4 new Fused Glass Workshops at Chirpy this Autumn

Fancy getting creative with Fused Glass this Autumn?

Run by Cherry Tree Glass, an experienced glass fuser, our Fused Glass Workshops have proved really popular and we’re delighted to welcome back Claire with 4 autumnal creative workshops.

Perfect for beginners, or if you’ve been to one of her workshops before then why not join us again to creative something new.

1. Fused Glass Autumn Picture

Thursday 17th September 7-8:30pm Book here

In this workshop you creative your very own autumn themed picture using colourful glass pieces which will be mounted on a wooden stand.

2. Fused Glass Trick or Treat Pumpkin

Thursday 15th October 7-8:30pm Book Here

Join us for a bit of Halloween fun to create your own fused glass gothic or autumnal hanging pumpkin.

3. Fused Glass Winter Fireplace

Thursday 12th November 7-8:30pm Book Here

Create your own winter tea light holder with a fireside scene, glowing from the flickering tea light.

4.Fused Glass Christmas Wreath

Thursday 19th November 7-8:30pm Book Here

Make a unique Christmas Wreath adorned with everything seaosnal and ready to hang as a festive decoration.

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for 12 months, the perfect gift for someone crafty.

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

Focus on ... Not Today Tuesday

This week’s ’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, ‘Not Today Tuesday’. Her beautifully illustrative cards are already proving really popular in Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Holly to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m Holly, the founder of Not Today Tuesday — an illustrated stationery brand creating greeting cards and notebooks inspired by hand-drawn florals, joyful colour palettes and uplifting detail.

Thoughtfully designed using eco-conscious materials, each collection celebrates the simple rituals of writing, gifting and meaningful connection. I love creating pieces that feel both beautiful and personal — little moments of joy to send, keep and treasure.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Illustration has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — from designing Christmas cards to doodling in notebooks and decorating school textbooks.

After spending over ten years in the corporate world, in 2024 I decided to step away and return to what truly made me happy: creating.

Not Today Tuesday was born from that leap, inspired by a phrase my daughter says when trying something new — a reminder to keep going, even when things feel uncertain.

Biggest business achievement to date?

One of my biggest achievements has been seeing my artwork licensed across multiple brands and product lines in both Europe and the US. It’s incredibly special knowing that something I created in my studio can end up travelling so far and finding its way into shops and people’s homes around the world.

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

My designs are always rooted in hand-drawn florals, joyful colour palettes and uplifting details, and that seems to really resonate with customers. I think people are naturally drawn to cards that feel both beautiful and meaningful.

My newer baby collection has been especially popular, which has been so lovely to see. I’ve noticed that people really connect with cards that have a sentimental message and create a lovely feeling when they’re received.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think receiving a card still feels incredibly special because someone has taken the time to choose it, write it and send it just for you. In a world where so much communication is instant and digital, a handwritten card feels much more personal and meaningful. It’s something people often keep, display or tuck away to look back on years later. A small gesture that can make someone feel really loved, celebrated or remembered.

Best thing about running your own business?

The best thing about running my own business is being able to shape my own path creatively and professionally. I love having the freedom to build something that reflects my style and values, and there’s a real sense of pride in knowing that every milestone has come from my own ideas, hard work and determination. It’s definitely challenging at times, but incredibly rewarding to be in control of where the journey goes.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Start before you feel completely ready. It’s so easy to wait for the perfect timing, perfect plan or perfect confidence, but so much of learning comes from simply beginning.

I’d also say don’t underestimate the value of staying true to your own style and voice. The things that make your work different are usually the things people connect with most. Building a business takes time, patience and resilience, but if you genuinely love what you do, that passion really does shine through.

Pop into Chirpy to see our range of Holly’s cards.

Check out Not Today Tuesday’s instagram to see what she’s up to

Chapel Allerton Indies : Cinnammmm

Here’s a little interview we did with Mina from Cinnammmm to find out a little bit about her and her business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

Hello, I’m Mina. Owner and founder of Cinnammmm. Its mainly just me that runs the business from all angle, ops and behind the scenes. But I am very lucky to have a massive support network of family and friends with helping hands as I need.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I started in july  2020 during lockdown whilst on furlough as I worked for an events company and everything had come to a halt. I was baking away filling my time finding things to do to fill my time. I always wanted some sort of food business, and so this was perfectly timed by the universe to let me have a go. I wanted something niche to set me apart from all the other bakers doing cookie and brownies at the time.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Lol, a normal day? Well everyday is different.
As I mentioned I started in July 2020, and Dec 2020 I also took on a full time remote based events role and have been managing both my full time day job Mon to Fri alongside running cinnammmm for 5 years from my home based kitchen, doing weekend pop ups, markets and food festivals with supplying upto 12 local coffee shops through out the week too.

Fast forward to Dec 2025 and I’ve made it to Chapel Allerton with my first brick and mortor shop front. I now work remotely from the shop mid week, plus the shop on a weekend. A typical day involves 4am starts, fresh bakes and shop set up. Log on to laptop for day job for 9am.  Switch between the coffee machine and bakery counter, to pot washing, sweeping and doing instagram posts to then hopping back to my lap top answering emails and processing bookings for my job. Start to close down the shop and tidy up around 430pm, finish off day job and log off laptop 5pm, finish shop close down and usually out around 530pm if I’m lucky then restart again.

Biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement to date for Cinnammmm in all honesty was the guts to just start and try it. Its been progress ever since. Yes there are low and very low days with voices and doubts in my head often of what am I doing. Then I stop to pause and think right back to the beginning and the hardest scariest thing was just starting in the first place and that’s what I am most proud of because to anyone that starts any business it takes guts and courage to actually do it not just say it or write it down but actually walk the walk and try!
And it don’t stop there, everyday is a an achievement, the resillience of trying the next steps not knowing how it will be recieved or if it will work!

Favourite product you sell / make

I offer a selection of bakes, mainly american style ie whoopie pies, snickerdoodles and pecan pie, but our speciality and niche is american style cinnamon bons with our signature special homemade caramel and pecan.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing about running my business is the people I get to meet along the way and building relationships and friendships along the way from fellow small business owners to customers too.

Worst thing is not always having/knowing what to do but having an opportunity to ask others and try anway.

Favourite time of year in the business?

It’s my first year in the shop so not sure yet...but from previous years I love the summer months of food festivals and then winter festive markets too. It’s just a vibe and people are in a positive state of happiness.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

Ooo I’d love to have a go at Tasha's place, flavour like fancy! It just shouts out FUN all over! The colours, the products and variety and the spectrum of customers in there...oh and also Armardillo, that is just dreamy to have a play day in there!

Plans for the future?

Not sure on the year ahead, just settling in and living in the present for now!

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Times are tough right now all round, we get it. Supporting your local indies is about supporting one and other and our communities all round. It’s taking chances and trusting one and another, the multinationals are always looking at ways to take short cuts and short change us, they will replace us with tech. Keeping small businesses alive keeps connections alive, teaches younger generations the importance of communitiy and supporting as well as keeping skills and artisan maker and dreamers alive

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that customers might not know

I’m a super busy bee, I juggle lots and find it hard to sit still. I’ve been an active girlguide voluteer for over 10 years another great way to support our local young people through many experiences and adventures, plus it keeps me living my youth.

Where can we find you?

Find us the top side of Chapel Allerton, 186 Harrogate Road open weds to mon

Find us on social @cinnammmm

Chapel Allerton Indies : George & Joseph Cheesemongers

Here’s a little interview we did with Stephen from George & Joseph to find out a little bit about him and his business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business, including team members

We’re George & Joseph Cheesemongers, a multi-award winning independent cheese shop in the heart of Chapel Allerton. We specialise in proper artisan cheese, with a big focus on British and Irish makers, alongside a carefully chosen selection of crackers, chutneys, wines and all the lovely bits that make a cheeseboard sing.

We opened our first shop in Chapel Allerton in 2013, then moved round the corner to our current home on Harrogate Road in 2017. Since then we’ve cut, wrapped, tasted, posted, delivered and chatted our way through more cheese than is probably sensible.

Our team is made up of enthusiastic cheesemongers who genuinely love helping people find cheeses they’ll enjoy — whether that’s a safe bet for a Friday night, something show-stopping for a dinner party, or a full cheese tower for a wedding.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

It started, as many good things do, with a love of cheese and a slightly reckless idea.

Before G&J, I’d spent years in a very different career, but cheese kept calling. I first got properly hooked through Homage2Fromage, the cheese tasting club in Leeds, and then started selling cheese at local markets and events. One of our first outings was at the CARA Easter Eggstravaganza in a Co-op car park in Chapel Allerton — very glamorous, obviously.

After a stint at farmers’ markets and Leeds Kirkgate Market, we opened the first George & Joseph shop on Regent Street in 2013. At first, the shop was open four days a week while I juggled freelance IT work on the side. By 2017, we’d moved to our bigger shop on Harrogate Road and gone full-time into cheese. No regrets — apart from maybe the occasional Christmas cheese queue-induced panic.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There’s no such thing as a completely normal day in a cheese shop, which is part of the fun.

A typical day might involve receiving cheeses from makers, checking ripeness, cutting and wrapping cheese for the counter, helping customers choose something delicious, making up online orders, planning events, putting together wedding cheese cakes, chatting about pairings, and answering excellent questions like “what cheese should I serve with this wine?” or “how much cheese is too much cheese?” — to which the answer is usually “steady on, but probably more than you think.”

We also spend a lot of time caring for the cheese. Cheese is alive, so it needs looking after properly — turning, wrapping, checking and tasting. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it.

Biggest achievement to date?

Still being here after more than a decade feels like a pretty big achievement. We’ve had power cuts, floods, pandemics and everything else thrown at us, but we’re still proudly serving Chapel Allerton with brilliant cheese.

We’ve also been lucky enough to pick up some lovely awards along the way, including Best Cheese Retailer in 2018, Best Retailer at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards (twice), and People’s Choice at the Affineur of the Year competition.

But honestly, the biggest achievement is probably the community we’ve built. Seeing regular customers come back year after year, helping people discover new cheeses, hosting tastings, collaborating with other local businesses, and being part of Chapel Allerton’s independent high street — that’s the stuff that really matters.

Favourite product you sell / make / deliver

That’s a bit like asking us to choose a favourite child — dangerous territory.

We’re especially proud of our cheese wedding cakes, because they’re such a joyful thing to create. We’ve made everything from tiny towers for intimate gatherings to huge displays for weddings with more than 250 guests. Sitting down with couples, feeding them cheese, and helping them build something that’ll wow their guests is a pretty lovely part of the job.

On the counter, our favourites change all the time depending on what’s tasting great. We’ve always got a soft spot for proper artisan cheddar, beautiful blues, seasonal specials and cheeses with a good story behind them.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing is the freedom to build something that feels genuinely ours — a shop with personality, purpose and a proper place in the community. We get to choose the cheeses, tell the stories, work with brilliant makers, and create experiences for customers that go beyond just buying a bit of food.

The worst thing? You’re never really switched off. There’s always something to think about — stock, staffing, events, Christmas, deliveries, fridges, tills, invoices, social media, and whether we’ve ordered enough Baron Bigod. Running an indie business is brilliant, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Favourite time of year in the business?

Christmas is absolute chaos, but it’s also magical. The shop is buzzing, the cheese counter is groaning, and everyone’s planning something delicious.

It’s hard work — very hard work — but there’s something special about helping people choose the cheeses that’ll sit at the centre of their Christmas table. We also love the run-up to Christmas with our cheese advent calendars, festive cheeseboards and customers popping in with their annual “right, what are we having this year?” faces on.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

There are so many brilliant indies in Chapel Allerton, it’s hard to pick one. I’d probably choose somewhere I could learn a new skill — maybe one of the cafés or bars, just to see Chapel Allerton life from the other side of the counter.

Though, knowing us, we’d end up sneaking cheese onto the menu by lunchtime.

Plans for 2026 / the future?

More cheese, more events, more collaborations and more reasons for people to fall in love with artisan cheese.

Our big mission is to inspire one million love affairs with cheese, so we want to keep finding new ways to make great cheese accessible, exciting and fun. That means more tastings, more online experiences, more brilliant British and Irish cheeses, and more support for the amazing makers doing things properly.

We also want to keep strengthening Chapel Allerton as a destination for independent shopping. There’s something really special about this area, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Because local businesses make places feel like places.

When you shop local, your money stays closer to home. You’re supporting real people, local jobs, independent suppliers, community events and high streets with character. You also get better advice, better stories and a more personal experience.

In our case, you’re not just buying cheese. You’re getting the knowledge of someone who has tasted it, cared for it, knows where it came from, and can tell you exactly what to do with it. Try getting that from a supermarket shelf.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that customers might not know

Cheese at breakfast was completely normal in my family when I was growing up. I didn’t realise this was unusual until I went to university and discovered that apparently not everyone starts the day with a bit of cheese.

Looking back, that probably explains quite a lot.

Where can we find you?

George & Joseph Cheesemongers
Chapel Allerton, Leeds
Harrogate Road

Opening hours: 09:00–17:00, Monday to Saturday

Website: georgeandjoseph.co.uk
Instagram: @georgeandjoseph
Facebook: George & Joseph Cheesemongers

4 Painting Workshops coming to Chirpy

Ever fancied having a go at painting?

Already dabble a bit but want a bit of guidance?

Would rather not get the paints out at home but fancy a go?

We’ve got four painting workshops coming up this year, all perfect for beginners or those who have a bit of experience and guided by our expert tutors.

So why not give it a go?

1. ‘Blooming Faces’ Painting Workshop

Thursday 11th June 7-9:30pm Book Here

Join Joyce from BuzemanArt to create your own piece of colourful art in this painting workshop. If you’ve ever been to one of Joyce’s workshops before you’ll know the fun we have building up colour creating individual masterpieces.

2. Mini Abstract Art Workshop

Thursday 1st October 7-9pm Book Here

Learn the process of creating abstract painting using acrylics and layering effects to create two mini abstracts from a larger piece.

3. ‘Smiley Mr Fox’ Workshop

Thursday 8th October 7pm-9:30pm Book Here

Join Joyce from BuzemanArt to create your own piece of art with this Smiley Mr Fox painting workshop

4. ‘Frost at Dusk’ Workshop

Thursday 26th November 7pm-9:30pm Book Here

Join Joyce from BuzemanArt to create your own piece of art with this Smiley Mr Fox painting workshop

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for 12 months, the perfect gift for someone crafty.

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

4 Creative Workshops at Chirpy this June

Before we have a rest for the summer, we’ve got 4 great workshops coming up in June

Perfect for beginners, all our workshops take place upstairs in our beautiful light filled space. Bring a friend or come on your own as we’re a friendly lot!

1. Creative Writing Taster Session

Tuesday 9th June 7-9pm Book here

Join local author for a relaxed, welcoming taster session exploring creative writing asa way to slow down, reflect and reconnect your creativity. This session is also an introduction to a new six-week creative writing course which starts in September.

2. ‘Blooming Faces’ Painting Workshop

Thursday 11th June 7-9:30pm Book Here

Join Joyce from BuzemanArt to create your own piece of colourful art in this painting workshop. If you’ve ver been to one of Joyce’s workshops before you’ll know the fun we have building up colour creating individual masterpieces.

3. Mindful Calligraphy

Friday 12th June 7-9pm Book Here

Join us for a relaxing and mindful workshop exploring the art of modern calligraphy

4. Ceramic Hare Workshop

Wednesday 24th June 10am-3:30pm Book Here

In the NEW one day workshop you’ll be guided by Richard from Twisted Earth Ceramics to create you own long eared hare sculpture, learning step by step some of the key skills needed.

Still not sure which workshop to book?

Then why not buy a Chirpy Workshop Voucher? Valid for 12 months, the perfect gift for someone crafty.

All our workshops are perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, and you’ll get 10% off in store during the workshop.

NEW Creative Writing Workshop at Chirpy

We’re delighted to launch our NEW Creative Writing six-week course, Well-Written, starting in September.

Working with local author, Jessica Austin, this is the perfect opportunity to offer our Chirpy customers an opportunity to explore their creativity, whether you’re completely new to writing or returning after time away.

Well-Written offers a supportive space to explore your creativity at your own pace. Blending mindful reflection with practical writing techniques, this six-week course will help you develop a sustainable writing practice while working towards a short story you feel proud of.

What you’ll gain

By the end of the course, you will:

• Have written and refined a complete short story

• Feel more confident expressing yourself through writing

• Develop tools and techniques to support your creativity

• Build a writing practice you can continue beyond the course

• Be part of a warm, supportive creative community

Sessions include guided exercises, discussion, and optional sharing. There is no pressure to share your work. Everything is invitational and supportive, with feedback focused on curiosity rather than critique.

You’ll also receive light between-session prompts to help you keep writing in your own time.

The six-week course runs on Tuesday September 8th / 15th / 22nd / 29th & October 6th & 13th

Sign up before 15th June for our EARLYBIRD offer of £108 for the six-week course

Or why not join us on Tuesday 9th June for a Taster session to introduce you to the course.

Limited tickets are only £5 which include a glass of fizz (plus tea, coffee or soft drink) and light snacks

Book Taster session HERE

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Welcoming Spring to Chirpy

How is it April already?

It seems a while since I wrote a quarterly blog, so thought it was time to reflect on the last 3 months as we seem to finally being jumping into Spring. 

I have to admit, January got off to a strange start, I definitely seemed to have left my Chirpy mojo in 2025. Not sure why, but I just didn’t seem to have much focus so had to embrace the season of ‘wintering’ and take it all very slowly while putting on a Chirpy smile in the shop. Despite me being a little overwhelmed by 2026, it got off to a good start in Chirpy, helped by a sale to clear some stock ready for a spring refresh with some great new stock arriving too, Lots of customers picked up some great bargains and January ended up being a good month.

I shook off my January blues in time for a busy February. I love supporting other local businesses and organisations and was delighted to welcome a new weekly networking group to Chirpy to help them get off the ground (just glad I didn’t need to be there for the 6:30am starts!) They’ve moved to a bigger venue now but was great to be part of their launch.

I went back to school in February, as part of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, presenting at a local primary school assembly  and working with children in year 2, for their Wellbeing Week. The children made postcards to give out into the local community and were inspired by the generous donations of cards from lots of my independent card suppliers.  Hopefully the next generation will be buying cards in the future to help keep the industry alive.

Our first workshop of the year took place in February, welcoming back Cherry Tree Glass with her ever popular Fused Glass Workshops. It was great to see creativity taking place again in our brilliant upstairs workshop space and we’re delighted at how this year’s workshop programme has been received, with lots of new workshops being added and lots of people booked onto them. Check out what we’ve got coming up HERE

Lot’s of you were spreading the Chirpy love for Valentine’s day this year with more cards being sold than ever. No sooner had the Valentine’s cards been put away (or the few we had left) then we stocked our shelves with Mother’s Day cards. Mother’s Day moves every year, linked to when Easter falls and usually dictates the month of March for sales. Falling early, as it did this year, meant we got off to a brilliant start to March, with mums in Chapel Allerton definitely being spoilt this year. I love the thought that so many mums opened a lovely card & gift from Chirpy with their breakfast in bed!

From the high of Mother’s day weekend to the low of the rest of March! Great time to catch up on a lot of admin when the shop is quiet including taking part in Retail Roar, an annual online conference with some inspiring guest speakers including Mary Portas. It’s great to get different perspectives from other people in retail.

To boost our online Sales we offered a little tiered discount (check out the banner at the top of our website) which we’ve extended until midnight Easter Monday so why not take advantage of it and shop & save HERE. We’re also taking PREORDERS for our best selling Brick Vases so you could save on those too.

We’ve also kept busy with lots of workshops, including a great new Embroidery Workshop and Lino Workshop, both which sold out very quickly. We welcomed back some popular Calligraphy, Jesmonite and Fused Glass workshops too.

Upstairs we also hosted Tessa Houghton’s new ‘Land, Sea & Sky’ exhibition and held a charity coffee morning, raising over £330 for Coppafeel! & hosted George & Joseph’s Cheese Academy!

I also even managed a long weekend in Budapest, a delayed Christmas present with my husband, which was just what I needed. And the last day of the quarter was spent in London with my daughter, another Christmas present seeing Romeo & Juliet which was amazing.

There’s been quite a lot of changes going on in Chapel Allerton and we said goodbye to some brilliant businesses including the infamous Sunshine Bakery and our wonderful neighbours The Glasshouse Gallery.

And we finally got a new shop sign! So if you’re walking past and have ever wondered what’s upstairs, then perhaps now is the time to find out!

Hope to see you soon in Chirpy

Jo x

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Focus on ... The Curious Pancake

This week’s ’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Claire Senior, otherwise known as The Curious Pancake.

Here’s a little interview we did with Claire to find out a little more about her.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m a woman in almost the last year of her forties, and I founded The Curious Pancake, my online store selling cards, stationery, and silly things, in 2011. I was born in Pontefract, home of liquorice and rhubarb, but I’ve lived most of my adult life in Nottingham, and, whilst my state of mind is very much A Northerner, I feel just as much a Nottingham-er too (I nearly said Midlander, but it doesn’t sound quite so mysterious).

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

 I studied art for many years, and I have always been creative. I graduated Loughborough Uni with a first class degree in illustration. There aren’t that many times you can say that sentence without sounding like a big-headed tit, and I’m not even sure I’ve got away with it now, although I suspect you will forgive me because the rest of my story is fraught with mediocrity. After graduation I worked part time in so many greeting card shops, that it felt like a natural progression to begin creating cards. I’d worked in a couple of ‘budget’ card shops, and it made me think that people deserved a better choice, and a wry and drier kind of humorous card. I started my online shop, The Curious Pancake, in 2011, but I didn’t have enough self-belief to do my own designs straight away, so I stocked my shop with lots of cards by other creatives. The focus for the curated range of cards at Pancake was always on illustration first, with a heavy leaning towards humour, swearing and random cuteness! When my mum died in 2017, it was kind of the wake up I needed to ask myself what I was doing, creatively, and why hadn’t I really gone for it with my own designs. I decided to quit my part time graphic design/marketing job (I still miss that regular income and holiday pay) and I finally started creating my own cards. I really wish I’d started doing that from the beginning, but I guess it’s no bad thing that my journey has been on the scenic side!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 I wake up anywhere between 6-9am, make a ‘posh’ coffee (posh in this case means a cafetière coffee with cream) for me and my other half, Ben. We watch a bit of news and swear. I do the Wordle. Ben always gives me a new prompt word every day to start. If zero letters are correct from his prompt word we call it a “Benji Classic”. At some point one of us will say ‘right, better go start work’ – it’s usually me, because I feel guilty for earning so little. I pick and pack all my customer orders that have come in since yesterday afternoon, which could number anything from 7 to 40, depending on the time of year. The late morning and early afternoon is often taken up with admin tedium. Anything from listing new items on Faire, or my website, or Etsy, to answering customers, paying invoices, deleting SEO spam emails. I do a post office run around 2pm (I walk there, it’s just a mile round trip, and my only regular exercise!), I mope around Tesco wondering what to get for tea that’s both healthy and tasty. I usually end up buying broccoli and fish. I come home and realise it’s too late to start anything creative. I eat my tea usually in front of Pointless or House of Games. We both agree to re-convene to watch a show around half eight. 7-8pm is creating time. I look at my greeting card ideas (I have several Google Keep files that I jot random musings down on), these are often unhinged sentences like “Happy Birthday from a non-trending cryptid” or “chicken cucumber what a kerfuffle” the origins of why I wrote that last sentence is now lost to the mists of time. Many times, I realise nothing is inspiring me and I go onto Instagram to see everyone I know doing lots better than me. I’ll often bookmark exercise routines or creative workshops I see on Insta, never to revisit them again. I play with the cats, watch TV, go to bed and read 1.5 pages of my book. I stick the Calm app on. My favourite sleep story is Journey to the Stars read by LeVar Burton. If I’m lucky, I’ll only wake 6 times before morning.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

Personally and business wise I often think it’s that I’ve just kept going, and refused to go back to the “real world” of admin (despite my creative world now consisting of 80% tedious admin!). Working for yourself is a crazy thing to do, and when you see it on paper in black and white, next to those sobering, often depressingly small figures, it seems even more bonkers. And yet I genuinely love what I do, and I’m determined that one day it might even make financial sense. I guess one of my biggest business achievements came during lockdown. When the world, en masse, turned to online businesses to help them stay in touch with people. My sales went from 10-20 a day, to 200 a day. It was crazy times, because I was doing it all on my own. I made my first ever £10k month in April of 2020. And it didn’t really let up for the next 12 months. The plus side of this was that I was able to afford a new website, and I also turned our long, much under-used, home lounge into Pancake HQ. We still have a lounge, we just got rid of our dining room and created a ‘snug’ instead. I’ve always wanted a ‘snug’ since hearing about them on Grand Designs. They’re easier to heat, I’ll give you that.

Where can we find your cards?

 All online in my shop The Curious Pancake, and on Faire for retailers, and in an increasing number of highly discerning indie shops from as far north as Glasgow to as far south as Weymouth.

 Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

My favourite card, so far, is one I designed at the start of this year for Valentine’s Day. It shows two people on a beach and one’s saying to the other “You’re my rock!” whilst holding out their hand with a rock-looking item on. The second person answers “Umm, that’s a poo” – it did quite well with my customers. It was my first design that I created entirely out of collaged magazines, and it’s rekindled my love for collage. It also felt good to create something that didn’t have any swearing on it (sometimes, in life, and in my designs, I find it really hard not to swear), but it was still nicely childish (poo!) and appealed to my un-developed sense of humour.

My most popular design, in contrast (actually, there’s not that much contrast because we’re still talking about poo) is a sweary card, entitled “Everyone’s Shit Except You.” I don’t mind if you wanna **** that mini swear out 😊 This card did very well on Etsy a year or so ago, and I sold 600 in the run up to Valentine’s. It’s also, historically, done well with my stockists and on my website, because swearing is funny and people are basic. I’m joking… slightly. I do sometimes feel a bit shameful that my most commercially successful card is so sweary and lacking in any real creative talent. But hey, that’s popularity for you 😉

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

Not really. I don’t really follow trends because as soon as I see something once, and then 20 other cards have the same thing, I just shut off to it. I do get bored seeing the same tired old puns, the same Highland cows, the same tropes about Dads being useless or Mums being overworked or just having pink cards with flowers on for Mum. I kinda wish there was more emphasis on originality. Having said that, you do see some retailers buy the same designs year after year, and if the old stuff is selling then I guess there’s no impetus to change your offering. I do think there’s TONS of talented folk out there, I’d just like to see a better rotation of designs in some of the bigger shops sometimes – something a little unusual and different, I think customers can handle it!!

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

 Because receiving something physical in the post, especially a handwritten card, is still utterly magical and keeps us connected. We need to preserve our analogue world, and sending a card is still (even with the rising cost of stamps!) the most cost effective way of sending a hug in the post.

Best thing about running your own business?

 Not having to wake up at a set time and having my cats around me all the time. Oh yeah, and the sense of enormous satisfaction you get from being able to say to yourself that you’re ‘paying the bills’ on the back of your own creativity. I put ‘paying the bills’ in inverted commas because my money only really pays for the food, and cats. But still, it’s good. Even the shit bits are good, comparatively 😊

 Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

 Are you crazy? Never try to monetise your hobby unless you want to loathe something that once gave you joy and immense satisfaction.

Plans for the future?

I’m off to the post office, then Tesco to get some fish and broccoli.

 I think you’ll agree this is the most entertaining “focus on …’ interview we’ve ever done. Check out Claire’s instagram to see what she gets up to (& if she really does just eat fish & broccoli for tea!)

Focus on ... Bigfatbambini

This month’s ‘Focus on’ is a new supplier to Chirpy, Charles Bailey of Big Fat Bambini.

Here’s a little interview we did with Charles to find out a little more about him.

I’m Charles Bailey, illustrator and founder of Bigfatbambini. I create playful prints and greeting cards inspired by nature and the little moments of everyday life, with the aim of making people smile, laugh, or feel seen through my designs.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

After studying illustration in London, I moved back to my countryside roots in Somerset, which really rekindled my love for nature. Those influences naturally started appearing in my work, and greeting cards felt like the perfect way to share the designs with people. Once I saw how much people connected with them, it quickly snowballed into something and I’ve never looked back.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

My days are usually quite busy because I work from home with a one-year-old in the house. I tend to fit my work into the quieter moments of the day, whether that be designing new pieces or packing orders. Then in the evening, I like to switch off by heading out for a walk with my dog and spending some time outdoors with my family.

Biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement so far would have to be my solo exhibition in Bangkok called Rhythm of Rain, which debuted in 2024. Alongside running my paper goods business, I still take on commissions and continue developing my personal practice. This exhibition gave me the chance to create work that felt really close to my heart. Seeing it all come to life in Bangkok was an incredible and slightly surreal experience.

Where can we find your cards?

You can find my cards dotted about in cool indie shops across the country and on my website bigfatbambini.co.uk. 

Favourite card you’ve designed / most popular card design?

My favourite card, and probably the most popular one, is the Happy Caterpillar Birthday card. It’s fun, a bit silly, and I think that playful humour really resonates with people.

Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I’ve noticed a lot of greeting cards moving away from purely digital designs towards more handmade, tactile styles. That might partly be a response to AI, but it’s really nice to see traditional mediums making a comeback. Personally, I love starting all my designs with pencil and paper, then using Photoshop to add colour digitally.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think as a country we’ll always have a place for sending cards. It’s such a simple way to show you care, and it adds a personal touch that you don’t quite get from a message or email.

Best thing about running your own business?

The best thing about it is that I get to do what I love while working around my busy family life. I feel really lucky to be at home while my son is growing up, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Don’t wait - just start. I spent a long time waiting until I felt ready, but the truth is you’re never completely ready. You figure things out as you go, and things are always evolving, so the best thing you can do is begin.

You can pick up one of Charles’ favourite Caterpillar card in Chirpy now.