There were a lot of fantastic products revealed at CHA, and I have a lot of favorites. That said, when asked what my #1 pick of the whole show would be, it’s got to be a line from Jolee’s Boutique.
Now I know, you might be skeptical at first but hear me out. French General is an amazing store I’ve had on my “must visit” list forever, and I drool over the offerings on their website on a very regular basis. They have licensed with EK/Jolee’s Boutique to produce a line of products. Here is their official video that was playing in the booth at CHA:
I saw a lot of “oh wow I love that” or “this is very cool” “this is exceptional” at the show. What makes this collection my #1 pick is that it gave me goosebumps. I lost my ability to speak. It absolutely surprised, delighted, amazed me, and made me SQUEAL in besotted glee.
The packaging is just as fun and can be used as can the products themselves. The textures and colors are perfection. The detail is incredible.
This line of products works beautifully all on it’s own, or mixed with other brands as well. I could see so many uses and applications – and I will be sharing my ideas with you. I want to share a lot more of my photos with you, but not post 40+ pictures here so I’ve mixed them into a slide show of sorts (video) with my favorite song of the moment. (I didn’t have any French inspired music – I should!)
For more about French General visit their website www.frenchgeneral.com If you’re in the Los Angeles area, go visit the shop!
Watch for a lot of French General projects coming from me (as soon as I can get product!) – I have so many ideas for this line. I can hardly wait.
Check out Kaari’s books at Amazon.com:
Love the colors in French General products.
Never heard of French General. Definately going to check them out.
I’d never heard of them either until Nancy Nally mentioned them in the paperclipping episode #100! I wondered then about them. But your video was stunning! I also loved the song you picked. I tried to “sound hound” it to see who sang it, but my program couldn’ find it! Nice job picking that song, even though it wasn’t french. It somehow “goes” with the line. I can’t wait to order some French General stuff too! Heading over to the web to check them out now!
I am so in love with all this! I saw the Paperclipping video, and was totally drawn in by these goodies! Do you think these will be available where other Jolee’s items are sold? I most often find them at Micheal’s, and would LOVE if I could get them there (on my once monthly trip.) Otherwise, I’ll have to find them online, which is fine too (as that’s how I get most of my stuff anyway.) 🙂
Oh May! Thanks for showing all this. I’ve known about French General for a long time; it’s on my list to visit too. Maybe a Disney/French General combo trip. I’m so excited with the possibility to get stuff at home. Will you use it in your Field Guide class if you can get it in time? As Donna Downey would say – this makes me happy.
Thanks for posting this, it’s near my house and I never knew about it!
Love. Actually, I started to cry while watching your video. The collection reminded me so much of my dear, beautiful aunt who passed about 2 years ago. She had always wanted to go to Paris and loved all things French. Yes, there are numerous other lines with French influence, but this one just really reminded me of her. I do believe I shall be watching for this one. Thank you for sharing.
May, I too have been a fan of French General for years, and love the books. Any idea if this line is going to be mass marketed and an MSRP? Love all your pics and videos, thanks for taking us along for the ride!
I didn’t see them in any sneak peaks. Looks fabulous, thanks for sharing!
I’ve never seen French General products but I’ll be watching for them. Those are right up my alley! I’m in love…
Hi May,
I’m new to your blog and I just love it here! I have been enjoying reading some of your past posts and want to thank you so much for all that you share with us, your creations are just so very beautiful!
Wow, I absolutely adore this new collection and have always been a huge fan of French General! I was wondering if you had any idea when these products will be released. Can’t wait!
Have a lovely week~
Carol Anne
I’ve heard about French General – I don’t know where, maybe a Where Women Create book? I love it though – all the frenchy, vintagey, buttony stuff. So nice. Was really surprised to see a line at the show (I wasn’t at the show, but it was at the show) – would love to see it in person. I buy mostly online and it’s hard to guage sometimes what things look like etc. I’m sure you know about that. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it all :o)
Rats, that was supposed to be a 🙂
Never heard of French general before and wow partnering with jolee! Good for jolee. Love the paper dolls with ribbon around them!! Like the colors too! Thanks for making the video slide show!!! It was great!!! Liked the song too made me want to dance.
I can’t imagine narrowing it down to just one line either! But, the one you decided on looks so deserving! So many different items that are just amazing! I was wondering the same as one of the comments above – if it will be available were any other Jolee lines are carried? I don’t get to CA very often =) I guess that leaves ordering on-line, because I love the French General line!
I will never, ever in my life forget the look on your face when you saw this stuff at the show. I’d been shooting some photos around the corner at the EK booth, and when I turned around to find you again, you were just standing there, jaw open, Corona in hand, babbling incoherently.
It was quite priceless. 🙂
Thanks for a very inspiring video and French General’s video was brilliant too – they do fabric too?! That’s it! I’m sold!
Pretty pretty pretty please tell us which song was playing whilst your photos were being shown. Maybe that should be Field Guide’s class song? What you say ladies? 🙂
Just seen it’s Jess Penner – thanks to May for telling me to open my eyes and concentrate on the end of the video. I think I’ve marked my card with May already 🙁 – I’ll have to win her over 🙂
I don’t have info on distribution. I heard March, but then in press info kit it said something about May/June so I really don’t know. All the stores I talked to were getting it! I know scrapbook.com ordered some, same with simon says stamp.com – I hope others get it too!!! I will be doing a LOT with it – so stay tuned and I’ll share when I know more firm dates!
re: song – there is a direct link to itunes on the youtube page to the song + it’s listed at end of video. 🙂 Glad you guys like it!
Great , great line – I can see why you were so taken with it. I will definitely be looking for it. Thanks for sharing !
I’m so excited about this line! Scrappers will be asking for Jolee’s!!!