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

Focus On ... Sophie Greenwood of Ink & Bear

The smile behind the brand

As we launch our first workshop with Ink & Bear, here’s a little interview I did with her a few months ago …

Why not join Sophie’s Intro to Lino Printing workshop on Sunday 18th September - click here to find out more and book

This month we’re focusing on another local maker, Sophie, of Ink & Bear, a local screen printer whose gorgeous plant storage bags are proving popular in Chirpy

Here’s a little interview we did with Sophie.

CH: Tell me a little bit about yourself / your company

Sophie: I'm Sophie from Ink & Bear and I'm a screenprinter from Leeds. I'm from Hull originally and moved over to Leeds to go to University 16 years ago and I have never looked back! I design and print screenprints, t-shirts and fabric goods inspired by nature, travelling and the sky at night. I've always printed on paper but recently I have started to print on fabric too (which I love!). I screenprint in my studio at home (aka the spare bedroom!) and love the freedom this gives me to try out new things. 

I set up my company, Ink & Bear, 3 years ago and in the last year I've really enjoyed being able to invest more time in the business (one of tiny silver linings of the pandemic!).

CH: How did the business start?

Sophie: I dipped by toe in the printmaking waters whilst at University studying an optional module. I studied Business at University but have always had a love for art - the printmaking module was the only practical art course on offer at the time for 'non-art' students so I jumped at the chance! I later developed my love for screen printing specifically through night classes at Leeds College of Art. 

Three years ago I realised I had way too many prints piling up so set up a small business, initially just selling at local craft fairs. I discovered I absolutely love the buzz of selling online and in person and the rest is history!

 I love being open and sharing tips about the screen printing process because whilst it does take a while to set up, I really feel like anyone can do it. I still find the process magical all these years later. Before the pandemic hit I was planning creative workshops and retreats around printmaking and creativity and it's something I would really like to pick up again when everything feels more normal!  

CH: What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Sophie: I work for a social enterprise 4 days a week, so I squeeze all my Ink & Bear work in on a Monday (and often on weekends too!). Each Monday starts with tackling some admin to help wake me up (I'm not really a morning person!), followed by a trip to the post office and lunch. In the afternoon I tend to focus on creative work; this could be printing a new batch of fabrics to send off to my Mum (who I collaborate with on my plant bags and pouches), designing new work, exposing new screens or screen printing a new batch of prints or cards. The afternoon is my favourite part of my day as I get to try out new ideas (well, apart from all the cleaning up afterwards!). 

CH: What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Sophie : Alongside screen printing, I also run a bi-annual event called Super Seconds Saturday - developing and running this during lockdown has definitely been my biggest achievement to date! Super Seconds Saturday is an online event that offers people an opportunity to buy discounted goods from 250 independent makers. A lot of indie makers have seconds/misprints/end of line stock that just didn't go quite right (or is from a few years back!) - and normally a lot of these are sold off at fairs at bargain prices but with few (or no!) fairs due to Coronavirus it means that these bargains aren't on offer. I was so happy with how the creative community of makers came together to support this event and I can't wait for the next one in October!

 CH: What’s been the favourite thing you’ve designed?

I have only recently (in the last year) started printing onto fabric and I'm really enjoying the process. My Mum is an incredible seamstress so I was really happy when we cooked up the idea of working together on fabric goods (like plant bags and pouches). I love seeing the fabric I've printed by hand turned into fabric goods by my Mum- it still feels magical seeing them fully made, packaged and ready for sale.

CH : What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Sophie: I love the freedom to try out new ideas and interact with customers and other creative businesses online too. Everyone is super supportive and it's so lovely to meet like minded people. 

 CH: What advice would you give to anyone looking to set up their own business?

Sophie: Just go for it! Sometimes setting up your own creative business can feel really daunting, but building a creative community around you (either online or in real life!) can make a huge difference to your confidence. I spent years telling myself I didn't have the time to set up a business and there never seemed to be a 'right time' so I just started small and ran Ink & Bear alongside my full time job for the first couple of years. After I'd built it up a bit I took the leap to go down to 4 days a week in my full time job and now I'm hoping to turn it into my full time career! Small steps can make a HUGE difference and getting started is the best thing you can do. 

 CH: Is there an activity you haven’t tried but would like to?

Sophie: I would really like to try working with glass! I love watching glass blowers (Blown Away on Netflix was fascinating to watch!) and would love to try it one day. I also have a real soft spot for ceramics and would like to learn to throw on a wheel.

 CH: Why should people shop / support local?

Sophie: think it's so important to support small local shops and makers - as a buyer you can buy really unique, high quality items that you can't get elsewhere and you're also supporting makers, for who the sale makes a huge difference to. I think shops like Chirpy are so important to introduce people to a wide range of makers - and the shopping experience in an independent shop is unrivalled for creativity and inspiration. 

 Thanks Sophie for such detailed answers - it’s great to get advice from a local maker mixing 9-5 with being creative.

Focus On ... Dave Draws

This month we’re focusing on Dave Draws, a doodle artist whose workshops are always popular at Chirpy and whose work can be seen upstairs on the walll in Chirpy as well as for sale in the form of Leeds mugs, prints and coasters

Here’s a little interview we did with Dave.

Tell me a little bit about yourself

I'm Dave Gee better known as Dave Draws, I'm a 31 year old artist based in Manchester where I run Dave Draws from. Dave Draws is my business, where I suppose I am best known for doing doodle maps of different towns and cities. I sell these on various products such as prints, mugs and coasters and I also create them as murals for schools, bars, offices, restaurants etc.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I've always drawn and enjoyed doodling but it was never something I seriously thought I could do until after university. I started creating a few prints and did a couple of small murals in Sheffield (I'm originally from Chesterfield). But then I moved to Berlin where I worked in an art gallery and it was whilst I was out there that I started taking art a lot more seriously. I started exhibiting and the doodle map idea was born there. When I moved to Manchester after Berlin I started creating the maps and the business took off from there.

What does a normal day look like?

My routine varies every week depending on where I am working but I usually get up around 7/7:30 then head to work for between 8:30/9. Before I start drawing for the day I go through my emails and catch up on any admin as well as doing a social media post. I then start drawing either on site on a mural or at my studio. I have my lunch around 12 where I catch up on emails and social media again before drawing again in the afternoon until around 5/half 5 when I catch up on emails again. After that I try to switch off for the day though so work doesn't creep into my evenings.

What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed?

I can think of 3, my Lancashire map packaging for Lancashire Tea (sorry Yorkshire!), my Salford docks design for Salford Rums bottles and finally my New York map that is printed on the inside of all the lifts at Innside New York Nomad hotel.

What’s the best thing about working for yourself?

My favourite thing about running my own business is being in control of everything myself, that can be a burden as well at times but generally

it just feels liberating to be in control of your own destiny. I think I can be a bit stubborn as well and don't love being told what to do so being my own boss definitely works for me in that respect.

What’s your biggest achievement?

Business wise travelling abroad to create murals in New York, Hong Kong and across Europe. But also just surviving the pandemic and my business being in an even stronger place at the end of it. Personally in that time I managed to buy a house with my girlfriend as well which felt like an achievement all things considered.

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

Loads, I've never really used spray paints, I would like to get good at that. Tattooing would be cool as well. Also I'd love to be able to DJ but I don't know where I am going to find the time to learn all these things!

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

Just throw yourself in to it. It takes a lot of dedication and time particularly at the start but the rewards are so worth it. I would also say don't wait for opportunities and work to come to you, actively go out and seek clients and work opportunities. I messaged a lot of brands/people I wanted to work with at the start, the worst they can say is no but if they say yes it can open so many doors for you.

Why should people shop local?

People should shop local because they are the shops/businesses that need and appreciate it most. I've seen loads of bits online about how when you order from an independent or local business the person you are buying from does a little dance and that is definitely true. If I have a good sales day it can make my day and most creatives I know would think the same.

You can join Dave on his next Doodle map workshop at Chirpy on Thursday 24th March - click here to book or find out more

Focus On ... Agnis Smallwood

The smile behind the brand

This month we’re focusing on Agnis Smallwood, a maker whose workshops are always popular at Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Agnis.

Tell me a little bit about yourself

My name is Agnis Smallwood and I am a Designer, Maker, Researcher and Educator. I love all things textiles though I specialise in weaving. I live close to Chirpy in neighbouring Meanwood and work from my studio at home. As well as designing and weaving my own products I also deliver lots of workshops across the county. I love sharing with people traditional craft skills and techniques, whether that be through courses or one off workshops.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I have always been creative and have been fortunate to be able to pursue this as a career. I went to Cumbria Institute of the Arts to study on the Art Foundation Course, this is where I fell in love with weaving and went on to stay to study a BA in Contemporary Applied Arts to develop my skills. Since graduating in 2009 I have developed my business to enable me to share my making and teaching with others.

What the best bit about running workshops?

The participants! I love getting to meet lots of different people and to make and create with them. Some people I meet just once and others I see more regularly and get to share in their creative journeys. I love it when I see people a few months after a workshop and I hear about what they have been doing at home and how they have expanded their knowledge. Workshops are always lots of fun and there is something really enjoyable about making alongside others and sharing in the experience together.

What’s the favourite thing you’ve created?

Hard question! I think it changes if I am honest as my work developes and changes. I am still proud of the range of scarves I launched last Autumn/Winter after such a difficult year for everyone. In the first lockdown I had spent much of my time learning to garden, it was maybe inevitable that this time would permeate into my work and hence inspire a range of scarves called, 'At the Bottom of the Garden' featuring 5 scarves inspired by different vegetables, Radish, Carrots, Tomato, Leek and Potatoes!

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

I have never used glass as a media before. I think having a go at some glass blowing at some point would be incredibly fun, though I am not sure you would get the opportunity to correct a mistake like you do in weaving!

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

Go for it! Workshops are great for exploring a new craft, as unless it is an Intermediate or Advanced course I never assume that participants have any prior knowledge so I always make sure that you get a good foundation from which to enjoy making and exploring a new craft. You never know what craft skill you are going to get totally absorbed by unless you have a go.

You can join Agnis on one of her Festive workshops at Chirpy

Christmas Fabric Wreath : 26th November

Contemporary Festive Wreath : 2nd December

Woven Christmas Baubles : 10th December

Focus On ... Kirstie Williams

The smile behind the brand

This month we’re focusing on Kirstie Williams, a local printmaker and textile artist who runs workshops at Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Kirstie.

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

I'm a printmaker and textile artist working primarily with traditional print techniques. I'm inspired by 1950s textiles and surface pattern and use lots of geometric patterns in my work.

I work as Print Studio Coordinator at The Art House in Wakefield and am a founder member of Leeds Print Workshop.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I discovered a love for printmaking whilst doing an Art Foundation course at Suffolk College in 2004!

I then went on to do a degree and an MA in Textile Design where I focussed on screen printing, natural dyeing and mixed media textiles.

I moved up to Leeds in 2011 when I took a job at Leeds Arts University as a Print Technician, where I learnt lots of different skills in printmaking and bookbinding.

Since then I've been working freelance, running workshops in the community and supporting members in Wakefield and Leeds Print Studios!

What’s the best thing about running workshops?

I love sharing the skills I've learnt, and when someone has that 'wow' moment when they discover a new process.

It's great being able to support other people to be creative and that gives me lots of inspiration too.

What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed?

I love my screen printed and handmade concertina books. They make great display books and I've kept my natural dye samples in them too!

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

I've never been very good at knitting - only being able to create something basic but I'd love to develop this further and learn some more interesting stitches!

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

Go for it! You might be pleasantly surprised but the outcome!

Join Kirstie at Chirpy for her Book Binding workshop on 8th October

She’s also running a Lino Cut Christmas Card workshop on 3rd December

Focus On ... Anna Carter

The smile behind the brand

This month we’re focusing on Ana Carter of Silver Ink tree a local jewellery maker who we’ve just started to stock at Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Anna.

CH: Tell me a little bit about yourself

I’m Anna, the owner and maker behind Silver Ink Tree. I make bright and bold polymer clay jewellery inspired by the colour palettes of the 60s, 70s and 80s (think vintage wallpaper and retro tracksuits!). And I can’t resist a rainbow. 

 Before rediscovering my love of polymer clay, I made silver jewellery for many years selling at markets, shops and galleries.  In the early days myself and a friend (who sold beautiful photographic prints) shared a market stall and froze our faces off on many a Saturday to make some extra pennies! The name of my business ‘Silver Ink Tree’ comes from these days - I was the ‘Silver’ and she was the ‘Ink’ and we had a metal tree that we hung things from on our stall! 

After having a family, it became hard to dedicate time to my silver making (and my jewellery bench is in our cold garage!) so aside from having a small Etsy shop and doing the odd commission it took a backseat.  

In 2019 I re-discovered polymer clay and things went in a different direction.

CH: How did you get into doing what you are doing?

I actually began using polymer clay when I was about 11 years old.  I used to make and sell little ornaments at my mum’s church coffee mornings and make things for my dolls house.  Fast forward about 30 years and my mum was downsizing from our family home and came across my old ‘Fimo’ box with all the tools and left over old polymer clay that I had loved so much all those years ago.  Incredibly, the clay - although a bit dry and crumbly - was still ok to use and was perfect for practicing with and making my first pairs of earrings.  I fell back in love with polymer clay pretty quickly.  It’s such an accessible, versatile and colourful material to work with.

I gave one of my first pairs of earrings to a friend for her birthday and she was really chuffed with them and I had a really positive response on Instagram when I posted pictures of my early pieces which gave me the confidence to start selling pieces in my existing online shop.     

CH: What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I work part-time in a heritage education role so I fit my small business around my day job and caring for my two young children. Generally I work on my jewellery during the evenings and at weekends, but since my youngest started school this year I will finally have a little bit more time for developing the business which I’m really excited about.  I feel very privileged that I am able to do this whilst still having the security of a stable day job (which I also really enjoy). 

I tend to do as much making as I can during daylight hours as it’s much easier with good natural light and do all the other important (but less fun) jobs like sanding, polishing, adding findings (earring backs, necklace chains etc), carding and boxing up my pieces, social media and admin tasks in the evenings. I have been known to spend a whole evening punching holes in backing cards for earrings!

CH: What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Supplying Chirpy and seeing my handmade jewellery in such a gorgeous independent shop of course! Over the past 18 months I also feel really proud of managing to continue to work, homeschool my children, continue with my creative business and stay positive during such a challenging time with the pandemic.

CH: What’s been the favourite thing you’ve made?

I recently made some polymer clay earrings for a friend for her civil partnership celebration.  I loved making something bespoke for her, it always feels special to be thinking about a particular person when you’re making something.  I also managed to incorporate some silver into the design - I’d love to design more pieces where I mix silver with polymer clay. 

I also made my husband’s wedding ring - which he actually recently lost after 10 years so I will definitely have to dust off the silversmithing tools again soon to make a new one!  

CH: What’s the best thing about running your own business?

I honestly feel that I’m still at the very beginning of my small business journey but the flexibility it offers around working and family life is really important.  

Being part of a community of brilliant makers online and in real life through fairs is wonderful.  

 CH: What advice would you give to anyone looking to turn their hobby into a business?

Just go for it.  It’s never been easier to set up an online shop through platforms such as Etsy and Folksy and these can be a great way to test the water.  My small business has grown slowly and organically and this works for me with my other commitments. 

Be original, try not to compare yourself to others - be true to yourself and your ideas. 

I think it’s really important to take time to research and learn - there is an absolute wealth of information out there these days about running a small business - online tutorials, patreons, templates and tools but it’s also important to realise that you don’t need to know absolutely everything before you launch your business, it’s ok to learn as you go along. 

CH: Is there a craft / activity you haven’t tried but would like to?

I am a self-confessed craftaholic (I need help!) so there isn’t much I haven’t tried and my craft stash will attest to it. 

I love crochet and always have a crochet project on the go (ok…. sometimes two or three).  Having done a number of weaving workshops at Chirpy with the fantastic Agnis Smallwood I could be very tempted to take up weaving if someone could just add a few extra days onto the week. I’d like to try using jesmonite sometime, the colourful materials really appeal to me. 

One of the crafts I don’t think I’ll be trying again is spoon carving. The multiple finger injuries and need for plasters didn’t do it for me.  Although I was quite pleased with my little wooden spoon at the end of it,  I’m not convinced it was worth the bloodshed!

 CH :Why should people shop local?

 There are loads of brilliant reasons to shop local.  Local independent shops can create the identity of an area making it a vibrant, interesting place to visit or live and if we don’t support them we will lose this character. 

For me, I love to be able to find unique, unusual and high quality gifts that you don’t find on the high street and it feels really good knowing that I’m buying from an independent shop or maker and directly supporting them as individuals and the local community. 

Shopping locally often means you’re making a better choice for the environment too.  Many makers and small shops are much more conscious about their environmental credentials than larger companies.  I put a lot of thought into my making process to reduce waste and ensure that my packaging is all recycled and recyclable - this is especially important as the material I work with to make my jewellery is plastic based. 

We've all seen how important small independent shops have been during the pandemic from local green grocers and farm shops to book shops and gift shops - some truly providing a lifeline for people. I hope people remember this and that shopping local (when you can) becomes part of everyday life. 

 Why not check out Ann’a gorgeous range of colourful jewellery at Chirpy - we’re delighted to be her 1st stockist!

We do like MONDAYS!

NOW OPEN MONDAYS!

We’ve extended our Opening hours

By popular demand we’re now Open on a MOnday

NEW OPENING TIMES

Monday - Saturday

9:30am - 5pm

We hope that this makes shopping at Chirpy easier for you as a lot of our customers have Mondays off work so now they can pop into CHirpy too while they are in Chapel Allerton

Click and Collect will be available during shop hours- you can even order and collect on the same day

Watch this space for info about Late Night Opening too!

Introducing ... David Keighley

See the artwork in Chirpy’s window

As part of the Chapel Allerton Artists ‘Window of Art Trail’ from 3rd - 5th September we’ll be displaying work by David Keighley in the Chirpy window.

David attended Jacob Kramer College of Art (now Leeds Arts University), where he studied graphic design, life drawing, pie eating, photography and photographic retouching.
 
From there David spent around nine years working around advertising agencies, printers and design studios until in 1984, he went freelance as a graphic designer and illustrator, trading under the name Design Standards, where he offered design, illustration and print for local and national companies.

His portrait painting developed alongside his illustration work, which included art posters, greetings cards and technical illustrations.
 
In 2004 he realised that there were more important things in life than to just give someone a pile of leaflets, so he went to work for the NHS as a support nurse on a mental health ward for the elderly. Three years later he became an Occupational Therapy Assistant, also within a mental health setting, where he ran therapeutic art groups, alongside lots of other stuff going on at the hospital.

David gave all that up in 2018 to slow down a little and carry on with his painting.
 
He believes in God and that we should take much better care of our planet, our neighbourhoods and each other; his favourite film is Amelie and loved Spongebob Squarepants when his children were growing up.

See more of David's work at lettherebepaint.co.uk

Focus On ... Sophie Greenwood of Ink & Bear

The smile behind the brand

This month we’re focusing on another local maker, Sophie, of Ink & Bear, a local screen printer whose gorgeous plant storage bags are proving popular in Chirpy

Here’s a little interview we did with Sophie.

CH: Tell me a little bit about yourself / your company

Sophie: I'm Sophie from Ink & Bear and I'm a screenprinter from Leeds. I'm from Hull originally and moved over to Leeds to go to University 16 years ago and I have never looked back! I design and print screenprints, t-shirts and fabric goods inspired by nature, travelling and the sky at night. I've always printed on paper but recently I have started to print on fabric too (which I love!). I screenprint in my studio at home (aka the spare bedroom!) and love the freedom this gives me to try out new things. 

I set up my company, Ink & Bear, 3 years ago and in the last year I've really enjoyed being able to invest more time in the business (one of tiny silver linings of the pandemic!).

CH: How did the business start?

Sophie: I dipped by toe in the printmaking waters whilst at University studying an optional module. I studied Business at University but have always had a love for art - the printmaking module was the only practical art course on offer at the time for 'non-art' students so I jumped at the chance! I later developed my love for screen printing specifically through night classes at Leeds College of Art. 

Three years ago I realised I had way too many prints piling up so set up a small business, initially just selling at local craft fairs. I discovered I absolutely love the buzz of selling online and in person and the rest is history!

 I love being open and sharing tips about the screen printing process because whilst it does take a while to set up, I really feel like anyone can do it. I still find the process magical all these years later. Before the pandemic hit I was planning creative workshops and retreats around printmaking and creativity and it's something I would really like to pick up again when everything feels more normal!  

CH: What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Sophie: I work for a social enterprise 4 days a week, so I squeeze all my Ink & Bear work in on a Monday (and often on weekends too!). Each Monday starts with tackling some admin to help wake me up (I'm not really a morning person!), followed by a trip to the post office and lunch. In the afternoon I tend to focus on creative work; this could be printing a new batch of fabrics to send off to my Mum (who I collaborate with on my plant bags and pouches), designing new work, exposing new screens or screen printing a new batch of prints or cards. The afternoon is my favourite part of my day as I get to try out new ideas (well, apart from all the cleaning up afterwards!). 

CH: What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Sophie : Alongside screen printing, I also run a bi-annual event called Super Seconds Saturday - developing and running this during lockdown has definitely been my biggest achievement to date! Super Seconds Saturday is an online event that offers people an opportunity to buy discounted goods from 250 independent makers. A lot of indie makers have seconds/misprints/end of line stock that just didn't go quite right (or is from a few years back!) - and normally a lot of these are sold off at fairs at bargain prices but with few (or no!) fairs due to Coronavirus it means that these bargains aren't on offer. I was so happy with how the creative community of makers came together to support this event and I can't wait for the next one in October!

 CH: What’s been the favourite thing you’ve designed?

I have only recently (in the last year) started printing onto fabric and I'm really enjoying the process. My Mum is an incredible seamstress so I was really happy when we cooked up the idea of working together on fabric goods (like plant bags and pouches). I love seeing the fabric I've printed by hand turned into fabric goods by my Mum- it still feels magical seeing them fully made, packaged and ready for sale.

CH : What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Sophie: I love the freedom to try out new ideas and interact with customers and other creative businesses online too. Everyone is super supportive and it's so lovely to meet like minded people. 

 CH: What advice would you give to anyone looking to set up their own business?

Sophie: Just go for it! Sometimes setting up your own creative business can feel really daunting, but building a creative community around you (either online or in real life!) can make a huge difference to your confidence. I spent years telling myself I didn't have the time to set up a business and there never seemed to be a 'right time' so I just started small and ran Ink & Bear alongside my full time job for the first couple of years. After I'd built it up a bit I took the leap to go down to 4 days a week in my full time job and now I'm hoping to turn it into my full time career! Small steps can make a HUGE difference and getting started is the best thing you can do. 

 CH: Is there an activity you haven’t tried but would like to?

Sophie: I would really like to try working with glass! I love watching glass blowers (Blown Away on Netflix was fascinating to watch!) and would love to try it one day. I also have a real soft spot for ceramics and would like to learn to throw on a wheel.

 CH: Why should people shop / support local?

Sophie: think it's so important to support small local shops and makers - as a buyer you can buy really unique, high quality items that you can't get elsewhere and you're also supporting makers, for who the sale makes a huge difference to. I think shops like Chirpy are so important to introduce people to a wide range of makers - and the shopping experience in an independent shop is unrivalled for creativity and inspiration. 

 Thanks Sophie for such detailed answers - it’s great to get advice from a local maker mixing 9-5 with bering creative.

Check out the range of Sophie’s products we have in store and at Chirpy online and save the date for 2nd October for the next SUPER SECONDS SATURDAY if you fancy picking up a bargain!

#supersecondssaturday

Focus On ... Gemma Barnett

This month we’re focusing on another local artist, Gemma Barnett, whose beautifully designed cards are always popular in Chirpy

Here’s a little interview we did with Gemma

CH: Tell me a little bit about yourself

Gemma: I’m 34 & I grew up in Harrogate & now live in Meanwood with my partner Ben & our German Shepherd pup Holly. I really enjoy gardening, walking, reading & spending time with family & friends. I launched Gemma Barnett Art officially in the early months of 2020. I make papercut art which I then apply to greetings cards, wrapping paper & prints using bold colours. I aim to make modern, block print style products that divert away from the "traditional," particularly with my greetings card range. Our yarden is bursting with greenery this year & our home has an ever growing number of houseplants! I get a lot of inspiration for my work when I'm outdoors walking & exploring, which in turn gives me a great sense of inner calm.

CH: How did you get into doing what you are doing?

Gemma: I've always loved making things, using my hands, & getting lost in my imagination. I wasn't my happiest at school for obvious reasons & never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I worked in the NHS for many years as a Care Support Worker without fully committing myself to Nursing, there was always something inside me that wouldn't allow me to settle. One day I applied for, & was accepted, onto a further education art & design course here in Leeds & went part time at my NHS job. I studied & worked for two years before applying to do a degree at Leeds College of Art (now Leeds Arts University). Although I felt like a small fish in a very large pond at university I finally felt like me, I finally felt like I was being true to myself.

After uni I fell back into NHS work because it felt safe & it paid my rent. I was disheartened for a while but again that inner niggle didn't stop beating to a different drum & one day I dared to dream about a different way of life for myself. That dream was to use the papercutting skills I had developed over the years, & so very much enjoyed, to bring my new design ideas to life. I began to produce both prints & greetings cards, & that was when Gemma Barnett Art was born!

CH: What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Gemma: During the height of the covid pandemic I was lucky enough to be able to stay at home & focus on my business. For now though, I'm juggling a full time home working role for HMRC & finding any spare minute to work on my designs. I try to find time each day to let my imagination take over & snatch an hour here & there to get any new ideas down in my sketchbook. I love finding some quiet time to sit down with my scalpel & just simply cut out.

CH: What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Gemma: Making it through the hard times when I've struggled with depression & anxiety. Finding peace & joy with my partner Ben, & Holly too!

Working towards & actually seeing my cards & prints in bricks & mortar independent shops, wow what a feeling!

CH: What’s been the favourite thing you’ve designed?

Gemma: That's a difficult one! I really enjoy drawing & cutting out my papercut people, but I think my most favourite project has been my Garden Series papercuts. This series has to be the most detailed work I've produced so far & was an absolute labour of love as I made them in remembrance of my Dad who passed in 2017.

CH: What’s the best thing about running your own business?

Gemma: Only having myself to answer to (which can also be tricky at times)! Knowing you are working hard towards your own hopes & dreams is a wonderful feeling.

CH: What advice would you give to anyone looking to turn their hobby into a business?

Gemma : If you don't put your work out into the world no one will know it exists. Try using social media as a free way to get your work out there & seen by a wider audience, though stay mindful that this way of interacting does not ultimately determine your work's worth or your own self worth. I've found so many other creatives on social media who are happy to chat & can be so inspiring & supportive.

Choose your materials wisely & be as earth kind as possible.

Go & talk to that indie shop owner about what you do, if your product doesn't fit their shop, their advice alone could be of great value.

Don't give up, even on the slow days/weeks/months. Rarely is a business successful overnight. Give yourself time to learn, grow, & develop some new skills that will aid you in your journey.

CH : Is there a craft you haven’t tried but would like to?

Gemma: Ceramics! Although I did dabble in it at college. Squishy clay, an array of exciting tools & endless glazes, one day I will find the time!

CH: Why should people shop / support local?

Gemma : Choosing to spend your hard earned money at independent shops & with independent artists/makers, ideally locally, creates a wonderful community for everyone. We not only boost our local economy but we show our local independents how much we value them & their beautiful presence on our high streets & side streets. Imagine places like Chapel Allerton & Meanwood in north Leeds without their colourful array of independent shops. Choosing to spend your money in this way is a vote for a way of life that is more sustainable, more mindful & can really bring about positive change in our communities.

You’ll find Gemma’s work in Chirpy and other local stores - why not give her a follow on

Instagram: @gemmabarnettart

www.gemmabarnettart.com

Thanks Gemma for your honesty and your great advice.