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

Our first LIVE Chirpy Shop

As many of you know I love going LIVE on Instagram, especially walking to work on a Saturday morning, chatting about the week, saying hello to the bin men and getting ready for the weekend ahead.

But tonight was our first Chirpy LIVE SHOPPING EVENT! I have to admit I was nervous - it’s funny just talking into the camera not really knowing if anyone’s listening!

The idea behind the LIVE SHOPPING is to show our followers our new products from the comfort of their own home. We’ve had a few deliveries this week of some gorgeous summery products which we’ve put together as a table display, hopefully to give our customers some inspiration on how to dress a summer table for alfresco dining. But not everyone gets a chance to pop in so this is a great way to show the products and share some ideas.

What’s more for the rest of the Bank Holiday, until midnight Monday, you can use the code LIVE10 to get 10% off on all the products shown. Just head to the *LIVE SHOP section in the STORE to check out the products included HERE

Now we’ve got the first nerve wracking LIVE out of the way I’m hoping to make this a monthly event. Let me know if there’s any particular themes, topics or type of products you’d like us to cover. As we’re heading to the National Stationery Show in a couple of weeks time then perhaps the next one at the beginning of June will feature the lovely new stationery we’re looking to source.

Thanks to everyone who joined the live, or watched it on catch up and happy shopping!

Don’t forget to tune in next month

SAVE THE DATE Sunday 2nd June 7:30pm

We're half way there ... an update on our charity fundraising.

Every year Chirpy does something to support a Breast Cancer Charity and this year is no different.

Having been accepted to do the Coppafeel Peak District Marathon Trek in September we’ve started to raise money to support this wonderful charity, which specialises in support younger people with breast cancer.

Earlier in the year we launched our charity products, in collaboration with Sarah Thornton Art, including tea towels, cards & prints, all designed exclusively for Chirpy. They’ve been selling well in store and online. With 20% of sales going towards Coppafeel we’ve reached half of out target.

We’d love to hit out target as soon as we can, and ideally smash it.

So on 24th May, we’re inviting our Chirpy customers to one of our evening shopping events, with £5 from the sale of each ticket being donated to Coppafeel. The other £10 will be redeemable against anything you buy in the shop.

What’s more there’ll be discounts, double points and of course goodie bags and fizz.

We’re also welcoming local boutique Katie & May as they’ll be popping up upstairs with a range of their summer fashion.

So if you’d like to support us and enjoy a great evening then grab a ticket HERE - be quick as there’s a limited amount.

If you’d like to support us buy buying any of our charity products then just check them out HERE

Thank you for all your support so far

Jo x

Leaving the shop door open with a Spring in my step ...

…looking back at the last 3 months

 Can’t quite work out whether the last 3 months have dragged on or flown by, can you? Easter seems to have come round so quickly and we’re definitely heading into Spring (well, most days!)

As ever, it’s been an eventful start to the year.  Even when it’s quiet in the shop there’s always things to do and plan so never really a dull moment, and when there is, there’s always a cup of tea and a local piece of cake to eat!

Our customers enjoyed our January Sale at the beginning of the year (in January in fact!) with lots of great bargains to be had. I decided not to go to my favourite tradeshow this January, heading for a weekend up north and a sea dip, though of course had FOMO watching everyone’s Instagram stories while they were there. Despite not going, it didn’t mean that we didn’t start to get lots of new stock for the new season. This year we are looking to collaborate with other small businesses too and in January we had our first meeting with local biscuit maker The Biskery to start hatching some plans for the rest of the year.

February saw a whistle stop visit to Spring Fair at the NEC (not helped by not charging the car the night before and having to get back to Leeds for 5pm) so perhaps need to plan better next time! We also held our first workshops of the year, including a lovely private birthday Jesmonite workshop. Our Chirpy customers showed a lot of love this February with a record breaking number of Valentine cards being sold. And I managed to grab a few days off with as little trip to London leaving Chirpy in the hands of my great team Jenna & Lizzie as well as new team member Hannah.

March started with a Double Points weekend in store to thank all our loyal customers for their support. The card revolution continued with Mother’s Day with another record breaking year of card sales (& customers on the Saturday before). We love the fact that hundreds of mums woke up on 10th March with a gorgeous card from Chirpy, including myself!

This month we were very excited to launch our 2nd collaboration of the year, this time with Sarah Thornton Art. Sarah has designed a bespoke Chirpy bird which we have had printed onto cards, tea towels and prints. As part of this year’s charity fund raiser 20% of the sales of each product goes to Coppafeel. They are proving popular and we’re well on the way to achieving our target (though would love to smash it!). The workshops this month have all been sold out and we launched lots more too – people really seem to be enjoying our Chirp workshops at the moment. Have you tried one?

So Easter has come early this year and Easter weekend falls in March. Traditionally Easter isn’t the busiest time for us, though our chocolate sales are usually quite good! We’re ending the month with another Double Points weekend, and Chapel Allerton is hosting its first Food market on Saturday as well as a Easter hunt for the kids, so here’s hoping that it might be busy after all. There’s a little Easter treat online too.

So what’s in store for the next 3 months? More new stock, more workshops, including some great new ones, a new stationery trade show to visit and the return of Magic Tenner in May. All whilst trying to navigate A level exams and then a trip to Paris to celebrate the end of 2 years of very hard work for my girl. 

Wishing you a very Happy Easter & don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Saturday night!

Jo x

The perfect Easter gift - made to order

Image : Sarah Thornton Art

Looking for a perfect Easter gift?

What better then a brightly coloured egg cup, perfect for your morning dippy egg? Or add a little chocolate treat to nibble on Easter morning!

Made of Jesmonite, an environmentally conscious, eco-friendly, non toxic safe lightweight product

Egg cups are made to order using Jesmonite and can be made in one plain colour or two colours to create a marble effect.

Egg not included

Click HERE to order

Order by Sunday 23rd March for them to be ready in time for Easter

Springing into March with a DOUBLE POINTS WEEKEND!

Can you believe it’s March already?

To celebrate the beginning of Spring (hopefully!) we’re rewarding our loyal Chirpy customers with DOUBLE POINTS all weekend.

That’s 2 points for every £ you spend.

Collect 100 points to get £5 off in store.

Just sign up in store and we’ll do the rest. No stamp card to carry around with you, our system will just remember you and reward you with every purchase.

What’s more you can even join two Chirpy accounts and collect points together making it twice as quick to reach your rewards.

So why not pop into Chirpy this weekend to start (or continue) collecting points.

This weekend we’ll be OPEN

Saturday 9:30am - 5pm

Sunday 10:30am - 3:30pm

So you’ve got more opportunity to collect to collect you points.

Thank you to all our wonderful loyal customers - hope to see you this weekend!

Jo & the Chirpy team

PS we’ve still got loads of Mother’s Day cards left!

Chirpy x Sarah Thornton Art - a charity collaboration

The collaborations continue this year and up next is a very exciting collaboration with Sarah Thornton Art.

Sarah has designed a set of products featuring our own Chirpy, which are now available in store and online. There's 2 tea towels and cards to choose from (or why not buy them all?), all designed by Sarah and printed in the UK.

20% of the sales of the products will be donated to COPPAFEEL, a breast cancer charity aimed epscailly at helping young people. This year i’m excited to be taking part in their one day marathon Trek in the Peak District in September and the products are part of my fundraising. Every year we raise money for a breast Cancer charity, last year raising enough to sponsor a Breast Cancer Now nurse for a year. So thank you to all our Chirpy customers as we couldn’t do it with you!

To support us and help us raise money just head to the products online here

Chirpy x The Biskery .... a sweet collaboration!

We’re delighted to announce our first collaboration of 2024 with …

THE BISKERY

The Biskery are a bakery based in Leeds specialising in branded & personalised biscuits. Female owned, co-founders Saskia & Lisa began with a mutual passion for tasty bakes and a desire to share what they made with the people around them. From small beginnings at the kitchen table, they now supply speciality biscuits to people and organisations across the UK and abroad.

Chirpy and The Biskery will be working together to support each other as local independent female run businesses to bring you …

A chance to win a great prize in time for Valentines Day … watch this space and keep an eye on both of our Instagram profiles @chirpystore @thebiskery

Join Chirpy at The Biskery on Tuesday 6th March for a Biscuit Decorating Workshop - come along with friends or on your own to make unique edible art in the shape of biscuits. Click HERE to find out more and book.

Coming soon … receive a treat from The Biskery with your Chirpy orders (while stocks last!) or enjoy one of their treats at a Chirpy workshop.

If you want to support another great independent business then use the code CHIRPY20 to get 20% off orders with The Biskery until 25th February. Check out all their biscuity products and services HERE

Finally I wanted to say a Thank You to another independent business Fowler & Powell who introduced us to The Biskery - the power of working together is strong in Chapel Allerton!

The year we all turn ...

Is 2024 the year you & your friends all turn 30?

Have you got lots of 40th birthday party in you diary?

Or are all you friend’s kids turning 18?

Then let us help you. Why not buy a bundle of adults age birthday cards so you’re always ready for the next one!

Just order a bundle and we’ll hand pick five great cards, all from independent UK suppliers for you.

Or let us know if you need a selection of ages.

A bundle of 5 cards is just £12.50, saving you £2

Click HERE to buy