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!

Focus on ... LoveLossDiscoballs

This month we’re focusing on Rachel & Warren from Love Loss Discoballs. I met Warren earlier in the year at a GCA Dragons Event and immediately loved their bright cards and unique outlook. Placing our first order this money at PG Live, I’m delighted to now be stocking these wonderful cards.

To get to know Rachel & Warren and their business a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with them :

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

We’re Rachel & Warren Hart-Phillips – a husband-and-wife team based in Liverpool although Warren is originally from Surrey. Warren is the designer and has worked in graphic design all his career after studying it at Uni. Rachel studied law but went into business development and account management – so we have a great range of skills and experience between us for running a card business! We got married in Ibiza (our favourite place!) last year and live with our five-year-old son Jonny, pet cat Bettie and fish, Finn.

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

 We’ve both suffered a lot of profound loss over the years and have received a lot of sympathy cards – which we didn’t think reflected us, or the people we’d lost at all. We’d dreamed of starting a meaningful business together and one day Rachel was drafting an Instagram post about a bright card her friend had got her after her first husband died, and how it really helped her. That was the spark of it – and with our backgrounds it was just such a great fit for us to design our own range of modern, uplifting sympathy and support cards.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 We have absolutely no idea! Haha! We only launched in January this year so we’re still finding our feet and establishing a routine now things are getting busier for us with customers and orders. We’ve had lots of pop-up shops and our first trade shows so every day looks very different at the moment! But we’re loving it all - especially building relationships with all of our lovely stockists like Chirpy!

 Biggest achievement to date?

 For the business the biggest thing so far was getting a last-minute spot on the ‘Dragons Speed Dating’ event, where you get to pitch your designs to retail buyers. We only found out with a day to spare, and we didn’t even have a business card, so it was like an episode of The Apprentice pulling an all-nighter to get our sample packs ready! But we managed and Warren absolutely smashed it and we even got some mentions in Progressive Greetings Magazine. It was such timely validation that we were doing something that the industry needed - and it gave us so much confidence.

Where can we find your cards?

We’re currently stocked in lots of amazing indies (like Chripy!) from the Highlands down to the South Coast and we’ll soon be in Postmark too and are talking to lots of other retailers. You can also shop on our website (loivelossdiscoballs.co.uk) or wholesale on Faire.

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

I think our original ‘You’re not broken; You are a disco ball’ card will always be a personal favourite of ours as it was one of the first ideas we had for a card and encapsulates what we are doing and even our brand name. It’s also one of our top sellers. Our other favourite is ‘Here for you Mate’ with the sunset – and we love it when a man buys this card for his friend as we’re really trying to encourage this.

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

Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest shifts we’ve noticed is a growing demand for cards that acknowledge the tougher moments in life. There are so many more cards that reflect mental health awareness, grief, and real-life challenges - especially those that offer comfort without clichés. At the same time, bold colours, playful fonts and meaningful messages are taking centre stage. We feel that customers are looking for cards that stand out visually but still carry real emotional weight.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because there’s something so powerful about taking the time to put pen to paper. In a world where most messages disappear in a swipe, a card is for keeps and can be treasure forever.

Cards bring about so much connection - especially during life’s hardest or most uncertain moments. They’re small, tangible acts of care that don’t ask for anything in return. A card can carry words that are hard to say out loud and keep emotions safe inside something beautiful.

We believe the right card at the right time can change someone’s day, and sometimes, that really is everything.

Best thing about running your own business?

 Definitely being able to build something that feels meaningful. We started LoveLossDiscoballs with a real personal ‘why’ - to create cards that speak to the big, emotional moments in life with honesty, colour and care. So to wake up each day and know we’re doing work that helps people feel seen, supported and less alone is pretty special.

Also, the creative freedom and being able to put our full personalities into what we do! Getting to combine writing, design, grief support and disco balls all under one roof is just magical!

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

 Start before you feel ready. You’ll never have all the answers, but momentum builds clarity. If something lights you up or helps people in a way that feels genuine – keep going with it.

Also, let it be yours. It’s easy to get distracted by what others are doing, but the magic is usually in the personal, messy, honest bits. The things that feel most ‘you’ are often what people connect with most.

And lastly, expect it to be hard sometimes, and keep going anyway. The best kind of business is one that means something to you and moves something in others.

 Plans for the future?

 Our focus right now is growing our card range and keep expanding into new categories - always with meaning at the heart of every design. We want to keep creating cards that help people feel understood in the moments that matter most, especially the ones that are often overlooked or hard to talk about.

We’re also working on building a community around what we do - opening up more conversations around grief, mental health and connection, while keeping things bright, bold and full of heart.

Long term? We'd love to see our cards stocked in even more brilliant independents, to keep collaborating with inspiring people, and to keep reminding the world that even the hardest times can still be colourful.

 You can follow LoveLoveDiscoballs HERE to see all the good work they are doing to make difficult conversations easier. They are also proud supporters of Calmzone

The Skye's the limit! (that's what she said)

The Skye’s the limit! (that’s what she said!)

It all started in January with an email from Coppafeel!. “Congratulations, you have a place on the Isle of Skye Trek in June 2025” (or words to the effect!). I actually yelped!

 Fast forward 5 months, after lots of practice walking and fundraising, the day had finally arrived, Friday 13thand I was on my way. Looking like an extra on a Ninja Turtle film*, I shuffled to the station to catch my train to Glasgow, ready to meet up with a group of other equally nervous and excited ladies, all taking on an adventure of a lifetime.

 I arrived at the Glasgow Youth Hostel just as a hoard of excitable women were getting back from dinner. They were unmistakably my crowd, given away by the very impractical cream coloured Coppafeel! sweatshirts provided for us and stick on facial hair (not official Coppafeel! merch!) Worried that I’d missed the initial bonding session I was quickly proven wrong, being welcomed with open arms and a cold beer. Then to bed as we had an early start to embark on the next part of our journey to the Isle of Skye.

Saturday morning was full of excitement, a hearty breakfast then we squashed into taxies to get to our hotel meeting point. I couldn’t quite believe that the meeting point was on the first floor. In hindsight perhaps this was the first ascent. After team check ins, raffle tickets for our seats on the coaches and nervous conversation with more new people I was ready to go. I’d been lucky enough to meet me tent mate Sarah too and with the first hug I knew we’d get on just fine.

 Fast forward 7 hours (the coach journey wasn’t that exciting, despite a pit stop at Fort William, a last cheeky McDs and a run round Morrisons to pick up loo roll) and we finally arrived at our campsite. The tents were all neatly in a row as were the Portaloo’s. Just time to unpack and dinner was served. A broken generator and missing kit from Mountain Warehouse didn’t dampen the excitement as we get into our team for our first team briefing with our Charity Challenge leaders, Steph, Ian & Graham (Anna was to join us the next day). I knew we’d be in good hands. Meeting our team leader Ekin Su and the imitable Gi Fletcher for the first time made this all very real. So for an early night ready for our first trek on Sunday.

 Whether it was the nerves, the thin blowup mattress, the  chatter,  the constant sound of zips going as people went to the loo throughout the night or the fact that it never really got dark, it’ s fair to say it was not a good night’s sleep. But nothing a bacon sandwich and the best banana bread ever couldn’t sort out. Boots on and ready to go, our team’s first trek was from the Old Man of Storr to Portree, the Isle’s capital. I knew I would struggle with the pace of the trek being a really fast walker and though I kept Gi’s advice in the back of my mind of dropping to the back to scoop people up I spent most of the first trek near the front. There was still lots of opportunity to chat to team mates and get to hear their inspirational stories and their “whys” for being there. Approaching Portree was like something off the TV, literally, as it’s where Ballamory was filmed, with its gorgeous row of pastel coloured houses. With half an hour to spare at the end of the walk we hit the shops  - you can take the girl out of Chirpy but you can never take indie retail out of the girl.

We were on a high on the coach after we’d completed the first day. One down, four to go and we were all still in one piece. Back to the campsite for a hearty chilli (still not sure how they did all of this without a generator), another team briefing to find out what Day 2 had in store for us.

There must be nothing better than starting your day with the Hokey Cokey! That really is what it’s all about! If it  was meant to be a sun dance then it certainly didn’t work. The start of the trek on Trotternish Ridge was very different from day one. Rougher terrain and uphill straight away actually suited me better and having hung back a bit I felt more part of the gang rather than leading from the front. The scenery was breathtaking and I was very grateful for the views which the team who had climbed it the day before had not been able to see due to the low cloud. This is quite a popular walk so we saw other walkers too, all of who looked quite bemused by a long trail of singing women. Today was definitely a day of 2 halves. Finishing lunch we felt a few spots of rain, which quickly turned into a deluge. Hoods up, heads down we trekked uphill for 4 hours through bogs. Needless to say my trusty five year old boots proved to be no longer waterproof , and with the strength of the wind even my bra & pants were wet! On the plus side, the walk led us straight back to the campsite so at least we didn’t have a soggy coach ride home.  The torrential rain all day had taken its toll on camp with the food and social tents being waterlogged as well as lots of the sleeping tents themselves. But that didn’t dampen our spirits. There was music and dancing led by our resident DJ Emily and great advice about how to get our boot insoles dry (putting them in your sleeping bag really does work). Sarah and I were a little cosier that evening as we welcomed Baby Hannah to our tent so she didn’t have to sleep in a puddle in hers. Messages from previous trekking celebrities including Vicky Pattison and Emma Willis lifted out spirits as we hunkered down for the night as the storm raged.

Peering out of the tent the next morning I wasn’t sure all of the tents would still be standing after such a stormy night. But they were! So putting back on our soggy walking boots we headed off to walk Rubha Hunish, the scenic coastal path. The cloud had lifted so we had  beautiful views of the Isle of Skye coast, surrounded by the sounds of birds and lots of running water, much of it we had to jump over. The walk took us to the most northern part of the island where we reached a cute Bothy, I bet the 10 people who’d snuggled up in it the night before has been a bit more comfortable than us! Next stop was lunch where once again I enjoyed a ham sandwich, crisps, chocolate bar and drink, lovingly prepared for us each day by our wonderful caterers. This walk had given me the chance to chat again, finding out stories from inspirational women in my team and sharing mine. As my diagnosis had been the furthest in the past than anyone it was nice to feel like I could give a sense of hope to those early in their cancer journey. The bonus to this walk was it was the shortest and also ended with a visit to pub, in fact a rather stylish hotel with breathtaking views across the sea. Never has a cold pint tasted so good and it was just the break we all needed to celebrate being over half way through our epic adventure. We sang loudly on the coach home, possibly due to the alcohol. As we were home early I had the opportunity for a bit more shopping, visiting the local pottery next to the campsite where of course I had to buy a couple of souvenirs. A wonderful curry for dinner and a bottle of wine by the shore finished off a fabulous day.

Wednesday was the day I was looking forward to the most - Sligachan to The Fairy Falls. I’d visited the Fairy Falls 8 years ago with my family and the pressure of expectation weighed upon me as my ‘moment’ finally hit me on the coach  when there with tears streaming. I’d learn not to fight them, best to let them out. This walk did not disappoint at all, though I realised I’d probably only done about a quarter of it last time. Our guide Anna told us stories of her time climbing the Black Cuillin which brought the enormity of it all to life. The views were breathtaking as we saw the Fairy Falls coming into view and with it other people! We really hadn’t seen many people on our travels throughout the week but this was a much more popular tourist park of the island. It’s said that if you dip your face in the crystal clear waters you’ll be granted eternal youth. Not sure I’m looking 10 years younger but it was a lot of fun (and great content!) It was a long walk back but as usual our travels were filled with song, chatter and laughter. For me the Fairy Falls had lived up to my expectations.

The last day we all got to walk the same route to Beinn Edra, the longest walk. Dressed in our matching t-shirts, flower garlands, glitter freckles and temporary tattoos we looked like some crazy hen do. Our last Hokey Cokey was an emotional one and topped off with Rachel’s rap which summed up the highs and lows (but mainly highs) of the week. With a spring in our tired legs we took on the last hills with a sense of determination. Seeing the other teams along the way gave the walk an even more of celebratory feel, giving us a peak into their dynamic. From standing on top of the trig point to having our team topless photo taken the team couldn’t have been stronger than it was that day. We really did ‘reach for the stars’ and there ‘ain’t no mountain high enough’ to stop us from completing this trek. We were joined for the final few miles with the magnificent Giovanna Fletcher, the woman who makes all this possible and is a force of nature. Walking down towards the campsite I could feel the sense of anticipation rising. I wasn’t sure what was waiting for us at the end except for a lot of tears but I wasn’t expecting a kilted drummers and bagpipers as we crossed the finish line to claim our medal. The sun had shone for us all day to make it the most wonderful end to this epic adventure. The final debrief was joyous, remembering  Kris, the awesome women behind Coppafeel and thanking all the organisers, team leaders, caterers, and finally ourselves for taking on the amazing challenge and completing it.

 And on top of all the we raiser OVER HALF A MILLION POUNDS!!

Finally, don’t forget to CHECK YOUR CHESTS!

*even more so when I fell over backwards in Marks & Spencer’s trying to reach for a packet of crisps! Having to be helped up by a member of staff only to realise I’d picked up the wrong flavour crisps and left my pride well and truly on the floor!

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