Romanian musical instrument - the tulnic

I came across a Romanian stamp today which has brought back memories.  It's a stamp issued in 1961 and I feel sure it was probably in my collection as a child, which sadly I don't have any more. Many of the stamps went the way of so many childhood collections, probably sold for pocket money to buy other things more interesting to teenagers .. but things have a habit of coming round again! Other Romanian instruments are also featured in this set - will repost if I find the others too!

The other more recent memory  is of the Haute Nendaz Alp horn festival we went to last Summer in Switzerland. It was a gathering of alp horn players not just from Switzerland but also from other parts of Europe, including Romania.  These beautifully dressed ladies came from a remote village with their unique instruments, which are apparently best played near water - in this case the Lac de Tracouet! The wood from which they are made comes from a particular Romanian forest.  To hear this wonderful instrument, there are several Youtube videos available, and many more of the traditional Swiss alp horns we saw at the Nendaz summer Alp horn event.

Flower Basket Patchwork quilt stamp collage

I've finished work on this stamp collage, based on the flower basket patchwork quilts of yesteryear.  Instead of using fabrics as the traditional quilters did, I've used my own materials, stamps and envelopes to complete my paper collage design, which is approximately  20 inches square. I've used American stamps depicting roses and Spring flowers, as well as stamps featuring the many designs showing the US flag for the baskets.

I've tried to take care to have the flag the right way up as I understand there is a certain flag etiquette, although I don't really know how strictly this is adhered to in the case of  artwork, but I do like to try and be respectful!  George Washington (5c), John F Kennedy (13c)and  the Statue of Liberty also appear in this quilt, which uses as background  for some of the squares the insides of envelopes - nothing goes to waste! Instead of a fancy herringbone stitch I've used the edges of the airmail envelopes to join the patches.
The picture will be finished off with a white mount and frame. Prints and cards will also be available shortly.