SAKURA Newsletter from Allison & Michael
January 2026

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皆様。明けましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いします。

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wishing everyone Health, Wealth & Happiness in 2026, the Year of the Horse.

This year we have decided to represent "Mari Lwyd", a Welsh wassailing tradition of an old grey mare bringing good fortune while causing mischief in the village.

"MARI LWYD" - In parts of South Wales, around Christmas and New Year, there is a tradition (dating back to at least 1800) of carrying the Mari Lwyd around to local houses and establishments. The Mari Lwyd itself is made up of a horse's skull attached to the top of a pole. With a covering of a sheet, and usually decorated with colourful ribbons, the Mari Lwyd is led to a house where the group begins by knocking the door and singing songs in Welsh requesting entrance. After an amicable battle of words and song, the Mari Lwyd finally gains entry, then the group can enjoy food and drink before making their way to the next home.

Tetrapak Collagraph Printing © Allison Mackenzie

"CASSIE" - If you are out and about in Newport on Saturday 10th January 2026 , enjoy the real thing by joining in the Mari Lwyd procession alongside the Widders Border Morris Dancers. The procession starts at 2pm beside "Stand & Stare" , the memorial statue of the poet WH Davies, on Commercial Street (NP20 1LP). It then proceeds along the High Street calling at various local businesses on the way. The procession will end at 3pm at the top of the High Street (NP20 1GA). For more information, visit the Newport Mari Lwyd Facebook page Newport Mari Lwyd or visit Wales.com

LOOKING BACK at 2025

First of all, we would like to give a big shout out all those who stocked our Sakura notebooks and original art in 2025, and to all the other organisers who invited us to work alongside them or participate in their events in 2025. We very much look forward to working with many of you again in 2026:

Abergavenny Steam Rally • Craft Tent • Bailey Park, Abergavenny
Black Mountain Fabric • Abergavenny
Cardiff Korean & Japanese Food Shop • Cardiff
Cynefin Pamoja • Festival of Culture at Newport Library • Newport
ETSY • SakurayaDesign
Fizzyville • Abergavenny
Gallery 57 • Newport
International Women's Day Annual event at the Riverfront • Newport
KimonoKimono • Bristol
Llanishen Craft & Artisan Market at St Isan's Church Hall • Llanishen
Newport Festival of Words • Newport
WI • Marshfield & District • Castleton

• Please check on the Sakura website for all current and new stockists as well as upcoming events in 2026 •

We would also like to extend our thanks to all who attended our workshops & events in 2025.

The Wednesday art class "Enjoy Creating Art & Chatting" at Gallery 57 in Newport, introduced Japanese-inspired art projects, incorporating various printmaking techniques, origami and calligraphy.

Japanese fabric inspired stencil project • Stencil print by class participant

With the introduction of a new annual event in Newport, the Newport Festival of Words , we ran "Mini Journal Making", a day of simple Japanese stab-binding sessions at Gallery 57, followed in the summer by "Big Splash Print Fun!" sessions with simple printing from lino.

Lino printing with Allison Mackenzie • at Gallery 57 in Newport

An invitation to speak for the Women's Institute WI • Marshfield & District • Castleton turned into a wonderful, interactive "Kimono Talk & Try On" event.

Japanese simple book binding • "Kimono Talk and Try on" with Allison

Thank you again for all your support in 2025.
We very much hope to see you in 2026!

Best Wishes
From Allison & Michael Mackenzie
マッケンジー　アリソン とマイケルより

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2026 SAKURA DIARY of Events
(Classes, Workshops & Markets)

Allison Mackenzie • Sakura Art Stall

• Keep a check on the Sakura website for new dates coming up in 2026 •

Please also see the SAKURA website (Various links below)

Keep a regular check on our SAKURA Information page, introducing you to various Artists & Creatives, Events & Workshops, information & other useful links.

Sakura Art & Notebooks • Sakura Outlets

• Cardiff Korean & Japanese Food Shop • Cardiff
• Gallery 57 • Newport
• KimonoKimono • Bristol
• ETSY • Online • SakurayaDesign on Etsy


Dancer • Maiko (s) • Waterfall - Images © Allison Mackenzie

For other SAKURA Links & Information:

• Sakura • Linktree
• Sakura • Website
• Sakura • Facebook
• Sakura • ETSY
• Sakura • Instagram

FINALLY I would like to thank all of you who follow SAKURA online - on our website, Facebook, Instagram & Etsy.

• Thank you again for taking the time to read this email.
• マッケンジー　アリソン とマイケル
• Allison & Michael Mackenzie
  

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