through it on my way to work (at red lights only, of course). I ended up reading it from cover to cover on a break, and then again after work when I could concentrate more fully.

This is a fun zine. It's random and personal, while still having focus on art and creativity, and not so personal that it's narcissistic -- a trap a few too many zinemakers fall into. There are quotes and off-the-wall comments scattered inbetween articles, crazy fonts, and JayLene's artwork, which is funky and fun.

Best of all, though, is that it's useful. There are articles on journaling, making dream pillows, altered dolls, decoupaged switchplates and making funky tacks, and a primer for lettering on fabric. There are narratives of field trips, recommendations for zines, websites and books, and a project making tassels. It's one of those zines that you devour, then save because you know that a few months later, you'll refer back to it, or re-find it and end up reading it again.

Issues are $5 each or $16 for a year's subscription. Contact JayLene c/o E&S, 2415 9th Ave. SE, Albany, OR 97321. More information can be found on the zine's website.

[ by Elizabeth Badurina ]