Handmade Helpers: Best Places to D.I.Y.

by Matthew Allard - Citysearch Editor - 48 Reviews - 40 Lists

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Updated: November 04, 2009

'Tis always the season to do-it-yourself. That's right, with your own two bare hands. After all, handmade gifts and D.I.Y. crafts cost nearly a fraction of some store bought thingamabob--and they're far more unique! But what should you make? And, more importantly, how? No matter if your left brain gets overpowered by your creative right, we've uncovered some inspired spots to take a class, buy materials or get hands-on help. Here are 7 ways to roll up your sleeves and get your hands a bit dirty.

7 Do-It-Yourself Destinations

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Paper Source
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    9460 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

    That old saying, "it's the thought that counts" is true. Sure, you could give Mom a state-of-the-art blender, but we bet she'd be more touched by a handmade card from this Beverly Hills boutique. While the shop offers plenty of pre-made designer notes, their selection of papers, envelopes and craft supplies is one of the best in L.A., so use their space to piece together the perfect one-of-a-kind card. (Approximate price: $15 and up)

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Ritual Adornments Inc
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    2708 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)

    Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but at the end of the day they're just sparkly (and expensive!) rocks we've heaped a lot of importance upon. There are plenty of other precious gems and beautiful stones worth working with. Find them here, along with colorful ribbons, cords and necklaces. Build your rocker boyfriend some heavy metal jewelry, craft Grandma a thoughtful bracelet or simply make yourself something shiny. (Approximate price: $7 and up)

  3. 3 3 Star Rating: Average Fresh Pressed Screen Shops
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    4646 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

    Does your pal only eat meat and like to be called "Cutlets?" Is your girlfriend constantly screaming, "Pwesh!" at every puppy that she sees? This Los Feliz T-shirt shop allows you to design your own garments with do-it-yourself presses, art, ink and screens. Make them an original shirt to fit their personalities or make your own fashion statement and rest assured that no one will ever steal your style. (Approximate price: $40 and up)

  4. 4 Scribble Press
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    1109 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

    Run by two moms, this crafty corner inside Westside Pavilion stocks everything kids (or grown-ups) need to create a truly unique gift or keepsake. Bring in your sentimental stories and creative ideas and they'll help you design, illustrate and bind them into a polished book. If you're not one with words, that's okay too: There are many other things you can create, including notebooks with custom art and personalized placemats. (Approximate price: $15 and up)

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Color Me Mine
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    16101 Ventura Blvd Ste 230, Encino, CA 91436 (map)

    Skip the seductive pottery wheel a la "Ghost" and simply get to the good stuff... no, not that. This shop lets guests select from a wide variety of ceramic plates, mugs, fancy bowls and more. Next, glaze that sucker in one of nearly 70 different colors before painting, decorating and personalizing it. (Approximate price: $10 and up)

  6. 6 Home Ec
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    3815 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (map)

    A beautiful shop for all things handmade in Silver Lake's Sunset Junction, this D-I-Y destination harbors some of the best craft classes in all of Los Angeles. Learn how to make everything from baby quilts and stuffed animals to glass beads and embroidered decorations. Various classes are held weekly and the themes change each month. The brave can even go completely solo and simply pick up supplies--yarn, bold fabrics, colorful thread and more--for use at home. (Classes range from $25 to $100 and up)

  7. 7 Le Leabo
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    8385 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

    Love is most definitely in the air at this clever perfume lab on Third Street. And it ain't Chanel No. 5 you're smelling. No sir, the French boutique offers art in a bottle via their selection of customized fragrances for men and women. Watch as your scent is made-to-order, mixed before your eyes and slapped with your own personalized label. It's all very tres chic, but prices can range anywhere from $52 to $650 a bottle.