Follow the Chapel Allerton Windows of Art Trail

We’re delighted to be part of the Chapel Allerton Windows of Art Trail 3-5th September 2021

Building on the success of last year’s windows of Art Trail its back bigger and better in 2021.

Events include an open-air art installation created by local children and displayed in our green spaces, including Gledhow Valley Woods and St Matthews Church.

Over the weekend of 3-5th September artists will exhibit work in the shop windows of independents throughout Chapel Allerton, including Chirpy. The trail map below can be downloaded here.

For more information, please contact chapelallertonartists@gmail.com

Also taking place is …

Chapel Allerton Artists Group Exhibition

1st- 30th September 2021

Chapel Allerton and the surrounding areas are rich with artists creating diverse works from sweeping Yorkshire skies, woven woollens, whimsical watercolours, activism and applique. September sees our first public show by fourteen artists from the Chapel Allerton Artists Group. Join them for the opening night on the 1st September at Seven Arts. A selection of original works and prints by local professional and amateur artists will be on show and available for sale throughout the month.

COMPETITION TIME! Win a Kid's Plantable Book!

To celebrate the launch of the NEW Kid’s PLANTABLE books by Willsow arriving at Chirpy, we’re having a little competition

Just get your kids to design their own Vegetable (fruit or herb) Superhero and bring the picture into Chirpy by 31st August.

Or if you cant make it to the shop then just take a picture of it and post it on social media tagging @chirpystore

We’ll choose our favourite and the winner gets to choose one of the 5 new books.

Each book follows the adventures of an intrepid vegetable - once youre read the book you can meet the character by planting a bit of the seeded pages and watch them grow!

Recently seen on DRAGON’S DEN and they did grab a dragon - the wonderful Sara Davies who’ll soon be seen on Strictly Come Dancing. She’s also the dragon working with local company Mini First Aid

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.

Babble & Chew Pop Up at Chirpy

Stylish baby accessories from Babble & Chew

We’re delighted to be welcoming Babble & Chew in store on Saturday 24th July!

Popping upstairs at Chirpy between 11am - 3pm they'll be showcasing their beautifully designed products.

Babble & Chew is a mummy start up business which sells a beautiful range of baby weaning and toddler eating goods and accessories for the Ikea Antilop highchair.

Their products have been designed to not only look good in your home but also actually practical to use! The current collection include silicone bibs, bowls, placemats, suction plates in a selection of modern muted colours.

They also have a fantastic range of accessories for the IKEA Antilop highchair. Our favourites in the collection are definitely the hand sewn cushion covers and leg wraps which really transform the highchair!

Head over to their website www.babbleandchew.com or follow them on Instagram @babbleandchew to see more.

New Chirpy Opening Guidelines From 19th July

As we look towards new freedoms on Monday 19th July, we want to ensure that our customers remain happy, safe and still enjoy shopping at Chirpy.

With this in mind, here’s how things will work from 19th July…

We’ll be saying goodbye to our Green Light system, which has been a novel way to manage the number of people into Chirpy. All we ask is that you are conscious of the number of people in the shop - we may ask you to pop upstairs or wait a few minutes come in it it gets too busy.

We will not be asking you to wear a mask in the shop, however please do so if you feel more comfortable. We will still have spare ones if you want one and don’t have one.

We’ll still have hand sanitiser at the entrance, on the counter and in the wall dispenser upstairs - please use it. especially if you wanting to touch products.

We will continue to sanitise areas of the shop was part of our regular cleaning routine. We’ll also have the door and windows open as munch as possible to allow ventilation throughout the shop.

ONLINE will continue to play an important part of the Chirpy offer, with FREE SHIPPING over £35 and Click & Collect available during shop hours.

We can’t thank our customers enough for all the support we’ve had over the last 18 months while we’ve been adapting and changing to keep up with the changing times and shopping habits.

Focus On ... Dani from Grant + Blossom

The smile behind the brand

This month we’re focusing on another local maker, Dani of Grant + Blossom, a candle company who’s gorgeous candles have just arrived in Chirpy

Here’s a little interview we did with Dani.

CH: Tell me a little bit about yourself

D:I'm Dani and I'm the founder of Grant + Blossom; I partner with independent artists to create bold, beautiful and sustainable candles.

CH:How did the business start?

D:I started making candles a couple of years ago for myself and as gifts and started developing ideas around owning my own business around then too.  But, it wasn't until we were in the middle of the pandemic and I was furloughed/ on maternity leave that I finally plucked up the courage to dive right in and start! I officially launched in August 2020, eight weeks after my baby girl was born and it's been a whirlwind ever since. I was made redundnat in March, so since April both children have been in nursery and I've really been able to focus on the business more or less full time. 

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

D:I get up and get my children ready for nursery and once they have left the house I enjoy a quiet coffee by myself! I start working at around 9am (though the beauty of owning my own business is that I can be pretty flexible with start and finish times!) I work 4 days a week and I try to spend half of that time in my workshop pouring / wrapping candles and the other half doing admin/ marketing etc. Every day is pretty different because as the owner of the business I'm wearing many hats! 

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

D: There are a couple of things that I'm really proud of; on a personal level having two gorgeous (slightly bonkers) children. On a professional level, taking the leap to finally launch my own business  - it has been the best decision I think I have made and I love it! Through the sale of my candles I've raised over £800 for charity and I've been a finalist for an Indie Business Award which is incredible. 

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

D: I honestly love all the candles I make because so much time goes into creating them; from working artists and choosing the right designs, to matching the right fragrances and testing them to make sure they are the very best quality - they are all a labour of love. I think my very first Limited Edition Candle working with the fabulous Digital Artist Lucy Turner will always hold a special place in my heart though. Lucy was the very  first artist I worked with and and seeing her work on my candle cemented the idea of working with artists on my other candles.

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

D: The freedom! Don't get me wrong, it's stressful and I feel like I'm running at 120mph most of the time - but the ability to make decisions and run a business the way that I think it should be run is liberating and exciting! I can be really agile and try things out without having to answer to anyone if it doesn't work, which is amazing. 

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

D: Don't worry about not having all the answers at the beginning.  I think one of the reasons it took me so long to get started is that I felt like I had to have everything perfected before launching because I was comparing myself to really established brands like Oliver Bonas and The White Company  - but really, I should have just started sooner and learnt along the way! Somehow that doesn't seem as scary anymore and I'm happy not having all the answers; it's half of the fun and makes the wins even more satisfying. 

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

D: Upholstering! I'm pretty into crafts so have tried lots of different mediums.  Things like painting and pottery I could see myself picking up again as a hobby as I've loved them when I've done workshops. But upholserty has been on my list for a while! I love finding furniture gems at vintage and antique shops, and I would love to learn how to give some of them a new lease of life ... maybe with a bit of Grant + Blossom flair and upholsetred in an indie artist's work ;) who knows! 

CH: Why should people shop local?

D :I think throughout the pandemic we have all seen just how important local businesses have been.  They really have been the beating heart of our communities and helped us get through the strangest and most difficult year we have seen in a while. We need to remember these small businesses as we re -enter our familiar and fast paced world; these are the shops that know your name, know what you like, will go that extra mile to make your purchase feel special - and they can do it all without an algorithym or clever marketing because they take the time to get to know you as a person, and not just a number.  I have loved my local highstreet during the pandemic and would really miss it if it wasn't there - so use it or lose it people!  

Thanks Dani for letting us get to know you!

Check out the new range of Dani’s table candles & scented candles we have in store and online and watch this space for an exciting collaboration later in the year!

FIVER FEST Chapel Allerton- starts SATURDAY 12th JUNE!!

It’s almost time!

Join 13 businesses in Chapel Allerton as they bring you a host of £5 offers to help you shop local!

Did you know that if every adult in Chapel Allerton spent just £5 a week in their local independent businesses that would mean £4.6 MILLION per year into the local economy!

So here’s the participating businesses which are going to help you do that …

Chirpy

Rebel & Rose

Armadillo Toys

The Refilling Station

The Sweet Quarter

George & Joseph

House of Koko

Seven Arts

Katie & May

The Perfumed Garden

The Little Bookshop

The Box

Opposite

Why not give them all a follow on Instagram?

To find out what offers each business will have during the 2 weeks click here

Celebrating PRIDE at Chirpy!

To celebrate PRIDE throughout June we’ve picked some gorgeous colourful rainbow things - perfect for gifts or treat for yourself!

Head to our PRIDE section on the website here to spread a bit of rainbow love!

Focus On ... Rachel White of Seb and Roo

The smile behind the brand

This month we’re focusing on another local maker, Rachel of Seb and Roo, a teething jewellery brand which is already proving popular in Chirpy

Here’s a little interview we did with Rachel.

CH: Tell me a little bit about yourself

Rachel: I’m Rachel, the owner of Seb and Roo, a independent children’s brand, specialising in baby goods. I’m a mum of two boys, Sebastian and Rupert (hence the name!), and live with my Kiwi husband in Yorkshire. I run the business around flexi-schooling the boys, and when I have time, I love to play tennis as an escape from our busy lives. 

 CH: How did the business start?

Rachel : Prior to having children, I led a very different life, working in marketing for global companies and living in London and more recently Sydney. We settled in Yorkshire when I was pregnant to be closer to family, and it soon became apparent that our priorities had shifted drastically. I wanted a job that could fit around family, not the other way around, and I had always wanted to run my own business. 

 When Seb was born, I came across teething necklaces. I loved the concept and functionality of them but not the styles, so when my youngest was born I decided to design my own. And so in 2016 Seb & Roo was born. We’ve since grown our product range into baby toys, gifts and accessories, but teething jewellery and baby teethers continue to be our best selling items.

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

Rachel: After the rush of the school run, I’ll come home and work through my emails and customer messages (with coffee in hand of course) and reply to anything urgent, before printing off the days’ orders and getting started on making them. I might have to put in some orders with suppliers or make up a large wholesale order, and if I get chance I like to play around with and sketch new design ideas and scour the internet for new product ranges. 

As a one woman business, I look after everything - from design, supplier management, finance, fulfilment and shipping, marketing etc as well as the physical making of some of the products, so each day can be quite different depending on what takes priority that day. I’ll have the days’ orders ready to ship by mid afternoon and then go and pick up the kids from school. I love being able to do this but it does mean that I will often work in the evenings and weekends to catch up.  

 CH: What’s been your biggest achievement to date? (feel free to mention something work related and  / or personal)

Rachel: It has to be having my two boys and parenting them in the most mindful way I can. It’s definitely my most important job! Professionally, it’s a toss up between getting my first sale on Etsy (I now have multiple Etsy Bestsellers!) and launching my website a couple of years later. 

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

Rachel: I’m really proud of the Panda teether that I designed. It started with a hand drawing, then a 3D drawing, then a mould and finally a physical product in a beautiful custom box that I also designed. It’s a real favourite with younger babies, as the black and white is visually stimulating, and I love that it started our as a rough sketch on a scrap of paper!

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

Rachel: I love the flexibility of running my own business around my family and also being wholly responsible for its successes and failures. The reward is far greater when you’re working for yourself.   

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

Rachel: Have a really clear idea of your brand and your customers. Try to come up with a unique selling proposition, which is hard in saturated markets, but really think about what you can do different and better than your competitors. One of the biggest pitfalls I think for hobby makers trying to grow is that they underprice their products / services, which means their business won’t be sustainable in the long run. 

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

Rachel: I really fancy learning calligraphy. It looks so beautiful and is a real art form, so it’s definitely on my to do list!

 CH: Why should people shop local?

Rachel: Oh gosh, there’s so many reasons! If we don’t support our local businesses, we will lose them, and with it a piece of our community. When you shop local, you’re making a great choice for the environment, as well as making a real difference to the individuals and families that own them - you’re supporting real people’s livelihoods, not multinational corporations. You can also find some great quality and unusual items that you might not find elsewhere as well as fabulous, personal service

 Thanks Rachel for letting us get to know you!

Check out the range of Rachel’s teething products we have in store and at Chirpy online

FIVER FEST Chapel Allerton 12th - 26th JUNE

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

This national campaign, now in its 5th 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