Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

French Toile de Jouy

Toile-de-Jouy-rose

Toile-de-Jouy

antique lace

French-fabric-toile

Toile de Jouy

 French-rose-toile Toile de Jouy

Toile-du-jouey french antique Corey Amaro

 French panel

French-fabric-velvets Toile de Jouy

French-toile-romantic Toile de Jouy

Marie Antoinette style

French-ribbons

Violette-toile-du-jouy

French-ribbons

French-toile-du-jouy-fabric

French-Lavendar-cushions-co

French-toile-fabric

French-Marie-antoinette Toile de Jouy

Hand-made-lace Shannon my blogging friend

French-Toile

French-yellow-toile Burger

Toile-French-fabric 

Photographs of Toile de Jouy by Corey Amaro

A few years ago "Y" , a commenter on my blog, wrote me askin
g if she could buy something she saw on my blog. I told her that the object of her desire was not mine, but of an antique dealer nearby, though I would ask the antique dealer how much the item was and let her know.

When I went to the antique dealer's shop, to ask her for a price on the object that "Y" had asked for, our conversation went one word after another into friendship. The antique dealer (Melanie) told me the price of the object and "Y" bought it.

Recently another commenter, Salama, wrote and asked about a photo I had of antique toile de Jouy. One thing lead to another and Salama came to our home, we went antiquing together and eventually we went to Melanie's shop. Melanie has the largest collection of fabric samples in the south of France, (and for once I am not exaggerating!) Salama had an eye candy feast looking at the samples of toile du Jouy.

French toile du Jouy is fabric that depicts a story by the images printed on it. Can I say, or compare blogging to French toile du Jouy?

Reproduction Toile de Jouy Chez Melanie's

The list of bloggers and commentators that I have met is a happy long list. Each time I met one of you I have felt instant friendship, a realness, a life long friend, as if we have known each other since birth (okay that might be an exaggeration, but not by much.)

Isn't it so, don't you believe that when we follow that which makes us happy, when we are doing what we love, and sharing it whole heartily we encounter generous possibilities?

Thank you for reading my blog, for your comments, your visits, your kindness, for your prayers sent and asked for, and for your generous friendship.


Comments

55 responses to “French Toile de Jouy”

  1. aminah

    Bonjour!
    I have so many times visited your blog and left feeling inspired! You have the talent to take note of the smaller details and your photos allow us to see things with you.
    Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Penelope

    Please make your font size bigger so that it can be read without eye-strain. Thanks for the lovely lace photos.

    Reply
  3. Mélanie …

    Is it a coincidence ?? I don’t think so …today is a special day …I love your eyes on “my things ” You just take out the best.
    I wasn’t there when the robbery happened , but I’m not the robbers. I was shopping in Aix but my dad and Philippe were there , it was frightening.
    Bisous

    Reply
  4. Irina

    The fabric is very beautiful!
    Corey, could you please make the font bigger. It’s hard to read.
    Thank you,
    Irina

    Reply
  5. Gina Baynham

    You say “Thank you” to us, the readers of your blog, and yet we feel we need to say Thank you to you for allowing us to see little pieces of your life, of who you are. I always read a new post and go away feeling happy, ready to pay a little more attention to the smaller things around me. Thank YOU Corey!

    Reply
  6. dotsie

    Thanks for the “eye candy” today. I absolutely love toile–I think because it takes me back to my first childhood encounter with it, that being wallpaper at my grandmother’s house–the room I slept in.

    Reply
  7. Candy

    Corey – After I check my mail this is the very first place I come. I love your blog home. I feel safe and secure here as if I were having a morning cup of coffee with a dear friend. I love it that everyone feels that way here. That says a lot about you. Your stories and photos draw us in and gather us up in friendship. We love you!

    Reply
  8. Vicki

    One of my favorite things toile!!! Merci for a wonderful Monday with gorgeous toile!!!

    Reply
  9. becky up the hill

    Corey, what beautiful photographs. I love the little souvenir vignette..is that paper? If you ever to come to my neck of the woods, we could go to the flea market and you would have your pick of old Tupperware, nuts and bolts and maybe a chain saw or two. Can you tell I’m not to impressed with my flea market lately?

    Reply
  10. Rabenfrau

    Corey, thank you for WRITING this blog, for sharing your thoughts and experiances with us. It is always inspiring!
    Rabenfrau

    Reply
  11. Shannon

    When I visited you, I felt instant comfort with you and your family as though I’ve known you all for years. That is from someone who never met any of you face to face until that moment and was in a foreign country for the first time in her life…by herself!
    That says something about how warm and welcoming you and Yann and Sacha and Chelsea are. You’re a special family.
    (Hey! Those are my hands. I remember you taking that picture. I MISS YOU!)

    Reply
  12. Cindy

    No, Corey, Thank YOU.
    That toile de Jouy is just delicious looking. It’s always been one of my favorite fabric patterns.

    Reply
  13. Penny

    I did not realize there were so many toile scenes! I just love learning something new, especially here on your Blog each day, over a cup of coffee or tea – and I love your statement about possibilites.
    “Isn’t it so, don’t you believe that when we follow that which makes us happy, when we are doing what we love, and sharing it whole heartily we encounter generous possibilities? ”
    I keep a book of quotes and I will place it, citing you, there.

    Reply
  14. Lisette

    Hi Corey,
    I´m addicted to your blog … you always find something interesting to write about, and the photos you’ve been taking, are beautiful,
    Thank you !
    Could you please do me a small favor… if you’d write with a little bigger font …
    my “cleaning lady” (:0)) puts my spectacles at different places, so I have a little bit difficult to read your text..

    Reply
  15. Diogenes

    Dear Corey,
    Does “Jouy” mean anything or is it a place name?

    Reply
  16. Marilyn

    Corey,
    You are a part of my day, now. Thank you for sharing so generously with your readers. Your blog has enriched my life in many ways, from showcasing the rich heritage of the French countryside to introducing us to the wonderful Annie.
    Merci beaucoup, Corey!
    Marilyn (in Dallas)

    Reply
  17. shannon in oregon

    thank you for writing and sharing your life with us. can’t wait to meet you. 😉

    Reply
  18. Violet @Create Beauty

    Beautiful thoughts ~ and photographs ~ as usual!!! What a treat to visit here! ~ Violet

    Reply
  19. martina

    Corey,your friendship is very special. Even though we’ve never met in person, you are a dear friend.
    Oooh toile! Love it. My eye automatically gravitates towards it in magazines and in stores. I must watch it because too much toile or too much polka dot print (another weakness) could be overwhelming in the house.

    Reply
  20. Heather

    I make baby blankets with Toile de Jouy! Alas, my supplier in France stopped selling yardage and only sells fat quarters now.
    This post has me drooling with the possibilities!

    Reply
  21. marty39

    Oh my, the toile is just gorgeous, all of it. I love it. Thanks for sharing such a fabulous selection. We rarely get to see so many different pieces. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  22. marilyn

    Thank you for your kind words about friendship. I also feel that about friendships I have made on blogs. My non-blogging friends think it is funny that I consider people online as friends. You are a treasure and I can’t wait to meet you in person in the fall.

    Reply
  23. Meppy BN

    Indeed, Corey, I thank YOU too for your daily reminders to see or create joy in the little things of life, do all lovingly and so can transform our and others days. (I paraphrased a couple of your previous quotes! – which I too am keeping in a notebook :)) Love, love, love the toile – have been on the lookout for a polynesian version but no success so far! Blessings,

    Reply
  24. Jill Flory

    Hi Corey,
    Just have to let you know I’ve got some pics of my kitchen walls up. Check them out when you have time. Mine look a little different than yours, but I’m liking them a lot! If you do your harley ride PLEASE come my way and stop to see it in person!!!
    Blessings,
    Jill

    Reply
  25. Tammy

    oh my such beautiful fabric. My day would not be complete without stopping here for tea and a visit with you. You are a special friend and someday I hope I get to meet you.
    hugs and blessings

    Reply
  26. annie

    Corey, your reminder of following that which makes you happy could not be more timely. This reminder instantly lifted my spirits out of the duldrums they have been living in lately.

    Reply
  27. Beverly

    The fabrics are just beautiful. I love your blog, my daughter Tara showed me your blog, and I visit everyday, can’t wait for the kitchen to be finished.

    Reply
  28. kay

    The Fabrics are beautiful…..you are always my first call of the day while eating breakfast with a lovely cup of tea…you always have fab pictures and thought provoking posts…thanks for sharng it all with us.
    xx Kay

    Reply
  29. A Circle of Quiet

    Speaking of prayers, Corey, I am thinking of Daisy today and praying for her. I hope all is well there.
    Diane

    Reply
  30. Kristy

    I’m sure however you met people they would want to be part of your life. You weave such poetry into everyday life.

    Reply
  31. Kathleen

    There does seem to be something about a blog that allows people to be genuine. I’ve always preferred calling a friend on the phone to writing a letter and your blog is like a conversation.
    Another bonus of blogs is economics. My senior year in high school one of my cousins was an exchange student in Austria, and over Thanksgiving I wanted to call her on the phone. We talked for 30 min. and it cost $50 dollars–of my own money.
    I love your photographs too, maybe you could print a calendar, similar to the “picture a day” calendars (I by one every year)but with your comments/observations included.

    Reply
  32. Kathleen

    umm, thats buy, not by.

    Reply
  33. Kathleen

    Okay, this is my third try…
    There does seem to be something about a blog that allows people to be genuine. I’ve always preferred calling a friend on the phone to writing a letter, and your blog is like a conversation.
    There is also the economics of bloging. When I was a senior in high school, my cousin was an exchange student in Austria and for Thanksgiving I wanted to call her on the phone. We talked for 30 min and it cost $50–of my own money. What would that cost now?
    Also, I love your photos! Maybe you could print a calendar similar to the “picture a day calendars” (I buy one every year) but you could add your own comments/observations.

    Reply
  34. Vicki’s Bit-o-Earth

    Call me dense here… but I have been buying Somerset Life since they first came to print. I just bought the most recent one and found your article right at the front… then got the brainy idea of checking all the others to see if you had written any other articles! Suffice it to say, you have a gift Corey. If you ever write a book, I will be your first buyer!
    I think blogging does allow for more genuine-ness. I only began blogging this past January and was pretty timid at first, but people like you have made it a total joy. I’ve met so many wonderful people. Thank you for treating us out here like friends. I think it starts there. (:

    Reply
  35. Vicki’s Bit-o-Earth

    PS:
    Regarding the Somerset Life publications… this most recent article answered the question I emailed to you when I first found your blog. Thank you (:

    Reply
  36. Beachy

    What a BEAUTIFUL post, Corey! I always come here with expectations of leaving with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. =)

    Reply
  37. Jeanne

    The toiles are just yummy!

    Reply
  38. Debra P.

    Hi Corey,
    I feel the same as most . . .my day is not complete until I read your blog. How wonderful it must be to wake each day in France with your family and have your eyes be texturally enriched from viewing the countryside, ancient village scapes, or the stories on artisan fabrics.
    Thank you for the pictures and education!

    Reply
  39. dancing kitchen

    You are an absolute delight Corey and I do feel that we would be fast friends. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us…we your readers are honored by your attention and time dedicated to pleasing, teasing and visually/mentally tickling us. You are my daily dose of beautiful.

    Reply
  40. Phillipa Marshall

    thank you for sharing with us your wonderful blog, I always leave with a smile on my face and a smile in my heart, bless you. Phillipa.

    Reply
  41. Sandra

    Here’s a nice little blog I visit sometimes. It’s devoted to Toile de Jouy :
    http://toile2jouy.canalblog.com/

    Reply
  42. heyjude

    Sending gratefulness for the daily dose of “joy” you bring to our lives and our spirits… Judy B

    Reply
  43. SweetPeaSurry

    I’m popping by to say HI. I remember my grandmother had something like this, but I can’t remember if it was a wallpaper or a spread or what. Lovely though!
    brightest blessings!

    Reply
  44. Kieren

    There is some great quote I wish I could remember for you, about blindly going towards the type of life you want to create, and making choices about how you spend your time and who with….yes! I agree.
    …I told my husband last night I’ve always wanted an old chaise lounge, and a tiny powder room I could wallpaper in toile or pages from an old book.He rolled his eyes at me, but I know he got what I meant, that’s why I married him.

    Reply
  45. Katelen Tays

    Thank you for sharing, the fabric is beautiful, as all your pictures.. You are blessed to be in such a beautiful place.
    Truly,
    Katelen

    Reply
  46. Jend’isère

    A fun video to learn about these fabrics:
    http://www.sabineallard.com/index.php?/illustration/la-toile-de-jouy/
    Even for the nonFrench speakers this is creative modern perspective.

    Reply
  47. Joanny

    Corey
    We all “love” you here in blog-land, I know you are in a most delightful place and there is much beauty to show and tell, however, you have a “gift” as so many of us keep re-affirning, I truly believe you could be living in a tent in the desert and found beauty to photograph and stories to share, we would all still be following along. If I had a sister I would love her to be you…
    Joanny

    Reply
  48. Marie-Noëlle

    Corey, this post makes me feel as if I were a
    toddler opening a book : I can only watch the pictures!
    … because I cannot read !!!
    😉
    (I didn’t know there were so many kinds of TdJ!)

    Reply
  49. Kit

    I love all those fabrics – such gorgeous colours and stories – really just like your blog, it is so true!

    Reply
  50. Nora

    Corey, you often make me swoon when I visit here [with your beautiful words and photos]. Today I’m swooning over these fabrics… Oh, my!

    Reply
  51. Gracie

    Thanks to you for sharing your life and thoughts with us all.

    Reply
  52. susanna

    Beautiful! Most of the jouy fabric I’ve seen depict cherubs or picnickers. The fabric with the balloonists and especially the pedestrians strolling down the sidewalk are wonderful. I’d certainly be bringing a yard or two of them home with me. I’d love to see Melanie’s shop in person.

    Reply
  53. quiltmom( Anna)

    Corey,
    I loved this post about the Toile fabrics- they are all so lovely- as always you capture the essence of the beauty around you.
    Hope the kitchen is coming along nicely and you are surviving without a kitchen.
    Regards,
    Anna

    Reply
  54. Keri

    Thanks for sharing those amazing fabrics. I always enjoy stopping by your blog for your stories as well as the amazing pictures that you continually post. It’s always an inspiration!! Thanks
    Keri

    Reply
  55. the paris apartment

    I agree Corey, thank YOU for these beautiful images and the beauty you share every day!

    Reply

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