"Art is Not What You See, But What You Make Others See." - Edgar Degas

Supporting Local Art at Betsy Frost Design Studio & Gallery

“Being a designer myself, I have always believed strongly in supporting my fellow artists. Whether by promoting them in my shop, or mentoring them in design, production or marketing, one of my biggest joys is sharing the beauty of colleagues’s art. In addition, owning a shop has given me the opportunity to support local artists in our Ipswich community.” - Betsy

In the shop we have a small section dedicated to showcasing fine art of some of Ipswich’s talented local artists. In addition, we also carry handcrafted products and gifts created by artisans locally, regionally, and internationally.

This Blog introduces you to two of our Ipswich Artists who consign their beautifully colorful landscapes for us to showcase!

ANDREA MAGLIO-MACULLAR

Andrea and her painting of the Boardwalk at Crane Beach. This is a commission piece she created for one of our favorite customers!

Andrea is from the North Shore of Massachusetts. She has been painting since she was very young, and has always been interested in all things creative. Andrea studied art at Montserrat College of Art. She is also an award-winning local Ipswich artist, painter, illustrator, and writer.  Andrea participates in many solo art shows as well as local art association shows on the North Shore and Ipswich’s own - Olde Ipswich Days. Her love of painting offers beautiful landscape scenes of Crane Beach, Crane Castle, and many other local Ipswich & North Shore scenes. She also produces abstract work and floral art. We also carry some of her greeting cards created from her paintings and we are very happy to feature her work here at the shop!

Crane Estate Barns, Ipswich.

One of her works from the Italian Gardens at the Crane Estate.

Little Neck Beach Day

Ipswich Town Dock

See more about Andrea and her work HERE

KAREN KEOUGH

Karen Keough with her painting: The Newburyport Pink House - a famous landmark and abandoned home overlooking the Plum Island Marsh.

Karen is an award-winning painter, specializing in watercolors, for over 35 years. Currently, she paints and runs her own art licensing business in Ipswich, MA. She also teaches a watercolor painting classes course every fall at the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield, Ma. Raised on the Northshore, her inspiration for this area shows in her work. Her art is a must-see at the shop. She creates personal pet portraits and makes beautiful scarves from her paintings, as well as tote bags and greeting cards. We carry some of her items at the shop, so come by to see more!

At the shop - Karen’s smaller framed paintings at a perfect price point - ready for the wall or shelf. Makes a great gift!

Karen creates these colorful and beautiful silk scarves from her floral paintings.

Here is Karen at the shop with one of her pet portraits. Want a portrait of your pet? Let us know!

More about Karen and her work HERE

The Year In Review - Looking Back at 2021 With Betsy Frost Design

First and foremost, we would like to thank everyone who supported us! 2021 was quite a year! Whether close or far— family, friends, local artists, vendors, businesses, you have all become a huge part of our community in Ipswich and in the shop. Here’s a fun recap of 2021.

Our 5th Year Anniversary Celebration of Our Shop!

“Betsy Scissorhands” with her team: Jenny, Jo-Ann, Kim, Pam and Ciara on our ceremonial Ribbon Cutting with The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Photo on the left: Betsy with some of her team, husband Jeff, and Skye, Mischa and Scarlet.

The Betsy Frost Design Shop in Ipswich turned 5 (although Betsy has been designing, making and selling her jewelry for 25 years). The journey has taken her from her studio in Roxbury to her basement studio in Ipswich, a Pop Up Shop and finally her current shop at 4 Market Street! We would like to thank The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and our social media guru Paula Sawyer from Lola Wesley Marketing for orchestrating and celebrating the ribbon cutting with us.

Betsy and Her Great Dane Scarlet

Betsy with Scarlet

In the winter 2021, Scarlet became very ill, and needed surgery. Due to the stellar care she received, she is doing so GREAT thanks to the outreach of love and support we received. A gracious THANK YOU to all who supported us. We truly appreciate the outpouring of love and generosity. And Scarlet is doing SO WELL!

Each Summer We Do Our Own “Christmas in July”

From left to right: Jenny, Jo-Ann, Kim, Paula, then Betsy and Ciara in front. We were sure missing Pam that night (not seen in photo)

“Work hard, play hard” is how we do it. As a team we try to get together and unwind as often as possible. Here’s a great staff photo at the Foxcreek Tavern. Good food and drink help us brainstorm for new fun ideas and events for the shop. We usually celebrate “Christmas in July” with a big sale in the shop, but also with a big outdoor meal to toast the Christmas past and another toast to Christmas future!~

Advertising became a collaborative effort!

After a 36 year break, Betsy was given the opportunity to ride a friend’s horse for the summer. She was able to fulfill her life-long dream of riding on the beach and competing again. We brought to her attention that some of the riding photos she had would make a great advertisement for her Equestrian Collection. With the help and support of Eric van den Brulle - her Creative Director and her Marketing Manager, Paula Sawyer, of LolaWesleyMarketing we created a series of comps and ideas for her final Ads for the 2021 Fall and Holidays season. We also collaborated with Kristen Muldoon of the Ipswich Local News closely to ensure the layouts would show in the highest of quality for newsprint. These ideas were then carried over to Betsy’s social media and website. It was fun to collaborate! Enjoy the series below here:

Dream of a Day! Betsy riding on Lincoln with her friend Jen on Sven at Crane Beach.

The Equestrian Collection. Inspired by Betsy’s love of riding.

Betsy visiting the Mariposa Showroom with Scarlet and Mischa. They have beautiful items that we carry in the shop and on our website HERE. MORE at the shop!

The dogs had fun choosing their favorite holiday!

One of our Holiday Favorites! The Vintage Ornament Collection

Scarlet enjoying a good snooze on Procrastinator’s Night!

Our Holiday Fundraiser and Ad with Doug Brendel. We donated 40% from all sales of ‘Outsidah’-designed coasters and ornaments to Kristina and Doug Brendel’s charity NewThing.net.

The Newest Addition to Our Castle Hill Collection. Our Castle Hill Ornament!

The “Castle Hill Christmas” ornament

The “Castle Hill Christmas” ornament is the newest addition to our Castle Hill Collection. It measures 3” Diameter and is made with Swarofsky Crystals and Stainless steel—perfect for adding sparkle to your tree! This ornament is a bigger version of Betsy’s Castle Hill Sunburst Medallion. See it HERE

Thank you for a wonderful year!

The Gifts That Keeps on Giving

For the month of December, Betsy will donate 40% from all sales of ‘Outsidah’-designed coasters and ornaments to Kristina and Doug Brendel’s charity NewThing.net. We carry both the ornaments and coasters at the shop.

Ornaments for sale at the shop would look great on your tree!

What is New Thing?

New Thing is a humanitarian organization serving the underprivileged in Belarus. You will receive a postcard with your purchase which gives you New Thing website information. Feel free to join their mailing list to receive information on how your donation is doing.

Coasters For Your Home or a Holiday Gift

New Thing. What They Do:

A team of Belarusian workers devote themselves to bringing hundreds of tons — millions of dollars’ worth — of donated food and goods into Belarus each year, sharing this aid face-to-face with people in need from all walks of life: 

• Orphans and foster families
• Abused and abandoned children 
• Children and adults with disabilities
• The homeless and poor
• Hospital patients and sick kids in other institutions And the list goes on! 

Come by the shop during the month of December for an ornament or some coasters!

Look up more about this organization on new thing.net

Fundraising Efforts With Betsy Frost Design Local Themed Eco Luxury Candles

Marini’s Tree Jubilee Candles

Our candles and scents are custom-created exclusively for Betsy Frost Design. This holiday season, we will donate 15% from the sale of Marini’s Tree Jubilee to the Ipswich Humane Group.

The Marini’s Tree Jubilee Scent: Bring an array of fir needle, cedarwood, fir balsam, and tree moss into your home with a Green Koala Eco-Luxury Candle. If you want that pine tree smell without the tree, this is the scent you are looking for.

As of last year, this was our first venture into private labeling and custom scents!  We have two different size options.  The 6oz. “travel candle” comes in a round tin, and the 12 oz. Candle comes in a  lidded glass jar.  Green Koala's coconut creme eco-luxury candles are scented with phthalate-free high quality fragrance and essential oils to emit soft, long lasting aroma safely throughout your home.  These 6 and 12 oz. candles are handmade locally in Marshfield, MA. 

We also carry “Cape Ann Christmas”: A sweet vanilla base is infused with hints of holiday cherries, apples, peaches, and strawberries to create the soft, subtle scent of Christmas Day.

Check out more of the Betsy Frost Design candles at the shop and on here betsyfrostdesign.com

Bargain Basement to Market Street. From The Ground Up With Betsy Frost Design.

The below photo is a snippet from Betsy’s first big press/editorial coverage. She’s come a long way from selling her wares off of her washing machine in her basement!

Here’s a little history on how Betsy got started, and the idea behind her “Friends and Family” sale:

I started my business in 1997—I was 32 and just got my second BA—this time in metals from Massachusetts College of Art.  I set up my studio in Jamaica Plain, MA where I was living. My very first show was the New York International Gift Fair and one of my first orders was for 250 bracelets and 275 pairs of earrings!  Needless to say, I got right down to business from the get-go.

In Jamaica Plain and all around Boston, I participated in “Open Studios” —in the South End, Somerville, Waltham, Jamaica Plain, Fort Point Channel…it was a great way to sell discontinued items, seconds, and collections that didn’t make the cut with the galleries.  After moving to Ipswich, I had not attended an open studio in a long time and had a lot of seconds and one-offs that I wanted to sell.  

So I decided to have my own Open Studio in my basement studio in my home in Ipswich.  I called it an “Open Studio” and the first year was a complete dud.  So I re-named it the next year as the Bargain Basement Studio Sale.  I put all the seconds and discontinued items in little boxes, priced them, and spread them all around my basement studio and into my laundry area—with boxes on my washing machine, dryer, folding table, polishing units, and studio benches. 

Betsy’s basement studio annual cleaning before the bargain basement sale.

I hired a caterer and also set up a nicer display area in my living room for the “collection” pieces to sell at a discount.  I sent out invites and this time around the sale was gangbusters.  Word caught on more and more each year and it turned into an annual event.  The night of the sale, there would be cars all the way down my street, and guests would race to the bargain basement even before getting a beverage or yummy catered food to get first dibs on the bargains.

Lisa K. with her drink and tray of bargain boxes in our basement studio

Happy shoppers in the bargain basement.

Betsy with sisters Tina and Laura and mom Dotty at one of the sales.

Betsy’s sons Connor and Rowan working the coat check.

My bargain basement sale went for about 10 years until I opened my first shop (a pop-up) at 4 Elm Street in Ipswich.  I have kept the same date for the event (which is the Thursday that is a week after Thanksgiving) and have held it in my new shop at 4 Market Street since we opened.  I am thrilled that people still get excited for the sale—!  We’ve come a long way from selling my jewelry off of my washing machine and polishing units!  I am happy that we have kept the date and have kept the tradition of providing some great bargains and a fun time for our Friends and Family who have supported us thought the years.  For all of you we say thank you, cheers, and hoping to see you again this year!

Betsy’s first Pop Up Shop on Elm Street, Ipswich

Come by and visit us at 4 Market Street in downtown Ipswich—feel free to sign up for our e-blasts to find out about our next “Friends and Family” Sale and other fun events!

Meet the Staff: Ciara O’Flynn of Betsy Frost Design

Not only is Ciara an integral part of our team, she also offers her own line of jewelry and accessories in our shop and on our website. Her line is called Ciara Jeanne Design.

Ciara O’Flynn of Betsy Frost Design - Ciara is wearing “Way To The Water” Pendant By Betsy Frost Design

Ciara O’Flynn of Betsy Frost Design - Ciara is wearing “Way To The Water” Pendant By Betsy Frost Design

Betsy: “Ciara started working in our shop when she was a sophomore at Wesleyan. We love her! Not only is she a breath of fresh air to all customers and staff, she is an amazingly talented artist. We have a big selection of Ciara’s beautiful handmade jewelry collections and if you cannot make it to the shop we’ve just added her hydrangea ring dish and aromatherapy candles to our website.  Ciara even grows and hand presses her own flowers!”

Ciara, can you share with us what you enjoy most about working at Betsy Frost Design?
“The shop has such a comforting atmosphere. I really love the care that everyone in the shop has for one another - we joke that I have several “shop moms”. We teach one another techniques for making jewelry, bounce creative ideas around, and always remember to bring in pastries or Zumi’s Coffee for each other.”

Staff Product Pick…
”My favorite of Betsy’s designs is probably the Caged Collection. It is unique, elegant, and versatile.” 

Fun Fact:
Ciara enjoys knitting and perhaps will be making a couple of hand-knit things for the shop this winter!
She is a lot of fun to work with. Our team went out recently to celebrate a great summer at the shop and we enjoyed some delish apps (along with some tater tots!)  at the Fox Creek Tavern

Tell Us More About Ciara Jeanne Design
”I have been making my own art and jewelry since I was in elementary school. I am one of 5 girls and love making custom accessories for my sisters to wear and use. Many of my products are inspired by local nature or feature the beautiful objects that I find in nature. I started pressing flowers from my younger sister’s garden and picking up my favorite shells at the beach and eventually, they made their way into candles, plates, necklaces, etc. Many of my products are sold exclusively in-store, but a couple of things can be found on my Etsy site: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CiaraJeanneDesign” Check out her designs at the shop or on her Etsy shop and some on betsyfrostdesign.com

Ciara Jeanne Handmade Ring Plates - see more about them here

Ciara Jeanne Handmade Ring Plates - see more about them here

Ciara Jeanne Pressed Flower Lavender/Stress Relief Candles - see more about them here

Ciara Jeanne Pressed Flower Lavender/Stress Relief Candles - see more about them here

Ciara is also a very talented Painter.
The purpose and inspiration behind her Thesis Project and Gallery Exhibition at Wesleyan…
“I graduated this year with high honors from Wesleyan University majoring in studio art and psychology. My senior thesis titled “In the Hatred of a Minute” combined my double major and featured a series of dramatic oil paintings that explored family secrets and the alienation people feel within intimate family groups. Through the portrayal of a long-hidden family history riddled with tragedy, abuse, extreme religiosity, and profound mental dysfunction, this body of work examined my interest in the idea that you can look at family from a distant point of view, and that we never completely understand or know those that we consider to be an extension of ourselves. I am excited to expand on my painting practice in the future and am currently showing one of my pieces in the gallery of the Ipswich Historical Museum.”
Check out some of Ciara’s work from the Wesleyan University Gallery exhibit here…

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Find It, Love it, Buy it! Shopping at Betsy Frost Design is A Fresh Approach to Supporting Local.

In today's click-and-buy world, it can be difficult to know where your products come from. At Betsy Frost Design, we build relationships with local product vendors, designers, artists, and creators. We truly enjoy supporting these small businesses, and creating these local relationships also gives us first-hand knowledge about the artists we represent and the products they create. We love sharing these local “finds” with our customers in the shop and on our website.

Here are a few examples:

Mariposa Gifts

Betsy with Scarlet and Mischa in the Mariposa Showroom

Betsy with Scarlet and Mischa in the Mariposa Showroom

“I’m so honored to be carrying Mariposa Giftware in the shop.  Mariposa is based in Manchester-by-the-Sea, which is just two towns over.  They are a top rate business to work with, and their new showroom makes it easy to and fun to re-order.  Most importantly, they are 100% committed to sustainability and keeping things local.” - Betsy

Here are a few samples of their products that we carry. We have many items to choose from for Wedding, Shower, and Host/Hostess Gifts!

Shimmer Round Chip and Dip Server
Form and Function - Shimmer has it all. Bring Shimmer to your table with our Shimmer Round Chip and Dip server. Stun your guests with this 15" dish's texture inspired by gentle waves, all beautifully from 100% recycled, buffed-until-brilliant aluminum.

Shimmer Round Chip and Dip Server

Shimmer Round Chip and Dip Server

The Honeybee Nut Dish
Inspired by the honeybees, this handcrafted 8" Honeybee Nut Dish with its gorgeous detail is a must-have addition to your next cocktail or dinner party. The Honeybee Nut Dish is great for holding nuts and candles, and pairs perfectly with our Honeybee Signature Napkin Box and Honeybee Open Salt Caddy Beaded Spoon Set. Honeybee Nut Dish is made from 100% recycled aluminum. We make gifting easy!
See these and other ideas in our Mariposa Gifts section HERE on our website or stop by the shop!

Mariposa Gifts

Mariposa Gifts

Green Barn Studio

“What a find! Hillary Holmes is an accomplished artist with a flair for packaging and scale that makes her prints accessible to any customer. “ - Betsy
Local on the Northshore, here is an example of one of her works of art. We have prints and framed prints/Tabletop Art - here is one of Crane Boardwalk.  Come and check them out in the shop!

Framed Tabletop Artwork - here is one of Crane Boardwalk.

Framed Tabletop Artwork - here is one of Crane Boardwalk.

Crane Beach Ceramic Ornament
Hillary’s Crane Beach ceramic ornament is brand new in the shop and already almost sold out!” - Betsy
This “Anytime” Ornament depicts the peaceful coastline of Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA. This makes a great hostess gift, or stocking stuffer. Give this ornament to your family or friends to serve as a memory of your beach days!

Crane Beach Ceramic Ornament by Green Barn Studio

Crane Beach Ceramic Ornament by Green Barn Studio

Art & Illustration by Andrea Maglio-Macullar

“We’ve been selling Andrea’s original paintings, prints, postcards, and cards since we opened.  Although we are not a Fine Art Gallery, Andrea’s “Crane Beach Boardwalk” painting sells all year long.  Her choice of color for this particular setting not only looks amazing in our shop, but it’s also the perfect blend of subtle hues that seems to work for many of our customers.”- Betsy
See more of her paintings and greeting cards at the shop.

By Andrea - The Crane Beach Boardwalk

By Andrea - The Crane Beach Boardwalk

Painting of Crane Beach by Andrea

Painting of Crane Beach by Andrea

Greeting Cards By Doug Brendel - The “Ipswich Outsidah”

We offer some great local greeting cards. If you want some New England dry humor, check out the greeting card line by Ipswich’s own “The Outsidah”, Author Doug Brendel.  We also sell his latest book: “Praying For Mrs. Mombasa” at the shop. We are the exclusive carrier of his book in Ipswich. Receive a FREE copy of his book: “Ipswich in Stitches” with the purchase of his newest book. More about Doug here: doungbrendel.com

A sample of Doug’s greeting cards

A sample of Doug’s greeting cards

Meet The Staff: Jenny From Betsy Frost Design

Creative with visuals & displays, she loves our customers and brings us lattes!

At Betsy Frost Design, we are so thrilled to have Jenny as a part of the team—she is amazing —professional, polished, and great with customers.  She has a flair for display—we love how she can transform areas of the shop in minutes.  

How long have you been with Betsy Frost Design? 
I started with Betsy Frost (pre-covid), however, I have been a customer for a very long time prior to my role at the shop.

A bit about Jenny: 
In Jenny’s words: “I was born and raised in Manhattan, New York, but went to college in New England. I‘ve lived and worked in NY, San Francisco, NH, ME, and MA - in various retail roles in my younger years.  Then I fell into the financial industry in Boston. I last worked as a Business Analyst for Manulife Financial (aka: John Hancock). I can say that a BA translates (in business documents) —what the Operations side needs from the IT side so the Programmers can bring to life their goal—streamlined system or reports. It’s kind of a Chandler Bing job—(from the show “Friends)”.

How did you land at Betsy Frost Design?
Over the years, I have been a customer of Betsy Frost Design, and have also known Kim (on our staff) since our children were born.  We met through the “Birth to Three Center” in Ipswich. A few years ago, I mentioned to Kim that I’d love to help out at the shop if the need ever arose. One day I met with Betsy, she was wonderful and willing to give me a try - so here I am! :)

What do you most enjoy working on at the shop? 
I enjoy everything about the shop! I mostly enjoy just being there, meeting the customers, stocking up, and moving things around. We all create the visuals and displays but I do love it - it’s fun for me!  Betsy and Kim have also begun teaching me some of the jewelry finish work, which is great. I enjoy learning new skills.

Fun facts about Jenny: 
Her father was an Italian restauranteur and owner of Mike Manuche’s in New York City, and her mother—Broadway theatre star, Martha Wright.
Jenny loves lattes, and also loves rhythm roller skating, and has been known to travel far to skate till 3 or 4am…

What is your “Staff Pick" or favorite item in the shop?
I love the Large Coral Cuff Bracelet, as well as the Pansy Line. I also really covet the Teardrop Pendant and Large Cage designs…and so many more. Jenny is wearing the Large Coral Cuff Bracelet, Large Coral Teardrop Pendant, and the Large Caged Stone Ring.

If you have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Jenny, stop in the shop sometime and say hello!
See Jenny’s favorites here below:

Large Coral Cuff Bracelet - It goes with everything and is a fun staple year round--looks great with jeans OR a fancy dress.  MORE INFO HERE

Large Coral Cuff Bracelet - It goes with everything and is a fun staple year round--looks great with jeans OR a fancy dress. 
MORE INFO HERE

Large Coral Teardrop Pendant with Trapped Aqua Chalcedony on Snake Chain MORE INFO HERE

Large Coral Teardrop Pendant with Trapped Aqua Chalcedony on Snake Chain
MORE INFO HERE

Large Caged Stone Ring MORE INFO HERE

Large Caged Stone Ring
MORE INFO HERE

Large Pansy Pendant on Adjustable Elastic Cord MORE INFO HERE

Large Pansy Pendant on Adjustable Elastic Cord
MORE INFO HERE

Our New Beach Day Candle Symbolizes Ipswich’s Very Unique Annual School Event

Ask any Ipswich Public School student what day of the year is their favorite school day and they will probably tell you “Beach Day”. Each year, thanks to the generosity of Mr. Richard T. Crane and his family; all Ipswich Public School kids enjoy a full day and free picnic on Crane's Beach, instead of going to school.

How did it all begin?

Betsy’s sons, Rowan and Connor at Beach Day on Crane’s Beach

Betsy’s sons, Rowan and Connor at Beach Day on Crane’s Beach

In honor of Beach Day, the Betsy Frost Design BEACH DAY Candle has been created. Now in travel size as well as our generous, large glass jar for home. Enjoy on the patio, deck or dinner table. Embrace the uplifting crisp scent reminiscent of the seashore and clean cotton.

These coconut creme eco-luxury candles are scented with phthalate-free high-quality fragrance and essential oils to emit a soft, long-lasting aroma safely throughout your home.   

Order yours HERE online or purchase at the shop.

The Back Story about Beach Day: 

Richard and Florence Crane had two children, Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane and Florence Crane. Cornelius wasn't very strong or well as a child; he had severe asthma. The Crane Family began a tradition of inviting all the Ipswich school children to the beach for a day in 1911 to celebrate the sixth birthday of his son, Cornelius. He didn't go to school in Ipswich because it was only a summer home so he didn't have many local playmates.

Cornelius and Florence Crane - The Original Painting at The Crane Estate

Cornelius and Florence Crane - The Original Painting at The Crane Estate

In order to cheer him up, his parents decided to have a birthday party on the beach for him. They invited all the school children in Ipswich to join "Corny's" birthday party. This was such a success for Corny and the town children they decided to hold the party every year. The school children would each bring a shoe box for their lunches (possibly the meaning behind “box lunch?”) and walk down to the town wharf where they would be met by men in rowboats. The children would climb into the boats and be rowed out to the beach past Ring Rock and the salt marshes. You can still see the iron rings to which the fishing boats were tied to in Ring Rock. It's the big rock directly across from the town wharf on the right side of the river facing out to the ocean.

When they got to the beach they would wade ashore and be met by Cornelius and his family. The boats would return to the wharf and pick up the next group of children. This continued until all the town's children were together on the beach for the party. On the beach there were large tents set up for shelter from the sun. The children would play games, eat food and help Corny celebrate his birthday. After the party the children were given candy for their families, mints & chocolates to be put in their shoe boxes and carried home safely. They would be rowed back to town wharf to walk home.

Cornelius lived to be about 57. Because the town's children shared in Cornelius' birthday celebration each year and were so kind to him, the family left the town a trust to pay for a picnic each year so that future generations of Ipswich school children could enjoy a day at the beach. Crane Beach Day, which includes a school-provided box lunch for elementary and middle-school students through Grade 8. The beach remains open to the public on this day. This year, Beach Day is held on June 16th. 

Fun Fact: 
The Actor, Chevy Chase used to spend his summers at the Crane Estate as a child. His full name at birth: Cornelius Crane Chase, named for his adoptive grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane. More HERE

Excerpts from this blog and story can be seen HERE originally written by Jennifer Meuse

Sustainability is Always in Style

Earth Day Should Be Everyday.

We care about Mother Earth here at Betsy Frost Design. Many of the products, gifts and clothing we carry are all-natural, organic, or created from recycled or up-cycled materials—Even right down to our own gift wrap, packaging design, shopping bags and tissue paper. 

We are truly passionate about the ideals and beliefs of the brands that we choose carefully and carry in our shop and on our website. Our blog would be very long to cover all, but here are a few examples:

GOOD EARTH CANDLES
Poured by hand in small batches in their barn in the town of Rowley, Massachusetts, these 100% pure soy candles are all infused with essential oils. Having soy as a base is a good thing—because soy is a lot better for you and the world than paraffin wax, which comes from petroleum, coal or oil shale.

The Benefits of Burning Soy
Soy candles are affordable – Beeswax is also an alternative to paraffin wax, but it is very expensive. Soy wax is made from renewable resources, and they only use 100-percent pure soy wax from soybean crops grown on farms in the USA. Soy wax is all-natural – Soy wax is not made from petroleum, like paraffin candles. Burning soy candles does not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere. Soy candles last longer – Soy candles can last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles. Soy candles produce about 90% less soot that paraffin candles. Soot from paraffin candles is very unhealthy and will eventually coat your walls and furniture.

It’s More Than Soy that Makes a Good Earth Candle Wholesome
Their soy is cultivated without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Also, their candles contain no added dyes, chemicals or preservatives. Right down to the wicks – Good Earth candles use hand-spun, paper-core natural cotton wicks that are free from lead and zinc. You can be assured that you are buying a quality, hand-made product.

HENRIETTE STEFFENSEN OF COPENHAGEN - The NO WASTE CARDIGAN

HENRIETTE STEFFENSEN OF COPENHAGEN - The NO WASTE CARDIGAN

HENRIETTE STEFFENSEN OF COPENHAGEN
Designer Henriette Steffensen is paying respect to resources, and re-uses and recycles everything possible, whether it is worn out clothes or leftovers from the dining table. The company has created clothing with a NO WASTE label where the design is limited to what leftover materials they have, making the creative process very interesting (and the clothing as well)! You truly end up with a true LIMITED EDITION! 

Blue Canoe Organic Clothing For Women - Eco-Conscious Fashion Made on the USA
A women-owned and run company, creating organic clothing that fits the way women really live.

100% Natural Organic and Cotton Fiber
Natural fibers, natural comfort, natural beauty. Organic cotton and organic bamboo are the hallmark of Blue Canoe—the heart of everything they do. Simply put, they’re good for the world. Their cotton and bamboo are grown without harmful pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Then, only the most gentle, nontoxic dyes are used, so plants, animals and people are protected. The result? Fabrics that are inherently soft, fluid and breathable, even in the warmest weather. All of their clothing is plant based. They don't use petroleum derived fabrics such as polyester or nylon that rely on oil and pollute the planet.

Sustainable Organic Bamboo
Bamboo is the ultimate sustainable crop. It’s very fast growing, and renewable. It requires no pesticides, fertilizers or irrigation. It causes no soil erosion and reduces runoff. Bamboo can yield 20 times more fiber than trees and regenerates without plowing or replanting. It can be grown on soil that is damaged by overgrazing. Bamboo produces 30% more oxygen than trees thereby reducing carbon dioxide that causes global warming.

Beeline Skincare Products on the shelf at Betsy Frost Design

Beeline Skincare Products on the shelf at Betsy Frost Design

BEELINE SKIN CARE
Susan Lanphear, the founder of Beeline created the line of hypoallergenic skin care products and eco-friendly containers after working as a chemist in research and development. She developed sensitivities from the chemicals she was using and couldn't find any body care products that didn't irritate her skin. So she began experimenting with creams and soaps using ingredients found mostly in nature. Honey and beeswax quickly became her materials of choice. Susan is now passionate about preserving the earth and its bounty.

Now a small, privately owned company located in New Hampshire, they create natural skin care products using local beeswax and honey. Being conscientious about preserving the earth and its bounty, all of their body care products are made using only the highest quality natural ingredients, free from genetically-modified ingredients, parabens, petro-chemicals, synthetic fragrances and dyes.Their products are also hypoallergenic and have marvelous healing and moisturizing properties thanks to the remarkable quality of pure honey. Beeline Skin Care packaging is simple yet elegant, appealing to both women and men. They are a proud member of the NH Bee Keepers Association which advocates for the protection of the honeybee. They donate a portion of our profits to the Honey Bee Research Fund.
Eco-Friendly Features: Paraben Free, GMO Free, Dye Free, Petro-chemical Free
See the products here that we carry online and in the shop.

See more of what we have in the shop here!

ALL GOOD FOR PLANET EARTH.

Luxury Meets Sustainability - Betsy Frost Design LOCAL THEMED Eco Luxury Candles

Our NEW Candles and scents are custom-created exclusively for Betsy Frost Design. Two of these scents are fundraising efforts for the holiday season.  We will donate 15% from the sale of Marini’s Tree Jubilee to the Ipswich Humane Group and 15% of the sales Castle Hill Christmas to the Trustees of the Reservation.  

This is our first venture into private labeling and custom scents!  Come on in the shop, and close your eyes and smell Sunset at Crane’s and we will guarantee it smells just like that!  See below for a detailed description of each candle.

We have two different size options.  The 6oz. “travel candle” comes in a round tin, and the 12 oz. Candle comes in a  lidded glass jar.  Green Koala's coconut creme eco-luxury candles are scented with phthalate-free high quality fragrance and essential oils to emit soft, long lasting aroma safely throughout your home.   These 6 and 12 oz. candles are handmade locally in Marshfield, MA.

Purchase now at the shop or on our website now here

Marini’s Tree Jubilee: Bring an array of fir needle, cedarwood, fir balsam, and tree moss into your home with a Green Koala Eco-Luxury Candle. If you want that pine tree smell without the tree, this is the scent you are looking for.

Marini’s Tree Jubilee: Bring an array of fir needle, cedarwood, fir balsam, and tree moss into your home with a Green Koala Eco-Luxury Candle. If you want that pine tree smell without the tree, this is the scent you are looking for.

Zumi’s Hot Apple Cider: Natural cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, orange, and cedarwood essential oils are infused with a true, ripe apple fragrance to result in a homey, sweet, and gently spicy fragrance.

Zumi’s Hot Apple Cider: Natural cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, orange, and cedarwood essential oils are infused with a true, ripe apple fragrance to result in a homey, sweet, and gently spicy fragrance.

Castle Hill Christmas: The classic holiday fragrance of rich pine and evergreen tones are blended beautifully with winter spice and sugar.

Castle Hill Christmas: The classic holiday fragrance of rich pine and evergreen tones are blended beautifully with winter spice and sugar.

Sunset at Crane’s: This is an ingenious mix of bergamot, mandarin, lavender and rose, underlined with oak moss and white musk—all combined to create the smell off the water at Crane’s along with a hint of tropical suntan lotion that appeals to the b…

Sunset at Crane’s: This is an ingenious mix of bergamot, mandarin, lavender and rose, underlined with oak moss and white musk—all combined to create the smell off the water at Crane’s along with a hint of tropical suntan lotion that appeals to the beach bum in all of us.

Cape Ann Christmas: A sweet vanilla base is infused with hints of holiday cherries, apples, peaches, and strawberries to create the soft, subtle scent of Christmas Day.

Cape Ann Christmas: A sweet vanilla base is infused with hints of holiday cherries, apples, peaches, and strawberries to create the soft, subtle scent of Christmas Day.

Cranberry Mimosa:  Reminisce about cranberry bogs and Thanksgiving with the crisp, tart aroma of cranberries mixed with the bubbly effervescent scent of champagne!

Cranberry Mimosa:  Reminisce about cranberry bogs and Thanksgiving with the crisp, tart aroma of cranberries mixed with the bubbly effervescent scent of champagne!

From The Bench With Betsy Frost

Our Caged Collections

Betsy in her studio creating caged jewelry

Betsy in her studio creating caged jewelry

Our Caged Collection brings unique beauty, movement, and color, while creating energy from motion. As you wear these pieces, they gracefully move with your body. This collection is created by trapping or caging stones instead of using the traditional stone setting methods.

The Large Ball and Cage Bracelet

The Large Ball and Cage Bracelet

The process of caging stones vs. setting.

I have many cage designs for rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants. For most of them, I have fabricated baskets or cages to the exact specifications to hold or “trap” a stone in place. You can pop the stone into the cage, and then squeeze or bend the sides together to hold the stone in place. A cage can be designed to allow the stone to move freely, or it can trap the stone in place. Cage designs work great with pearls and gold balls also.

Double Cage Pendant with Trapped Ball

Double Cage Pendant with Trapped Ball

What inspired me to create this collection.

Necessity is the mother of invention—I needed to find a way to incorporate stones into my work without using the traditional stone setting method. You see, I found that I was too impatient to set stones. It’s so boring! You have to drill a hole, and then burr out the area for the stone, and then push the metal around the stone very carefully—it’s way too time consuming and no fun! Trapping stones in cages is way more fun. Plus giving the stones or pearls movement enhances the piece with a kinetic component that people love.

Our model Laura is wearing the Large Cage Pendant and Small Cage Earrings with Champagne CZ Stones. Photographer: Eric Van Den Brulle

Our model Laura is wearing the Large Cage Pendant and Small Cage Earrings with Champagne CZ Stones. Photographer: Eric Van Den Brulle

What I love most about creating this jewelry.

I love peoples’ reaction to the caged collections. When they pick up the pieces with the moving stones or pearls, they are surprised and it makes them happy—and then they HAVE to have it!

SHOP HERE

Behind The Scenes at Betsy Frost Design

Betsy was born and raised in North Bennington Vermont and spends a few weekends there every summer to be with her mother and siblings. Some of these weekend trips were spent creating lifestyle photo sessions of her fall jewelry collections.  Betsy hails from a large family - 10 siblings!  This summer she was lucky enough to have some of her family participate in the modeling and photography.

Betsy’s Niece Eve wearing Little Acorns Earrings and Pendant

Betsy’s Niece Eve wearing Little Acorns Earrings and Pendant

Betsy’s sister Laura modeling the Large Cage Pendant and Lite Cage Earrings with Blue CZ

Betsy’s sister Laura modeling the Large Cage Pendant and Lite Cage Earrings with Blue CZ

It’s a Family Affair…

Betsy’s niece Eve has a natural ease in front of the camera wearing our Small Acorn Collection. Eve’s mom Laura (and Betsy’s youngest sister) captures the camera lens with her beauty, modeling our Caged Stone Collection. Eric van den Brulle (Laura’s husband and Eve’s father) is our creative director and photographer and can be seen here behind the camera. View the complete collections at betsyfrostdesign.com, or stop by the shop!

Betsy With Eve

Betsy With Eve

Laura wearing Lite Cage Earrings and Pendant with Champagne CZ

Laura wearing Lite Cage Earrings and Pendant with Champagne CZ

Photographer Eric Van Den Brulle with daughter Eve

Photographer Eric Van Den Brulle with daughter Eve

From The Bench…

Meet Kim of Betsy Frost Design

Some of you have had the pleasure of meeting Kim at the shop. If you have not, Kim has been with Betsy Frost Design for about 8 years. She’s always had an interest in creating things with her hands. In school, she even took wood shop and loved working with wood and stained glass. She eventually studied silversmithing, and joined our team to learn even more, working alongside Betsy at the Studio & Gallery in downtown Ipswich, MA.

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She can solder anything together and is the first assistant to help Betsy make her prototypes. Fearless, she accepts any challenge thrown her way! Kim can also get a perfect polish on our fine silver and quality jewelry. Kim even showed us her “secret” stash spot for candy at the work bench! Come by and visit the shop sometime and you will have the pleasure of meeting her in person.

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