Knot-worthy rugs
Ten Thousand Villages in Denver presents the fourth annual Fair Trade Oriental Rug Event May 14-17. The fair-trade artisan company Bunyaad works with more than 800 families throughout 100 villages in Pakistan. The sale features more than 300 high-quality hand-knotted rugs using hand-spun wool and natural dyes and ranging in size from 2 x 3 to 10 x 14. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 14, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 15, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 17. Learn how the rugs are made and how to care for them in a free “Introduction to Oriental Rugs” program at 7 p.m. May 15. Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave., 303-316-8773, rugs.tenthousandvillages .com/denver_rugevent
Black cats’ lucky month
The fourth annual “Back in Black” campaign continues through May 31 at the Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay Neuter Clinic and the Loveland Cat Adoption & Resource Center. It’s offered in connection with the Best Friends Animal Society’s nationwide program that found homes for more than 3,000 pets last year. The adoption fee for black kittens has been reduced to $75, and there is no fee for black cats age 6 months and older. The Fort Collins shelter is located at 2321 E. Mulberry St. #1 and the Loveland Center is at 621 E. Eisenhower Blvd.; fccrsnc.org,
Have a paint ball
Participating Ace Hardware stores are offering Buy One, Get One Free gallons of Clark+Kensington and Valspar Optimus paint May 17-18. The BOGO sale is celebrating the grand opening of the new Paint Studio at Ace designed to give customers a more style-inspired and personal paint shopping experience. There is a limit of two free gallons, and no coupon is required. Visit the website for locations. acehardware.com
Up for some shopping?
Eron Johnson Antiques hosts the Valverde Bazaar Outdoor Market starting its second season on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Pop-Up Market offers gifts, antiques, ceramics, art, furniture, jewelry and garden items from more than 75 vendors. Food trucks and live music are also included. Admission is free. Courtyard of Eron Johnson Antiques, 389 S. Lipan St., 303-777-8700, valverdebazaar.com
The three h’s
The Junior League of Denver’s Second Time Shop is hosting “Hats, Heels & Handbags” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18. Admission is $10 cash or donations of gently used accessories such as scarves, jewelry, hats, purses and heels. Festivities include a drawing for a summer savings pass, light refreshments, door prizes and more. Call or visit the website to RSVP. Proceeds benefit the many JLD programs including improving literacy. The shop is also hosting ongoing Dot Sales this month with various discounts. 5042 E. Hampden Ave., 303-789-4055,
Plant sales
Denver Master Gardeners presents its ninth annual Spring Plant Sale with vegetables including heirloom tomatoes, chiles, flowers, garden containers, books, tools, decorations and more, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. May 17 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 18. Cash only. CSU Denver Extension, Harvard Gulch Park, 888 E. Iliff Ave., 720-913-5270
Front Range Organic Gardeners and Herb Society of America Rocky Mountain Unit present the 13th annual Organic Plant Sale offering vegetables, herbs and other organic plants, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 17. Cash only. Proceeds provide small grants to Denver organizations that teach and practice organic gardening. Denver Presbytery, 1710 S. Grant St., 303-744-7871, gardenfrog.org
Heritage Rose Sale features old-garden heirloom, hybrid tea, floribunda, miniatures, climbing, shrub, rugosa, species and Fairmount Cemetery roses, 8 a.m. until sold out May 17. Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec St., 303-322-3895, fairmountheritagefoundation.org
Horticulture Art Society’s Gigantic Annual Plant Sale supporting gardens in Colorado Springs offers native plants, ornamental grasses, perennials, rock garden plants, shrubs, vines and organic vegetables and herbs, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 16-17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 18. 222 Mesa Road and Glen Avenue, Colorado Springs, 719-357-9427, hasgardens.org
Free days this week
May 18: Free admission for ages up to 18 in celebration of AAMD (American Association of Museum Directors) Art Museum Day 2014, Denver Art Museum, denverartmuseum.org.
Each Monday, “Sale Insider” gives shoppers the inside scoop on store discounts and bargain events. To include a sale, e-mail living@denverpost.com 10-14 days in advance.
