APRIL 27, 2011
Nesting instincts A family of four uses local resources to make a house a home
Mexican textiles with an animal print (as seen on pillows) are showing up in design magazines and elsewhere these days. Find similar fabric (with birds) at Cynthia East. Throw from Pottery Barn, sofa and red-shaded lamp from Mertins Dyke, terrier mix from a Tennessee highway.
BY KATHERINE WYRICK PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN CHILSON
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bserving a squirrel construct her* nest the other day, doggedly gathering bits of twig and even the odd scrap of plastic, I was struck by her resourcefulness—the way she used the materials available to her. Surveying my own “drey,” with its eclectic collection of objects and furnishings, I found that I’d done much the same thing. We’ve lived in this 1950s midtown home for almost seven years with a rotating menagerie of lizards and fish and one incorrigible old dog. Our kids, age 9 and 12, have grown up here, surrounded by an array of estate sale finds, family pieces and hand-me-down furniture. Though we live modestly, we’ve also managed to save up our acorns along the way for the occasional Mertinsdyke or Cynthia East purchase. Here are some vignettes of things that I’ve found— hunter-gatherer style—within my own territory.
It’s fun to mix it up in the kitchen. This jumble of containers, some scavenged at garage sales, others from family, make a cheery place for corralling utensils.
*I’ve read that the male actually makes the nest but refuse to believe it.
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hearsay ➥ Itsy bitsy, teenie weenie ... If you’ve been trying to figure out what to do with that old Lynyrd Skynyrd t-shirt, here’s some inspiration for you. Vin-T Bikinis, a line quickly gaining in popularity, are made from vintage tees and are now available at two Little Rock locations: SCARLET and LULU’S TANNING SALON in the River Market. ➥ House-story. Don’t miss the 47TH ANNUAL QUAPAW QUARTER ASSOCIATION SPRING TOUR OF HISTORIC HOMES, Saturday, May 7Sunday, May 8. Saturday tickets will include a candlelight tour, champagne and dinner. Check out our feature on one of the homes next week. ➥ Party in the park. Prospect Terrace Park to be exact, located on “L” Street and Tyler. Sunday, May 1, 4-5:30 p.m., grab your lawn chairs and enjoy live music with Chris Michaels while noshing on hotdogs, chips and all the fixins’ provided by new train-themed restaurant ALL ABOARD. This being a family affair, also expect face painting, a bakesale and games. Little Rock Parks & Rec will be there to showcase plans for redevelopment of the park. For more info, contact barbamiles@yahoo.com ➥ Culture club. Upcoming events at B. BARNETT include the Silk Culture Fall 2011 Trunk Show, April 28-29, and the Ports 1961 Fall 2011 Trunk Show, May 4-5. ➥ Chang gang. BARBARA JEAN has the following on their schedule of events: Charles
Chang-Lima, April 28-29, Shamask, May 3-4, and Laurel, May 5-6. ➥ Brave new world. Don’t miss Peter Brave at EGGSHELLS on May 2, 6 p.m. for a culinary experience to remember. Kids Cook on May 7, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The theme? Strawberries for Mother’s Day! Moms are invited to return to share a light lunch. Open to kids 8-12 years old. ➥ His and Herr. On April 1, longtime GREENHAW’S MENSWEAR employee Greg Herr, who has been working at the men’s retailer for more than 31 years, bought the store from Steve Greenhaw. ➥ Flower power. Don’t miss THE SPRING GARDEN TOUR, a fundraiser for historic Hillcrest Hall (owned by the Greater Little Rock Council of Garden Clubs). The 11th annual Tour will take place April 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and May 1, 1-5 p.m. It includes nine private gardens in North Little Rock and The Old Mill. Tickets are $20 in advance or for $25 at the door. For more info go to www.glrcgc.net/view/spring-tour or call (501) 224-4840. ➥ Design dish. Marshall Clements just opened the doors on their latest project, a new design resource located at the PROMENADE AT CHENAL, featuring pieces from far and wide. ➥ Seal of approval. Easter Seals invites you to join them for THE FASHION EVENT at the Chenal Country Club, Thursday, April 28, 6-10 p.m. Vesta’s, Baumans, Scarlet, Barbara Jean, Proposals and several other local shops are participating. ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS TIMES • APRIL 27, 2011 55