Calypso Studios (Updated With Giveaway)

May 14, 2009 by Caryn 

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is CandG~Jill W.  Congrats!

calypsologo130h

I started thinking about all the changes I’ve made over the last year or so to help make our home safer and preserve the environment my son is growing up in .  I’ve eliminated toxic cleaners from our home, started shopping for local, organically grown foods, ditched the water bottle habit, purchased Energy Star appliances for our home, started using a programmable thermostat, eliminated plastics with BPA, and started bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store.  Whenever I engage in discussion with people about “going green,” two issues usually arise.  Many people think that purchasing eco-friendly products is more expensive (which at times may be true) and that “going green” means giving up style, fashion, and beauty in exchange for a “crunchy” way of life.

Did you know that plastic bags are very harmful to the earth?  Check out these facts (via Calypso Studios):

*    Each year, an estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide


*    According to the EPA, over 380 billion bags are used in the USA every year, which is more than 1200 per resident and it takes about 12 million barrels of oil to make this many bags.

*    Over 46,000 pieces of plastic are floating in our oceans worldwide

*    Each reusable bag you use has the potential to eliminate an average of 1000 bags over its lifetime.

calypsostudios

I recently had an opportunity to review a S.H.O.P (Start Helping Our Planet) tote and a pair of earrings from Calypso Studios.  Once you take a look at their gorgeous array of totes and jewelry, you’ll WANT to go green!  Here is a little more information about the company:

Calypso Studios debuted in January 2007 with a line of jewelry and accessories created from the earth’s natural elements: clay, shell and glass. The new line was immediately embraced and praised for the unique designs and mediums. The designs are on-trend and span the ages in both technique and the persons choosing these distinctive and exclusive designs.

The S.H.O.P. totes come in sets of three with fun Island colors, prints, and themes, and the set retails for $20.00 The company collaborated with American artists, such as Lori Siebert, Emma Hand,  Robin Roderick, Tina Higgins, and Andrea Tachiera to provide beautiful art on the totes.

Each tote can carry 20 pounds, which was impressive since they’re so light!  Americans throw away 100 billion bags every year and they end up in our landfills and oceans.  Some companies (i.e. Whole Foods) have eliminated all plastic bags from their stores and give you a small compensation for bringing in your own reusable bag.  There are tons of reusable bags available, but I’ve yet to see one as cute and stylish as those offered at Calypso Studios.  They store compactly (2″ x 3″ to be exact) thanks to the carrying case.  The bags are made of polyester but that is the only information I have regarding the materials used in the making of the bags. I’d love to know how they’re dyed and whether they’re recyclable.

dscn0742

I also received a pair of stunning Black Vineyard Earrings and they retail for $6.00! They are one inch long and consist of glass and iridescent beads suspended on twisted wire. They’re very stylish and look to be hand-crafted (but made well).

If you’re looking for affordable, fashionable accessories, be sure to check out Calypso Studios. The company donates a percentage of sales towards environmental organizations that help with causes of keeping landfills and waterways free of plastic and paper bags.

*Update* I have been conversing with one of the representatives of the company and she was kind enough to provide more information about the company.  If you remember, one of my questions was whether or not the bags were recyclable and what materials the bags are made of.  Here is what she had to say:

We use a lot of recycled glass & lead free materials.

Our SHOP Totes are polyester.

They (the bags) are recyclable in the sense that you are not using paper and plastic bags.

The bags are not dyed.  Rather, an art plate is used to make the bags.

Overall, I’m content with the response I received from the company.  I know there are many companies who claim to be eco-friendly and I want to ensure that the companies I share with you have evidence to support those claims!

Win It! Calypso Studios has been kind enough to offer one of you a S.H.O.P. tote. Just head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite!  Comments will close on May 29, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

summerevent

Add the “Spring In For Summer Fun” banner to your sidebar and leave me a comment (be sure to visit the main party post for more details on extra entries)

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Place my button on your site. If you have difficulty, please let me know.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Profuse thanks to Calypso Studios and Mom Fuse for this review opportunity!

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Comments

159 Responses to “Calypso Studios (Updated With Giveaway)”

    1 susan on May 14th, 2009 9:13 pm

    I love the S.H.O.P totes. I think they have great designs and are a stylish alternative to reuseable bags!

    2 susan on May 14th, 2009 9:14 pm

    I follow on twitter and tweeted. http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/1802795891

    3 susan on May 14th, 2009 9:15 pm

    I subscribe.

    4 susan on May 14th, 2009 9:18 pm

    I clicked on the stumble button (susanlanai).

    5 Tisa on May 15th, 2009 6:42 am

    My favorite is the Safari bags! ~ :) Thanks!

    6 Lauren S on May 15th, 2009 8:31 am

    I just adore the “Breeze” collection of S.H.O.P Totes!

    7 Lauren S on May 15th, 2009 8:32 am

    I subscribe!

    8 Terra Heck on May 15th, 2009 8:40 am

    My favorite is “Safari” by Robin Roderick.

    9 Terra Heck on May 15th, 2009 8:40 am

    I’m an e-mail subscriber.

    10 CMC on May 15th, 2009 9:58 am

    These totes are great! Who says you can’t be green AND stylish?

    11 CMC on May 15th, 2009 9:58 am

    I’m a subscriber!

    12 CMC on May 15th, 2009 9:59 am

    Forgot to add that I love the Safari themed bags!

    13 Andrea v on May 15th, 2009 10:01 am

    I like coastal collage, these bags are great. thanks

    14 Andrea v on May 15th, 2009 10:02 am

    email subscriber

    15 Carol on May 15th, 2009 10:13 am

    I like the Breeze bags. Just so you know, I got a virus warning when I went to their site.

    16 Carol on May 15th, 2009 10:14 am

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/1808024374 and I follow you on twitter cdziuba

    17 Carol on May 15th, 2009 10:14 am

    subscriber

    18 Carol on May 15th, 2009 10:15 am

    Standard Button ceeceeblogger.blogspot.com

    19 Carol on May 15th, 2009 10:15 am

    Spring in for Summer button ceeceeblogger.blogspot.com

    20 Jennifer M on May 15th, 2009 10:40 am

    My favorite pattern of the SHOP totes is the “Acts Of Kindness” set!

    21 Jennifer M on May 15th, 2009 10:41 am

    I subscribe via email

    22 Katherine on May 15th, 2009 5:48 pm

    I like the Safari” by Robin Roderick shoptotes!

    23 Katherine on May 15th, 2009 5:49 pm

    Follow and tweet! http://twitter.com/ktkatherine/status/1812045241

    24 Katherine on May 15th, 2009 5:50 pm

    I subscribe via email!

    25 sito on May 15th, 2009 6:45 pm

    I like the “Coastal Collage” by Andrea Tachiera design, but they’re all very pretty.

    26 sito on May 15th, 2009 6:46 pm

    Twitter follower & tweeted – http://twitter.com/sito50/status/1812498869

    27 sito on May 15th, 2009 6:47 pm

    I’m an e-mail subscriber.

    28 sito on May 15th, 2009 6:50 pm

    Got your button – http://sitosfunstuff.blogspot.com/

    29 Denise on May 15th, 2009 6:56 pm

    I like the Breeze by Tina Higgins set.

    30 Denise on May 15th, 2009 6:57 pm

    I subscribe

    31 randio on May 16th, 2009 6:06 am

    I like the Acts of Kindness Totes, Thanks!

    32 susan varney on May 16th, 2009 7:23 am

    safari is beautiful mverno@roadrunner.com

    33 SANDY on May 16th, 2009 8:02 am

    like the safari collection- fun and different

    34 SANDY on May 16th, 2009 8:02 am

    subscriber

    35 Abby on May 16th, 2009 9:06 am

    I LOVE the animal print bags !

    36 Patrice S on May 16th, 2009 9:52 am

    Nice tote

    37 Mary DeBorde on May 16th, 2009 10:44 am

    I think it is so great that more and more companies are popping up with eco-friendly products – we recently saw a documentary with the STATE sized islands of PLASTIC TRASH (bags, bleach bottles, condums, you name it) littering the beautiful oceans and it just made my family so ashamed and sickened.
    Anyway, my favorite totes are the TREND collection by robin Roderick!! These are so retro-stylish :)

    38 Marina on May 16th, 2009 1:36 pm

    My favorite is the safari. I love it.

    39 Alison Luby on May 16th, 2009 1:59 pm

    I can’t pick just one! My two favourites are:
    “Retro Fruit” by Emma Hand
    and “Trend” by Robin Roderick

    40 alma gros on May 16th, 2009 3:02 pm

    i like the safari s.h.o.p. totes. very colorful and the right size.

    41 Pat on May 16th, 2009 7:43 pm

    All the bags are as attractive as they are functional but I liked the “Retro Fruit” most of all. Thank you for the
    contest.

    42 Jaque on May 16th, 2009 8:05 pm

    There are several totes that caught my eye, but if I had to choose only one it would most likely be “Sealife” by Andrea Tachiera.

    Thank you. :-)

    43 deepikaur on May 16th, 2009 8:31 pm

    Definitely digging the “trend” bags!

    44 Danielle on May 16th, 2009 9:17 pm

    I love the “Breeze” by Tina Higgins S.H.O.P. Totes!

    45 Danielle on May 16th, 2009 9:18 pm

    I am a subscriber!

    46 Carol Lawrence on May 17th, 2009 3:29 am

    I want the GROCERY series S.H.O.P. Totes.

    47 Carol Lawrence on May 17th, 2009 3:29 am

    E-mail subscriber. jelly15301@gmail.com

    48 Pamela S on May 17th, 2009 8:30 am

    I like the “Sweet Life” tote. Thanks.

    49 Bonnie S on May 17th, 2009 4:17 pm

    My favorite is “Breeze” by Tina Higgins. Thanks.

    50 Bonnie Schmeck on May 17th, 2009 4:20 pm

    I’m a subscriber. Thanks.

    51 kathy on May 18th, 2009 12:50 am

    i like breeze

    52 brandlyn on May 18th, 2009 10:26 am

    I love the safari bags. Great Giveaway!

    53 McClure family space on May 18th, 2009 9:33 pm

    i like the retro fruit and sarari!

    54 McClure family space on May 18th, 2009 9:33 pm

    button!
    mcclurefamilyspace dot blogspot dot com

    55 McClure family space on May 18th, 2009 9:33 pm

    summer button!
    mcclurefamilyspace dot blogspot dot com

    56 McClure family space on May 18th, 2009 9:34 pm

    i subscribe!

    57 Monique Rizzo on May 19th, 2009 10:50 am

    My fave is the safari. Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

    58 beth shepherd on May 19th, 2009 6:55 pm

    Thank you for a great giveaway. I like the breeze. thank you
    tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

    59 carolyn on May 20th, 2009 6:37 am

    I love the safari tote, that is so cool. Thanks for offering this giveaway.

    60 carolyn on May 20th, 2009 6:37 am

    I subscribe

    61 carolyn on May 20th, 2009 6:37 am

    I follow on google

    62 contests 5-20-09 « no time mommy on May 20th, 2009 9:17 am

    [...] rockin mama-s.h.o.p. tote from cylypso studios/5/29/09 [...]

    63 Vicky Boackle on May 20th, 2009 7:14 pm

    i like the safari.

    64 Bobby on May 21st, 2009 9:56 am

    Acts of Kindness is my favorite.

    65 Bobby on May 21st, 2009 9:57 am

    Subscriber.

    66 Bobby on May 21st, 2009 10:09 am

    Follow and Tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/whammo52/status/1872989059

    67 Bobby on May 21st, 2009 10:16 am

    Submitted to Digg: whammo52

    http://digg.com/environment/Win_a_Calypso_Studios_S_H_O_P_tote_at_Rockin_Mama_s

    68 Bobby on May 21st, 2009 10:17 am

    Stumbled: whammo52

    69 Bobby on May 21st, 2009 10:18 am

    Faved: whammo52

    70 Naddez on May 21st, 2009 2:15 pm

    I like the Breeze bags.

    71 Naddez on May 21st, 2009 2:17 pm

    Follow on Twitter & tweeted @ http://twitter.com/Naddez

    72 Naddez on May 21st, 2009 2:18 pm

    Email Subscriber.

    73 Naddez on May 21st, 2009 2:18 pm

    Added button to my blog @ http://naddezsgoodycorner.blogspot.com

    74 Naddez on May 21st, 2009 2:21 pm

    Fave this blog on Technorati- Naddez.

    75 Marilyn on May 21st, 2009 6:17 pm

    I love Flower Power!

    76 Marilyn on May 21st, 2009 6:20 pm

    Follow & Tweeted

    http://twitter.com/corjong/status/1877457319

    77 Marilyn on May 21st, 2009 6:20 pm

    I’m a subscriber.

    78 Marilyn on May 21st, 2009 6:24 pm

    I Dugg.

    corjong

    79 Marilyn on May 21st, 2009 6:24 pm

    I Stumbled.

    corjong

    80 Marilyn on May 21st, 2009 6:25 pm

    I Faved.

    corjong

    81 Marianna on May 21st, 2009 7:57 pm

    I like the Grocery series

    82 CandG~Jill W on May 21st, 2009 9:04 pm

    Love Cabana, thanks!

    83 CandG~Jill W on May 21st, 2009 9:04 pm

    The Spring in for Summer Fun button is on my sidebar, thanks

    84 CandG~Jill W on May 21st, 2009 9:05 pm

    Your button is on my sidebar, thanks!

    85 CandG~Jill W on May 21st, 2009 9:06 pm

    I follow you on twitter-I’m idahojill-and I tweeted, thanks http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/1878975590

    86 Martha H. on May 22nd, 2009 6:10 am

    I like the Breeze bags.

    87 Rob on May 22nd, 2009 11:30 am

    Breeze is my favorite.

    88 Rob on May 22nd, 2009 11:34 am

    Follow/Tweeted:

    http://twitter.com/winrobg/status/1885312916

    89 Rob on May 22nd, 2009 11:35 am

    Subscriber.

    90 Rob on May 22nd, 2009 11:35 am

    Digg: winrobg

    91 Rob on May 22nd, 2009 11:36 am

    Stumble: winrobg

    92 Rob on May 22nd, 2009 11:36 am

    Fave: winrobg

    93 Sarah Z on May 22nd, 2009 6:59 pm

    I like Flower Power!
    Thanks

    94 jan koontz on May 23rd, 2009 7:25 am

    i could sure use a new tote!

    95 Laura on May 23rd, 2009 8:19 am

    My favorite SHOP tote is the “Cabana” by Tina Higgins. I also love the Red Vineyard Necklace. Thank you for the opportunity.

    96 Laura on May 23rd, 2009 8:19 am

    I subscribe via Google Reader. Thanks again.

    97 patricia on May 23rd, 2009 10:53 am

    I like Trends by Robin Roderick.

    98 Around the Blogosphere - Week 85 on May 23rd, 2009 9:01 pm

    [...] Rockin’ Mama S.H.O.P. Tote from Calypso Studios (5/29 US Only) [...]

    99 Alice on May 24th, 2009 2:25 pm

    I like the Safari Totes. They look so fun.

    100 Betty N on May 25th, 2009 6:03 am

    They have the best designs for the bags that I have seen. I would probably choose the Coastal selection. I live in Florida and this would be a good choice for here!

    101 Betty N on May 25th, 2009 6:04 am

    I am subscribed by email

    102 Betty N on May 25th, 2009 6:06 am

    I Digg you…you are now up to four diggs on this giveaway

    103 Betty N on May 25th, 2009 6:41 am

    Faved on Technorati
    http://technorati.com/faves/Grandmaabc/tag/giveaways?show=blogs

    104 Betty N on May 25th, 2009 6:54 am

    I stumbled
    http://grandmaabc.stumbleupon.com/

    105 renee on May 25th, 2009 6:45 pm

    Retro Fruit is my favorite design.

    106 Pat on May 26th, 2009 11:06 am

    My favorite is the “Acts Of Kindness” – Be Kind to the Ocean.

    107 Susan Ledet on May 26th, 2009 8:29 pm

    They have many nice items. I like the pretty Palmetto Moon Bracelet.
    Thanks for the nice giveaway.

    108 Susan Ledet on May 26th, 2009 8:30 pm

    I subscribe.

    109 AJacobsen on May 26th, 2009 9:10 pm

    I love the “Breeze” and “Trend” designs!

    110 AJacobsen on May 26th, 2009 9:15 pm

    Button on right sidebar!

    111 AJacobsen on May 26th, 2009 9:15 pm

    Spring button on left sidebar!

    112 AJacobsen on May 26th, 2009 9:16 pm

    Subscriber!

    113 Christine on May 27th, 2009 9:32 am

    I love the Trend SHOP totes…adorable and so functional! Thanks

    114 Christine on May 27th, 2009 9:32 am

    I am a subscriber. Thanks!

    115 Sue on May 27th, 2009 10:02 am

    Flower Power are my favorite. Thanks for sharing~

    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

    116 Kristy on May 27th, 2009 12:38 pm

    My fave is Cabana

    117 Kristy on May 27th, 2009 12:38 pm

    Subscriber!

    118 wendy wallach on May 27th, 2009 8:39 pm

    Black Zebra Animal Tote is the one that I like.

    madamerkf at aol dot com

    119 Erma on May 28th, 2009 4:28 am

    I would love the chance to win, thanks.

    120 Melanie on May 28th, 2009 8:58 am

    I would love the Retro Fruit bags!

    121 Laura G on May 28th, 2009 12:16 pm

    I like the “Breeze” collection

    122 katie on May 28th, 2009 12:31 pm

    I like the Safari set–the giraffe print is so cute!

    123 katie on May 28th, 2009 12:32 pm

    I subscribe via Google Reader!

    124 Cassy on May 28th, 2009 1:05 pm

    Green/Pink Fleur-de-Lis Large Tote

    wombatspurple at yahoo dot com

    125 Cassy on May 28th, 2009 1:06 pm

    Subscriber!

    126 Tammy Kennedy on May 28th, 2009 4:02 pm

    I like the “Sealife” by Andrea Tachiera

    Thank you

    camper223[at]live[dot]com

    127 Tammy Kennedy on May 28th, 2009 4:04 pm

    I’m a twitter follower
    I twitted this contest
    camper223

    http://twitter.com/camper223/status/1952968698

    Thank you

    camper223[at]live[dot]com

    128 Tammy Kennedy on May 28th, 2009 4:04 pm

    I’m a subscriber

    Thank you

    camper223[at]live[dot]com

    129 Hesper F on May 28th, 2009 6:06 pm

    I like the “Safari” collection!

    130 Joanne Schultz on May 28th, 2009 8:01 pm

    “Breeze” by Tina Higgins is pretty!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    131 dianad on May 29th, 2009 5:50 am

    Farmington Glitz Bracelet was very pretty. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

    132 Cathy B on May 29th, 2009 6:14 am

    I am form sunny south Florida and love gthe ACTS OF KINDNESS totes!

    cathy b
    project hop e7 at gmail dot com

    133 Cathy B on May 29th, 2009 6:15 am

    I have your Summer Events button on my sidebar!
    cathy b
    proejct hop e7 at gmail dot com

    134 Cathy B on May 29th, 2009 6:16 am

    I subscribe via email!

    cathy b
    project hop e7 at gmail dot com

    135 Ann on May 29th, 2009 12:14 pm

    I like the Retro Fruit totes!

    136 Ann on May 29th, 2009 12:15 pm

    I have your button

    137 Ann on May 29th, 2009 12:16 pm

    I have your Summer Fun button

    138 Ann on May 29th, 2009 12:18 pm

    I dugg it (quelleheure4)

    139 Ann on May 29th, 2009 12:20 pm

    Stumbled (quelleheure4)

    140 Travis on May 29th, 2009 2:23 pm

    The Retro Fruit is my favorite.

    141 Maja on May 29th, 2009 4:27 pm

    retro fruit totes

    142 kathy pease on May 29th, 2009 4:47 pm

    i love the “Coastal Collage” by Andrea Tachiera

    143 kathy pease on May 29th, 2009 4:48 pm

    subscriber

    144 Aisling on May 29th, 2009 6:46 pm

    These bags are great looking! My favorite is the “Acts Of Kindness” set by Emma Hand.

    145 Randy Bailey on May 29th, 2009 7:57 pm

    Coastal Collage

    146 Annmarie W. on May 29th, 2009 8:24 pm

    I love, love, love the Multi Coco Loco necklace and bracelet!

    147 Helen on May 29th, 2009 9:06 pm

    My favorite is “Breeze” by Tina Higgins.

    148 sarah woods on May 29th, 2009 9:28 pm

    I’m 141 in the entry process; love the Calypso bag With SHOP logo; many thanks Hoepfully last but not least for the designer savy bag!!!!!

    149 Marcy Strahan on May 29th, 2009 9:31 pm

    I love the “Safari” set!

    150 Marcy Strahan on May 29th, 2009 9:31 pm

    I subscribe!

    151 Gianna on May 29th, 2009 9:47 pm

    I love the “Breeze” by Tina Higgins :)

    152 Janet on May 29th, 2009 10:14 pm

    I heart the “Safari” collection!

    153 Donna K on May 29th, 2009 10:26 pm

    I like the ‘Coastal Collage” by Andrea Tachiera

    154 Donna K on May 29th, 2009 10:27 pm

    Put the the “Spring In For Summer Fun” button on my blog.

    155 Donna K on May 29th, 2009 10:27 pm

    subscriber

    156 Donna Kozar on May 29th, 2009 10:28 pm

    Put your button on my blog.

    157 Lily Kwan on May 29th, 2009 11:14 pm

    I love the Retro Fruit tote!

    158 Lily Kwan on May 29th, 2009 11:15 pm

    I subscribed to your email feed.

    159 martha on June 4th, 2009 9:01 am

    the act of kindness bags are cute. love them.mavans@scottsboro.org

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