Stamp Series: Dubai


Who doesn't love lusting over luxurious hotels? So for this week's addition to my Stamp Series, I am travelling long-haul to Dubai and to the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (the world's most luxurious hotel).

I think we all have a list of places that even if we didn't get to stay in them, we at least would get to see them in person and inside the Burj Al Arab is pretty much up there. Channel 4 not too long ago aired a show which did just that – took a look behind the scenes of The Billion Pound Hotel. It's well worth a watch and possibly the closest I'm ever going to get to seeing inside!

Do you have any places that you would love to visit, just for a sneak peek?

Stamp Series: Iceland


Who would have guessed that a country known for it's cold temperatures, wintery weather and volcanos would become the 'go-to' holiday destination for so many of us. From the truly amazing hot springs and geysers to the Northern Lights, Iceland has gone from being a country I would once have dismissed to being a destination high up on my list.

I'm lucky to have already seen the Northern Lights – albeit from a plane window – but how incredible would it be to stand beneath them and consume this amazingly beautiful bit of nature?

There have been many articles since 2008 that have mentioned the Northern Lights becoming rarer to see and it is believed that come 2017/18, they will be even more difficult to see. Which begs the question, are they on your bucket list? Although they can be spotted from Norway as well as Iceland, and sometimes even here in the UK, it seems a shame even without them not to visit this stunning country that I've portrayed in my illustration. I'm hoping when we go we will be able to cram as much in as possible as we think 3 nights will be enough (especially early on next year when it'll be super cold)!

But I would love to know your thoughts on the country and if you've been before. I love learning the best places to go, things to do and more importantly, where to eat. So if you have any travelling stories or tips to share of Iceland, let me know!

If you want to see more of the #clrkllystampseries collection, you can view my portfolio here. And if you would like to leave a suggestion for where I should travel to next, pop it in the comments below.

Stamp Series: Santorini


Over the last couple of weeks, my Instagram feed has been covered in photographs of Santorini. With white-washed walls, striking blues and incredible views it is clear to see why this is the destination this Summer.

I don't think I've seen one photograph that I didn't "double tap" on Instagram of this beautiful place or at least spend a good few minutes staring at how pretty it all is. It is definitely fair to say that Santorini has cemented its place on my bucket list and will be receiving its very own pin on my push pin world map.

Have you been to Santorini? Was there anything in particular that you loved about the place?

Stamp Series: Havana


I haven't done a long haul flight for a very long time, but I know that one destination I would love to do when my next opportunity arises is head straight to Cuba for the delights of Havana.

Catherine Lux of Lux Life wrote a post about the city here, which I know I'll be making full use of when the time comes. Just the image of classic cars, colourful buildings, sun, sea and sand, makes me smile from ear to ear. Looking through photographs of the city itself, I knew I had to include some sort of classic car in this next stamp. But then when I saw how beautiful the Capitol building is, my illustration had already been constructed.

In honour of the brightly coloured city, I wanted to ensure that elements in this illustration stood out and although one for more muted tones, I really love the green and orange in this stamp.

Have you been to Havana? And if so, where would you recommend staying and what are the best things to do whilst you are there?

I hope you enjoy this new addition to the series and I would love to know what you think. Leave a comment below or even a suggestion of anywhere in the world you would like to see me bring to life. To see more stamps, follow the link here.

Stamp Series: Nazca


I have to guiltily admit that I didn't have a lot of time to work on this next addition to my #clrkllystampseries (and number 30 may I add). The last week and a half have been spent working on a project involving my home city, so this stamp ended up taking a backseat. With a busy schedule I knew whatever location I was to choose, I wanted to be able to create something without too much detail. 

Peru was a country I had in mind for this week but after doing some research into the country itself and what it is most famous for, I stumbled across the Nazca Lines. I remember seeing images of these a while back and was just as fascinated by them then as I am today. They are just spectacular!

I hope you enjoy this new addition to the series and I would love to know what you think. Leave a comment below or even a suggestion of anywhere in the world you would like to see me bring to life.