The Art of French Style

Costa Nova Pottery from Portugal goes on sale!

2011-08-03T10:45:00.000-04:00

Costa Nova pottery from Portugal. I love the light aqua colours as it is a classic and can mix with white or the light green. It is going on Clearance in the Store today.

Kichen Islands for every style!

2011-08-02T09:21:00.000-04:00

These are two totally different looks for your home.

One a French Country look, the other a German Uber-Modern look. The French Country Island is perfect for a small or mid-sized Canadian kitchen. It has an extendible breakfast bar as well and the drawers open on either side. This kitchen island is now on sale at JacKryn France for 60% off BTW! (check out www.jackryn.com/New2Door3BoxSideboard www.jackryn.com or call the store on 905 726 3451)

The German Kitchen island is perfect for a very large kitchen. It has storage only on one side but very cool lighting effect on the seating side.

PS - I am forwarding this email from our NEW blog site. If you are not a member of that site, please visit it as it is much more frequently updated with new ideas and suggestions! new Blog is found on.. www.theartoffrenchstyle.com

March Is Mirror Madness!

2011-03-03T07:17:00.000-05:00

MARCH IS MIRROR MADNESS!

Huge savings on solid wood mirros, hand carved and painted. the trumeau mirror measures almost 5 feet tall!

The Mirror to the right is 30x40 inches.

Regularly $499, now only $129 while supplies last!

Trend watch from the Paris Shows.

2011-02-25T08:45:00.000-05:00

A centre of excellence and contemporary style, this key home-fashion event is unquestionably the show in the world of art and design crafts. An intensely inspiring offering! Once again the Show dazzled Visitors.

Red continues to be a popular colour and this
Spring it is being mixes with bright pinks and pretty grays.
Designers of lighting were "Over the Top" as usual and showed just how amazing lighting bling can be.

I was thrilled to see that Colour continues to take back the Tyranny of Taupe! (our favourite expression!)

One of the most versatile colours is Purple. It can go from your winter table straight into Spring and Summer when you pair it with light chartreuse greens, playful pinks and whites

A great find! For OVER 50% off!

2011-02-24T09:29:00.001-05:00

At over 4 feet tall, this mirror is a substantial piece.
It can hang on the wall but better yet, sit on top of
the Chateau buffet. (58 inches x 30)

It is hand carved from reclaimed wood and hand painted. It has that lovely aged patina because there are several layers of paint and stain that have been worked into the wood.

They were selling for $950. There is one left in stock and it is going for only $399 !!

Call the Jackryn sales team on 905 726 3451 to reserve it.

2011-02-18T19:31:00.000-05:00

Our Youngest Designers fill up on French Culture! We were lucky enough to spend the sunny day looking at the shops like our in St Germain and throughout the Latin Quarter.

All our finds will be back at JacKryn in Aurora Soon!!

2011-02-11T19:29:00.000-05:00

Get Ready for Spring

2011-02-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe in February but Spring is on its way! Soon the wonderful colours of Southern Europe will be all around us and we will be eating and drinking outside again..The colours for this Spring are gorgeous..Bright pinks and oranges mix with Turquoise and Cobalt. Get your coated tablecloths back out and ready for Spring by using them on the deck at the ski chalet. The perfect winter picnic.

Newest Looks from the Paris Design Show ..and advance look!

2011-01-20T18:24:00.002-05:00

Mix slick Art Deco with the most romantic wrought irons.. Painted or not, these are lovely. Country Corner is featuring some exciting new versions of the traditional looks..

We got AN ADVANCE VIEWING!!

Painted furniture is getting a new look by adding the «Marine» Lines. Delicate chairs are now coming in updated colours. It is no longer just about a house full of Shabby Chic but rather - it is about picking your pieces that really make a statement.

Almost anything goes.. Follow this Blog for the next 2 weeks and get more ADVANCED looks from the Maison et Objet in Paris !

The Infamous Bread Box -

2011-01-17T10:22:00.000-05:00

Croissants anyone?! Hand made and painted in solid wood. French Country on your counter!

Yves Delorme Paris

2011-01-15T14:50:00.000-05:00

Our favourite print is Vence. This blue silk is beautiful. Not quite cobalt not quite royal. It is teh perfect accent piece to tie the bed together for the French White bed or the full Vence Bedding.

Annual Clearance sale Begins!

2010-12-28T23:23:00.001-05:00

ANNUAL CLEARANCE SALE - Save UP TO 60% OFF ALL FURNITURE, BEDDING, TABLE LINENS AND ACCESSORIES...

The Art of French Style: Traveling in the South of France

2010-12-28T23:05:00.001-05:00

Traveling in the South of France

2010-12-28T23:03:00.001-05:00

We visited a lovely place in the South of France - from where we import a lot of the exquisite products for the store. Check out the great table linens and the vintage (circa 1800) bed linens!

We love the bright yellows and the beautiful oak. They both work so well with real limestone floors and walls.
The living room furniture is in neutrals from Eichholtz in Holland and is made of 100% linen. We particularly love the tufted coffee table and sofa.

Garnier Thiebault - create a festive table with no worries for spills

2010-12-13T19:06:00.000-05:00

If you re going to buy the best table linens this year for your entertaining, you want them to last a lifetime. What better than the exquisite jacquard woven cotton from JacKryn France and Garnier Thiebault that is teflon treated to avoid marks and spills. Red wine? Bring it ON !

We are happy to Support the Because I am a Girl Campaign

2010-12-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

We are so happy to support the "Because I am a Girl" campaign from Plan Canada.

Keeping Girls healthy and in schools all over the world!

Holiday Floral Workshops were a great success!

2010-12-07T22:08:00.000-05:00

We will certainly run them again next year. The Floral designer, Joan Martin, was fantastic and taught us all new tricks for a beautiful holiday topiary or centerpiece. Everyone had a great time and got to take home their creations.. Thanks to Joan and Happy Holidays to all.

Boxing Day Sale Starts at JacKryn TODAY!

2010-12-06T08:15:00.000-05:00

Like every year, we start our sales early. There are some fabulous finds. Belle Notte Linens (in stock) are up to 30% off and if you make a new order you ALSO get 15% off. All New orders of Garnier Theibault table linens are now 25% off. Of course, all of the beautiful ornaments from Villa Collection in Denmark are 40% off.

New Linens Just Arrived from France!

2010-11-25T22:58:00.000-05:00

We are so excited to receive the new hand stitched linens from France today. They are truly exquisite and they come in a variety of lengths. We have tablecloths for the holidays that will let you have your whole family over for dinner!

matching napkins are available in co-ordinating colours. - all hand finished.

If you have silver ornaments, check out the new greys that are mixed with the deep red. Gorgeous!

French Country Style - wine cabinet and tasting table

2010-11-22T09:16:00.002-05:00

This Solid Wood, hand carved piece features a dark wood top
and a hide-away cutting board that can be used as a tasting table. It will add instant depth and character to your kitchen or wine cellar. ON sale for the Month of December for only $699 - save over $280 !!

Laguiole - as Featured by CityLine TV

2010-11-16T09:03:00.001-05:00

We are so pleased to be the Canadian Supplier of Claude Dozorme Laguiole cutlery from France. We LOVE their 2-piece and 3-piece cheese sets that come in their own hand made gift boxes. You can up your game and make your gift really special by adding imported cheeses to your gift. The Champagne Sabre is another fabulous find.

Choose your colour to match your serving pieces or to match the theme of the Holiday or event.

Get Your Bling On!

2010-11-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

I know it is just this time of year, but as the glittery ornaments come out so does all of our Bling. We tried to concentrate in French Decor and Accessories but our customers keep asking for the colourful jewels that we bring in from all over the world.

Just like an elegantly layered table setting, the hottest trend is to layer up your bling. Especially easy with the wide range of bracelets available.

We are now in NYC chosing additional to the already great collection launched in the store a few weeks ago... Get your Bling ON!

Holiday Style - What's yours?

2010-11-05T09:30:00.001-04:00

The place to start this year is with the colour that you had last year. It takes a while to build the perfect holiday decor (unless you can throw a lot of money at it in one stop!). So if you had silver last year, add purple or hot pink to give your decor a trendy hit.

If you are a gold fan, add browns and bronzes.... or better yet .. add the new RED. The new red is a deep, blue/red with lots of depth. It looks awesome with both silver and gold.

Look out for the latest Smash Silver Glam. Each ornament has a jewel on it. A real statement for those that like to be a little different this year!.

Throw the BEST Kitchen parties with this solid wood table..

2010-10-31T20:14:00.000-04:00

This solid wood, hand painted table extends with TWO leaves to seat 4 - 6 - 8 or a squishy 10. Perfect when you are having a kitchen party! SRP $1499 ... If you quote this Blog, you receive 35% off until the 14th of December 2010.

Kimberley Seldon shops JacKryn!

2010-10-23T16:05:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Kimberley Seldon and her team for coming to speak to the JacKryn designers, decorators and customers about turning their design gift and passion into a business.

Watch Kimberley on CityLine in November where she shows JacKryn products from France in her 2010 gift line-up!

The Perfect Accent table

2010-10-19T20:32:00.001-04:00

Hand carved from solid wood and then painted by hand . This dresser is perfect for a hall table or a bedroom. Make your statement with this elegant piece ! They will be in the JacKryn store by early January and will retail for $599. ORDER YOURS NOW !

Red is the New Red

2010-10-12T20:52:00.001-04:00

But not just any red. It needs to be the blood red, blue red of rich Italian Pottery from Vietri or the Red of the Red damask of the Teflon coated table cloths from Provence.

And it POPS against dark pewter grey (ie Down pipe form Farrow and Ball as on our decor walls) and stark, sharp whites.

Here we are using Christmas ornaments that are white ceramic pears with bright silver leaves as place card holders.

6th Annual Holiday Open House

2010-10-07T16:14:00.001-04:00

Please join us for our Annual Holiday Open House.

It is open to all of our designers, decorators and customers on:

NOVEMBER 4TH 2010

10 AM - 8PM

Refreshments served and a first peek at what's new for the Holiday Season!

RSVP - Please email us or call to let us know that you will be attending.

Add a little Glam to your Aperatifs !

2010-10-03T00:07:00.001-04:00

Don't just put out cheeses and expect that your guests know what type they are or the region from which they are imported. Use markers. These are heavy, silver plated Eiffel Towers that you can use as cheese markers and/or place card holders.

The Theme for October - The Family

2010-09-28T20:02:00.002-04:00

The family is now more than ever a source of comfort, a fact that remains true despite the recession and the deep-seated changes that are changing what a family looks like. This is the conclusion drawn by a study from the Ipsos research institute. For 83% of French people, the family has become “the main source of well being in everyday life.” I guess that the other 17% think that delicious cheeses and great wine is the main source of well being! Whatever.... I guess that they mean it is the glue that keeps us all together. Here are my two "Glues" on a sourcing trip to Paris this Summer.

Vintage Linens add instant character

2010-09-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

Vintage Linens can come in many forms. Our favourites are the embroidered Sheets and hand towels. Use two vintage linen sheets to make a truly special duvet cover.

Simple French Cooking at its BEST

2010-09-19T23:05:00.001-04:00

Roast Potatoes in Duck Fat and Garlic

Put a roasting tin in the oven (one big enough to take the potatoes in a single layer) and heat oven to 400 degrees. Break apart an entire large clove of garlic, leaving the skins on. Soak it all in warm water

Peel the potatoes and cut each into 4 even-sized pieces if they are medium size, 2-3 if smaller (5cm pieces). Sip your glass of French Wine! Drop the potatoes into a large saucepan and pour in enough water to barely cover them. Add salt, then wait for the water to boil. As soon as the water reaches a full rolling boil, lower the heat, put your timer on and simmer the potatoes uncovered, reasonably vigorously, for 2 mins. The potatoes should not be fully cooked!

Put your choice of duck fat into the hot roasting tin and heat it in the oven for a few mins, so it's really hot.

Drain the potatoes in a colander. Now it's time to rough them up a bit - shake the colander back and forth a few times to fluff up the outsides. Carefully put the potatoes into the hot fat - they will sizzle as they go in - then turn and roll them around so they are coated all over in the duck fat. Spread them in a single layer making sure they have plenty of room. Grind sea salt and black pepper over them. Add the moisened garlic pieces.

Roast the potatoes for 15 mins, then take them out of the oven and turn them over. Roast for another 15 mins and turn them over again. Put them back in the oven for another 10-20 mins, or however long it takes to get them really golden and crisp. The colouring will be uneven, which is what you want. Scatter with salt again to taste and transfer to your beautiful Gratin dish! Serve straight away.

French Furniture Promotion

2010-09-11T10:35:00.002-04:00

Until supplies last, we are offering a huge saving on Hand Carved, solid wood French Country Dining Sets. These pieces are imported exclusively by Jackryn France. They are hand painted with an exquisite patina that will lend itself to any decor; from classic when you use several pieces - to Uber modern when you choose only one substantial piece.
CLICK ON - http://www.jackryn.com/NewOnSale

Bring the Style and Quality of Europe into your Home!

Blog Special

2010-08-25T12:30:00.000-04:00

As a reward for all of you who have been reading our blog we are now giving you an extra 10% off your next purchase here at JacKryn! This even includes sales items! Simply become a follower by clicking "Follow" on the left hand side of the page. Happy Shopping!

Ready for Fall - Thanksgiving and Family

2010-08-22T13:23:00.001-04:00

As the evenings get cooler, I start to think about the leaves changing and Thanksgiving. If you love to entertain and to cook, this has to be one of the best times of the year. I have loads of fun setting my table. Make it simple and elegant with Garnier Thiebault or have a full-market affair with a Provencal print.

SPOTLIGHT - Bella Notte Linens ON SALE IN STORE

2010-08-16T14:30:00.004-04:00

Bella Notte Linens is one of the luxury bedding lines available at JacKryn France, and luxury it is! A bed made up in Bella exudes a certain je ne sais quoi; it somehow manages to be both effortlessly chic and luxurious yet totally inviting and easy to care for. To prove the 'easy to care for' point, the majority of Bella pieces can be safely thrown into both washer and dryer, how many fine bed linens can do that?!

Isn't it amazing how Bella still looks fabulous when it's simply tossed on a bed?

Outdoor Entertaining at its best.

2010-08-11T21:48:00.000-04:00

With this great summer we are having, the coated tablecloths are almost sold out! This is our newest one - Tamaris.

Simply wipe off - they will last a lifetime. Lots of patterns to choose from... even the traditional sunflowers and olive prints.

See inside the re-designed rooms!

2010-07-31T10:23:00.004-04:00

New to JacKryn! Gorgeous reclaimed wood bookcases. Hand carved from solid wood and painted in the finest vintage patinas.

French Country at its best in the Provence Room. Oils and fruit pressed vinegars from A L'Olivier in the South of France. Imported hand made pottery. And of course ... the provencal table linens from Vent du Sud in Montpellier France.

The dashing (and French!) Sebastian, our furniture source in France, comes to visit JacKryn!

With Love, From Paris!

2010-07-30T15:23:00.004-04:00

The "tres chic" Director of Sales, Debbie, just got back from an amazing holiday in Paris. Here are a few pictures from her adventures...Oh la la

Deb: "Note to Self - Don't let your husband think he's Parisian"

Deb's Tip for the Paris traveller? Head to the Printemps Rooftop Patio for an amazing view of the city.

Jack - of JacKryn running the Olive Oil Tasting For L'Olivier

2010-07-28T17:17:00.001-04:00

Sampling the World's Finest Olive Oils from France. Imported from L'Olivier in six fabulous flvours. The Basil infused oil is the best seller!

Storming the Bastille Sale at JacKryn France: July 14th - 31st

2010-07-19T12:35:00.002-04:00

JacKryn's annual "Storming the Bastille" Sale is on until the end of July!

Some items of note are:

Up to 50% off Select Furniture pieces, both antique and Country Corner
Tissage Moutet Tablecloths - 50% off
Tissage Moutet Runners - 25% off
Up to 30% off Garnier Thiebaut Tablecloths
Quilts - 30% off
Select Yves Delorme Bedding - 20% off
and MUCH, MUCH MORE

Come in to see for yourself!

Garnier Thiebaut Isaphere Now 30% off!

Yves Delorme - Vence Collection - Now 20% off!

Instock Bella Notte Bedding

Mariposa Goes on sale in store

2010-07-19T07:35:00.000-04:00

Elegant String of Pearls Silver serving bowl (shown) and many more pieces are on sale in store for up to 50% off.

Champagne Sabres by Claude Dozorme

2010-07-12T06:44:00.000-04:00

Exclusive Champagne Sabres by Claude Dozorme - Handles carved by hand from oak and mahogany. A particularly special item is the Claude Dozorme champagne saber. This piece makes a spectacular statement gift. We recently filled an order for one of these sabers for a client; she found the saber to be such a wonderful gift that she has since ordered three more!!

New French Country Furniture

2010-06-23T14:50:00.002-04:00

These limited collection accent pieces from Country Corner have arrived! They are HAND MADE made from reclaimed wood and feature beautiful hand painted designs. These pieces are uniquely finished and work perfectly for anyone who admires elegant fine French craftsmanship. Now on SALE at JacKryn France.

SPOTLIGHT! Laguiole by Claude Dozorme

2010-06-22T14:19:00.002-04:00

Claude Dozorme products are consistently bestselling items here at JacKryn France, specifically their Laguiole knife sets.

Each Claude Dozorme product is manufactured entirely in their traditional factory in France and individually finished by hand. The cutlery speaks for itself in its ability to conjure up an ageless quality, while at the same time remaining decidedly up-to-date and modern. The Laguiole knife, named for the small village in Aveyron, France in which the style was first adapted, has been copied worldwide but with inferior quality and poor attention to detail when compared to the original. Claude Dozorme is the real thing, and their products that last for generations.

Some fabulous items available from Claude Dozorme are the cheese serving sets (a perfect AND practical hostess gift), breakfast sets, Laguiole steak knife sets and the list can go on and on...a particularly special item is the Claude Dozorme champagne saber. This piece makes a spectacular statement gift.

Pictures from Thursday's Event!

2010-06-21T12:19:00.002-04:00

The crew photographed for SNAP!

Setting up outside, luckily the weather was on our side...

Thanks to my kids, Jack and Katie, for the wonderful streamers! :)

Nelson Mandela Event Update!

2010-06-21T11:51:00.001-04:00

What a great afternoon! The French Country Furniture Auction held at JacKryn France with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund last Thursday was a huge success! Guests shopped while enjoying gourmet hors d'oeuvres, South African wine, and were able to sample the many flavours of O L'Olivier French olive oils we have to offer.

Lucky shoppers walked away with hand-crafted French furniture at such great prices that the Director of Sales, Debbie, almost cried! One customer scored a Country Corner round dining table (pictured left), made in France from reclaimed wood, for a mere $480. This table is regularly priced at $1499.99!!!

Thanks to all who came out for not only making the event so much fun, but for also helping us to support such a worthwhile cause. Keep checking back for updates on events to come!

New Furniture has arrived!

2010-06-20T10:04:00.002-04:00

New Arrivals! Château style buffet and hutch. Hand carved from solid wood. Distressed patina with a rich wood top.

Absolutely stunning with the matching dining table and cane chairs. Dining table, also hand made from solid wood, seats up to 12 with two leaves. When you buy a dining table ($3999) and four chairs ($356 each), receive a carver cane chair ($712) FOR FREE ! Limited time offer. Valid until July 15th 2010 only.

Yves Delorme Paris - ON Sale !

2010-06-20T09:57:00.002-04:00

Fabulous Cotton and Silk Coverlet in Duomo Platine silver. Now on Sale at JacKryn France. Regularly $480 NOW $389 (plus shipping and taxes). Large Queen size only. Enjoy !

UPDATE: (June 24th) This item has sold.

SPOTLIGHT - Country Corner Armoire

2010-06-16T13:46:00.002-04:00

This fantastic piece of furniture has just arrived at JacKryn France! This hand carved armoire is made of solid wood, and is designed and crafted in France. Each piece has several successive layers of paint, applied by hand, scraped, sanded, and aged to give it that coveted antique look. Discreet floral details are hand carved with a wood chisel, giving each piece its own unique character.

SALE at JacKryn!

2010-06-15T12:04:00.001-04:00

JacKryn France has just marked all Tissage Moutet tablecloths at 50% off! These bright and beautiful jacquard tablecloths are made in France and are sure to bring some European flair to your next dinner party! Plus, the fresh colours are perfect for summer.

French Country Furniture Auction! This Thursday!

2010-06-14T13:55:00.002-04:00

You're all invited to attend JacKryn France's French Country Furniture Auction this Thursday (June 17th) from 2:30 - 9:00 PM! The auction will be held at the JacKryn France Boutique, located at 89 Wellington Street East in Aurora, ON.

Like last year's auction, this event is in support of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. A portion of proceeds will go directly to the organization, which strives to change society's treatment of children and youth for the better.

Loads of furniture, both antique and new, as well as fabulous decor items will be available at rock bottom prices, as bids are silent and close every TWO hours! For instance, last year, the best buy was a solid-wood, hand-carved armoire, which sold for $890, regularly $2999!!!!

RSVP at the this link to ensure we have enough wine and hor d'oeuvres to go around!!

Creating a French Country Kitchen

2010-04-13T08:09:00.001-04:00

To really create a French Country kitchen, you should draw from the same sources as the French. Use real wood for an un-fitted kitchen. Hand-painted furniture has real, enduring character so don't be tempted by inferior, painted mdf. If you already have a fitted kitchen, give it French Country style by adding hand-painted accessories and over-sized hand made ceramic serving pieces. These pieces can be found at JacKryn France
in Aurora or online at http://www.jackryn.com/ .

The French Table

2010-04-12T22:14:00.001-04:00

Perfect for summer, these coated tablecloths remind me of the sunshine at our home in the South of France. They are made of beautiful 100% cotton and then coated with a protective coating that means no staining. Simply wipe them off. I have had mine for over 15 years and it still looks fabulous These pieces and other like them can be found at JacKryn France in Aurora or online at http://www.jackryn.com/ .

French Country - Timeless Furniture

2010-04-12T22:08:00.000-04:00

This exquisite French Country furniture is still Made By Hand from solid wood ! Loads of beautiful pieces are available at JacKryn France in Aurora or online at www.jackryn.com .