Thinking of You Week 15th - 21st September - enter our competition

It’s that time of year again!

You know how much we LOVE cards in Chirpy (& our customers love them too!) so we’re delighted that there’s a week each year when we can really celebrate them!

During Thinking of You Week why not take the opportunity to send a card to someone you haven’t seen for a while, drop them a message with all your news, check in on them or just say Hi!

And we can help you do that.

Throughout the week we’ll be running a little competition.

Everyday we’ll be posting a picture on our IG grid of a card - all you need to do is comment CARD to be in with a change of winning a FREE card which we will send on your behalf with your message. Well be doing this every day, Monday - Saturday and on Sunday 21st we’ll draw a winner from all the people who have commented throughout the week for someone to win a FREE bundle of 5 cards.

What’s more when you buy a card bundle in store or online during Thinking of You Week you’ll also be in with a chance of winning a FREE bundle of cards.

And there’s also DOUBLE POINTS in store on all cards!

So why not join in the fun and ‘send a card, deliver a smile”

Follow us on Instagram HERE

Focus on ... Fawn & Thistle

This month we’re focusing on Kirsten from Fawn & Thistle. We’ve just started to stock her cards and they are proving very popular, especially with cat lovers, myself included!

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

Tell me a little bit about yourself

I’m Kirsten, the illustrator and designer behind Fawn & Thistle. I run the business from my studio in Kent, where I create bold, playful stationery, greeting cards, and gifts – usually with a bit of humour, colour, and the occasional cat thrown in for good measure.

I also work as a freelance designer and marketer on the side and teach printmaking workshops.

I have three cats (one is just a 3month rescue kitten) and constantly find their antics to be a source of inspiration for my cat-themed designs.

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

Honestly, I kind of just fell in to it. I was graduating from my MA in Illustration at the time of the 2008 recession, and it was impossible to find a job in design that wasn’t a never ending unpaid internship. So I moved back to Kent from London and set up my own thing. I’d seen people selling on Etsy, and figured how hard can it be - I was very wrong!

Over the years I’ve taught myself the business side of things, as well as creating my brands signature style and voice. It’s been a steep learning curve.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I don’t really have a “normal” day – I try to give some structure to the week by setting aside certain days for specific tasks. Mondays are usually for catching up on emails and online orders, Wednesdays are for wholesale outreach, and so on. That said, I have to keep things flexible to juggle freelance projects alongside Fawn & Thistle. Some days I’m sketching new designs or packing up wholesale orders, and other days (more than I’d like!) are spent knee-deep in admin or running printmaking workshops.

Biggest achievement to date?

I’ve had a few recently which have really helped bolster my confidence in what I’m doing with Fawn & Thistle! Getting stocked in Oliver Bonas was a big milestone for me as it was always top of my ‘Big Dream Stockists’ list, and most recently I won Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday, which was a big boost!

Where can we find your cards?

Besides Chirpy (of course), you can find my cards on my own website, through lovely stockists throughout the UK, and I’m also on Faire if you’re a retailer. I also occasionally pop up at markets and events now and then – keep an eye on my Instagram for updates.

Most popular card design?

The cats. Always the cats. My cat cards are by far the most popular designs I have. It’s funny, after being called a Cat Lady for most of my life, I didn’t actually introduce many cat cards in to my range until recently, and I just don’t know why. I should have embraced my cat lady status sooner.

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

I’ve noticed the general tone of cards can be a bit more irreverent and cheeky, not just for your standard and more traditional occasions - cards that say what we actually want to say, but in a fun, thoughtful way.

Design-wise, I’m seeing so many food/fruit & veg/condiment type designs everywhere, which I really enjoy.

 Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

I think despite living in a more technological, digital age, people still really enjoy tactile and tangible things. It’s heartwarming when someone gives you a card that they went out and looked for, chose because it reminded them of you and then wrote a sweet note inside.

I personally keep cards I’m given and frame some of them as mini pieces of art.

Best thing about running your own business?

The flexibility and working for yourself. I love working the hours that work for me, especially because I’m a night owl and find myself to be most creative at night.

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

Be curious, step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there, even if it feels scary. Also, ask for help and listen to others, there are so many knowledgeable people out there who’ve helped me get my head around Wholesale, running a business, SEO etc etc. If I don’t know something, I’ll always look for someone who does.

 Plans for the future?

After moving back to fulltime self employment again, I’m finally getting to design some new cards and ranges, which I think are going to be great! I’m also working on creating a licensing portfolio to work with bigger companies and setting up my own printmaking subscription box called Printfolk. I’m so excited about Printfolk and creating a creative community around printmaking.

Check out Kirsten’s IG here

Focus on ... Studio Boketto

This month we’re focusing on Micky & Olivia (& Yoshi the dog!) from Studio Boketto. I met them for the first time at PG Live this year and placed our first order. There cards have proven really popular, and I especially love their number milestone cards

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves & your company

We’re Micky and Olivia, the co-founders of Studio Boketto (that’s BO-KET-OH!). Studio Boketto is a UK based stationery brand with good vibes at the core of everything we do, which you can see in our ever-growing range of colourful, cute and super cool cards and stationery. Everything is designed in-house or in collaboration with illustrators and artists we love. We just want Boketto to be a happy place, filled with ace paper stuff!

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

Micky was working as a menswear designer when he was made redundant (twice!). To stay creative, he started designing cards — and when the second redundancy hit, he decided to give Studio Boketto a proper go. Olivia was working as a nurse in the NHS and had always helped behind the scenes, but joined full time in 2020. We’ve been building the brand together ever since.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

No two days are the same. One minute we’re packing orders, the next we’re designing new ranges, emailing stockists, shooting content, or managing production — all from the studio in our garden. It’s a constant juggle of creativity and logistics, fuelled by coffee and a shared to-do list.

Where can we find your cards?

You’ll find our cards in lovely independent shops across the UK and beyond — and in some bigger stores too, like Oliver Bonas, Scribbler, and Utility.

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

Our food puns and music icon cards are always best sellers — and our full English breakfast wrap has a bit of a cult following too.

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

Conscious buying is in — quality and sustainability really count now.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

Because nothing beats that feeling of receiving a card — it’s thoughtful, tactile, and totally offline. Cards mark moments, big or small, and they stay pinned up long after the day’s passed.

 Best thing about running your own business?

Total creative freedom. Building something that feels truly ‘us’ — and getting to work together every day (most of the time that’s a good thing!).

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

Start small, stay consistent, and back yourself. Don’t wait until it’s perfect — just get it out there and tweak as you go. And find your own voice — it’s your biggest asset.

 Plans for the future?

More collaborations, more joyful designs, and (hopefully) more stockists who love what we do. We’ve got big plans bubbling… watch this space.

Chirpy supports Chapel Allerton Arts Festival

Friday 29th - Sunday 31st August sees the return of Chapel Allerton Arts Festival.

A community arts festival in the heart of Chapel Allerton every year brings you a wealth of bands, musicians, food and fringe events.

We delighted to be supporting the festival again - pick up your prepaid Festival wristbands from Chirpy. Anyone wearing a wristband can get 10% off over the festival weekend.

Wristbands can be bought here

Chirpy will be Open on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th From 9:30am - 5pm but closed on Sunday while we enjoy the festival ourselves!

See you there!

Have you visited us yet? You should!

We’re delighted to have made it onto the ‘Awesome Indie Stores You Need to Visit at Least Once’ you need to visit at least once’ from Leeds List

Check it our HERE

The list contains lots of great independent retailers in Leeds, including a couple of our neighbours ; The Little Bookshop, Armadillo, Flavour Like Fancy & Wayward Wines.

Also included are several of our favourite indie shops including Colours May Vary in Leeds Corn Exchange and Tandem in Meanwood.

So why not pop into visit them soon (hopefully more than once!)

Check out the article here

https://leeds-list.com/culture/awesome-indie-stores-you-need-to-visit-at-least-once/

Chapel Allerton Indies : EJM Wealth Consultancy

Here’s a little interview we did with Emile from EJM Wealth Consultancy to find out a little bit about him and his business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

My name is Emile Murray and I’m a financial advisor. My team is just me! My business is in partnership with St James’s Place but instead of joining an established business, I started by own business – EJM Wealth Consultancy. I live on Roundhay Avenue (just near Potternewton park). I help people make better financial decisions, pay less tax, and achieve their life goals!

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

I’ve always had an interest in numbers and investing. I was previously in media investment for around 10 years; when I was considering a change, I initially looked into starting a property investment business. I then retrained and became a qualified, regulated financial advisor and launched by own business!

 What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Haha there is no normal day! It’s a good job I like coffee (shout out to House of Koko – always popping there for a meeting!). My days can vary from networking events, meeting people for coffee to have an initial chat, to analysing pensions and investments, and client meetings to get this sorted for them. I also spend a lot of time talking about the sad times in life – from illness to life cover, inheritance tax planning, and succession plans. However, helping people achieve peace of mind is very important and rewarding!

Biggest achievement to date (personally and / or business wise)?

Business wise, I’d say just getting started – it’s not easy, there are a lot of exams and assessments in order to become qualified. The tax exam alone was very tricky just with the time pressure, let alone the questions!

Personally, I’m unsure really, I’m not one to blow my own trumpet. I’ve ran two marathons before, I suppose that’s not bad!

Favourite product you deliver?

Haha what a question for a financial advisor! I’d have to say pensions. They are amazing financial products and very misunderstood. They need a rebrand as people can have a really negative view on pensions! Some protection products are also amazing, like income protection for example. People will insure everything – pets, luggage when travelling, possessions, but not themselves and their earnings, which is crazy! Think of a machine that prints money, you can never buy another one if it breaks, but you can insure it, would you? 99% of people say yes, you’re that machine.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best is the flexibility and deciding how I want to work, where I work, and with who.

The worst is guaranteed money at the end of the month, but that’s all part of the journey!

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

Probably George & Joseph, I love wine, I love cheese… what a day that would be!

Plans for 2025 / the future?

2025 – the plan is simple; just keep speaking to people, that’s all I can control. Try to speak to people and hopefully they see how I can help them. The future, I’d love to expand in time and become a slightly bigger team, but let’s see.

Where can we find you:

39 Roundhay Avenue

07703 837920

EJM Wealth Consultancy | Leeds | Facebook

EJM Wealth Consultancy (@ejmwealthconsultancy) • Instagram photos and videos

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilemurray/

Focus on ... EarlyBird

This month we’re focusing on Don & Heidi from Earlybird. I love chatting to them both at trade shows and will see them soon at Top Drawer in September.

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

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Earlybird is husband and wife dream team :) (Dom and Heidi Early plus a small team!) publishing greetings cards, wrap and social stationery for over 20 years. We also have a retail store in London.

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

I (Dom) graduated from Central St Martins Art college in the late 90's (ahem yes that long ago) and after doing some freelance illustration for a while started to design greetings cards on the side.

I had a market stall st Spitalfields Market in London's east end, and things really took off when we started suppyling shops. 

When Urban Outfitters placed a large order, it dawned on me we might be onto something. 

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Loads of cups of tea! We have 2 sides to the business, the main part is the publishing/wholesale, but we also have a shop in Stoke Newington North London.

I (Dom) run the wholelsale side, designing, commissioning artists and sorting the trade shows. Hannah (our shop manager) runs the retail side and Heidi has a foot in both camps.

I work from home in our studio and Heidi is in London 2 days a week. 

I spend a lot of time in front of a computer sorting orders, designing etc so I have to make sure I get away from the desk on a reg basis, so I run and walk the dog most days.

Not at the same time! 

Biggest achievement to date?

3 Retas awards for the shop is something we are very proud of, plus our card designs have been nominated for a few times in the finals of the Henries awards. Winning one would be great in the future please!. 

I think surviving Covid was quite a big achievement for many small businesses and I still look back on those days I think Wow! 

Also the feeling of a customer buying something we have produced is an accolade in its own right.

Where can we find your cards?

Chirpy Store of course! One of a fav indies.

We also supply Oliver Bonas. Scribbler, Waterstones, Postmark.,Utility and many many fab indies across the UK. We also distribute to USA, AUS and Germany.

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

HIP HOP HOORAY. I saw a very old vintage postcard of a cat sat on a record player and I thought wouldn't it be good to illustrate an actual cat with headphones on DJ ing.

I had no idea it would be a stand out seller but it is. I have designed other cards I am more proud of, but I do have a soft spot for the DJ cat.

It has been so popular I have put it on Valentines and Father's day with good sales too.

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

Yes the MED theme is very strong atm Tomatoes, Sardines, Olives etc. We have a range called Honey which has done very well this year using the artwork of Linsey Kelly with these flavours on.

Why do you think sending cards is still so important?

It is a small piece of art to sit on your mantel piece. It is also a personal way of communicating away from the digital age. No one writes letters anymore so please let us not lose card sending.

It is so important for connecting with people, wishing them happy birthday is so important but all the other wonderful things that happens through the year as well. We have to keep this amazing tradition alive.

Best thing about running your own business?

I can nap when I want......and I do. :)

I also love my job, creating something and watching it sell is a great feeling. Designing is the best part of the job. The creative side will always be the side of the job that excites me. Admin and invoices are a necessary element but the thing that really floats my boat is creating a range and launching it.

Also waking up and being excited about the projects ahead is so good. I couldn't do a job where I am desperate for the end of the day or the weekend. Life is too short. I am aware of how lucky I am and thankful I can earn my wages from doing something I enjoy so much.

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

Do some research into the already existing competition. Look at gaps in the market and see if you can come up with something different. 

The card industry has a wealth of talented companies all fighting for the same customer, so we have to make sure we stand out.

Also don't stress the small stuff. Things crop up everyday to challenge you and you will have good days and bad days.

Enjoy the good days and remember the bad days will pass over. 

Plans for the future?

Loads! On the immediate horizon is Little Trinkets below. Launching at Top Drawer in SEPT

Also lots of new for 2026 shows, new Humour range, New Large format cards and some new Gift Wrap.

Say Hello to Little Trinkets – the Adorably Mini Newcomers from Earlybird!

Earlybird has teamed up with kitsch queen Amy Hastings to create Little Trinkets – a brand new MINI range bursting with charm. These half pint-sized delights pair Amy’s whimsical artwork with a luxe spot UV finish on textured recycled board, all in Earlybird’s signature mini format.

“We’ve been excited to collaborate with Amy for ages,” says Earlybird. “Her passion for quirky collectables shines through in every design – they’re a perfect fit for our MINI range, and we know our customers will fall in love.”

Check out a range of Earlybird cards & wrap in Chirpy including the best selling DJ Cat!

6 of the best creative workshops coming up at Chirpy this Autumn

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 6 of the best workshops we’ve got coming up this Autumn

1. Jesmonite coaster workshop

Thursday 11th Sept 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

2 . Fused Glass Autumn Wreath

Thursday 18th September 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 by 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.

3. Mindful Calligraphy

Thursday 25th September 7-9pm book here

A relaxing and mindful two hour workshop exploring the art of modern calligraphy. Suitable for complete beginners.

We start with warm up exercises and basic strokes, practice letterforms and then have a go at crafting your name, before moving into writing our own affirmations. This is an opportunity to tap into your creative flow and take a moment out of our hectic lives to be present and explore something new.

4. Ocean Reef painting workshop

Thursday October 2nd 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.

5. Fused Glass Highland Cow

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 Highland Cow 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.

6. Doodlemap workshop

Thursday 23rd October 6:30 - 8:30pm book here

Find yourself Doodling in meetings or while on the phone? Always fancied a go at illustrating?

This 2 hour masterclass with Dave Draws will give you the chance to doodle your favourite area and create a unique map and piece of art for you to take home, under the guidance of Dave. All you need is an idea of where you want to doodle.

August Discounts at Chirpy Online

Throughout August you can save money while you shop at Chirpy online!

Just use the codes ...

AUGUST10 to get 10% OFF when you spend £25 or more

AUGUST15 to get 15% OFF when you spend £50 or more

AUGUST20 to get 20% OFF when you spend £80 or more
 

Helping you with your summer gifting!

https://www.chirpystore.co.uk/

Chapel Allerton Indies : Mini First Aid

Here’s a little interview we did with Kate from Mini First Aid to find out a little bit about her and her family business…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business

I’m Kate, Mum of 6 and founder of Mini First Aid. My team of first aid trainers train over 2000 families across the UK each week in life saving first aid.

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

My brother tragically died from Cardiomiopathy – those first on the scene did not know how to do CPR, and its been my mantra since that everyone should know how to save a life.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

Once all my children are in school I head to our Chapel Allerton Office for a busy day of teaching, meetings and media work.

Biggest achievement to date?

I pitched Mini First Aid on Dragons’ Den and secured investment with Sara Davies MBE. Sara is a brilliant member of our team!

Favourite product you sell / make  / deliver?

Our first aid kits are a must have for everyone and our classes are available for adults, children and workplaces!

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

They call me the fun sponge as I’m always worrying about preventing accidents! 

Favourite time of year in the business?

When people put our first aid teaching into practice. Last week a Mum and Dad saved their 3 day old baby giving CPR learnt at our parents class.

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

I’d love to run the Little bookshop for a day, having my head in a book is a devine treat! 

Plans for 2025 / the future?

More Mini First Aid products for retailers!

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

Local support was the foothold for my business. Everyone should support the nurture and growth of local business.

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

I’ve had two sets of twins! Bonkers!

Where can we find you :

@minifirstaid

You’ll often see Kate around Chapel Allerton with her twins so stop and say hi!