Pencil & Wool
12 Main Street, suite 6
Essex, CT 06426
A NEW STORE
Pencil & Wool is a mother-daughter owned and operated creative shop in Essex, Connecticut, founded by Jackie and Betsy Barry.
OPEN FEBRUARY 2026
Betsy & Jackie in the shop!
OUR STORY
For years, we talked about what it would look like to open a brick-and-mortar space together showcasing only our work...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. In our store, every piece of art, hooked rug, felted cloth, clay monster, .... (you name it) was made by either one of us!
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 ;)
