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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