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

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