Press Release! Introducing our new 2017 Spring Merchandise

Calypso Studios Inc. is excited to launch into an agreement with Caroline Simas to introduce Comforting Clay Cross ™ Collection from her Multiple Blessings Series.

Clay Crosses

The new Caroline Simas cross collection includes three styles of cross, each available in four different sizes. Our handheld size is designed to fit in your palm, with each one being hand squeezed by the artisans who make it, so that each cross contours to the hand as it is held.  The patterns are green, blue, and pink; sizes and prices are listed below.

Faith Pillows 

Calypso Studios Inc. is also proud to be introducing Caroline Simas' Multiple Blessings designs in our Comforting Faith Pillow collection.  Each pillow features a Caroline Simas design that was exclusively designed for Calypso Studios.

Launch Date: 10-24-16

Ship Date: 02-01-17

We are honored to be recognized by Gift and Dec!

It feels even more great to give back to those in need!

Thats what makes our Comforting Clay Crosses the perfect gift item for anyone going through a bumpy path!

http://www.giftsanddec.com/slideshow/2544-product-wire-editors-picks?nid2401

SaveSave

Calypso Studios Gives Back

It feels great to give back! 

SaveSave

Thank you for recognizing Calypso Studios!

Relieve stress today with our Comforting Clay Cross Color Me Collection!

SaveSave

Richmond Times Dispatch recognizes Calypso Studios!

We are so pleased to be recognized by our favorite local paper! Please follow the link to learn a little more about Calypso Studios!

Posted: Sunday, September 18, 2016 10:30 pm

By JOAN TUPPONCE Special correspondent

Calypso Studios receives orders for one of its comforting clay crosses every day.

“The crosses are the number one item in our line of about 500 items,” said Ed Lawrence, who founded the wholesale gift company in 2006 with his wife, Kathy. “We air freight 2,000 to 3,000 comforting clay crosses every six to eight weeks. We can’t keep them in stock.”

The Chesterfield County-based company began developing inspirational merchandise in 2011 after a large Christian retail chain asked them to consider starting such a line.

In addition to the crosses, Calypso Studios sells a wide variety of fashion, faith and impulse merchandise mostly to retail stores. Items include purses, fashion jewelry and cork laptop covers.

Its merchandise is sold at about 2,000 stores across the country, including boutiques, gift shops and pharmacies. It also sells the items on its website, calypsostudiosinc.com.

The company sells the merchandise throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

“We have 10 rep agencies across the United States,” Ed Lawrence said.

Calypso Studios’ revenue has increased 20 percent so far this year compared with the same time period last year.

Part of that increase comes from the sale of the comforting clay crosses.

The handheld comforting clay crosses boxed with a greeting card retail for $15 to $20.

Ed Lawrence traveled to China to develop a line of crosses people could hold. To make the crosses, artisans use a process called caning where they hand press layers of colored clay together. No paint is used in the process.

“You can feel the fingerprints of the artists in the crosses,” Kathy Lawrence said. “We were the first to come out with a cross in clay.”

Calypso Studios carries a variety of comforting clay crosses, from the large handheld version to smaller bookmark crosses. It recently introduced a color me line where consumers can color the pattern on the cross with permanent markers to create their own color scheme.

“We get feedback from retailers and consumers weekly,” Ed Lawrence said about the crosses. “They have touched people’s lives and given them comfort, faith, inspiration and joy.”

About a year ago, Calypso Studios started giving out crosses to people who had experienced a tragedy. It sent more than 200 comforting clay crosses to a Methodist church in Orlando after the nightclub shooting that killed 49 in June.

“The crosses were for families and first responders,” Kathy Lawrence said. “We also sent about 200 comforting clay crosses to flood victims in Louisiana.”

Annette Doucet of First Baptist Church of Port Allen at Gracepoint, La., appreciates the beauty and meaning of the crosses.

“They have been a blessing to a lot of people,” Doucet said. “A lot of people had lost everything, and they were so happy to have something to hold on to.”

Ann Rose of the High Cotton Uptown store in Forsyth, Ga., carries several items from Calypso Studios, including the comforting crosses.

“They have really been popular,” she said of the crosses. “Working with Calypso has been great. Ordering from them has been very easy.”

The Lawrences gained experience in the gift industry by working as manufacturer sales representatives. They bought the manufacturer rep agency they had worked with in Woodbridge when the owner retired in 1998 and subsequently changed the name to Lawrence Marketing Group.

“Our territory was the Mid-Atlantic from Pennsylvania to Virginia,” said Ed Lawrence, noting the company had 14 sales representatives. “We carried the leading lines of items such as house flags and Christmas ornaments.”

The couple were still running Lawrence Marketing Group when they started Calypso Studios.

“I had been coordinating projects for Walmart where the items were made in China, so I was going to China to discuss and develop products,” Ed Lawrence said. “I got comfortable with the factories over there as well as importing and developing products.”

The couple decided to utilize their skills in sales, marketing and product development to develop their own import company.

“We had been helping other companies sell their product as manufacturer’s reps, and we felt like we knew all sides of the industry,” Ed Lawrence said. “We felt that we needed to re-create ourselves.”

Calypso Studios has a fulfillment center in western Maryland that processes wholesale orders. It also has a stockroom at its sales and product development office at 530 Southlake Blvd. in Chesterfield.

http://www.richmond.com/business/local/article_62a9937e-e35a-5157-b1fa-ee6dd40a173d.html

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!

Calypso Studios is ready to raise awareness!

Are you?

Pink Handheld Scripture Cross

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. (http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month)

Kaleidoscope Handheld Comforting Clay Cross

Calypso Studios wants to continue to raise awareness and funds in an effort to reduce this "way too" common disease! 

Calypso has put together some of our favorite pieces to help get you involved!

1. Kaleidoscope Collection 

Give the gift of comfort and support, at the same time as helping to spread the word. Crafted of 100% clay, each piece is hand squeezed by the artisan during the clay caning process for a unique handcrafted look and feel.  

Each handheld cross comes gift boxed with a blank greeting card included to write your personal message. 

Are Kaleidoscope Collection is perfect for the "tom boy" who typically strays away from pink.

2. Pink Scripture Collection

Again, Give the gift of comfort and support, at the same time as helping to spread the word. Crafted of 100% clay, each piece is hand squeezed by the artisan during the clay caning process for a unique handcrafted look and feel. 

Are Scripture Collection is as pink as it comes! Each Handheld Comforting Clay Cross comes complete with a gift box and a blank greeting card. Each greeting card is complete with a scripture verse on the cover providing an added touch to your gift!

A heart-warming inspirational gift! 

3. Pink Ribbon Whisper Bracelets

Not just a gift; these bracelets are a great way for anyone to show their support in raising awareness and funds for Breast Cancer!

Trendy, Thoughtful and Inspirational!

4. Comforting Faith Pillow

Give a Gift of Encouragement this October with our brand new faith pillows! These are perfect for the woman in your life struggling at this time with Breast Cancer.

Who wouldn't want a cozy pillow to hold while stuck in a hospital?

Also, a gift of comfort to a friend/family who has lost a loved one due to Breast Cancer.

"Holding this pillow close will bring you peace, comfort & joy throughout all of life's journeys."

All of the products listed above are available for purchase at http://www.calypsostudiosinc.com/Home/

We are so pleased to have been recognized by Giftware News regarding our donation to the Baton Rouge 2016 Flood!

Show your patriotic spirit with Calypso Studios this Memorial Day!

Can you believe that Memorial Day and the start of summer is almost here? Time flies! The next thing you know it'll be 4th of July!

So, to get you in the spirit of Memorial Day weekend and the following holidays, Calypso Studios has put together a patriotic collection. Show your pride for your country, and support the red, white and blue!

1. Patriotic Comforting Clay™ Crosses

Give the gift of comfort and support, and show your pride at the same time. Crafted of 100% clay, each piece is hand squeezed by the artisan during the clay caning process for a unique handcrafted look and feel. And the American flag inspired print will inspire true patriotism!

2. Patriotic Clay Jewelry

This American flag design will surely take your Memorial Day or 4th of July outfit to the next level. Wear all 3 pieces together or mix and match to give your outfit that extra boost of American pride.

3. Clay Heart Clip

Carry your love for your country with you wherever you go. This heart shaped, red, white and blue keychain can be clipped to your keys or purse to show your pride any time or anywhere.

4. Republican & Democratic Jewelry

It's hard to forget about the upcoming presidential election, so show your party's spirit with a gold bangle and silver necklace, each with the party's symbol! 

All of the products listed above are available for purchase at calypsostudiosinc.com or by phone at (866) 897-9648.

Mother's Day Giveaway

Mother's Day is a short 3 days away... time to treat Mom to the perfect gift! Haven't found one yet? Don't fret- we are hosting a Mother's Day Comforting Clay™ Cross Giveaway this year. 

All you have to do is head on over to our Facebook Page and click 'Like,' and share our Mother's Day post. Tomorrow (5/6), we will select 10 lucky winners to receive a comforting clay cross for their mom. 

What are you waiting for? Go 'like' our page and treat Mom to her favorite gift this year!

Graduation Gift Giving Guide

Whether your grad is a college or high school senior, make sure you let them know how proud you are of them with the right gift. To help you find the perfect gift, we have made a list of our top gift suggestions for your graduate.

1. Hand Held Comforting Cross Scripture 

For many, this next step in life can be a scary, yet exciting time, but let your graduate know just how much you care with our heartwarming scripture crosses. The hand held cross can be a simple reminder of comfort and faith in trying times. Not only is this cross made to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, but it also comes with a scripture card featuring a verse of encouragement. Perfect for those grads that need a little pick-me-up during finals or when they are feeling homesick.

2. Team Baublette Necklaces & Slink-Let Bracelets

Make sure your grad has all the right school spirit essentials. Our team fashion jewelry is a perfect accessory for those college game days! Our Baublette Necklaces and Slink-Let Bracelets come in a wide variety of colors, so you're sure to find your graduate's school.

3. Boho Chic Artist Tote

This artist tote will especially come in handy for those high school graduates. With its large size and cute pattern, this bag will be perfect for lugging books and a laptop from one end of campus to the other. It's a fashionable step-up from those boring backpacks. 

4. Quatrefoil Laptop Cover

Make sure your grad's laptop stays in flawless condition with our quatrefoil laptop cover. With these covers, your laptop will stay safe from those late night coffee spills, but still look cute at the same time. 

5. I.D. Holder

This I.D. Holder will come in handy for those busy, soon-to-be college freshman. Perfect for student I.D.'s, and also comes with a clip, so you never lose your room keys.

Our Top Picks for Mother's Day Gifts

 Still looking for that perfect Mother's Day Gift? We made it easy for you and picked out the top 5 gifts that Mom will love.

1. Baublette Necklace

Whether she wants to glam it up for date night or accessorize her favorite office outfit, we've got Mom covered. This dazzling statement necklace is the perfect gift to wow the fashion-forward mom. 

Also comes in light blue, cream, and in select team spirit colors.

2. Persimmon Wristlet

We know that Mom is super busy and we want to help her stay organized while she does it all. Fashion meets function with this subtle tie dye wristlet... It features an extra interior zipper pocket to keep all of Mom's essentials organized, from keys and chapstick to her favorite peppermint bubble gum. 

Also comes in black and indigo tie dye.

3. Teal Hand Held Comforting Clay Cross- Scripture Collection

What better day to give mom a gift of encouragement than Mother's Day? This hand held cross is hand crafted with milefori clay and squeezed to perfectly fit in the palm of your hand. Each cross comes with a card in the box and features a verse of encouragement on the front. She'll appreciate the thought and sentiment in this gift!

Featured: "I can do all things though Christ that gives me strength." Phil. 4: 13 Also available: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" James 1:17 (purple), "And now these 3 remain: faith, hope, & love, but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13 (pink) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 (blue/yellow).

4. Light Blue Quatrefoil Tote

Perfect for the on-the-go mom, this large tote will carry everything she needs for the day.This tote measures 13" H x 17" W and features an interior and exterior zipper pocket for stashing her phone or wallet. Gift expert tip: These bags look great monogrammed!

Also comes in light gray and marsala.

5. Black/Gray Silver Art Stone Bangle

Calling all hip moms: check out these stackable bangles! These chic bangles made with real Agate Stones will have mom feeling super chic. To give her the complete look, take a look at all 6 of our available colors.

Also comes in burgundy, tan, purple, gray, marsala, and garnet/jade.

You can take a closer look at our top picks here. Don't miss out - these items are only on sale until the end of this week!

Trend of the Week: The New Tie Dye

Tie dye prints aren't just for reminiscing on the 1970's... we are bringing back tie dye style in a chic new way for spring. 

Persimmon Sling #1927C

We were inspired by the art of Shibori tie dye methods and the updated tie dye prints incorporated into the Spring 2016 Fashion Week runway shows last year. These subdued tie dye prints are a simple way to bring a unique new staple accessory to your wardrobe this spring.

Indigo Tote #1912C

You can rock these bags in 3 different colors - persimmon, indigo, and black. We love how Margaret (pictured above) paired our Indigo Tie Dye tote with our blue Baublette Necklace. 

Black Wristlet #1922C

Versatility meets style with 3 new bag shapes and 3 exclusive prints found only in our Tie Dye Collection. We especially love the functionality of our new wristlet design (pictured above). Perfect for a girl on the go, this wristlet features 2 compartments for all of your daily necessities and an extra interior zipper pocket for additional storage. We can't wait to take this one on out our next night out on the town!

Head on over to Calypso Studios to view the rest of our collection! 

Calypso at the Trade Shows

Trade show season is in full swing and we have seen great success with our new Spring 2016 products! If you didn't get a chance to stop by our booths at any of the trade shows so far, here are some of the highlights. 

Atlanta Gift Show, January 2016

Myrtle Beach Gift Show, December 2015

Surf Expo, January 2016

Dallas Gift Show, January 2016

Philadelphia Gift Show, January 2016

Don't miss us at the rest of our trade shows this spring!

Minneapolis Gift Show - Minneapolis Gift Mart, Priorities 2 Showroom, Suite G #417

January 29th - January 31st 

Chicago Windy City Gift Show - MarketXChange Showroom, Excelsior Suite 180

 January 30th - February 2nd

Rocky Mountain Gift Show - Denver Merchandise Mart, Salesmark, Suite G #417

February 26-29

Minneapolis Gift Show - Minneapolis Gift Mart, Priorities 2 Showroom, Suite G #417

March 10th-15th

Columbus Gift Show - Columbus MarketPlace Suite 507/508 Gr8 Reps

March 18th-22nd

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market - Dallas Market Center, Diverse Marketing, WTC Suite 439

March 30th-April 2nd