Focus on ... BuzemanArt

This month we’re focusing on Joyce from BuzemanArt. Joyce has been running painting workshops at Chirpy for the last couple of years and we’ve seen some amazing results. From Bears to Highland Cows, Frost Forests to Seaside scenes her workshops have given lots of people the confidence to paint again or even for the first time.

To get to know Joyce a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her…

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Hi my name is Joyce, I am an artist who loves colour. It always amazes me how colour (light) changes the mood , shape and feel of things. I love to explore and experiment with colours. You can see this is my work which I class as representative but not realistic. Besides my own art I love to introduce people to acrylic painting in my workshops and have been working with Chirpy for the 3rd year running.

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

I started painting in 2003 joining a local art club with a brilliant art teacher who pushed me further all the time. 7 years ago we joined a local art exhibition with lots of professional artists, where I sold a couple of my paintings. It was the first step to becoming a professional artist.  

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There is not really a ‘normal’ day. I try to start the day with ‘practicing/playing/exploring’ new ideas. Some of these turn out into workshops. I then might work on new workshops or my own work. This is then followed by promoting my workshops, answering emails, and prepping workshops. And obviously doing my workshops whenever they are planned. 

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

My business. After 7 years I am still running and growing. It has taught me to think ahead and to push myself and go outside of my comfort zone. 

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

My Mum's portrait in lockdown - its was a very emotional piece

Best thing about running your own business?

The freedom to work they way I want and the ability to plan that around my family needs (most of the time) 

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

Now painting is my business, the pressure is on all the time, which I never had when it was a hobby - I now need another hobby for relaxation.

Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

I love to explore fabric printing a bit further

What do you love best about running workshops?

I have the best ‘job’. Often people attend my workshops being very nervous, sometimes very stressed, some don’t think they are very good, lacking self belief.. I love their faces at the end of the session; relaxed, full of pride, achievement and confidence, seeing what they have created in such a short time

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

We are passionate about our product, our business and our customers. That's why we go above and beyond to get it right. You won’t find that at a chain or high street company. People attending my workshops are supporting 2 businesses. Cooperate with other small businesses, we bring the best of both worlds together. Every venue has its own atmosphere and product to the package. We ensure you have a great time and go home with a product that you will be proud to show to your friends and family.

You can join Joyce on her next workshop on Thursday 8th May to paint your very own Bluebell Wood - click HERE to find out more and book

Focus on ... Sophie Eloise Calligraphy

This month we’re focusing on Sophie from Sophie Eloise Calligraphy. Sophie will be running her Mindful Calligraphy workshop in Chirpy on 13th March.

To get to know Sophie a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her…

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m Sophie, mum to a toddler and a whippet. I am a calligraphy artist, creating wedding signage and teaching workshops and also dabble in watercolour. I love trying new creative things but calligraphy has been consistent for me - I love the mindful nature and creating beautiful words!

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

I attended a calligraphy workshop myself in 2017 and spent a lot of time practicing and making cards for family and friends. I then set up my instagram page in 2021 after hand painting signage and stationery for my own wedding. I wasn’t loving my day job and this provided me a lovely creative outlet. The following year I handcrafted wedding signage for 8 friends & family alongside my full time job. It was a huge learning curve but I got so much satisfaction from the end results. I started teaching workshops after requests and love sharing the practice!

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

I love my bespoke handpainted birth moon artwork. These combine my loves of calligraphy, watercolour and all things celestial! Sometimes it feels like the whole world is going digital, but nothing beats real, tangible pen and paper for me.

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

Just go for it! It’s cliche but stop waiting for the perfect time and just get started. I remember such a tingle when I first set up my instagram and business email address! Then my Etsy shop and everything else flowed from there. It’s brave taking the leap but so worth it and I love looking back at my journey to see how things have evolved and grown.

 Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

I’d love to try making my own jewellery!

What do you love best about running workshops?

Supporting people to relax and enjoy trying something new, whilst simultaneously slowing down and being really mindful about what they’re doing. We live in such a fast paced world, I like to see my workshops as two hours of calm, presence and screen free time!

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

 I love how supporting local businesses is championing someone else’s dream, and keeping local areas interesting and unique! I made a real effort to shop local for Christmas this year - every time you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in ✨🌎

You can join Sophie on her next Calligraphy workshop on Thursday 13th March - click HERE to find out more and book

Chirpy x The Biskery .... a sweet collaboration!

We’re delighted to announce our first collaboration of 2024 with …

THE BISKERY

The Biskery are a bakery based in Leeds specialising in branded & personalised biscuits. Female owned, co-founders Saskia & Lisa began with a mutual passion for tasty bakes and a desire to share what they made with the people around them. From small beginnings at the kitchen table, they now supply speciality biscuits to people and organisations across the UK and abroad.

Chirpy and The Biskery will be working together to support each other as local independent female run businesses to bring you …

A chance to win a great prize in time for Valentines Day … watch this space and keep an eye on both of our Instagram profiles @chirpystore @thebiskery

Join Chirpy at The Biskery on Tuesday 6th March for a Biscuit Decorating Workshop - come along with friends or on your own to make unique edible art in the shape of biscuits. Click HERE to find out more and book.

Coming soon … receive a treat from The Biskery with your Chirpy orders (while stocks last!) or enjoy one of their treats at a Chirpy workshop.

If you want to support another great independent business then use the code CHIRPY20 to get 20% off orders with The Biskery until 25th February. Check out all their biscuity products and services HERE

Finally I wanted to say a Thank You to another independent business Fowler & Powell who introduced us to The Biskery - the power of working together is strong in Chapel Allerton!

Focus on ... Millie Rothera

We’re delighted to welcome Millie Rothera to Chirpy in September to run her Lampshade Workshop. We’re also stocking her gorgeous textiles in Chirpy too, including tea towels and pouches

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

Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do?

I’m Millie, a print designer working from my studio in Leeds whilst also working for the Gallery and Arts Program at Sunny Bank Mills. I’ve been running my business since graduating from Uni in 2019, developing my patterns through screen printing, mark making and digital designing, all to be digitally printed onto fabric and sewn into products.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

During my time at Leeds College of Art I developed a love for pattern and screen printing, and later applied to the Surface Pattern course at the university. During my three years of Uni and extended Creative Residency, I pretty much lived in the print workshop. I developed my bright and bold colour schemes through mixing colours by hand and used play and modernist architecture as inspiration.

What’s the best thing about running workshops?

I loved the studio comradery and skill sharing element of Uni, and I was keen to be within a creative space with like minded people when lockdown ended. I find teaching creative workshops really rewarding as you see peoples confidence grow within the session and you learn new things from the participants too. All the workshops I run are suitable for beginners and I always stress on the fact that you don’t need any great drawing ability to get involved and create something beautiful.

 What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed / created / made?

After attending a beginners quilting workshop to create a small 30cm square quilt, my next logical project was to create a double bed spread quilt! Being new to quilting, the quilt was very improvised, a bit wonky but I love the mix of texture and colour. To make the quilt extra special I hand sewed all the binding around the edge over a number of evenings so I became quite connected to the quilt.

Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?

 I have just started to learn cross stitching. My Gran was a keen cross stitcher, designing very intricate motifs and scenes, often completing a piece as a memento to a life event. I wanted something to work on whilst I was sat watching telly on an evening instead of scrolling. Cross stitching seemed like the perfect fit because of the family link.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?

Just have a go. As adults I think we find it embarrassing to be bad at things even if we have never tried them before. Get yourself some cheap supplies to get yourself started, attend a workshop or buy a kit so you are learning the basics from an expert, and then develop from there.

You can book on Millie Lampshade Workshop on 24th September HERE

We're Open on Sunday 2nd July 11am - 3pm

Have you heard?

Chapel Allerton has now got it’s own Sunday Market!

To help celebrate Chirpy will be Open while the market is on - that’s the 1st Sunday of every month from 11am - 3pm

We’ll also be running a NEW Flag Printing Workshop, perfect for adults and kids getting ready for the summer festival season. Check it out and book HERE

So why not pop in when you’re visiting the market for a browse, grab a gift or pick up your Click & Collect orders.

Let’s hope the sun shines again for the market on 2nd July and don’t forget to pop in to Chirpy too!