Close to Home: Architectural salvage, backyard birds and more

Get expert ideas and inspiration for your reupholstered chair or new sofa at Gabberts' "Let's Talk Upholstery," 2-3 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 20. Bring photos and fabric samples to Gabberts in the Galleria, 69th St. and France Av. S., Edina, and at 3201 Country Dr., Little Canada. For information, call 952-927-1500 or go to ­gabberts.com.

Need to match a vintage glass doorknob or faucet fixture? Or want to add some character to a plain-Jane fireplace? Every item in the Architectural Antiques warehouse of pre-1960s home-related functional and decorative salvaged stuff will be discounted for the Fall Sale, Oct. 24-25. Peruse the aisles for antique and vintage lights, stained and prairie glass windows, carved stone surrounds, vintage plumbing and fixtures, fireplace mantels and garden elements, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24 and noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 25, 1330 NE. Quincy St., Mpls. Call 612-332-8344 or go to archantiques.com.

Cooler weather is with us, bringing hungry birds in search of food. If you're interested in attracting birds to your backyard and providing habitat, here's a free seminar on "Backyard Bird Feeding." Gertens, with experts from Meadow Ridge Farm Bird Seed Co. and garden product manufacturer Erva, will present an afternoon of learning opportunities, starting at noon on Oct. 25. The noon session will focus on "Deterring Squirrels," followed by a 12:30 p.m. session on "Choosing the Best Seed." Other sessions include "Adding a Heated Birdbath" at 1 p.m., "Selecting a Feeder" at 1:30 p.m., "Simple Pole Systems" at 2 p.m. and "Backyard Birding With Children" at 2:30 p.m. Preregister at gertens.com/events. Gertens is located at 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights.

Create hands-on Halloween decor at a Bachman's workshop designed for children. You and a child (age 6 and up) will work together on a "Kid-Friendly Halloween Mini-Garden." The $50 cost covers an adult-child pair, plus all materials used in your take-home creation. Adults may attend alone. The workshop will be held 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 at Bachman's, 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Register at bachmans.com or call 612-861-7600.