Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Come On, Come On, Get Crafty Tonight @ 5pm

Mark Montano is a man of many talents. He is the host of TLC's 10 Years Younger, part of the design team for While You Were Out, the co-host of the Style Network's My Celebrity Home and the co-host of She's Moving In. As if that were not enough, he'll be signing The Big-Ass Book of Crafts today at Skylight Books @ 5pm.
With cool shops like Reform School highlighting indie wares, the craft scene has exploded. The excitement has spilled over into do-it-yourself groups that have shattered the barriers of "high art" and snobbery in favor of handmade, unique, one-off pieces. Everyone's inner artist is suddenly dashing to get crafty.
Montano's book taps into craft-mania and offers tips for making stuff for you home - with your own two hands. From iPod cases to modern doilies to funky chandeliers and revved up dishes, there's something for almost everyone. If glue guns and hot-wax transfers are simply not your thing, the photography is kick-ass and just might inspire you to find something you love, something you simply must have...and then find someone else to make it for you!
The Big-Ass Book of Crafts by Mark Montano
Signing at Sklyight Books, Tonight @ 5pm
1818 N. Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.660.1175
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.