Tomorrow, March 14th, is White day in Japan

Having had correspondence and connections with people in  Japan recently, I've come across the festival called White Day which occurs every year exactly a month after Valentine's day, on March 14th.  In Japan on Valentine's day it's the girl who gives a card or present to a man, often chocolates, sometimes onces she has made herself! On White day the man reciprocates with a gift such as white chocolate, or flowers, or indeed any type of gift pretty gift.

I recently made a White Posy from stamps, so here it is .. Happy White Day!

Valentine Cards from all over the world this year!

Not only did I receive a Valentine card  from my husband this year, but also several other cards from all over the world! It seems that it is now the custom to send cards to friends as well as romantic partners and there is a huge card industry around this special day, February 14th.  Being a member of Postcrossing, where I send and receive cards from people all over the world, I was lucky to receive these lovely cards this year from  Turkey, Belgium,.Germany, Australia and Great Britain with some actually arriving on Valentine's day!  Many countries now issue stamps for Valentine's day including France - see earlier blog posts of January regarding the Designer hearts I've used in some of my recent Heart collages!  Cards will be coming soon and judging by popularity of the Heart cards I've made in the past, they are not only for Valentine's day!

Sticker on a Belgian card

This card and stamp were issued last year, but received in time for this year's Valentine's day!

The Heart of the Matter

I'm enjoying working on a series of "Designer" heart stamp collages.
 I have several examples of  rather eye catching stamps from several French Valentine's day  issues.
 The stamps and miniature sheets have used well known fashion houses' motifs, including Hermes, Cacharel,  and Givenchy.  One of these heart stamps was used  in the centre of a heart collage commissioned last year, and I liked the idea of making some more of these as I feel they definitely have a "feel good factor".
Stamps from all over the world are included in my latest Heart designs, as well as romantic and pretty  stamps such as  lacy hearts from USA,  as well as many flowery  pink and red stamps and some whose theme is simply, LOVE!

Love the postmark, Darling!

I set myself a goal and have just achieved it, which is a good feeling - just completed  another heart stamp collage!It looks simple, but seems to take much longer than you would imagine to find the right things to make up the design.

Happily, I  found a stamp from a letter which was obviously posted in Darlington,but only has the first part of the word on the actual stamp and in a Heart, the word Darling seems very appropriate!

Rachel Markwick stamp collage cards on ebay shop

UPA (Universal Postal Auctions) now have a selection of my greetings cards on their EBay stamp  shop page.

Currently included are The Union Jack, Flag of Australia, Canada, Unicorn, Colosseum and various ships, and many more popular designs.   The stamp collage Heart card, suitable for both Valentine's day and to give as a Wedding or Birthday Card is also featured.   All cards are A5 size, with the exception of the Heart which is square, and include envelopes and are packaged and priced at £3 each plus postage.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you received a card ... but if you didn't here's one specially for you!

Valentine's Day - Valentine Card

With Valentine's Day fast approaching on 14th February, this pretty design made entirely from US LOVE Greetings stamps is available as a canvas print or card. Varous sizes available.

Can be ordered direct from Rachel Markwick email: markwickfamily@aol.com and can also be purchased from Made In Stroud Shop, Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Love Heart Stamp Collage

I found a little bundle of stamps amongst my stock of materials and stamps waiting to be sorted out, added to my collection or made into collages. These are Love greetings stamps issued in the USA in 1982, with the word LOVE made out of flowers - so pretty! The original collage has been reproduced as a card, which was very popular for Valentine's day. Card is blank inside for your own personal greeting and is £3.00 including p&p. I've also had canvas prints made which look great! They're 23 x 30 cms x 3cms and are £45 including p&p within UK. A lovely way to send your love to someone special!