Our Story
Pencil & Wool is a mother-daughter owned creative shop in Essex, Connecticut founded by Jackie and Betsy Barry.
For years, we talked about what it would look like to open a brick-and-mortar space together...would we get tired of each other? (never); will people actually want to buy our things? (we sure hope so); how on earth would we even do that? (let's figure it out)... Eventually, after many conversations, we decided to stop dreaming and to start building.
From the beginning, our goal was to create more than just a shop, we wanted to create an experience: a place where people could not only purchase art and handmade goods, but also feel immersed in creativity itself. In a world that increasingly prioritizes speed, efficiency, and minimalism, it can feel as though the quiet beauty around us often goes unnoticed. At Pencil & Wool we aim to celebrate that beauty and the process of taking the time to make something meaningful by hand. ​
Teaching and sharing creativity has always been important to both of us, which is why community is at the heart of what we do. Through workshops, classes, and creative gatherings, we hope to create a space where people can come together whether you are an experienced artist, or simply looking to try something new with some friends.​
The name Pencil & Wool comes from the raw materials we love and use most. Alongside finished artwork and handmade goods, we also offer the materials themselves: pencils, paper, wool, yarn, fiber tools, and more. Creativity begins long before the final piece, and can you really have too many supplies? We don't think so ;)
Betsy Barry
Co-Owner, Artist
Betsy Barry is a botanical artist specializing in colored pencil drawings and wool rug hooking. She is an award-winning SBA Fellow, an Elected Artist at the Lyme Art Association, and has been teaching for over 15 years. Her work celebrates the intricate beauty of the natural world, capturing the delicate details of plants, flowers, and organic forms with care and precision.
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In a digital age that often pulls us away from nature, Betsy's art invites viewers to slow down, observe closely, and reconnect with the living world around them. Alongside original artwork, prints, and notecards, she creates a collection of functional pieces including kitchen linens, trays, bowls, and serving goods, as well as hooked rugs, bags, and accessories made from wool. Each piece reflects her deep appreciation for craftsmanship, nature, and art that is meant to be lived with.
Jackie Barry
Co-Owner, Artist
Jackie Barry is an illustrator and designer specializing in custom people/pet portraits and whimsical drawings. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2024 with degrees in both Art and Mathematics - a combination that shaped her appreciation for the balance between creativity and precision.
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Jackie creates work that celebrates the small, often overlooked moments that make life feel warm and meaningful. Her offerings include framed and matted prints, notecards, kitchen textiles, and paper goods. In a fast-paced world that can feel heavy and overwhelming, her illustrations aim to highlight joy, curiosity, and imagination, serving as gentle reminders that we are never to old to play, explore, and create.
Woolhelmina (wool - la - meen - a)
The Shop Sheep
Woolhelmina is the faithful mascot of Pencil & Wool. Look closely while shopping! Woolhelmina likes to appear in many different forms throughout the shop...
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
