Co-ops have long been associated with grocery stores and apartment complexes, but the idea is expanding into more innovative ways of running businesses. A group of enterprising U.C.L.A. architecture school grads recently got together to open Knowhow Shop, a common space for builders and creators to come together and make things. Without having to invest in costly equipment, members have access to heavy duty machinery including professional wood working tools, metal working equipment, CNC machines, and a laser cutter. The 1,800-square foot space doubles and triples as a studio and art gallery. Knowhow has also embraced its community, participating in a couple of NELA Second Saturday art openings. Most recently with their Garden Show, where they invited artists and designers to exhibit their work ranging from patio furniture to innovative planters. Knowhow Shop is located in LA’s Highland Park neighborhood and is open from Tuesday to Sunday. (via T Mag)

Triple Base, the San Francisco based art gallery that strives to assist young artist, is on hiatus for the summer. Instead of leaving the space dormant, Fire Escape Farms has taken over. With the rise in the public’s consciousness of where our food comes from and the popularity of urban farming spilling over into the consumer sector, a market has grown to support this shift. However, some may not be so privilege to have a plot of land or a yard to start a garden, especially for urban residents. That’s where Fire Escape Farms come in. Naya Peterson started the store in 2009 after returning from Napa. She was not finding the necessary supplies for what was needed. So after a bit of researching and traveling she pulled together an inventory of tools and supplies for the urban farmer. It’s a one stop shop for the beginners and seasoned vets, stocking everything from seeds to kits.

For the past five years TOMS Shoes has been known as the for-profit company using the “one for one” model. Every pair of TOMS sold, a pair shoes would be given away. Founder Blake Mycoskie announced at SXSW earlier this year that the company will enter its next chapter by introducing a new product. TOMS will no longer be just a shoe company, but will following the same goal as before using the “one for one” model. Over 90 capsules were dispatched across the country landing in various retailers, sealed and ordered not to be open until today. Mycoskie will lead the initiative by unveiling its contents at 10:30am PDT.

UPDATE: TOMS launches TOMS Eyewear

Pop-Up Magazine is far from your traditional magazine. You won’t be flipping through pages, wrestling with subscription inserts or bypassing ads. Instead, it’s an experience shared with an audience, a one night event that takes place on stage with guests ranging from writers, directors, to artists. Since its inception in April 2009 it has gained more and more attention with every release. Each event is given an issue number, all of which have taken place at various theaters throughout San Francisco. On May 11th it will make its way to New York. Pop-Up Magazine teams up with ESPN Magazine to bring you The Live Issue with filmmaker Alex Gibney (Freakonomics, Taxi to the Dark Side), writer Williman Finnegan (New Yorker), artist Andrew Kuo, Radiolab producer Pat Walters, and many others. The Live Issue will take place at Skirball Center, tickets are on sale now.

Matt from Wood&Faulk will make, design, build, tinker, and even pickle just about anything. A self proclaimed builder originally from Kansas and now residing in Portland, Oregon, he launched his site late last year documenting a few of his experiments. Matt’s projects range in size from installing a sliding door to modifying cast iron candle holders all of which include instructions and how-to’s. His talents go beyond building things, he also dabbles in pickling and concocting homemade ginger ale. Aside from the how-to’s, Wood&Faulk also runs a small shop selling bags, aprons, and books. Follow Matt’s experiments on his site and if you’re brave enough, try your hand at some of the projects. Thanks Nate for the lead.