Focus on ... Greenwich Paper Studio

This month we’re focusing on Greenwich Paper Studio. We love their modern cards in Chirpy, especially their new striped range.

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves

Hi, I am Julie and I do just about everything at Greenwich Paper Studio!

I am very lucky to run my stationery business from the beautiful Greenwich in London.

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

With a background in Textile Design, and being a stationery addict, I decided it was time to combine the two. I started the business in 2020 alongside my existing full time job and after a short while decided this was what I wanted to do, and took the plunge.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 Every day is different and that is what I love. I normally start by making a good old to-do list for the day. It will normally include packing orders, coming up with new designs, updating the website. A bit of everything. At lunchtime I will always take a break and go for a walk in the lovely park nearby which is good for mind and body, and of course lots of cups of tea! 

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?-

 I am very proud of the business and my best achievement so far is getting stocked in nearly 40 stores across the UK and the U.S. This of course includes the fabulous Chirpy.

Where can we find your cards?

My cards are stocked in independent stores including gift shops, florists, bookshops and homeware stores.

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

 I really love my new striped collection and these have been going down really with customers. I’m a big fan of the stripe and love the playful fonts.

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

 Typography I think has become more popular and something that personally I love. Also there seems to be a move towards cards that can be used for multiple occasions and recipients.

 Why do you think sending cards is still so important?-

I think people still love receiving cards and in an age where most things are now done online and virtually, it is a personal way to show someone that you care and are thinking of them. It’s also a lovely keepsake for people.

Best thing about running your own business?

 The freedom to create the products you want to do is an amazing thing. It is still a wonderful feeling seeing my designs in shops!

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

 Spend some time experimenting with ideas and deciding what it is you really want to do. Research in shops and online and see what is out there and what you can bring that is a bit different. Then go for it!

Plans for the future?

To continue with new designs and build on my wholesale business. In time I would like to expand my product range and offer lots of more fun colourful loveliness to my stockists.

 You can find a range of Greenwich Paper Studio cards for all occasions in Chirpy

Focus on ... Katie Roe

Next month we’re welcoming Katie Roe to Chirpy to run a NEW workshop to make your own Monogrammed Leather Glasses / Sunglasses Case

To get to know Katie and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :

Tell me a little about yourself.

I live in Meanwood with my husband & 2 little boys, we moved back to Leeds almost 9 years ago after spending 12 years living in America. I'm from Leeds originally so it's lovely to be back “home” raising our boys near family. I have always loved art and design and spent my school years putting all my energy into those subjects. I also love to run, running for me is an instant de-stress and time to escape the chaos.

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

I studied Fashion Design and after graduation I packed my portfolio &  jumped on a plane to New York in search of a job. I landed an assistant designer position at Abercrombie & Fitch. I went on to spend a big chunk of my 20s and 30s in New York working as a womenswear designer for various brands including American Eagle, Gap and J.Crew. When we moved back home I was craving a change, so I learnt the traditonal skills of hand leatherwork and set up Katie Roe Studio. I make leather accessories that combine traditional skills with a modern aesthetic and put responsible, sustainable design at the forefront of my work.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 My week days vary, but always start in a rush with my boys school and nursery drop off. A couple of days a week I try squeeze in a run and then spend time in my home studio doing leatherwork - this can be anything from developing new ideas to making bags or prepping for workshops (the fun bits) to social media, catching up on emails or costing out new ideas (for me the less fun aspect).  My workspace is usually a mess when I’m desiging or making but I think that's often the case for creative people. Two days a week I head into Leeds Arts University where I lecture on the Fashion Design degree. This involves working in the studios with our students supporting them with designing, portfolios and making garments. I always get to spend at least a day in the week with my youngest before he starts school in September - this generally involves mud and a park!

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

I think having my boys for sure. The transition into becoming a parent is huge and no one could have ever prepared me both mentally and phyically, so yes that definitely feels like my bigeest achievement.

 What do you love best about running workshops?

I love meeting new people and sharing my knowledge of both designing & traditional leatherwork. Helping people to design & create a leather case that they will own for years and that they are really proud of is extremley rewarding, especially if it is someone who has never picked up a sewing needle or is new to “crafting”. 

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

Oh I would love to try so many - anything that involves working with my hands and creating stuff! Pottery and carving would be high up on the list, glass blowing looks fascinating and when I was younger I always wanted to get into millinery (hat making). Basically I think I could give you a huge list if we had enough time!

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

Shopping locally is putting your hard earned money into the livelihoods of an indie artist or shop owner that works so passionately and hard to do what they do - rather than giving your money to huge corporations that focus on mass production, often at the expense of quality and the impact it has on our environment. Shopping locally keeps our highstreets alive and really does mean the world to the artist and shopkeeper, plus you are guaranteed to purchase something that is more unique.

You can join Katie on her workshop on Sunday 9th June to make your own leather glasses case. use the code INTERVIEW5 when booking to get £5 off

Focus on ... Jan & Robert of Pavillion

This month’s Focus on .. is Jan & Robert of Pavillion, a gorgeous range of modern cards we’ve been stocking for a couple of years

Here’s a little interview we did with them both to find out a little more.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

We are Jan & Robert, we live/work in Norfolk with our dog Ripley and have been together since 2005. Pavilion was launched in January 2018 after 18 months of designing and forming our first collection of greeting cards.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing

Our backgrounds are in design, Jan’s as a textile print designer and Robert’s as a stylist. We both love fashion and print and had worked together on creating a range of printed scarves and bags which became wall art prints which we sold locally at art craft fairs and markets. We then looked into turning the artwork of the wall art into greeting cards and then it took off from there.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

The day starts with walking Ripley in the morning, then as we work from home many mornings will involve a run which is a good start to the day as you get to think about and plan the day ahead as you are jogging and also it gets you out of the house for a while before you get to your desk. We often have a quick sit down together to look over what needs to be done, there’s usually orders to be processed, packed and booked on with couriers. A lot of our time in the studio is spent coming up with new card ranges, designing the prints and overseeing proofs of the new collections for the next season. No two days are the same.

Biggest achievement to date

We have had many big achievements since setting up the business, we both feel very proud when we are approached by major galleries and museums and asked if they can stock Pavilion and affiliate:107 (our partner brand) as these shops are very focussed on design-led products. More often than not we are asked to supply these stores as our products sit in line with upcoming exhibitions that the venues are presenting which is a big compliment.

Where can we find your cards?

Our collection is very varied, ranging from modern, simple through to heavily patterned colourful designs. This means you can find us in a very broad range of stockists from many independents across the UK, US along with other stores around the world as well as the museums and galleries mentioned before. We sell into jewellery stores who love our modern, foiled designs to sit along side there jewellery, as well as many florists who love our floral/illustrative cards. Since launching our notebook collections we have found that we have gained many stockists that are focussed purely on the notebook/journaling side of stationery.

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

That would have to be our Radar Card Wes which is our best seller by far and is also very indicative of our brand, really beautifully coloured, bold and impactful paired with a huge gold foiled star motif. We designed this card to being joy and happiness and our customers love it and always repeat buy when ordering along with new customers who have to have it on their shelves in store.

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

We are not probably the brand to ask about card trends as we draw inspiration for our new ranges from sources that are not trend-led. In fact we find most of our ideas come from artwork, fashion collections and graphics from way back.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Sending a card is a very personal way of letting someone know that you are thinking about them whatever the occasion. Many of our customers keep the cards they are sent as a reminder of a special time and even frame them as a keepsake to have on their wall.

Best thing about running your own business?

There are many good aspects to running Pavilion, the best part is the designing process. So much of our time is spent discussing and then physically creating the artwork for the products. For both Robert and myself as creatives turning our ideas into stationery goods is a massive part of the brand. Customers at trade shows are always surprised that its just Robert and I that put the brand together as there is such a wide array of design styles and themes that are a part of the collection. When we set up Pavilion we had no real business experience so it’s been a massive learning curve to running the brand too and seeing our work out in the wild.

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

Research is key, we spent a lot of time researching and going to look in shops at other brands for all aspects of the greeting card/stationery world before we finally committed to exhibiting at a show. We had to think about where we would sit in the industry and what we had to offer, what was unique about our work and what would draw the customers in. If you want to commit to a trade show its important to visit and look at how you would set your stand out as it is a big financial layout and look at existing brands and how they present themselves to show attendees. It costs a huge amount of money to set up so allow yourself to have the finances to launch, I spent a long time working my regular job freelancing as well as setting up Pavilion to keep a steady income coming in.

Plans for the future?

We are forever talking about the future and what we would like to do with the brand, whether its new card/stationery ranges or discussing new products we would add to the collection. For the immediate future we are focussed on creating new and interesting stationery with our unique point of view and hopefully continuing on gaining more stockists that love our work and who knows what the future holds?

Focus on ... Niccy from Type & Story

This month’s Focus on .. is Niccy the founder of Type & Story, a new card range we’ve just started to stock which is proving very popular in Chirpy

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

Hello I am Niccy and I am the designer / founder of Type and Story! Its rather cliche but I founded the business after having an identity crisis after having given birth to my son! I didn’t have a job to go back to as I was was a freelance graphic designer and felt completely lost in the patriacle world of demanding projects and inflexible timelines! Type and Story was essentially a passion project whilst my son slept and isn many ways was my personal exploration of desire to creatively explore this new identity that was emerging… it was less about what I was creating, more that I WAS creating.

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

I had always worked in retail either on the shop floor or as a Visual merchandiser in head office. I grew up in London and worked at ‘aspirational’ department stores such as Liberty, Selfridges, Harrods etc. Despite the diabolical salary, I came out with unbelievable friends who I am still to this day 20 years on very close too. For all the hours I spent in these fashion houses, I developed a taste level for product, good design and colour which was undoubtably shaped by my surroundings.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal day consists of 6.30am Yoga / run, school drop off, walking my dog, then 4 hours of working before I do the school run again! 

Biggest achievement to date?

My biggest achievement to date business wise was being awarded a golden certificate at my first ever trade show for my Planet Earth range at PG Live via Paperchase who went on to order 27,000 units. I was so shocked an in awe that my tiny little stand and small collection stood out enough in the crowd. Why this moment stands out for me is that it felt validating that my messaging on my cards that is direct and soulful and that is how I want to be spoken to yet no other cards at the time we’re offering that. So the approach to my cards was being noticed and that felt important.

Where can we find your cards?

Oliver Bonas, Anthropologie, Papersmiths and loads of aspirational independent shops, concept stores, museums and art galleries, florists bookshops and coffee shops!

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

I think there is a move away from the traditional rectangle card with more publishers moving towards die cut cards, mini cards and cards that are inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.

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

Just get on with it. Ask your self why you are holding yourself back? Are you making excuses  and if so what are you really hiding from?   

 Check out Niccy’s Instagram here

Focus on ... Liz aka Dicky Bird

This month’s Focus on .. is Liz, one of our favourite card suppliers Dicky Bird. Liz’s cards fly of the shelves in Chirpy and are some of the most popular we stock so we thought it was about time we shone a light on her

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

Dicky Bird is me - Liz - a small studio based in South East London. My aim has always been to create cards which are elegant and classic but also contemporary and fun.

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

I originally trained as a graphic designer at the London College of Communication but was always a fan of European illustrators such as Dick Bruna and Tove Jansson - as well as Japanese kawaii characters like Hello Kitty! A serial card buyer, I was always searching for simple, understated designs but could rarely find them.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

There are lots of different days really. As a one woman show you have to do everything! But I like that. I hop from new designs to accounts, trade fairs to product research, customer service to photography.

Biggest achievement to date?

Seeing my designs for sale in the Parisian boutique Colette, once described as ‘the trendiest store in the world’ by Forbes. What can I say?!

 Where can we find your cards?

Over the years, Dicky Bird cards have graced the shelves of Liberty of London, the Design Museum, The British Museum, Tate Modern & Tate Britain, The Designers Guild and The Conran Shop – but most importantly, many amazing independents – like Chirpy!

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

That’s an impossible question! But I do really like the Black Cat design at the moment – it just reminds me of something from my childhood I think.

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

I honestly try not to look at what other card publishers are doing – I just like to keep in my own lane and do the things I like. Things I’ve liked lately though are toadstools, blossom flowers and nail art.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

It’s still a hundred times nicer to receive a card in the post than it is to get a text message or digital card. There’s just something a bit magic about it and I don’t think that will ever change.

Best thing about running your own business?

In a nutshell, being your own boss. It gives you freedom.

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

If you think there’s a market for what you do, give it a go. I started off by producing a small collection and selling at fairs and markets – it gives you a good idea of what’s popular and what doesn’t sell. Remember it can be a bit lonely at times – and don’t forget you have to do the boring stuff too, like accounts!

Plans for the future?

I‘ve done some collaborations with other designers and companies in the past and I’d like to do some more of that. It’s nice to work with other people.

 Check out Dicky Bird’s Instagram HERE

And pop into Chirpy to buy Liz’s cards, but be quick as they sell out!

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

Introducing... Zoe Spry

We’re delighted to introduce a new card supplier, Zoe Spry. Her gorgeous cards have just arrived and our Chirpy customers already love them.

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

I’m currently a one woman band creating fun paper goods and stationery based in Bristol. That means I do everything from designing, to social media, to sales, to dispatching. I’m hoping to get some help in the near future as the business continues to grow, I’m always very busy (which I’m very very grateful for!)

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

I started making cards as a hobby when I finished my degree in Textile design. I licensed a few designs to publishers while gaining industry experience as a full time Children’s Book Designer. It wasn’t until I was made redundant from my studio role that I took the plunge into self employed life!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Every day is slightly different but it always is based around the same sort of routine: emails, admin, designing, packing and dispatching orders, as well as doing freelance design work in between- it gets really busy but I love the variety.

Biggest achievement to date?

Putting myself out there to do trade shows has been a really big step for the business. It was really daunting at first but so good to meet people face to face!

Where can we find your cards?

You can find my cards in a number of fabulous independent retailers (including Chirpy..!) across the globe. I’ve recently started stocking Oliver Bonas and have a range of licensed designs in Tesco stores.

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

My most popular card is the ‘happy birthday letter candles’ card with gold foil finish. I think the bright colours and foil confetti make it a great all-rounder which is why it sells so well.

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

I’m noticing more and more shaped diecut cards. I think brands are constantly looking for ways to stand out and you can create some really exciting finished pieces via this method.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

In a world which is so fast paced with technology, it’s so easy to just send a text. I personally love the process of choosing a card and writing in it, as well as receiving a card in which the sender has taken time to consider what they think I’d like. It’s a more personal and more considered action.

Best thing about running your own business?

Watching something grow which started from a tiny seed. Being in charge of my own destiny is also very exciting!

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

Keep practicing your skill to always get better! Be willing to learn from others and be kind to yourself.

Plans for the future?

To keep expanding our range of cards, do more trade shows and hopefully grow our list of amazing stockists :)

Check out Zoe Spry’s Instagram HERE

Introducing... Middle Mouse!

We’re delighted to introduce a new card supplier, Middle Mouse, who we met at this year’s Harrogate Tradeshow. Her beautiful cards have just arrived and we’re sure our Chirpy customers are going to love them - check out the extra treat on the back of some of them!

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & Middle Mouse?

I’m an illustrator and designer based in Lancashire, and work with my husband, Darren, who organises the orders and ships them out to our customers. Middle Mouse launched in 2018 and is named after a tiny uninhabited island off the north coast of Wales, visible from my favourite place in the world, Llanlleiana, Anglesey.

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

I graduated from Manchester Met in 2005 and I’ve been illustrating ever since! I started in a tiny bookshop/studio in The Last Drop Village, Bolton with my best friend, where we sold children’s books and gifts whilst building our portfolio. We’ve worked with a range of clients from the BBC to the NHS, and in 2018, my Dad (a gardening and cookery writer, Paul Peacock) and I decided to start a greetings card company that gave people a little something extra, from recipes and growing tips on the back of the card, to little booklets packed with added content. Unfortunately Dad passed away just before we launched, so I carried on in his memory.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I get up and take our studio dog, Pippin, for a walk, then have breakfast and get to my desk (looking out onto the Middle Mouse garden) for about 8.45. We do research, answer emails, put orders into production in the morning, then have lunch. I do my best creative work from about 1pm - 10pm, so the afternoons are usually drawing, designing and sending things to print, interspersed with a bit of weeding, dead-heading roses and another walk in the afternoon. In the evenings I usually draw on the iPad or read. Basically, work, work, work, but I love it!

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

We were thrilled to get our first big stockist with Middle Mouse (Scribbler) and exhibit at our very first trade show. But I’m also hugely proud of a free app I’ve designed called FORM-AI, which shows people how to do over 1300 exercises and help people move better.

Where can we find your cards?

Our cards are available in over 150 shops in the UK, including Scribbler and Selfridges (coming this autumn), and also on our website www.middlemouse.co.uk

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

We love our Characterful range, especially the Blackadder cards, but my favourite cards are the Botanicards range, as they feature my mum’s recipes and Dad’s growing tips on the back!

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

We’ve noticed a big move away from secondary processes as this adds to the carbon footprint of the cards, with bolder, brighter designs taking over the impact of foiling and glitter.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Each card is a tiny piece of art that wishes someone well. There are not many things in the world that are manifestations of goodness, so it’s an honour to provide people with something that helps them connect with someone and send some joy.

Best thing about running your own business?

The ability to drop everything and nip out for chocolate at a moment’s notice! That and having studio dog Pippin sleeping at my feet as I work, and meeting so many lovely people at trade fairs!

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

Visit trade fairs, and talk to people as much as possible. The greetings card industry in particular is exceptionally friendly and everyone is happy to help you. Take risks and do things that scare you, but be kind to yourself too.

Plans for the future?

I’d love to write a picture book for children and maybe do some more study in literature, as well as continue to grow our greetings card ranges.

Check out Middle Mouse’s Instagram HERE

Introducing... Heyy Cards!

In June I visited PG Live for the 1st time, a tradeshow dedicated to greetings cards.

There I met with Heyy cards, an independent card brand who we now have the pleasure of stocking at Chirpy.

We like to get to know our suppliers a little bit more, so here’s an interview we did with Dan & Yvette. It’s great to learn more about them & what makes their brand tick.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & Heyyy

Heyyy is our small greeting card business run by husband and wife team Dan & Yvette Clarkson. Basically, we are both hopeless romantics! When we first met a few years ago we used to send a lot of cards to each other (we still have them all in a drawer in our office!). Somehow we fell into the habit of starting each card, each note and each text message we sent to each other with the word ‘Heyyy’, it became our little greeting. One night during lockdown we got talking about an off the wall idea to start our own card company – and so Heyyy Cards was born!

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

Dan is a graphic designer and Yvette worked in the greeting card and stationery industry for 15 years for another publisher until the pandemic, when things changed for everyone. At a time in our lives when a lot was changing, we decided that there was no better opportunity than to try to see if we could make a business doing something that we were both passionate about.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal day for Heyyy (if you can call it normal!) starts with us both heading off to work – we still have 9-5 day jobs! Dan works for a branding agency and Yvette works for a local charity. After arriving home in the evening and walking our dog (and office mascot) Keo, we begin our work on Heyyy! Our evenings and weekends consist of packing orders, invoicing, brainstorming new ranges, designing cards and everything in between! It’s rather hectic but at the moment we absolutely love it, and the fact that we have been able to keep our day jobs gives us the security to be able to invest in the business and grow our collections without having to worry about paying the bills at home.

Biggest achievement to date (personally or business wise)?

Being shortlisted as finalist for the Henries awards (the Oscars of the greeting card world) for our Tiny and Terrific children’s cards in our first year of trading was amazing! We were so pleased to be invited to the award ceremony and see our cards up on display.

Where can we find your cards?

Our cards are stocked in a small but steadily growing list of gorgeous independent retailers, card and gift shops, garden centres, bookstores and fashion boutiques, from as close to home as Chesterfield, to as far away as Chicago!

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

Dan’s favourite card is from our Type Dreams collection which simply says ‘Thanks for Being You’. It was one of the first cards we designed and is a really simple yet elegant design.

Yvette’s favourite card is probably ‘Happy Birthday Handsome’ from our new Dancing in the Rain collection. Men’s cards are so difficult to find, especially for a more contemporary fellow, and this one hits the spot for me!

Our most popular card is probably ‘Old Enough to be a Classic’ which is a letter press style birthday card featuring beautiful classic car illustrations. We loved this design from the start which was inspired by our 11 year old son’s fascination with cars, but it has even surprised us how popular it has been!

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

The card industry is so amazingly diverse and new ideas are constantly coming into the market. This year we have noticed a growing trend for 3D designs, scalloped edges on cards and also more quirky concepts like cards which look like book covers.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Sending greeting cards is SO IMPORTANT! In a world where everything is online, immediate, and digital, it’s so lovely to still be able to send something hand-picked and tactile to a loved one in the post. Greeting cards are perhaps one of the most accessible forms of art and expression. Costing only a few pounds you can buy something unique which has the power to make the person you are sending it to smile, laugh, cry or just feel like you are thinking of them.

Best thing about running your own business?

The freedom to design things and do things our way… of course not everything is a best seller and we have learned some lessons along our journey, but that’s all part of the fun! It’s also incredibly fulfilling to have started something from nothing and to be able to watch it grow. It’s absolutely humbling and still a bit surreal to stand in a shop and see someone pick up a card that you have designed and start smiling!

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

Sponge up as much information and advice as you possibly can before you take the leap! Speak to other small business owners, look at online forums, local business networks. Know your market, look at what’s out there, learn about your customer. In our case we spent a lot of time talking to shops about what they needed, who their end customers were, what sold well for them, how things were packaged etc. Research is key! We are lucky that the greeting card industry is a very friendly one and other publishers and retailers have been very kind in sharing information to help us along our journey.

Plans for the future?

World domination!! Only kidding. Hopefully we would like to grow slowly but surely, working on new designs and building a range that keeps us relevant to both shops and consumers. In time we would both like to do this full time… if we can both eventually make a humble living doing this, that would be the dream!

Watch this space to find out what we’ve got planned with Heyy later this year to celebrate ‘Thinking of You Week’ and why not give them a follow on INSTAGRAM

Introducing... Black Violet!

We’re delighted to welcome Rebecca Lori of Black Violet as our first MAKER IN RESIDENCE in April.

Rebecca will be joining us on Friday 28th & Saturday 29th April upstairs in Chirpy with her eclectic selection of ceramics, terrariums and jewellery.

Here’s a little interview we did with Rebecca to find out a little more about her and how. We’ll also be chatting to her LIVE on INSTAGRAM on Thursday 27th April at 7:30pm before she pops up in Chirpy.

Rebecca will also be running her Concrete Jewellery Workshop on Friday 28th April - tickets available HERE Booking essential

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Hi – my name is Rebecca and I am the owner of Black Violet. If you’re not familiar with my work I make concrete and moss homeware and jewellery inspired by abandoned beauty, magical forests and goddess energy! Nature always inspires me and I am kind of obsessed with the idea of nature taking over manmade structures. I like to create a sense of fantasy and magic through my terrariums and classic statues.

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

I have a creative background and have studied fashion and photography. I’ve always been into art and everyone that knows me will say that I am a bit of a dreamer! I am a huge fan of concrete structures and brutalist architecture and one day I realised I could use this material to make jewellery and planters and it kind of evolved from there. My dream as a child was to own a shop and sell things that I make – so I guess it just happened naturally.

 What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I don’t really have a normal day! Everyday looks different, but if I am preparing for a market or making stock for a shop I will set up a creative space in my flat, put on some inspiring music and get lost in making. Sometimes this might be a messy concrete pour, playing with pigments and moss and other times it might be more intensely focused work making terrariums or necklaces. I also have to make sure I keep my Instagram updated so people can see what I’ve made.

Biggest achievement to date?

 That’s a difficult one! I think my biggest and most proudest moment was being the first person in my family to get a degree – a 2:1 in Photographic Arts, I was over the moon! Then I guess it’s been following my own unconventional path to build my own business.

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

 My terrariums! Each piece is unique and like little magical worlds. I recently made a massive piece for an alternative wedding show which I absolutely love too.

 Best thing about running your own business?

 I get to choose my own hours, don’t have to answer to anyone and get to do what I absolutely love!

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

Have patience, it’s really hard! But stick with it, if you have confidence in what you do then you’re likely to make it. Don’t do it my way and quit your job without any savings! Start doing it along with your job and see how it goes. I am a risk taker so had to go all in but I definitely don’t advise that approach though it did work for me and took my business to a totally different level. Think of the whole package and get help if you need to – there’s loads of great free resources out there for indie businesses on marketing, packaging, advertising etc

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

So many! I recently practised using a tattoo gun and was pretty hooked! I would also love to make candles for my business, I bought all the materials but as usual I’ve not found time to do it! There’s loads more but too many to list!

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

 Wouldn’t the world be a boring place if we all bought cheaply made mass-produced products? We need to support the arts and crafts as it’s what makes life so beautiful, people expressing themselves creatively and owning art that’s so personal and emotive. Even small purchases make a difference to supporting indie businesses – you are enabling an artist or maker to do what they love and keeping the creative process going. And it’s so much better to buy handmade!

Check out Rebecca’s Instagram HERE