Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post in any way however I was not charged admission to Farm Fresh at The Junk Ranch because my wheelchair would not go into all parts of the event. I did not ask for this concession but it was very much appreciated!
A couple of weeks ago, some friends, John and I went to Vintage Market Days of NWA and I had so much fun I was thrilled to learn that a larger but similar event would be held in June. Farm Fresh at The Junk Ranch was last weekend in Prairie Grove. This time, it was a girl’s afternoon with some friends from the Captivating Heart Retreat ministry.
Man, was there a lot to see! I think there were more than 60 vendor booths stretched over an old cow pasture, an old barn and the main house. To explain, this kind of sale is a “junk” sale in that many of the vendors sell upcycled items that are vintage or somehow not in regular use. This could be rings made from spoons to old furniture refurbished to be shabby chic.
I love the idea behind making old things new again plus I would love to have a 1930-40s era kitchen some day so junk sales like this fascinate me. I also love wondering where the pieces have been and who has owned them. So many untold stories float through these vintage sales!
This was the perfect opportunity for me to try out my new-to-me DSLR camera that a friend gave me after she upgraded to a new camera. What a cool gift is that? Every picture in this blog was taken with that camera. I am still learning how to use it beyond the “on” button but I can already see a quality difference in my photos.
So let’s get to The Junk Ranch!
I mostly took pictures of items that caught my eye for whatever reason but first I wanted to show you this.
When I went past this booth (Ninna’s Relics & Restoration), my eyes went straight to the wreath with the sunflowers. Look closely and you’ll see that the sunflowers almost match my trademark flower for this blog to the “T.” I didn’t want to spend money on a wreath because I had in mind to buy a wooden decorated cross from another vendor but I had to go back and get this.I realized when I was inserting this picture that I forgot to remove the string for the price tag but you still get the idea. This wreath looks fantastic on our front door! It works for every season except winter (which is when I want snowmen anyways…it’s my thing).
But let’s get on to other items that I loved looking at but didn’t purchase!
So much awesomeness in one picture. I can’t tell what color this bike was originally but I would probably paint it light blue or maybe lavender. And in the bottom right corner, see part of that old suitcase? It’s covered in old stickers. I wonder how many places that suitcase has been and the adventures it helped support.I discovered I had a fascination with refurbished chairs at The Junk Ranch. This is just one example. Since I can’t sit in them (don’t want to!) I find myself imagining how they would look as a kitty bed or as a photo prop for shooting recipe/product pictures for my blog.I can only imagine these are for a wedding, right? I don’t care. They are gorgeous. And a lesser noticeable item is the refurbished bed table the basket and vase are resting on. I kinda love that knob on the front.Jewelry. There was lots of jewelry. What I’m interested in here, however, is the weird contraption the handmade and upcycled necklaces are perched on. It looks like something you’d find on a cattle farm. What a cool repurposing!This vendor (I forgot to ask the name) had amazing jewelry made from interesting items like old keys, etc. I got a close up of this cross. I would never have thought to put those jewels, pearls and an old cross together like that but it works. So pretty!Regenerous Designs offered these neat handmade headbands that can be used in multiple ways.This picture looks like a mosaic (picture created from tiny pieces of other items, like glass). But it’s really a painting. Don’t know why I took a picture of a picture of a cow, but it just caught my attention so I snapped away!Same thing with this pig statue. It just piqued my interest so I snapped a picture.Let’s not forget that there was live music throughout the two-day event! This duo is called Peckerwood Perculators. They were fun to watch.The Main House was our last stop of the day. It’s obviously not wheelchair friendly, which is why they let me in the event for free. I didn’t mind, I figure I still got a cool picture of the outside!
This event was really well designed and I enjoyed the “girl time” with friends. Plus, I got a gorgeous new wreath that looks like it was made just for me! I can’t wait until Farm Fresh at The Junk Ranch comes back Oct. 3-4. Will you join me?
I am in love with that bike too. The stories I bet these items could tell…. why I love shopping vintage! Thanks so much for sharing with Inspire Me Wednesday, Jamie! Featuring you in next week’s issue.
Awesome! I kept seeing signs for this, but wasn’t able to make it because my husband was getting Lasek surgery. Hopefully we can go in October. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the day through your eyes. Looked like there was plenty to see.
Thanks! It was a lot of fun. Yes, go in October. Even though it was only 80, it was very humid and I think October will be more pleasant.
I am in love with that bike too. The stories I bet these items could tell…. why I love shopping vintage! Thanks so much for sharing with Inspire Me Wednesday, Jamie! Featuring you in next week’s issue.