Fancy a bit of Late Night Shopping?

Image : Sarah Thornton Art

After the success of our last Late Night Shopping Event we’re hosting another one.

Join us on Friday 24th February for a night of DOUBLE POINTS, Discounts, a glass or 2 of fizz & a Chirpy goodie bag.

It’s a great chance to come along with friends for a bit of a shop and catch up or head along on your own for a bit of retail therapy.

Tickets are £10 which are redeemable against your Chirpy purchases on the night.

Grab your ticket here

See you then!

Jo x

Introducing... Lizzie Fry Creative

We’re delighted to welcome Lizzie Fry Creative as our first MAKER IN RESIDENCE

Lizzie will be joining us on Friday 24th & Saturday 25th February upstairs in Chirpy with her gorgeous selection of prints, cards and ceramics.

You might recognise Lizzie as she works in Chirpy on a Thursday morning. Here’s a little interview we did with her to find out a little more about her and how. We’ll also be chatting to her LIVE on INSTAGRAM on Thursday 23rd February at 7:30pm before she pops up in Chirpy.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Hello! I’m Lizzie Fry, and I’m a freelance artist based in Leeds. At the moment I’m primarily producing ceramics and lino prints, with the occasional bit of digital design too. I’ve lived in Leeds for around 10 years so definitely consider myself a local now, although having grown up down south I may not sound like one!

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

Sometimes I wonder the same thing! I’ve always loved making things, and I’ve usually had a creative side-project on the go alongside ‘normal’ life; little by little my creative work has become the main thing I spend my time doing, and I love it.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

The studio where I make my ceramics opens at 1pm each day, so I usually try to fit my other work into the mornings where I can. This can involve anything from designing wedding invitations and printing my linocuts onto tote bags, to sending out invoices and contacting shops to ask if they’ll stock my work. It’s incredibly varied but I really love it.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I grew up in awe of my grandfather, who was a potter and calligrapher; the precision and care in his work are truly beautiful to see. So I’d say it’s both a personal and a business achievement that I’m now making a living from my artwork, particularly the ceramics – I often think of my Grandad when I’m on the wheel – even though I’m sure he would have lots to critique! The icing on the cake for me was that last year I managed to track down his old pottery wheel from the 50s, which I now have. I’m in the process of creating my own studio space so that I can use it.

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

There have been a few mugs that I’ve got out of the kiln which I think are really perfect. It’s always a little bit sad saying goodbye to them when someone buys them. I also have a couple of favourite lino prints – like the botanical seeds design – which I’m really fond of; having spent so much time planning and carving out a design, it’s wonderful when you print it for the first time and it turns out exactly how you’d hoped.

 Best thing about running your own business?

Anyone who knows me will know that I’m not a routine-led person. In fact I recently told someone that the closest thing I have to a daily routine is that I usually sneeze a lot when I first wake up. So I feel very fortunate to be able to work for myself and structure my own working day according to how I feel – especially with art, if you try to force yourself to create something when you’re not in the right headspace it just doesn’t work.

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

Go for it! Back yourself even when you don’t feel like it, and take every opportunity you get. And make sure that you have good friends and family around who can tell you when you need to stop at the end of the day or week – otherwise you’ll never do anything else.

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

My problem is that I want to try everything! I’ve always wanted to have a go at letterpress printing; I love the whole process and the result.

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

There was a graphic floating around Instagram recently that said ‘when you buy from a small business, a real person does a happy dance’ – which is true, and every purchase really does make me so happy! But it’s more than that. When you buy from a small business owner, we also breathe a big sigh of relief. Now more than ever, we need you to support those of us who don’t have bigger structures to fall back on. If you love the idea of small businesses thriving, then please help us to keep going – and it doesn’t just have to be through financial help either. Sharing a small business on social media and recommending us to your friends goes a long way and doesn’t cost anything. We will be so grateful!

Check out Lizzie’s website at www.lizziefrycreative.com

Christmas Opening Hours

It’s almost time to close for a Christmas rest but before that here’s our Festive Opening Hours this week.

Then we’ll be having a rest until 2nd January

Any online orders made between 25th December - 1st Janaury will be ready for Click and Collect or posted out from Tuesday 2nd January 2023

We're getting ready for Indie Week with @justacard 21st-25th Nov

Just a Card is such an important campaign which we whole heartedly support and so we cant wait to be part of INDIE WEEK from 21st - 25th November

Watch this space & our social media to see what we’ll be getting up to.

We’re saying NO to Black Friday - it really is something that small Independent businesses can’t afford to do, and embracing a week of fun and celebration of being an indie business.

The week ends on COLOUR FRIDAY, supported by Holly Tucker, a colourful way of celebrating all things indie

Join in, support us, #shoplocal buy #justacard

Your support means the world!

IT'S BACK! FIVER FEST in Chapel Allerton 2nd - 16th July

We’re delighted that FIVER FEST is coming back to Chapel Allerton from 2nd - 16th July 2022

This national campaign is a great way to help you support your local shops by spending your money locally

During the 2 weeks there’ll be lots of indie shops joining in with great offer in store and online

Already announced:

Chirpy

Rebel & Rose

Armadillo Toys

The Sweet Quarter

George & Joseph

Why not give them all a follow on Instagram?

To find out more as we other businesses join in then click here

Chirpy Workshops on Tour!

Are you a business looking to run a team building event?

Are you looking to reward your staff with a bit of downtime in a creative environment?

Did you know that we can offer private workshops at your premises?

In May 2022 we ran Jesmonite Coaster Workshops as part of Leeds College of Building Staff Wellbeing day - running 6 one hour sessions, each for 20 people, so 120 in total throughout the day.

Each person made their own unique Jesmonite coaster which they took away with them at the end of the session.

So if you’re looking for something a little bit different for your team, businesss or organisation then just get in touch here to. discuss

Download our Colouring Competition Sheet

We know how much our younger customers love colouring is so we’re having a lively Colouring competition with The North Kind.

Why not download our Wellbeing Colouring In Sheet  here  and return it to Chirpy to be in with a chance of winning some The North Kind and Chirpy goodies. Don’t worry if you’re not local, you can always scan it and send it to us, or take a picture and post it on social media tagging @chirpystore and @thenorthkind. Or pick up a copy from Chirpy from the beginning of May, return it to us for us to display as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Join us for some special events for Mental Health Awareness Week 9th - 15th May

May 9th – 15th is Mental Health Awareness Week so we’re joining forces with Stacey from The North Kind, specialising in Mindful Training and Products to help create Confident & Happy kids.

So here’s what we’ve got in store for this exciting collaboration ..

Wednesday 11th – Saturday 14th May : The North Kind POPS UP at Chirpy

Stacey will be upstairs at Chirpy with a host of great mindfulness products for kids (& adults) of all ages. From Sensory Toys to Aromatherapy Room Sprays, Mindful Journals to Positive Message Gifts, The North Kind prides itself on bringing you great affordable products.

Wednesday 11th May 4:30pm – 5:15pm

FREE after school Mindfulness Moments For Minis. A time for children to reconnect and calm their minds for age 5 - 10 years

Booking essential via this link

Thursday 12th May 4:30pm – 5:15pm

FREE after school Mindfulness Moments For Minis. A time for children to reconnect and calm their minds for ages 5 - 10 years

Booking essential via this link

 By teaching mindfulness to children they learn the skills they need to build self-awareness, confidence and cope with stress. Mindfulness can help children deal with tough emotions and help them learn ways to relax and calm the mind and the body.

Friday 13th May 10am -10:30am

FREE pre school Mindfulness Moments For Minis. Children of all ages can benefit from mindfulness so come along and see what it's all about. For children ages 2-5 years

Booking essential via this link

Anyone attending the events will be able to get 10% off in Chirpy on the day.

Why not download our Wellbeing Colouring In Sheet  here  and return it to Chirpy to be in with a chance of winning some The North Kind and Chirpy goodies. Don’t worry if you’re not local, you can always scan it and send it to us, or take a picture and post it on social media tagging @chirpystore and @thenorthkind. Or pick up a copy from Chirpy from the beginning of May, return it to us for us to display as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.

At Chirpy we love working with other local indie entrepreneurs and we’re really looking forward to this being a creative, inspiring and fun week!

Don't forget Mother's Day - Sunday 27th March

It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday 27th March and we’ve got lots of great gifts and card in store and online

Whether you’re looking to show you mum, step mum, grandma, carer or just that important lady in your life that you care, then we’re sure you’ll find them a great gift

Or why not treat them to a Chirpy workshop, or a workshop voucher - avaialbe in store or online

Or don’t know what to buy, then when not treat them to a Chirpy Gift Voucher - the perfect gift!

Helping you to #shoplocal this Mother’s Day

FIVER FEST Chapel Allerton 12th - 26th March 2022

We’re delighted that once again Chapel Allerton is taking part in this year’s FIVER FEST from 12th - 26th March

Following the success in Chapel Allerton in October 2021 we can’t wait top join with our neighbouring indie businesses again, and a few new ones, to bring you lots of great offers to help;p you #shoplocal

This national campaign, now in its 6th year, is a great way to help you support your local shops and community to reward you when you #shoplocal

During the 2 weeks there’ll be lots of indie shops joining in with great offer in store and online

Already announced:

Chirpy

Rebel & Rose

Armadillo Toys

The Refilling Station

The Sweet Quarter

George & Joseph

Why not give them all a follow on Instagram?

To find out more as we other businesses join in then click here