Tinker, a one-of-a-kind drop-in arts and craft studio proves that one person's trash can be another's robot or castle or ...


Bits and pieces of cast-off "junk" from their friends, customers and neighboring businesses find a place at Tinker. Additionally, more and more of their craft materials are being purchased from recycled, sustainable or fair trade sources.


"Two years in business have taught us a few things. Perhaps the most important thing we've learned so far is that HOW we run Tinker is as important as WHY we run Tinker. We put a big emphasis on the use of sustainable and recycled materials in the creation of art. We receive donations from many of our neighbors and customers." -- Leeanna Gantt, Owner


Born in early 2005, Tinker started as a small idea -- a place, other than our dining room table, for kids to explore their creativity, experiment, paint, glue, sparkle and build. In less romantic terms, make a big ol' mess. Between that moment and our opening day, the idea for Tinker grew and filled out to become something more. Still a work in progress, we aren't certain where we're going but we're pretty sure we are on the right track.


Although catering to children as young as 18 months, Tinker has a growing following among "grown-ups", having already held a number of bridal and baby showers as well as "Tinker Nights" complete with wine, food and a live DJ. Future plans include open mic nights, gallery installations, clothes swap and redesign nights, and outreach "Tinker-To-Go" projects that will bring Tinker to places like hospitals, libraries, and schools.


Tinker's first year has brought its share of rewards, from the beaming smiles on children's faces to the "Best of LA" award and press in the Los Angeles Times, Daily Candy, Daily News and the Los Angeles edition of "Not For Tourists."