BILLION-DOLLAR CRAFT INDUSTRY GOES PRIMETIME IN TLC's "CRAFT WARS"

New competition series hosted and executive produced by Tori Spelling

Los Angeles, CA - One of America's favorite pastimes - crafting - is the focus of the new TLC competition series CRAFT WARS. Putting a spotlight on the nearly $30 billion craft industry, the series celebrates a passion that is shared by more than half of all American households. Each episode pits three new, everyday enthusiasts against each other in two rounds of difficult challenges, encompassing different genres of crafting expertise.

Produced by Super Delicious, the 10-episode series started production last week in Los Angeles and is scheduled to premiere June 26.

"CRAFT WARS continues to re-define crafting as something extremely modern - this is not your grandmother's crocheting. At its core, the series celebrates the creative sprit, which will resonate with TLC's audience," said Amy Winter, GM, TLC.

Actress, author and designer Tori Spelling will host and executive produce the series, serving as both a guide for the audience, and a mentor to the contestants. An avid crafter, Tori recently launched her own line of craft products, "The Tori Spelling Collection." She showcases her crafting skills in her upcoming party planning book, CelebraTORI, which will be published on April 3rd. She also combines her love for designing jewelry and crafting, in her new DIY fashion jewelry line, "Styled by Tori Spelling," which debuts this summer.

"As a lifelong crafter, I love how crafting gives you the opportunity to reallyexpress yourself and show your creativity. It's an amazing outlet and nothing shows love more than something homemade. I can't wait to share my passion and be inspired by all the amazing contestants," said Spelling.

Michaels, North America's largest arts and crafts retailer, also joins CRAFT WARS, stocking the "Michaels Craft Closet" with everything the contestants need to get inspired and build their creations. In addition, the series has a panel of expert judges that includes:

Stephen Brown: author, entrepreneur and founder of the multi-million dollar giftware company, Glitterville Studios. His one-of-a-kind designs are described as "wondrously wacky" and are sold across the globe in a variety of high-end retailers.

Erica Domesek: founder and CEO the innovative DIY company P.S.-I made this is the author of the book P.S.-I made this and a distinguished DIY design and lifestyle expert. Erica's designs and projects are featured in top fashion and lifestyle magazines and known around the world.

Jo Pearson: an author, host, and creative expert for Michaels for the past 25 years, her crafts have been seen by millions of people around the world, helping them realize everyone can be creative - with the right inspiration.

CRAFT WARS is produced for TLC by Super Delicious. Executive producers are Adam Cohen, Cara Tapper and Joanna Vernetti.

About TLC

TLC is a global brand that celebrates extraordinary people and relatable life moments through innovative nonfiction programming. A top 10 cable network in key female demos, TLC has built successful franchises around the Cake Boss and Say Yes to the Dress brands. In 2011, TLC had 28 series averaging 1.0 million P2+ viewers or more including Sister Wives, My Strange Addiction, Extreme Couponing, Toddlers & Tiaras, 19 Kids and Counting, and What Not To Wear.

TLC is available in more than 99 million homes in the US and 75 million households in 34 countries internationally. A destination online, TLC.com offers in-depth fan sites, exclusive video content, and original editorial covering style, home, food, and more. Fans can also interact with TLC via On Demand services, on mobile platforms, including an iPhone App, and through social media such as Facebook or @TLC on Twitter. TLC is part of Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA,DISCB, DISCK), the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 210 countries and territories.