DIY teacher appreciation gift: personalized zine

A teacher appreciation zine that reads,

For Teacher Appreciation Day, you want a gift that says “thank you” for all their hard work, patience and general awesomeness as a human being. 

This cute zine-style note does just that, plus there’s space for your kiddo to include a personalized message. Keep reading to see just how we made it!

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

Our free DIY teacher appreciation printable lays on a table with a cutting mat, a ruler and a pencil, with creases from folding in it.

 

What you’ll need:

  • 8.5×11” paper
  • Free downloadable PDF
  • Color printer
  • Craft knife
  • Metal ruler
  • Cutting mat
  • Scissors
  • Stapler (optional)

How to make your DIY teacher appreciation gift:

1.   Print the free downloadable zine on 8.5×11” paper.

2.   Line the ruler up on the crop marks in each corner of the drawing and use the craft knife to trim the border off the top, bottom and sides of the design.

 

Hands fold the DIY teacher appreciation printable in half horizontally, then into three sections vertically.

 

3. Fold the paper in half horizontally with the design facing out, then unfold it.

4. Next, fold it in half vertically with the design facing out.

5. Then fold the left edge of the paper in to line up with the center crease.

6. Repeat this fold with the right edge.

 

A pair of hands cuts the DIY teacher appreciation printable along the horizontal fold with a craft knife, using a ruler as a guide.

 

7. Unfold paper and lay it flat on your cutting board, with the design facing up.

8. Line the ruler up on the horizontal fold and cut along the crease between the two center panels.

 

A pair of hands assembles the free DIY teacher appreciation zine, folding it along the creases made previously.

 

9. Place the resulting two strips back to back, design sides facing out, both of them right side up.

10. Push the two ends together so the center panels form “pages.”

11. Fold the center panels to the right, then fold the left side to the back. (“For a great teacher” should be on the front, with “Happy Teacher Appreciation Day” on the back.)

12. Staple if desired.

 

A pair of hands holds the finished teacher appreciation zine.

 

Now it’s time for your child to fill in the blanks—either alone or with your help. Part of the fun is getting to hear what little ones like best about their teacher! For a supersweet touch, send it along with a little flower arrangement.

Want more ways to honor the amazing teachers you know? Check these out: