Blog has moved!

My blog has moved to my new website! Visit me there!

- www.lanyapi.com -

Heat Wave Shows!

I have to admit I was a little worried that this little heatwave that blanketed the country last weekend was going to put a damper my two shows I had planned (especially the outdoor one). Fortunately it somehow worked out in my favor. On Saturday, although it was 101 degrees in New York, I had one of my most successful shows to date at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. There were definitely many vendors out there than my previous weekend selling at the market so I decided to chat up the veterans who came out and see how they felt about the heat.



One couple who sold vintage gems told me that their records told them that it was the same temperature exactly a year ago (that's pretty nifty to keep track of the temperature in your records!) and they sold the same amount they always sold. And then they wisely told me, "tourists don't like to me cooped up in their hotel rooms no matter how hot it is". Boy were they right. I've never heard so many languages. I made sales to people visiting from Japan, Germany, the UK, Australia, and so many more countries. It was amazing that people were willing to brave the heat. My husband's mom even surprised us with a visit as well as our cousin. I came prepared with 5 huge bottles of ice water and plenty of SPF but by the end of the day I was sure pooped. But at least round two the next day was indoors with AC! The Astoria Market went off great as well but it was a little bitter sweet since that will be my last time at that market this summer. I only have one more stint at the Hell's Kitchen Flea (Aug 6th) before I move back to DC!

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market Recap

This past Saturday I sold my jewelry at the famous Hell's Kitchen Flea Market. Named one of the Top Ten Shopping Streets in the World by National Geographic, this market is a true gem. The first time I visited this market was on a quick trip to visit some of my college friends a few summers ago. After a lovely brunch at an outdoor cafe near by we stumbled upon this market by accident and I've been intrigued ever since. Full of eclectic vendors that sell all sort of fun baubles like antique toys and furniture, vintage bag and clothes, one of a kind screen printing goods, jewelry and loads more it really feels like surfing Etsy only in 3D.

Being my first outdoor show in NYC I enlisted the help of my husband to help me. We rose at the crack of dawn and were able to fit my tent, table, displays, and jewels in cab and arrived a few minutes later in time for set up at 7am. It was so nice having the company all day. Sometimes the shows get lonely all by myself so it was nice having a buddy (not to mention the muscles!)



There were lots of highlights through out the day for me. The first being a customer visiting all the way from Australia recognized my goods. She had bought a necklace from my Etsy shop just a few months earlier for her sister. How cool?! I also had a lovely conversation with a woman from DC- who I found out works with one of my Nana co-workers (seriously it's a small world!) And a few friends who I haven't seen since my wedding (almost a year ago!) made a surprise visit. I love the friendly faces!

All the vendors, mostly seasoned veterans of the market, were all so kind and supportive of each other. I scored a super "fellow vendor" deal on two vintage leather coach bags from the woman across the way from me and the woman next to my gave me two vintage evening bags from the 70s for letting her customers use my mirror. Ok I officially have a bag addiction (ok, that's been going on for a while... heheehe) It just reminded me why I love doing the markets. Meeting people from all over the world and finding rare gems really make for a great way to spend your weekend.



At the end of the day, after we packed up in record time, my hubby turned to me in the cab and said "I have a new appreciation for what you do...that was hard work!" Wow, that was nice to hear. It's a lot of work but I enjoy it tremendously. And we had such a successful and fun day that we are coming back to the market this Saturday the 23rd. It's from 9a-5p on 39th Street between 9th and 10th Ave. Here are all the details on facebook. And if you can't make it Saturday I'll be at the Astoria Market the next day too from 2-7pm. You can find all those details here.

Astoria Market in Queens Recap

It's been a while since my last post so I'll catch all of you up! For those of you who don't know, I am living in New York City for the summer (eek! so exciting!) My husband got a summer law position here so I decided what better time to come and live in my dream city, where most of my friends already reside. Since arriving, I've been spending most of my time working for the branding company that I've freelanced with for the past 4 years. They are headquartered here so it really worked out perfectly. I've also been trying to fit in a few arts and craft shows here and there and I actually did my first market in the city this past Sunday. After a lovely weekend of celebrating my birthday with friends by galavanting through the city and playing on Fire Island I was all relaxed for The Astoria Market.

I was excited for this market for a few reasons:

1) The market is based out the famous Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens (yes, that's right beer garden....I mean what would go better with arts and crafts, really?)



2) I had never been to Queens...and I had heard many great things about the neighborhood. My friends who live here even gave my hubby and I a short tour and took us out to sample the famous neighborhood cuisine after the show.

3) I had made a lot of new designs I was super psyched to share with people!



4) I could take public transporation there! I was able to pack everything I needed for the show and carry it on the subway- seriously couldn't have been easier.

It turned out to be a really great show and I would definitively do it again. Thanks to all the friends who stopped by- I always love to see a friendly face. I'll be at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market all day this Saturday so if you missed this show be sure to swing on by. Apparently there are always celebrity sitings and lots of cool treasures to find. Click here for all the information on facebook.

Spring Thing and Handmade Mart

If you're like me and think chances are pretty good that the world won't end this weekend then I hope you join me in enjoying this lovely Spring weekend with two craft shows I'll be participating in.

First off, DC Craft Mafia's Spring Thing happening tomorrow!



What: 40 local artists will be selling their goods. Live music, food trucks, and tons more fun!
When: Saturday May 21st 11a-5p
Where: St. Lukes Episcopal Church Parking Lot (P St and 15th St NW) in DC
How to get there: Just 3 blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro

Read more about the Lanyapi Designs and this show in this Washingtonian article written by my friend, Lisa Rowan.

And on Sunday I am so excited to be a part of Handmade Mart taking part in Silver Spring!



What: Another awesome craft show that made the Washington Post's DC Summer Bucket List!
When: Sunday May 22st 10a-5p
Where: Ellsworth Drive (Between Fenton & Georgia Avenue), Silver Spring, MD
How to get there: Just a few blocks walk from the Silver Spring Metro Stop

I hope to see your face at one or both of these shows. I have tons of new pieces I am so excited to sell. Lots of new geode necklaces, colorful earrings, and much more. These are my last two shows before I pack up and leave for New York this summer (details on that big move coming soon!)

Crawfish Boil!

These past few weeks have been pretty crazy for my household. I've been busy preparing for two huge craft shows happening this weekend (blog posts about these fun fairs coming soon!) and my husband just wrapped up his law school finals. I was able to take a few days off to visit my Alma Mater Smith College for my five year college reunion last weekend (blog post coming about this too!) and then finally take a breather with my husband this week in Kiawah, South Carolina. We decided to come down to his family's beach house here to see his grandparents, aunt, uncle, family friend, and most importantly his mom who is moving to Iraq to work with a non profit in just a few short weeks.



I decided this was the perfect opportunity to share some of my cajun family traditions with my new family, so we put together a crawfish boil. Being the first one I put on with out my family or friends I had to make a few calls to them to confirm a few things but it couldn't have gone better. Here are a few pics of the night. It felt great introducing them to such an important tradition to me. If you have never gone to a crawfish boil you are missing out. It brought the family together and everyone couldn't have had more fun learning how to eat those little buggers! I can't wait to host my next!

Fenton Street Market Grand Opening!

The GRAND OPENING of the Fenton Street Market this year is TOMORROW- SATURDAY, APRIL 30th from 9am – 3pm. It's expected to be a gorgeous day out (sunny and in the 60s!) and with the 100 vendors you are bound to find some interesting handmade crafts! So bring your wallet and your walking shoes! O and it's the perfect place to find that mother's day gift!

This is my first year as a vendor and I can't wait. It sounds like such an amazing market and I'm so proud to have a booth! I'll have tone of new designs including lots of rings, necklaces, and earrings with vintage flair!



Here are all the deets:

What: Fenton Sreet Market (Grand Opening!)
When: Saturday April 30th from 9am-3pm
Where: Veterans Plaza – corner of Fenton St & Ellsworth Dr in Silver Spring, MD
How to get there: Hop on the red line and get off at Silver Spring. It's just a two minute walk!
More info: http://www.fentonstreetmarket.com/
RSVP on Lanyapi's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=7919395#!/event.php?eid=116667321749256

Trunk Show THIS Thursday at Nana

Be sure to stop by after work this Thursday from 5-7p at DC's lovely Nana where I will have my entire collection available. I always love having trunk shows at Nana, a place I consider my second home (or second closet!) And if you haven't checked out their new space in Mount Pleasant you are missing out. It's gorgeous and there is lots to do around the neighborhood including getting 'ritas Haydee's, getting your nails did, heading to Past Tense Yoga Studio to get your OM on, and satisfying that sweet tooth at Heller's Bakery (open since 1922!)

I've been busy the past few weeks creating loads of new designs that no one has seen! Lots of chandelier crystals turned into statement necklaces, vintage cabochons turned into Springy studs and rings, and pocket watches turned into long necklaces. I'm bringing some cool drinks and yummy baked goods. Hope to see you there! Bring all your girlfriends and make a night of it!

O and don't forget Mother's Day is officially one month away. Why not surprise your mom with some fun jewelry this year!

When: 5-7 this Thursday night!
Where: Nana (3068 Mount Pleasant St. NW. )
How to get there: Just two short blocks West of the Columbia Heights Metro stop & directly across from the 42, H line AND the DC Circulator stop.

Adam's Morgan Pop Up Shop

Just a quick note to say thanks to all who worked and attended the Adam's Morgan Pop Up shop this past month! This eclectic temporary retail shop featured tons of great local artisans from jewelers to soap makers to clothing designers. It was so fun being included with such great crafters. If you hear of any other pop up shops popping up in the DC area give me a shout out! I'm officially in love with the idea!

Mount Pleasant Temporium

It's official. I love working in small neighborhood store. I think I went into a little bit of a withdraw when the local woman's clothing shop where I work part time and sell my jewelry, Nana closed it's U street location for a few months with plans to reopen in Mount Pleasant this March. Luckily I've been able to be a part of a really cool project in the new space- The Mount Pleasant Temporium. What is that you ask? Well, it's a temporary, pop-up retailer on Mt. Pleasant St. open for for 24 consecutive days. The project features handmade goods for sale from 34 local, independent crafters and artists (including me!). I'm there 6 days a week managing the store and ringing up sales. And honestly I love being in the shop nearly everyday of the week. It's been such a fun process meeting all the local artists, helping actually set up the shop, and talking to all the excited patrons who stroll in. It's been a tremendous success so far and I've been so lucky to work with such a great team- most especially the Nana team, Mount Pleasant Main Street, and Hello Craft.



If you haven't stopped by yet make sure you drop in before we are gone! We are open everyday until March 13th. I'm even having a special trunk show this Tuesday from 6-7p featuring my entire jewelry collection. You can RSVP and get more details here.

Hope to see you soon!

Lanyapi's Valentines Day Gift Guide: For Her

Here are my picks for some great Valentine's gifts for her. Get them for your special lady or ladies send these ideas as a hint to your man.

Who doesn't want a box of chocolates to share on V day? These look delish! Find them on Etsy from Nikid's Shop


Or why not send her a love message via cross stitch? I love this one by You Are With Me on Etsy.


Actually buy a vase to go with those flowers. I love this one from N.H. Woodscreations' shop on Etsy.


And obviously I think jewelry is THE way to go. What girl doesn't love getting some jewels? Here are my favorites from my shop that are perfect for Valentine's Day. And use my special coupon code "LOVEXOXO" to receive 20% off your order. Need priority shipping? It's only $4.95- just email me at lanyapi.designs@gmail.com to add it to your order.

Lanyapi's Valentines Day Gift Guide: For Him

There can be a lot of pressure on Valentine's Day to find the perfect gift for your beau so I decide to put together a list of items I think any guy would love to hopefully make the process a little bit easier.

What's better than bacon and chocolate? Ever thought of combining the two? This is a food lover's dream. Buy your man a 3 month Bacon of the Month subscription from Hash Delectable Edible's shop on Etsy and you are sure to get a smile on his face.


I love this hand stamped money clip from The Taffy Box on Etsy. Very usefully plus he'll think of you every time he sees it.


Got a man who likes to cook? Buy him a cool apron. I like this funny "I'm on a Boat" one from Royal Kane's shop on Etsy.


Get some serious smooth face time with your man by grabbing him this awesome old school shaving kit from Dirty Deeds Soap Shop on Etsy.


Coming soon...what to get your lady on Valentine's Day!

Country in the City

A self-proclaimed city girl, sometimes I just can't help but let my Texan country roots seep out. "Wait, did you just say 'y'all'?", I often hear new acquaintances say to me. O lord if you think that is bad don't dare catch me on the phone with my most country of my Texan friends, Kelly. For some reason the southern drawl just manifests itself instantaneously the moment I get to chatting with her.



Though you'd never guess it, hearing my friends back home get super excited about the upcoming Rodeo makes me feel a little melancholy. So this rainy day, I decided to embrace my country soul in the city and breakout the denim skirt and western blouse. I've often been told I have a bohemian California style but today it was all about mixing the country with the city. I love the mix of traditional western fabrics and other textiles like a funky shrunken gray vest and long gold necklace I made. You'll be seeing a lot more of this modern-urban-southwestern like style in my newest jewelry collection; I've been busy working with turquoise and other western inspirations all month long. Stay tuned!


Denim Skirt: It Jeans from Nana
Woven Belt: Hand-me down from my hubby's grandma
Vest: H&M
Blouse: Find in a Parisian boutique
Turquoise Necklace: Made by yours truly

Winter/Spring Shows

Hate buying stuff online because you can't really see what you're buying? I totally understand the need to touch, feel, and try on. That's part of the reason I choose to participate in craft shows and fairs plus I just loooove getting to meet customers in person. Here's a list of events I'll be vending at this Winter/Spring season in the DC area that I'd love for you to attend (trying on and touching the jewels is highly encouraged!):


Mt. Pleasant Temporium
When?: 24 days in February (exact dates still TBD)
Where?: Future location of Nana (3068 Mt. Pleasant St. NW)
What?: This temporary "pop-up" shop will feature handmade goods for sale from 30 local, independent crafters and artists, as well as special events (look out for details on my special trunk show where I'll be teaching how to make a simple pair of earrings!) I'll be there everyday working the cash register and taking care of the store so be sure to visit!


Crafts and Kisses
When?: Saturday February 12th from noon-6pm
Where?: La Casa Multicultural Center (3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW)
What?: This Valentine's themed show will feature 8 local artist selling their awesome crafts just in time for you to give them to your loved one.


Shecky's Girls Night Out
When?: Wednesday March 30th from 5-10pm
Where?: DAR Constitution Hall (1776 D St. NW)
What?: A special night of shopping where you'll discover unique clothing and jewelry, sip delectable drinks, and cap your night with some pretty pampering and glorious Goodie Bags. Buy your tickets here.


Ballston Arts and Crafts Market
When?: Saturday April 9th from 10am- 4pm
Where?: Welburn Square (The Ballston Circle) at the Ballston Metro
What?: A lovely open air market in Arlington. I participated in this last year and can't wait for this season to start. Local artists and crafters selling everything from cards to toys.

Swap Day Success

I told you all about National Swap Day in my last post and wanted to share a few pictures of the fabulous event I volunteered at here in DC this past weekend.


From 9-11 in the morning women stopped by to drop of clothes they wanted to swap and and one of my jobs was to help sort through it all. This pile got about 10 times larger! But we got through it all, hanging up hundred and hundreds of garments on racks, and organizing shoes and accessories.


When we finished sorting and organizing we opened up the doors and a flood of women came through. Apparently there was a line around the block to get in! I had a fun time moving through the crowd, picking up empty hangers, and getting giddy when I heard girls get excited about a new find.


I came home with quite a loot- vintage fur coat, Betsy Johnson belt, a Longchamp purse, brand new boots and heels, and a dozen dresses/tops. Such fun!


It was such a fabulous event and I had a great time working with all the lovely organizers and volunteers! A fellow swapper and Lanyapi/Nana customer Lily, snapped this picture of us!

Celebrate National Swap Day!

It's no secret that I love clothes. But a girl like me ain't trying to break the bank, while looking fly. I learned quickly from my frugalista mother that you can still put together a great outfit if your think smart. As a result I am addicted to sales, vintage, and expanding my wardrobe by sharing with my friends. I'm always trying to get my girl friends to have swap parties (where everyone brings clothing items they no longer wear and gets to go home with new items from friends) and recently I hosted one for my local college alum group. So when I heard about the first National Swap Day coming up this Saturday and that there would be an event at the new location of Nana- I signed up to be a volunteer immediately.



But wait? When did swapping blow up? The first time I heard about it on a big scale like this was when participating as a vendor at a local arts market in Boston a few years ago. Amy Chase from Punky Style and Melissa Massello from Shoestring Magazine, who want to revive the age-old clothing swap put on an event where tons of people got to rummage through clothing in search of a new outfit. Since then they have been putting on successful events all over the country making swapping cool again.

If you interested in cleaning out your close and coming home with new clothes and accessories without ever opening your pocket book then sign up for the event here.

To 2011!

I'm back from a whirl wind of travel during the holidays. My hubby and I finally got to go on our ridiculously romantic honeymoon to BORA BORA (!) and we visited family and friends in Whistler, Canada for an amazing ski adventure (Could I be more lucky? Seriously.). I'm excited to share pics from these journeys soon but first I wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR and send lots of positive vibes your way to make this year better than the last.

I have so many things to look forward to this year: My first full year being married to my amazing husband. My 5 year college reunion. More travelin'. New work projects and so much more! I love asking people what their new year's resolutions are. Some people don't believe in them and some people like me have a long, looooong list. The thing I am most excited for this year is growing my jewelry business. I've got lots of surprises in store (a fancy website, lots of exciting shows, and brand spanking new designs... just to name a few). Stay tuned and join me on my road to making 2011 a fantastic year! Cheers!