Stamp Art and Other Crafts

Philatelist, Clive Alexander (whose business is Overstrand Philatelic) and his wife Marlene (seen here together at the hugely popular monthly Somerset West Craft Market) have turned to crafts in their retirement, offering stamps, stamp art and several other handmade items that they sell at craft markets in the Western Cape.

Like so many other successful crafters, they have made a profitable trade out of doing what they know and what they enjoy.

How the Alexander’s Stamp Art Began

Clive and Marlene Alexander started selling stamps and stamp-related articles to supplement their income. Totally self taught, Clive’s interest in stamps had begun as a hobby a decade ago, and once hooked, he realized there was a good chance that other people would find stamp collecting just as fascinating.

Now he caters for beginner stamp collectors and casual hobbyists, aiming to encourage young collectors without intimidating them with the high prices philatelists charge for valuable stamps.

Realizing that amateurs philatelists don’t know much about stamp collecting, he also produces custom-made stamp album pages and gives detailed tips on how to remove stamps from paper and how to mount them in stamp albums to maintain and/or increase their value.

The Range of Stamp Art Offered

Clive produces various gift packs either with stamps, or using stamps as the theme – for instance to decorate boxes using the delicate craft of decoupage.

Other Craft Items

Working together, Clive and Marlene make several other hand-made items that they sell at craft markets. These include boxes and trays that Clive makes, and Marlene uses for decoupage not related to stamps and philately. They have also created a knack device they call The Toasty Tweezer, designed to help you get slices of toast out of the toaster with ease … as well as several crocheted and knitted novelties.

Where to Find Overstrand Philatelic and Stamp Art

Clive Alexander is based in Somerset West in the Western Cape (South Africa), and his contact details can be found on his web site, CLICK HERE. You will also find him at the Somerset West Country Craft Market. In 2013 he plans to expand to other markets.