5 of the best creative workshops coming up at Chirpy this Spring

Photo credit : Brandphotosbychrista

What’s different about Chirpy?

We’re not just a fabulous gift shop fulfilling all your gifting needs for all occasions but we’ve also got a wonderful workshop space dedicated to bring our customers great creative workshops. All perfect for beginners, with all materials and equipment provided, the workshops offer a chance to enjoy a couple of hours of creative “you time” away from the huddle & bustle of everyday life. Come on your own or bring some friends, we’re a friendly lot!

Here’s 5 of the best workshops we’ve got coming up this Spring

1 . Fused Glass Flower & Fruit Wreath

Thursday 24th April 7-8:30pm book here

Join Claire Myers at Cherry Tree Glass Studio, an experienced glass maker, to make a Spring themed glass wreath.

Made b applying  frit (crushed glass) and modelled glass pieces to a fused glass wreath which on completion will be taken away and fired and returned to Chirpy for collection approximately a week later.

The piece measures 9 cm in diameter and after firing a matching ribbon will be added.

2. Jesmonite coaster workshop

Thursday May 1st 7-9pm Book here

Jesmonite seems to be everywhere unsurprisingly as bits such a fun material to work with. In this workshop you’ll create 2 unique hexagonal trays with a terrazzo design, perfect to using as coasters or trinket trays. As Jesmonite dries quickly you’ll take away your creations on the night

3. Bluebell Forest painting workshop

Thursday 8th May 7-9:15pm book here

Even if you haven’t touched a pencil since primary school, with step-by-step guidance of professional local artist Joyce Buzeman of BuzemanArt, you will create your very own master piece. For those more experienced, we assure you will go away with new paint tips and paint ideas.

We provide all the paint, brushes a 30 x 40cm canvas and other materials that are required. All you need is a to turn up with a good dose of enthusiasm. Why not bring your friends, family or colleagues…

Our aim is to unleash your own painting style and encourage you where needed. It’s your masterpiece and at the end your painting will be unique to you.

4. Fused Glass Waterscape

Thursday 15th May 7-8:30pm- book here

Ever fancied making an item from fused glass?  Well here is your opportunity from Claire Myers at Cherry Tree Glass Studio, an experienced glass maker.

In this workshop you will design your piece and then apply frit (crushed glass) stringers (glass rods) and modelled glass pieces to make a fused glass waterscape picture, perfect as a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one. No cutting or grinding required!

On completion your item will be taken away and fused plus a wooden frame added.  It will then be returned to Chirpy for collection approximately a week later.

5. Pottery Hand building workshop

This workshop is running twice in Spring

Thursday 22nd May 7-9pm Book here

Thursday 25th June 7-9pm Book here

Fancy trying your hand at a bit of pottery? In this workshop you’ll get acquainted with the art of pottery, learn the three methods of handbuilding, design and then create your very own custom pieces. Your pieces will be glazed and fired (white) and ready to pick up at a later date.

5 great pop ups at Chirpy in Chapel Allerton this Spring

This Spring we’re bringing you some great additions to Chirpy. Collaborating with local artists and makers you’ll find them popping upstairs at Chirpy, bringing their unique designs and brands to our high street. Bringing sustainable fashion, new season womenswear, luxurious homewares, handmade ceramics and original art to our customers

1. First up is sustainable fashion brand Hearing Aid Babe. Local artist, designer & maker comes to Chirpy on Saturday 22nd March with her unique quickly designs. Taking preloved clothes she gives them a new lease of life with her recognisable hand drawn designs, promoting sustainability in a world of fast fashion. She also has a range of prints, totes & pouches, perfect for birthday gifts for all ages or a treat for yourself.

2. We’re welcoming Katie & May back to the Chapel Allerton high street on Saturday 29th March. Everyone’s favourite local women’s wear boutique this will be the first of her regular monthly pop ups at Chirpy. Brining new season Spring fashion, perfect as the warmer weather is starting appear, and hopefully stay! Catherine will be popping up at Chirpy in the last Saturday of the month so why nut pop along.

3. On Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April we’re delighted to welcome Westmorland Sheepskins to Chirpy for their weekend pop up shop. This Yorkshire family run lifestyle brand will be bringing a range on luxurious homewares, slippers & lifestyle products to Chapel Allerton. Pop along from 10-4 on Saturday & 11-3 on Sunday.

4. We’ll be welcoming our first art exhibition of the year by Tessa Houghton in April. Running from Friday 11th until Friday 25th April, come along see Tessa’s exhibition of Contemporary Landscape paintings. Tessa’s art captures light ins unique way . Join Tessa for her exhibition launch from 6:30pm on Friday 11th April or come along on Saturday 12th to Meet the Artist.

5. On Saturday 3rd May Lizzie Fry Ceramics will be here at Chirpy with her range of handmade ceramics. You might already know Lizzie as she works at Chirpy on a Thursday but she’ll be here with her own gorgeous products.

Our Chirpy Pops give us a chance to work, promote & collaborate with brilliantly talented local creatives & to give a wider choice of products to our Chirpy customers. So why not pop along & check them out.

Self Care - the perfect Mother's Day Gift

With Mother’s Day around the corner, we’ve got the perfect gift for all mums, grandmas, step mums, care givers, whoever the important lady in your life is.

A Chirpy Self Care Bundle is made up of

Arthouse Unlimited Candle - Plant wx vegan candle is a reusable glass tumbler

French Marseille Soap

Choc Affair Yorkshire Chocolate - choose from Milk, Vegan Dark or Oat Milk Vegan Chocolate.

Greetings Card - whatever the occasion which we can write for you with your own message.

With each bundle you can choose the type of chocolate. We’ll choose the candle and soap for you.

We’ll gift wrap in recycled paper for you and send for FREE

Order your bundle HERE

With all our bundles it’s also a great way to introduce Chirpy to your friends a we’ll send them a 10% Chirpy discount voucher to use online and you’ll get one too!

To guarantee delivery by Mother’s Day Sunday 30th March order by Monday 24th March

For other occasions just let us know that date you need the gift to arrive

Westmorland Sheepskins - bringing a touch of luxury to Chirpy

On Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April we’re delighted to be hosting Westmorland Sheepskins as they pop upstairs at Chirpy.

Founded in 1981, Westmorland Sheepskins is a family-run business specialising in timeless, natural sheepskin products. From luxuriously soft slippers and footwear to beautifully crafted rugs and home accessories, every piece is designed with comfort, quality, and sustainability in mind.

At their pop-up with Chirpy, they’ll be bringing a curated selection of our sheepskin interiors—plush cushions, tactile rugs, and cosy throws—alongside a few of their favourite slippers. Whether you’re looking to add warmth to your home or treat yourself to everyday comfort, they’ll have something special waiting for you.

Come along from 10am on Saturday 5th or 12pm on Sunday 6th.

https://www.westmorlandsheepskins.co.uk

Sustainable Fashion at Chirpy with Hearing Aid Babe!

On Saturday 22nd March we can’t wait to host a sustainable fashion pop up with Hearing Aid Babe!

Vic is on a mission to bring her sustainable fashion to our customers in Chapel Allerton.

Vic personally sources unique fashion garments and brings them to life with her quickly unique design, always with sustainability in mind.

Her work is rooted in themes of well-being, nature and emotional balance. it’s not just about fashion but about creating something that feels wholesome, tells a story and makes you feel truly seen.

Her designs are all about creating a deep sense of connection with ourselves and the world around us.

Every piece starts with a hand drawn illustration where she pours her heart and soul into each detail.

Hearing Aid Babe is not fast fashion. It’s quirky with a sense of humour, it’s art on clothes, a way of giving clothes a new identity.

By investing in HAB you are investing in …

Contemporary Art & Design

Unique Fashion

A Small Local Business

Women in Business

Don’t be a sheep in your fashion journey, be the shepherd and join the HAB gang!

https://www.instagram.com/hearing_aid_babe_art/

Katie & May Pops Upstairs at Chirpy

We’re delighted to be hosting a monthly Pop Up with Katie & May starting on Saturday 29th March.

As K&M are not longer on our physical high street, this event is the perfect chance to bring gorgeous women’s fashion back to Chapel Allerton.

Come along and join Catherine from 10am to see her new range of Spring fashion. Perfect for a Mother’s Day treat!

https://www.katieandmay.co.uk

Chapel Allerton Indies : Chapel Allerton Pilates

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs.

This week we’re focusing on Chapel Allerton Pilates, a Pilates studio run by 2nd generation pilates teacher Claire Sparrow.

To get to know Chapel Allerton Pilates a little bit more, here’s a little interview I did with Claire …

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

I am honoured to lead an incredible team of the most qualified and experienced Pilates teachers in Leeds. Each teacher has been mentored by me in a traditional apprenticeship as it was done by Joseph Pilates on top of their six month training and six month minimum certification process. They each have extensive anatomy and physiology knowledge and have specialised in osteoporosis, scoliosis, pelvic organ prolapse, low back pain, sciatica, disc bulges, pregnancy and postnatal. I really am proud of them. Everyone teaches Pilates because they know there is so much potential to prevent, heal and thrive through expertly taught movement. They are inherently biased to help others and can see what is possible for everyone without exception.

Chapel Allerton Pilates is a traditional fully equipped Pilates studio where we use our expertise to select and teach the precise exercise on the best bit of apparatus for the individual. I love that everyday is an opportunity to be creative and problem solve based on what each client comes in and says they need or what injury they may be recovering from. We joke that we are like Pilates detectives, solving body’s one Pilates exercise at a time.

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

I’m Claire Sparrow. I have been doing Pilates since I was a teenager and have been teaching for 25 years. I got into it very young as body conditioning for dancers and it wasn’t until I was 19 in my second year at university that I sustained knee injuries that prevented me from dancing so I had nowhere else to go but the Pilates studio. After 9 months of daily work in the studio mainly on the Reformer or as we called it at the time the plie machine, I was stronger than I thought was possible, more flexible and had more stamina, so much so that when I got back in the dance studio I was dancing better than ever and like I had no time off. I knew then there was something in it and vowed to become a teacher. I then trained extensively in London, Canada and hosted anatomy and science lead Polestar Pilates teacher training here in Leeds so I could learn from the best.  In 2017 I took my love of Pilates to the next level when I was invited by Lolita San Miguel, one of only two people Joseph Pilates certified to teach his method, to go to Florida to train with her to become a Second Generation Teacher. This was a full circle moment going from injured dancer at 19 to the highest worldwide qualification in Pilates at 40. 

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Before I even leave for the studio I have a rigorous morning routine that includes restorative Pilates and a cardio workout followed by a cold shower then I have my porridge or overnight oats. About 12 years ago we moved to Moortown corner so that we could create a walking world so everything we need from shops to school and work are all walkable. That means at 8am I head out the door on foot with my airpods in listening to a book or podcast. When I arrive at the studio I put all the many lights on & music to create an calm and ambient atmosphere ready for our clients. Then from 8.30am it’s revolving doors of clients 121 and Pilates gyms. I get to see so many amazing people throughout the day including my team who are also in teaching 121’s and classes alongside me. I usually have lunch about 12.30 which is often rice veg and salmon and some days I spend the afternoon teaching 121 clients or I am writing the many newsletters and blogs we produce. I finish around 5pm and will head over to the Chapel A Lawn Tennis club to the gym for my cardio and sauna before walking home. The evening can include online teaching teachers that I support internationally or client appreciation classes by zoom. By 9pm I’m 100% ready to start winding down so I tend do a meditation and some Whole Body Pelvic Health Pilates exercises

Favourite time in the business?

Celebrating wins. My most favourite times are when our clients achieve a big win or a goal whether it be that their arms look fabulous in the mother of the bride outfit or they give birth with ease and recover fast or they reduce their golf handicap or complete the triathlon they’ve been training for injury free. My team is with them every step of the way through all life events and we celebrate them all.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

 I love this question and I think because I love peoples stories I would like to work at Chirpy to learn all about all the individual makers and contributors. I love learning people's why behind what they do. I think to be an independent business or self-employed you must have a really deep purpose or reason behind it because it’s not an easy road.

Plans for 2025 / the future?

It has been 9 years this year since we moved to Chapel A so we decided it would be an exciting time to refresh with some new branding and something exciting in our huge front window. Last year we replaced all our Reformers and expanded our Reformer studio so this year our SpringWall Studio is getting a refresh. 

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

Nothing beats the experience of shopping locally, getting genuine help choosing the best item, supporting people with purpose and often it is better for the environment and you because you can just walk. 

For me it’s also just taking the time to speak to people, have a human connection and build relationships. The world is built on people and life is built on people so we need these connections with people to thrive.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

I’m an open book they know it all lol

One thing some might not know is I have played the same music on cd for the last 17 years. The composer emailed me and said his parents do Pilates and he thought his music would be good. It was and still is today.

Where can we find you?

90 Harrogate Road

Open 7 days a week

Mon - Thu 8-9.30pm / Friday 8.30 - 6pm / Sat - Sun 8am - 2pm

www.chapelallertonpilates.co.uk

@chapelallertonpilates 

Chapel Allerton Pilates FB

Focus on ... Katie Roe

Next month we’re welcoming Katie Roe back to Chirpy to run her workshop to make your own Personalised Leather Bookmark and Key Ring Set

You can join Katie on her workshop on Wednesday 19th March at 7pm

Book your place HERE

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.

Taster Jesmonite Workshop in aid of Coppafeel!

On Sunday 2nd March we're bringing you a special taster version of our ever popular Jesmonite Coaster Workshop

In this mini workshop you'll make one coaster / trinket tray using a choice of premade coloured shards and a white jesmonite base.

You'll leave your coaster to dry and should be able to collect it later that day, or pop into Chirpy anytime afterwards to collect it.

This workshop is suitable for age 7+ however anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. If ther accompanying adult would also like to make a coaster then please book an additional ticket.

Jesmonite is an environmentally conscious, eco-friendly and safe lightweight product which is perfect for creating beautiful design.

This workshop will run 3 times on Sunday 2nd March

Booking is essential - please arrive on time as this is a short workshop

£10PP - all proceeds will go towards COPPAFEEL! the breast cancer charity as part of Jo’s fund-raising for her 100km trek on the Isle of Skye in June

Tickets for 12:30pm session available here

Tickets for 1:30pm session available here

Tickets for 2:30pm session available here

Chapel Allerton Indies : The Biskery

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs.

This week we’re focusing on The Biskery, a local online biscuit company.

To get to know The Biskery a little bit more, here’s a little interview I did with Lisa & Saskia …

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

We are Lisa and Saskia, co-founders of The Biskery, and online business specialising in branded and personalised biscuits for special occasions and events. We are a core team of six women, and also work with seasonal and more casual helpers. We bake to order only, using high quality local ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. Our biscuits are the only branded biscuits in the UK to have received a Great Taste and a Great British Food award. The real product however is kindness. Our biscuits are vessels for human connection and appreciation.

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

We met at a digital marketing agency where we both worked in the international department. Lisa is German, Saskia is Dutch. When we both had kids, we felt that there had to be more to life than a 9-5 office job. We both loved baking, it was our way to connect with each other. So we started selling good from our home countries at local farmers markets.

Our digital marketing background helped us create an online presence, and being found on Google, which led to corporate orders from the likes of Amazon, Karl Lagerfeld and Monzo.

The pandemic was the turning point. B2B froze, B2C grew 400%, and we were brave enough to take the leap. We quit the other job, hired a team, and rented a commercial kitchen. We have grown YoY since then and not looked back

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Saskia mainly works on the marketing, Lisa works on business development.

Our days start by being mums: working hard to get everyone out of the house on time. We drop our kids at school and then go to work. We work from home part of the week. We work on promoting our business via our newsletter, social media and website communications, we write blog posts, connect with key stakeholders, go to networking events, attend panels and other speaking gigs, do workshops, crunch numbers, engage with our team and clients, quality control, eat a few biscuits and rush back to the school gate by 15:15 before the 2nd“job” of the day takes over.

Biggest achievement to date?

 We have worked with incredible brands such as Calvin Klein, Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi. Being trusted with large orders by high-end clients felt like a huge achievement. We have also just managed to grow year on year after losing our biggest client in September. Building such a strong network of ambassadors and supporters here in Leeds humbles us.

Favourite product you make?

Our jam biscuits have won a Great Taste award for a reason. They are still baked to Lisa’s German granny’d recipe, and taste just like hers.

Our Lebkuchen, a German Christmas biscuit, have also won a Great Taste award and taste divine, like Christmas in a tin!

Those are the products we get the most comments and reviews about when it comes to taste.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

 Best: being able to shape something that suits your values and life. Being your own boss and having freedom.

Worst: not being able to really ever switch off (so much for freedom…)

Favourite time of your in the business?

 I love January as it is full of motivation and opportunity. We get really busy for Christmas, so January feels like the breather we need to rise, stronger and wiser than the year before, and do it all again, but bigger, and even better.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

 Oooh I love this question! So many! I will say George & Joseph so I could shamelessly snack on their amazing cheeses for a day.

Plans for 2025 / the future?

More of the same, but more of it. Clearer focus on the wider impact of our biscuits: kindness, appreciation, human connection. 

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

 Small indie businesses are usually run by people with a dream and strong values. Whatever they are, chances are they are to benefit the community, to fight loneliness, to support the economy in a sustainable way, to make our highstreets richer and livelier, to bring people together and spread joy (and kindness!), while treading more lightly on our planet.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

 Saskia and I nearly stole a pallet from someone’s front garden here in North Leeds once (not so kind!) in a desperate attempt to get a huge delivery to a large client on time. Luckily the courier had a different solution, but it shows the length we go to so you get your biscuits on time…!

 Where can we find you?

We are at 107 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS8 4DN

Online we are:

https://www.thebiskery.com/  

And on socials: @thebiskery