Thinking of Your Week 18th - 24th September

This year we’re celebrating ‘Thinking of You’ Week we’ve joined forces with Heyy Cards to bring you bespoke cards for you to send.

Thinking of You Week is the perfect time to send a card just to say you’re thinking of someone, drop them a note to let them know your news or just send a card to make them smile.

We’ll also be hosting a charity raffle with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Now with some great prizes.

Join us in store on Saturday 23rd September when Heyy Cards will be here printing bespoke cards. You can order them on the day or online prior to the event to collect on 23rd September or we can send on your behalf

Find out more and order your cards here

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

Welcome Back... My New Wardrobe! 6th October from 12pm

After a sellout event in May, we’re delighted to welcome Rebecca of MY NEW WARDROBE as she pops up again at Chirpy on Friday 6th October

Rebecca will be bringing her gorgeous selection of new Autumn season affordable womenswear for ONE DAY ONLY so why not pop along from 12:30pm on Friday 6th October

Watch this space for Rebeccas new season tips …

Check out Rebecca’s Instagram HERE

Pre Orders Available - helping you spread the cost of gifting

As we start thinking about the autumn (even though we don’t seem to have had a summer!) here at Chirpy we’re planning our new stock.

This year we’ll be offering lots of lovely products to PREORDER - helping you spread the cost of Christmas, us manage our order quantities and bring you lots of new stock to ensure you get the perfect gifts.

Check out the PREORDER section online - just place order and we’ll let you know as soon as it arrives to collect or when it’s on its way to you. If you’ve ordered gifts that need to arrive for a certain date then just let us know - we can always put a 'do not open until …_ message on the box!

Keep checking what you can Preorder as we’ll be adding more over the next few weeks.

Check out Preorder products 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

Bye bye Spring, here's to a Chirpy Summer!

So we’ve waved goodbye to another 3 months of the year, Spring is behind us, we’re in the middle (!) of summer and half way through the year. Less than 6 months until Christmas - there I’ve said it now, promise I won’t mention it again!

So looking back at April, May and June it’s been a real mixed bag - typically Spring I suppose, with all retail seasons in 3 months.

After a busy March, April brought us back down to earth with a bang! Sales were 33% down from March and from April 2022, it was not to be a busy Easter! We were left wondering where everyone had gone to eat their Easter chocolate. We did however welcome Black Violet as she popped upstairs as our ‘Maker in Residence’ and hosted a fabulous Jewellery workshop. We also held our now monthly Arm Knitting Workshop with Mizz Knits which never disappoints with woolly fizz & laughter!

We welcomed May with the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I was honoured to be featured in their ‘Wear it Pink’ Campaign - watch this space for more fundraising events in October as our chosen Chirpy charity. The news was full of how the numerous Bank Holidays would be good for retail businesses, so we threw open our doors to the cries of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’. The first one coincided with a very sunny Sunday and the new Chapel Allerton Market so as gluttons for punishment we opened then too! Think it might be a slow burn but Sunday openings when the market is on is here to stay for Chirpy. After 5 long years we were also delighted to welcome back My New Wardrobe with her pop up shop, which was a great success so we’ve got the next autumn date in our diaries (6th October is case you’re wondering) Another Arm Knitting and a Jesmonite Coaster workshop finished off what turned out to be an enjoyable and quite busy month.

June, my favourite month! And it did not disappoint! I have realised the busier I am, the happier I am and I think that reflects in the shop. 5 workshops, Double Points event, visited a new card tradeshow where I found 5 new suppliers, asked to be a judge for the Oscars of the card world, feature article in Gifts Today and welcomed Annika for a week on Work Experience. Another Chapel Allerton market day, where we were much busier and Shop Independent Day too. As well as my own birthday - a busy month which flew by!

So what does the summer have in store? As terms end and people go off on holiday July & August can be tough months in retail. We’ll be open as usual thanks tp my fabulous Chirpy team.

There's still time to grab those Teacher gifts, cards and vouchers. We’d like to think that the schools we support through prizes for Summer Fairs & Raffles support us by shopping local for their Class Collections (fingers crossed!)

We’ve got trade shows to visit with Christmas in mind (sorry, I said I wouldn’t mention it again!) and from September we’ll be back in full swing with lots of new Workshops.

I’m always amazed when I look back at what we’ve achieved at how much more there is to running a shop, no one told me that when I bought Chirpy almost 7 years ago. I’ll always strive to keep the stock, workshops and events new ands exciting for our wonderful customers and love to hear your feedback and ideas of what you’d like Chirpy to offer so don’t hesitate to get in touch here

Thanks for your ongoing support, have a wonderful summer and don’t forget us for all those summer birthdays!

Jo x

Shop Independent Day : Saturday 24th June

Saturday 24th June is Shop Independent Day, supported by Holly Tucker of Holly & Co.

The idea behind the day is to encourage everyone to support their local independent businesses as much as they can, vote with the £££s and help keep our independent high streets surviving and thriving.

We’re really lucky in Chapel Allerton to have such a great high street with sop many independent shops on it. From the Fruit Stall, George 7 Joseph Cheesemongers, Neil the Butcher & Tablets Fishmongers, the choice of fresh product is outstanding.

For gifts you are spoilt for choice from Chirpy, of course, to Rebel & Rose, kids toys from Armadillo, The Little Bookshop, Glasshouse Gallery and The Sweet Quarter.

More specialist shops include Fit to Bust, The Refilling Station, Katie & May, Hopscotch & The Perfumed Garden

Not forgetting our great array of eateries including Crust & Crumb, Sunshine Bakery,. Opposite & House of Koko. Or places to eat & drink out including Hern, The Woods, Wayward Wines, Canteen and Seven Arts.

You can even keep fit, after all that eating and shopping, at Chapel Allerton Pilates & Yoga Kula.

So why not use this Saturday 24th June to try out a new indie business in Chapel Allerton? And tell your friends about us. Or shop online with one (or more) of us.

Shop Independent, it’s so easy to do in Chapel Allerton!

We're Open on Sunday 2nd July 11am - 3pm

Have you heard?

Chapel Allerton has now got it’s own Sunday Market!

To help celebrate Chirpy will be Open while the market is on - that’s the 1st Sunday of every month from 11am - 3pm

We’ll also be running a NEW Flag Printing Workshop, perfect for adults and kids getting ready for the summer festival season. Check it out and book HERE

So why not pop in when you’re visiting the market for a browse, grab a gift or pick up your Click & Collect orders.

Let’s hope the sun shines again for the market on 2nd July and don’t forget to pop in to Chirpy too!

Thank You Teacher!

Can you believe the it’s nearly the end of term?

If you’re looking for a great card or gift then check out what we have in store or online HERE

Or if you’re looking to buy something bigger as part of a class collection then we’ve got lots of lovely things too, or why not buy a CHIRPY GIFT CARD?

Available in £5 increments available in store or online, a guarantee that the teacher will get something they really want. We’ll even add a FREE Thank you card. Pick up a Gift Card online here

Wishing everyone a great last few weeks of term - enjoy your parties, end of term performances and sports days!