stationary show

So on a very rainy sunday morning the Krienkes all piled into the car to go to the ICFF and the stationary show at the Javitts center on Manhattan's west side. Being that we had two kids in tow and Kai's very design savvy mother-in-law, it was sure to be an experience.
To start with the stationary show we first headed over to say hello to our favorite local card company, Screech Owl Design, whom you may have seen in our store. Not only were Jacqueline's new designs beautiful, but the booth build by her husband George, was like a mini getaway of cool. Of course Jan and I are pretty crazy about the bench he designed and made from Cherrywood (I'm hoping to have one for sale at the store very soon). I just hope Jan's greasy little chicken fingers didn't ruin the finish!
Some of my favorites from the show that are on the jan & äya list for things to come!

delicious things

It was such a pleasant surprise to go to my shop a few weeks ago and see Sarah Magid and her crew working on her cookbook. Our beautiful table will be featured in her cookbook, releasing next may 2009 and includes this fabulous apple tart made by a friend of hers. I had the great pleasure of getting to take that tart home and let's just say it was one of the best of it's kind I've ever eaten. And that is saying a lot since I come from a history of swiss apple tarts! Anyway I can't wait till I can get my hands on the recipe when the book comes out. In the meantime please take a moment to browse the beautiful work of her photographer, Noah Sheldon.

a light in the dark

Some of you may have noticed a glow in the store at night and that is thanks to local lighting designer Andreea Avram Rusu. Her carefully hand designed pieces flow with an understated grace using plates of glass and washes of color. With a background in architecture Andreea has a natural understanding of light in a space. It is a pleasure to host such refined local talent. Check back in june when we have a larger piece of her's in our window!

a little bit of luxury around your wrist

Here is a young designer who definitely has a clear vision of the luxury of handmade. I was honored by getting an email from the lovely Paris based Ashley Ashoff who desired to have her silken items in my store. Each piece is hand dyed with love, features rolled hems and are of superb quality. Her Billet Doux scarves are decorated with an exquisite letter from Balzac. According to a NYLON interview this past january even celebs like Kirsten Dunst and Dustin Hoffman sport one or two. Jan & Aya got a limited quantity so hurry to check them out before they are all gone.

Sara Paloma

Sara Paloma's sublime vases and votives came in yesterday with a few more on the way and are even more beautiful in person than I expected. I've always had a strong attachment to pottery, something about working such an earthen material between the hands along with the mediative and circular movement of the wheel just feels like the perfect handmade art.
Since I'm on the subject of pottery, my recent discovery of Nancy Bauch's work has me day dreaming about her gold weave bowl. I hope to carry a collection of her things in the store one day.

mother's day this weekend!

jan & äya is thrilled to present beautiful mother's day bouquets by the very talented Nicolette Camille! Her flowers have been featured in Domino and Design Sponge and are available this sunday only. Also, our beloved baker Sarah Magid, who is finishing up her first cookbook, has miraculously found time to whip up some delicate cupcakes and golden brownies for both saturday and sunday. There will be a limited quantity of both so please call 718.609.1404 to place your orders by this thursday, May 8th!

And, just for mother's day, we have lovingly put together all natural and organic lavender/rose and anise/calendula bath gift sets for $34 each! Our beautiful Therapy Spa Products and Ruth Cross knitwear are 20% as well.