Home, garden and craft events this weekend

Once again, the weekend is packed with fun things to do. Here are some highlights …

Friday (as in today ):

- Custer’s Spring Antique & Collectors Sale will be held at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center on Friday (4 to 9 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). 300 dealers from around the country. Thousands of antiques in all price ranges. “Nurse Nancy,” who repairs antique dolls, will be on hand.

-The Washington State Quilters Spokane Chapter is hosting quilting classes all weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn near the Spokane Airport. The guest speaker is North Carolina quilting expert Pepper Cory . Details about the topics being covered and registration fees are here .

-On Wednesday, I mentioned a gallery talk with fabric artist Marie Watt happening at the MAC tonight. The museum also is hosting a “bed turning” in its Quiltscapes exhibit at 4 p.m. I don’t know what that means, but it sounds intriguing and I’ll update this when I learn more.

Saturday:

-Coeur d’Alene is celebrating Arbor Day Saturday at Shadduck Lane Park (1875 W. Shadduck Lane), starting with a pancake feed at 9:15 a.m. and followed by a ceremony. Free seedlings will be given to attendees. For more information, call (208) 769-2266 or go here .

-Has anyone ever taken an art class at the Dahmen Barn in Uniontown? I’ve always been intrigued but never have attended. The restored 1935 barn is a venue for musical performances, art exhibits, community meetings and various arts and crafts classes throughout the year. I might need to write a post featuring the barn in the future, eh?
Anyhow, there’s a class there Saturday on how to make hand-tied spring bouquets , which are traditionally used in Europe by brides and as hostess gifts. Instructor Andriette Pieron has attended workshops near Amsterdam. Students will go home with a finished bouquet. If you can’t make it this weekend, don’t sweat it. Pieron will teach another class in June.

-It’s Japan Week here in Spokane, and one of the many events that are part of the celebration is a free origami-making workshop taught by paper-doll artist Patti Osebold at River Park Square from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

-This one might be worth the drive to Pullman: Living in the Gardens, a unique garden center there, is celebrating Earth Day with a workshop on how to get money back for the energy-saving changes you make to your house. Find out more here .

-The Farm Chicks will be signing copies of their book “The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen: Live Well, Laugh Often, Cook Much” at Yoke’s Fresh Market in Sandpoint. For a full schedule of signings, go here .

-This one’s a biggie: The Associated Garden Clubs is holding its annual (and perennial … tee hee hee) plant sale at Manito Park on Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Proceeds benefit garden and landscape projects around town.

-Have you been thinking about starting a compost bin, but you’re not sure where to start? Spokane Master Composters and Spokane Regional Solid Waste System will make it easy with an open-air workshop Saturday at Finch Arboretum. Spokane County residents (you must show proof of residency) can take home a free compost bin. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday:

-The big Earth Day celebration in Riverfront Park ! The fun starts at noon and includes music, information, a poetry slam and the popular Procession of the Species, during which kids can dress like their favorite animal (or make a mask from recycled materials at the event) and parade together through the park. See you there!