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 is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
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.
Seven Questions: Erica Domesek, Do-It-Yourself Guru
()
LA has a diverse cast of characters. Whether it's the characters with stirring stories or interesting occupations or the people who are just simply characters, this town has them all. In an effort to get to know some of those characters a little better, we've created "Seven Questions with..." If you have a suggestion for a future Seven Questions subject send us an email.
Today's subject is Erica Domesek, Do-It-Yourself guru and creator of PSIMadeThis.com.
In the spirit of Earth Month and looking for everyday ways to live greener, Domesek’s platform highlights reusing everyday items and turning them into fashion. On her site, she has walked readers through how to use everything from coffee stirrers and mirror clips to cupcake wrappers and electric wire to create fashionable clothing and accessories.
Support for LAist comes from
In her most recent project, the Dasani Green Cap program, Domesek has created a green hat out of everyday materials with a “recycle everywhere you can” message that supports the launch of Dasani’s new PlantBottle - a 100% recyclable plastic bottle that’s made from up to 30% plant materials. Starting today and running through April 21st in support of Ocean Conservancy, the first 10 consumers daily to go to SatineBoutique.com and enter their name after 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST will be win a free hat and be notified on Earth Day.
1) You are doing a Green Cap program with Dasani where you work your DIY magic - tell us about it.
Dasani has a new 100 percent recyclable plastic bottle called the PlantBottle (made from up to 30 percent plant-based materials) so it’s an everyday thing we can do to live a little greener in our lives. And do-it-yourself as a movement is another green activity we can do everyday - reusing items around the house to make fashion and functional items. In that spirit, I worked with Dasani to create a limited-edition line of green-colored hats in support of Ocean Conservancy (green like the caps on the new bottle) out of everyday materials you’d have around the house - sweatpants, zipper from hoodie, buttons, etc. DIY for Earthmonth!
2) You’ve made the green hat out of sweats, buttons, thread, etc with an overall recycling message. If I gave you a deck of cards, saran wrap, lip gloss and a box of tissues, what could you recycle that into?
Saran Wrap- use the tube. Make into a statement necklace, a la Louis Vuitton (think chain necklace!).
Deck of cards -- one deck- make mobile with some chopsticks and fishing line. Several decks--- decoupage a powder room instead of wall paper
Box of tissues -- spray paint high gloss, fun color and convert into a tech accessory charging station for your ipods, mobile device, camera, etc!
Lip Gloss -- wear it when you're crafting!
3) What’s the most MacGyver thing you’ve ever created out of something else?
- Rolls of clear tape into a statement necklace
- Mailing tube into cuff bracelet
- Cheese graters into "chrome" earrings
4) Are there any celebrities who are involved with D-I-Y? Who would you most want to do a project with?
Some crafty people that come to mind:
- Jennifer Garner (she even named her dog after Martha Stewart)
- Heidi Klum; she has great style and loves doing projects with her kids!
- Would love love to do something With Amy Pohler!
5) You are hosting an Earth Day event for the Dasani Green Cap program at Satine (SatineBoutique.com) in LA on April 21st - where are your favorite places to do crafts in LA?
I love picking up odd n ends at the Fairfax/Melrose flea market. They have pieces I turned into jewelry and home décor accents that I love to give as gifts. I've purchased an amazing turquoise vintage toolbox that I keep on display at home. Its one of my most coveted possessions.
6) What are 3 everyday items our readers should immediately see as “re-usable?”
Water bottles- I've done so many fun projects w Dasani Plant Bottles from bracelets to chandeliers!
- Save jelly and condiment jars to hold crafts supplies
- Magazines! I never throw away- always save bold glossy pages to collage gift wrap
Support for LAist comes from
7) If your Do-It-Yourself work was going to have a theme song, what would it be?
I would mix Beastie Boys, "She's Crafty" w/ Peter Gabriel's " D.I.Y"
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist