Dear Reader,
This year, I am testing out some themes for this newsletter. The first was resolutions to try to knock some iconic things to do off your L.A. bucket list, and then there were the free museums of Los Angeles. This month, I am going to focus on an activity where I have always found community—Craft.
Los Angeles is full of crafting meet-ups and work togethers. I’ve run one in my neighborhood for almost four years, and it is filled with so many creative people. We’ve got book binders, crocheters, people building craft businesses, paint-by-numbers fans, or people who just come and sew up the holes in their socks.
This issue is full of ideas for getting your craft on in Los Angeles.
Before I get into the list, a couple of notes:
This is your final weekend to do a Cole's vs. Philippe's French Dip off. Cole's is closing—for real this time—after this weekend. I took a few paid subscribers to do a French Dip Vs. meet-up, and we had a great time exploring DTLA's history and deciding who had the best French Dip.
I am only 11 subscribers away from my goal this quarter. If you know anyone who would enjoy this newsletter, please send them this link. Word of Mouth is the best way to tell people about this newsletter.
https://thisuglybeautifulcity.kit.com/
Crafting in Los Angeles
Here are some upcoming options to connect over analog things and meet people out in the wild. (I think I did a good spread of neighborhoods in L.A.)
March 28, 2026
CULVER CITY
Paint your own pottery at the Village Well. Personally, I would love to personalize a piece without sculpting, glazing, or firing. If you’ve felt this way, this is a great option. Check out their schedule for adult and kids' crochet, as well as other themed craft nights. (So many of my friends took up pottery in the pandemic. How about you?)
Friends who picked up ceramics during the pandemic are selling at Little Market on Saturday--Mindful Stoneware and The Goth Potter.
April 4, 2026
PASADENA
Recently, I learned that the Gamble House in Pasadena has an active craft program, from craft together nights to classes dedicated to learning something new. April 4th is their craft night. BYOC and meet folks at this historic home. There is also a make a purse out of palm fronds event coming up.
April 9, 2026
CHINATOWN
On my bucket list is creating my own scent to wear. I’ve been eyeing the Institute of Art and Olfaction for a while, and I think it is time to finally book something.
I want to create something that smells like L.A.—Jasmine, Salt Air, and orange blossoms with a hint of sunscreen. I haven’t found anything like that, so it is time to make my own.
April 12, 2026
MID-CITY
Fiber Makers Circle is a monthly craft together at LACMA. You could either bring your own craft or learn something from the on-site instructor. LACMA has tons of crafting options; take a peek at their extensive calendar.
Don’t forget that Yarncrawl is coming up! https://layarncrawl.org/
April 19, 2026
SIMI VALLEY
Oooh, a late entry to this list is a craft class taught by an amazing crafter and one of the most interesting people I know. Needle felting is one of the most stress-reducing crafts I know, and you end up with something cute afterwards. Plus, you might be interested in any of the blacksmithing classes on-site.
Help Me Pick a Theme
What theme should I write about next month? Answer this quick survey to help me decide the next issue.
https://forms.gle/SJMuE86Trh4zWqMR8
Don’t forget, as a subscriber, you have access to
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The Los Angeles on a Budget Map
All of my picks for exercise, where to eat, and how to entertain yourself in Los Angeles are in a handy on-the-go map.
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Food Tour San Diego to Los Angeles
If you need a nice weekend getaway, I strongly recommend doing this trip soon. (Note: The link below goes to my world travel website. It is still me.)
Password: OOOsubThX1
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Book Crawl on The E
Want something more low-key and lo-cal, I've designed this Book Crawl on the E for you.
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Wait? What?!! Why am I subscribed to a newsletter about Los Angeles?
If you are subscribed to this newsletter and wondering why you are receiving content about Los Angeles, you could switch to my world-travel newsletter. Read this issue about a seaside town in Tuscany and subscribe at the bottom.
