HOT TICKET

Just open: "A Homespun Life: Textiles of Old Russia" at the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis. More than 100 pieces -- including rugs, linens, embroidered towels, bed skirts, pillow covers and clothing -- feature the work of villagers in central Russia during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The pieces, on loan from Twin Cities collector Susan Johnson, include examples of spinning, knitting, weaving, sewing and embroidery. The exhibit runs through Sept. 26; $7 for adults; a donation is suggested for others. 5500 Stevens Av. S., 612-821-9045.

WINNERS CIRCLE

You have three days left to enter the annual Fireplace Facelift contest for a chance to win a fireplace, an LCD television and a free design consultation worth $5,000. To enter, send a photo of the room that needs the fireplace face-lift, along with ideas for what it might look like, to www.fireplacefacelift.com or drop your entry at any metro-area Fireside Hearth & Home location.

DO IT NOW

Longer days spur houseplants to resume growing actively. You should respond by resuming regular fertilizing. Try the "weakly weekly" approach: Mix a water-soluble plant food at half the recommended strength and add it to your watering can every week.

WE SPOTTED IT

Coming this fall to a store near you: the Keno Brothers furniture collection in collaboration with Theodore Alexander. The furniture maker said it will unveil 40 pieces of case goods and upholstery at the High Point Furniture Market next month, based on Leslie and Leigh Keno's "love of antiques and vintage modern furniture." Leigh owns Keno Auctions and Leslie is a senior VP at Sotheby's, both in New York; the brothers are appraisers, authors and have extensive TV credits, including PBS' popular "Antiques Roadshow." The Theodore Alexander line is carried at several Minnesota dealers; see a list at www.theodore alexander.com.

WEB WATCH

whisperwoodcottage. blogspot.com

Check out before-and-after pictures and DIY projects from this Duluth blogger/junker as she and her husband renovate their home.