Focus on ... Two for Joy Illustration

This month we’re focusing on Louise from Two for Joy Illustration. We’ve just started to stock Louise’s gorgeous greetings cards which are proving popular. The thing I love most about them is many of them are more than just cards, having an activity on the back which is especially great for kids.

To get to know Louise and her business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Hi, I’m Louise. I’m the proud founder, designer, and one-woman band behind this independent greeting card brand, Two For Joy Illustration. From my little studio in Suffolk, I create luxury greeting cards, all on beautiful textured cardstock, incorporating beautiful and thoughtful details into my ranges; from eco-friendly foiling, to shaped cards with UV spot gloss and liquid foil, to beautiful full colour inside-prints, and even a range with cut out activities on the back. Everything is proudly made in the UK.

I am an illustrator with a love for moody colours and playful illustrations, and always my own handwriting.

I’ve got a real passion for postboxes too, there’s something magical about their history and charm, which ties beautifully into the joy of sending cards. In 2024, I took a big step by showcasing my collection at my first trade show PG Live in London, and I then got through to the finals for the Henries Awards 2024 (The Greeting Card Oscars!) and I’m so excited to see what comes next.

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

My journey here started with a degree in Decorative Arts at Nottingham Trent University, where I explored everything from screenprinting to slipcasting ceramics, 3D printing to glassblowing. Here, I fell in love with surface pattern design, printing my own fabrics - I went on to work as a childrenwear print designer, before joining a giftware company heading up their textiles department. I thought my illustration days were over but the company I worked for actually were major card producers. They asked me if I wanted ‘in’ on the latest card submissions and before I knew it I had a cards in Paperchase and in lots of indie shops all over the UK. Before long I had 200 designs, and most translated into welsh too. I’d continued designing cards, but also transitioned my career into retail buying, working all the trade shows and overseas trips for 7 years, before opting for a a slower pace of life raising my family - ha ha little did I know I would never be so busy!

I started my own card range ‘on the side’ after attending The Ladder Club at 6m pregnant with my son, and then I started developing my own ranges during maternity leave, and its just organically got bigger and bigger!

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

A normal working day for me is the school run and then sitting down with a coffee, putting the radio on, and tackling my to-do list. I don’t have much time so I lock my phone away to focus. Before long its school pick up again, and I’m back to parenting, but always packing orders or working on something most the evenings.

Biggest achievement to date?

That is a hard one. I think winning Gift of the Year award for my paper craft-kit advent calendar, in 2022 has to be up there. I was against some HUGE household names and just attended the event by myself, expecting it to essentially be a networking event for me. I could not believe I left with the trophy. The advent still sells well today and I’m now designing a range of christmas cards to match it - watch this space!

Hold on - am I meant to say something about my family here? I survived the first year raising twins! Thats a big achievement right?!

Where can we find your cards?

Well of course CHIRPY! But I sell online on Etsy and wholesale on Faire. I have around 30 stockists around the UK. 

Favourite card you’ve designed  / most popular card design?

My favourite cards I’ve designed are the new CAKE cards - they have literally only just launched this week, but they were just an idea in my head 6 months ago and now they’re here in my hands, shaped retro-inspired card cakes, with UV spot gloss and 3d raised ‘liquid’ foiling; I am really trying hard to ensure my cards have extra luxury details and these make me feel confident about the road ahead.

As they’ve only just launched, at the moment the most popular cards at the moment are the Bookish cards. I have over 46 designs and I’m hoping to get to 100 designs.

 Have you seen any changing card trends over the last 12 months?

I think customers really want to know what they are getting for their money. If they’re spending £3+ on a card they need to know the story, the special finishes, is it supporting a small business, is it made in the UK - it has to be worth it. With this in mind, about 18 months ago I started putting an ‘about me’ bio on the back of my cards, with a little photo of me. It reminds us about the human connection, not just from me as an illustrator to the customer, but also the human connection that sending cards is so well known for. I also ensure my cards have something special about them.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Sending cards brings joy - it’s such a lovely feeling knowing that someone has been thinking of you, and also with digital media becoming so overwhelming, getting something in the mail really forces you to stop and think and feel. The fact we can create these feelings for under £5 with a stamp included feels like a real luxury in life.

Best thing about running your own business?

Hands down the flexibility. I always say I am a parent (to three littles) first, and a card publisher second. That’s the truth - and I can work when I want and not work when I dont want! Not having to book annual leave in, only to be rejected, its bliss!

Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Be a sponge. Go and learn. Talk to people in the industry before jumping in with both feet. There is so much good, free advice out there. There is enough room for everyone. Thankfully the card community is super super supportive and friendly.

Plans for the future?

My three main goals for the year ahead are 1. Create more craft kits 2. Create more innovative card ranges such as shaped cards, and 3. Work smarter not harder! I am looking to outsource the card packing so that I can concentrate on growing the ranges and also spending more time with my family.

 We’ve loved getting to know Louise a bit more and cant wait to see her new designs and crafts kits. Love the sound of her Advent Calendar too. Come and check out Louise’s designs in Chirpy and follow her on Instagram (she’s very entertaining!) HERE

Gledhow Valley Green Fair is back again for 2025!

On Sunday 13th July Gledhow Valley Woods will be car free and hosting their 2nd Green Fair.

With plenty of space to play, walk and enjoy the gorgeous scenery it’s the perfect day to get back to nature on our doorstep.

This FREE event will have stalls, activities, refreshments, bike rides, an open air gallery and much more.

So why not head down for the day

5 of the best Father's Day gifts from Chirpy

Photo credit : Brandphotosbychrista

Looking for a different gift this Father’s Day?

We pride ourselves on stocking things that are a little different, and make useful, practical, stylish gifts and Father’s Day gifts are no different.

So here’s 5 of the best gifts we’ve got for Sunday 15th June

1 . A sturdy mug

Which man doesn’t want to start the day with a big up of tea or a large cup of strong coffee? Whether it’s to take to the office or for working from home, a solid colourful mug nis always a must.

We love the bright vibrant colours and the ombre design of these mugs. Why not buy one to start your family set. You could also choose your favourite colour!

Check out the fabulous ombre mug range HERE

2. Yorkshire Dales Walking Guidebook

What could be nicer than heading out for a walk in the country on Father’s Day. There’s so much beautiful scenery on our doorstep waiting to be explored. and this is the perfect book to help you (& him) do so.

We love these walking guidebooks as they offer simple information on distance, difficulty, terrain and even it you’ll find pub at the end!

Pick up this and the North York Moors books HERE

3. HOBO travel candles

Candles are just for girls - we don’t think so!

Whether it’s to relax after a hard day at work, soak in the bath after a long walk, or just to make the room where they keep their trainers smell nice, we’ve got the perfect range for them.

We love these HOBO candles as they are small and portable, and burn perfectly, not tunnelling. Pick pone up HERE

4. Beach Clean Wallet

So a wallet might seem like an obvious present for Father’s Day but this one is a little bit different.

Made from sustainable Portuguese cork and the plastic from the beaches, it’s an eco friendly gift that’s saving the planet.

Holding 3 cards on either side with room for cash in the middle it’s also not too bulky for the modern dad who usually relies just on his tech to pay for things.

Did you know that in Chirpy we even had a cork recycling bin from the manufactures these amazing beach clean products, so why not get dad to drop in with his corks after his Father’s Day celebrations!

Check out the wallet and other sustainable cork products HERE

5. Personalised Jesmonite Letters

Why not make your Father’s Day gift a bit more personal? Spell out his name, initials or a phrase in Jesmonite letters.

We can make the letters in the colour or colours of your choosing and have them ready for you in time for Father's Day on 15th June, just give us week’s notice.

Order your letters HERE

Of course we have your staples in store - some great socks and tasty chocolate swell as a fabulous range of cards. So don’t forget to pop into Chirpy or check out our Father’s Day section online

Make this Father’s Day a Chirpy one!

Check out our new mural!

We’re had a bit of a face lift!

Thanks to the incredibly talented Jenna of JoyJenStudio, our outside walls now have a gorgeous floral mural.

We’re loving the bright colours and bold design - hope you do too!

We even think it could be a great selfie wall so why not take a selfie, post it on Instagram and tag @chirpystore and @joyjenstudio

You might be in with a chance of winning a Chirpy treat!

Double Points this weekend!

This weekend we’re giving you a little Chirpy treat.

Shop in store on Saturday and Sunday to get DOUBLE POINTS.

That’s 2 points for every £ your spend..Collect 100 points to gert £5 off. They soon add up, especially when it’s double points.

If you havent already signed up for our Loyalty program then you can do so in store at any time

We’ll be Open

Saturday 31st May 9:30am - 5pm

Sunday 1st June 11am - 4pm

Welcome back to Chirpy Katie & May!

We’re delighted to welcome them back with their monthly pop up on Saturday 31st May.

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 / Summer fashion. Perfect for a pay day treat!

https://www.katieandmay.co.uk

Katie & May will be popping upstairs at Chirpy on the last Saturday of eveny month.

Taster Jesmonite Workshop this May Half Term

On Thursday 29th May 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 the morning of Thursday 29th May

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

£10PP

Tickets for 9:45am session available here

Tickets for 10:45am session available here

Tickets for 11:45am session available here

Win a Bee Bundle!

To celebrate World Bee Day this week we’re giving away on of our Bee Bundles

The bundle is made up of:

Arthouse Honey & Oats candle

Bee Grow Bar

Choc Affair Honey Chocolate

Bee Themed Greetings card

To be in with a chance of winning just head to our Instagram post HERE and follow us. Share for another chance to win and why not tag a friend to create some BUZZ!

Winner will be announced and contacted from the Chirpy Instagram account on Sunday 25th May

Good luck!

Father's Day Sunday 15th June

Don’t forget the dads! Or step dads, granddads, carers or any special men in your life.

We have a great range of Father’s Day cards and gifts at Chirpy.

We pride ourselves on not having your usual run of the mill gifts (though we do have great socks!) and we’ve always got great cards.

Check out our Father’s Day gifts and cards HERE

National Stationery Week : 10% off stationery in store & online

We LOVE stationery in Chirpy and to celebrate National Stationery Week we’re giving our customers a treat.

Shop in store from 12-18 May and get 10% off asll stationery, which you’ll find in our dedicated Stationery corner. From notebooks to pens, pencils notecards, it’s the perfect time to stock up.

Or shop online and use the code STATIONERY10 to get 10% from anyhting in our DESK section of the website.

Stationery makes a great gift for all ages, from tweens to baby boomers, we all love making plans and taking notes.

So what’s stopping you! Shop HERE

Don’t forget stationery is never stationary!