It was a crisp, sunny morning in West DesMoines at Jordan Camp. I drove onto a wooded gravel drive ending in cabins. Trees shading just about every inch of grass, just beginning to turn their autumn hues greeted us as we walked towards the fair. As I approach the entrance I notice a fun plaid themed sign pointing me to the fair. No greater setting for a "campy" vintage junking fair than an actual camp.

Walking in I was greeted with friendly faces all dressed in flannel. The first booth I noticed was filled with vintage furniture, some was refinished and some was original. Most of the booths were full of old items and also old items made new again. Lots of up-cycling was happening!

The theme was all things vintage flannel and vintage thermoses, and camping accessories were everywhere!

Check out this great display of vintage thermoses!!  These fun displays were scattered throughout the fair. — Check out this great display of vintage thermoses!! These fun displays were scattered throughout the fair.

If you were looking for antiques there were plenty to go around as well. No matter what your taste and style there was something for every vintage picker. The booths were decorated to fit the mood of a warm, fall weekend in Iowa.

Not only were there whimsical booths to shop in but there was some good eats and fine music as well. I enjoyed a yummy grilled cheese food truck loaded with tomatoes, bacon, and creamy cheese. Long, rustic wood benches were placed in front of an intimate stage which provided a perfect spot to sit for a spell, and eat my lunch while listening to some soulful acoustic jams from several talented local musicians.

Unique shopping this event was indeed. If you needed stationary, there was a booth for that...if you needed a cool old stool refinished in a bright turquoise, there was a booth for that! If you just wanted a t-shirt to commemorate the event they were selling like hotcakes. If a sweatshirt was more your style they had those too. It was truly a fun event for all; vendors and shoppers alike. I of course did not leave empty handed. I found a set of old lockers in great shape with chalkboards attached to the sides. Perfect for my kids to use for storage and fun messages. The prices were pretty great as well, as most vendors were willing to negotiate. Always try to offer up a slightly cheaper price and most vendors will do you the courtesy of working with you. They want their items to sell as much as you want to buy.

If you were in the mood for a little goofiness, just step into the fair's flannel, campy photo booth!  For a small price you could get your photo professionally taken with your friends. — If you were in the mood for a little goofiness, just step into the fair's flannel, campy photo booth! For a small price you could get your photo professionally taken with your friends.

I can't say enough about how relaxing and enjoyable the fair made me feel. It was a creative atmosphere full of inspiration for all who attended. If you needed a project this was the place for you, but if you just wanted that perfect unique piece for your living room this was also for you! I left with some great ideas and my lockers....

If you felt like sharing they made sure you had a place to write it down on their giant inspiration board. For me, it was this Vintage and Made Fair! Cant wait until next year! I hope this post provides you with some inspiration to refinish a project you have been thinking about! Happy junking!!