A Variety of Stamps For the Avid Collector

Collectors have a wide variety of stamps to choose from since almost every country in the world issues stamps in number of different types and formats. Collectors may choose to create their collection to reflect their personal interests so that it shows their own unique identity.

Some individuals collect commemorative stamps that are issued to remember a special event or individual, which are only available for a limited time. The first commemorative stamp issued in the United States celebrated the landing of Columbus in the New World, which was issued in 1869. Another type of stamp is the Se-tenant, which are two or more un-separated stamps that have different designs or values. These types of stamps are usually part of a commemorative set of stamps, such as the 1987 issue of Flora and Fauna.

Airmail stamps is type of stamps that were issued from by the United States from 1918 until 1993 for any item that was delivered by air. In this type are the extremely popular 1930 Zeppelin stamps, which were withdrawn from the market after only forty-one days. This is the reason these are the most sought after airmail stamps available with the exception of the twenty-four cent Inverted Jenny error airmail stamp of 1918.

Stamps that have been surcharged, overprinted, or inscribed with an extra charge with the addition to the postage fee with the intention of obtaining funds for a variety of charities are known as semi-postal stamps. The United States has issued only two types of these stamps, which include the Heroes of 2001 that raised funds for the victims of the 9-11 attack and the 1996 Breast Cancer Awareness stamp.

Coil stamps are long coiled strips of stamps that are used in affixing machines or are sold in vending machines, which have straight edges on two opposite sides and perforations on the other two. A coil line pair of stamps is a pair of stamps from a rotary coil that show a colored line that causes a gap where the printing plate was joined. A small book that contains stamps is known as booklet stamps, which are extremely convenient are are often sold through vending machines. Booklet panes are panes of stamps that are cut and printed to be sold only in these booklets. Booklets stamps usually contain at least two of these panes.

Stamped envelopes are a special type of envelope where the postage stamp has been either embossed or preprinted onto the envelope. Collectors will collect these as either entires or as cut squares where the stamp is cut out of the envelope where a square has been shaped from the margin. A postal card is stationary that has been issued by the post office and is similar to a postal envelope that has a stamp that has been preprinted or embossed onto the card.

In 1934 Congress authorized Federal Duck stamps to license hunters as a type of revenue to help maintain waterfowl life within the United States. Sales of these stamps were offered to collectors in 1935, who prefer them in mint condition. These stamps are attached to hunting licenses and issued by each state individually. Federal Duck Stamps are one of the most popular collectible stamp with collectors.

Revenue or tax stamps are attached to any documents, stock certificates, playing cards, tobacco, etc. that shows a required government tax has been paid. Definitive stamp are regular stamps that are used for regular postage and used for a number of years.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about rare coins, stamp collections, and rare collectibles. Follow these links to find the best marketplace for: collections, stamp types.

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US Photo Stamps

What do George Washington, the bald eagle, the US flag, a heart-shape, and Elvis Presley all have in common?

They have all been featured on US postage stamps at one time or another.

But did you know that you can design your own US photo stamps? Contrary to common belief, we aren't stuck with only the limited selection of stamp designs offered by the US Postal Service. Yes, you can design your own custom stamps, and you can print your own stamps. Right from your own printer, from the comfort of your own home or office, instantly!

The US Postal Service has approved the printing of your own customized postage stamps at home as long as you purchase your postage online through one of their authorized dealers.

All you need, in order to print out your own US photo stamps are the following:

- A computer with Internet access

- A metered weighing scale

- A printer (color is optional, black and white is okay)

- Adhesive label printing paper

Whether you take a picture with a digital camera, design it your own graphic, your own logo, or download an image of the Internet, creating your own US photo stamps is very easy. Once you design what your stamp looks like, the next step is to weigh your package or envelope on the weighing scale. Then you input all the information about your shipment directly online: the sender and recipient's mailing addresses, the weight of the package, the delivery method (first class, priority mail, express mail, or media mail), any delivery options (certified mail, delivery confirmation, or insurance). Then you pay for the stamp online (or the value of the stamp gets deducted from a prepaid balance). Finally, your print it out and affix the adhesive label to your package.

That's all there is to it. It doesn't get any simpler than this!

Sign up for a 4-week risk-free trial and you can start to print your own postage online today!

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Christmas Postage Stamps

As the holiday season approaches this year, you will no doubt be sending out holiday greeting cards to your friends, family, loved ones, and colleagues.

No doubt, you will also be shopping around for Christmas postage stamps. But have you ever thought about designing your own Christmas postage stamps, to reflect your personality, and your own personal touch? Perhaps Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, or a Christmas tree just don't reflect the message you wish to convey when you send out your holiday greeting cards. Perhaps there aren't any postage stamps that really reflect the message you want to convey.

Perhaps you want to include a photograph of people, places, or things that mean something to you or to the people you are sending your greeting cards to. Perhaps you want to include your own custom greeting, quotation, or other text on your postage stamps.

Well, the freedom to design your own Christmas postage stamps is indeed possible, thanks to the United States Postal Service! All you need are:

- A computer with Internet access

- A printer (color is preferable but black and white can work just as well)

- A metered weighing scale

- Adhesive printer label paper

Whether you take a picture with a digital camera, you download pictures off of the Internet, scan them into your computer, or design them yourself using any graphic designing software, you can create your own custom stamp designs, pay for your postage online, and print out your stamps, which you can then affix to your envelopes or packages.

Sign up for a 4-week risk-free trial and you can start to print your own postage online today!

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Custom Photo Stamps

George Washington. The United States Flag. A heart. The word love. A flower. A deceased celebrity.

These are some of the images that you think of when you think of traditional US postage stamps.

But wouldn't it be nice if we could create our own custom photo stamps? Wouldn't it be nice if you could place your own photograph, logo, or any other graphic design or text on your stamps?

It sure would grab your recipient's attention, wouldn't it? It would definitely create a good first impression. Your envelope or package would stand out from among the rest.

Whether it is for business or for pleasure, custom photo stamps can make a significant impact.

Get creative! Express yourself! Set the tone of your mailer.

After all, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Your stamp itself can convey a message before the recipient even opens the letter.

One thing that is for sure: Your recipient will take your mail more seriously if they are able to connect with you and relate to the image that is depicted on your stamp.

Custom photo stamps are perfect for holiday greeting cards, wedding invitations, birthday invitations, thank you cards, graduations, and most any other occasion.

They can add a certain spice, a certain flavor, a certain pizazz to your mailers to set the mood in your recipient's mind before they ever open up your mail.

Custom photo stamps are also perfect if you are a business that is sending out advertisements to potential customers on your mailing list. They can also be used if you are sending general correspondence to your vendors, customers, leads, employees, or business partners. Put your company logo or slogan on your stamps to give your correspondence a degree of professionalism.

Sign up for a 4-week risk-free trial and you can start to print your own postage online today!

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Rubber Stamps - Advice to Help Choose the Right Product For You

Many of you may have used rubber stamps before either while crafting or in the office. Rubber stamps are pieces of rubber that can be carved and molded into an image or pattern. The rubber can be mounted onto a stable block and then the ink is coated onto the design and then pressed onto some sort of fabric or paper so the colored image is transferred.

There are three basic types of stamps. These are listed below;

1) Regular Rubber Stamps

These are the basic kind that are used with a separate ink pad. They are easy to get hold of and cheap to buy. However they may be messy if not used properly. This type is ideal for crafters since you can own a variety of designs to decorate almost anything. However, these stamps are also perfect for office workers. The stamp does not need to be replaced only the inkpad when it runs out, which is another advantage.

2) Self-inking Stamps

These are mechanical stampers with an internal stamp pad attached. The stamp hits the internal inkpad using a swivel action between each use. The advantages of this type of stamp is that they are quick and easy to use making multiple stamping a breeze perfect for anyone working in an office where stamps are used on a regular basis. These are re-inkable and very reasonably priced. However, when the inkpad runs out you will need to buy the whole stamp. Brand names that you may have heard of include Ideal, Trodat, or Cosco.

3) Pre-inked Stamps

This type of stamp has dye impregnated onto the design. These pre-inked stamps can be split into three types. These are polymer gel pre-inks, the latest in technology flash stamps, and the laser engraved vulcanized rubber stamps. These types of stamps are a lot more expensive but are ideal for offices that use the same stamp over and over again, since they are durable
and long lasting, cheap to re-ink, and made to the highest quality.

Stamping is considered to be a fantastic hobby where people can collect different designs while others enjoy the designs they can make with the stamps. These decorative stamps can be used on letters, greetings cards, banners, and other similar things to add that personalized touch.

The techniques involved in the art of rubberstamping are varied and you can find whole websites devoted to this subject. In fact there are even clubs that you can join so you can get together with others to make things and share techniques and even their stamps!

Nicky Whatmore writes for http://www.rubberstamps1.com and has been stamping for many years.

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How To Emboss With Rubber Stamps

If you like to use rubber stamps to personalize cards and letters then you will love to emboss using rubber stamps. This technique adds extra elegance to your cards, letters, and artwork.

It’s not difficult to learn how to emboss with rubber stamps. The materials that you need to start are simple and inexpensive to obtain. But the results are astounding. You obviously need rubber stamps, but also an embossing ink stamp pad, embossing powder, an embossing heat gun, and of course something to stamp on.

The first thing you do is stamp your design onto the material you are using with a slow drying pigment ink pad. Make sure that the entire stamp is covered with ink. Don’t rock the stamp when you place it onto your paper since this may blur the lines. You need to press down all over the stamp to ensure that the design is completely transferred and you get the perfect image.

Once the image has been transferred sprinkle embossing powder onto the image and then gently tap off the excess and remove any stray flecks from the paper with a dry paintbrush. This embossing powder comes from ultra fine to tinsel as well as in a variety of colors as does the pigment ink. The powder also comes in different compositions such as metallic powder in gold, silver, or bronze, and glitter powder. This adds a rich color to your artwork and looks really effective. For these metallic powders to really stand out, you can use them with clear ink, or if you use colored ink you can produce effects such as tinted copper.

The final step to produce thermal embossed art is to use your heat tool to direct hot air onto the embossing powder, which will melt and produce the thermal embossed effect in the shape of the image that you stamped. The best way to do this is to use a heat gun as this creates the most even, glossy effect. Around the home you can try to use a toaster or oven but you will have to be careful not to scorch the material you are using. It is therefore worth investing in a proper heat gun, especially if you plan to emboss a lot.

Since there are so many different colors and compositions of ink and embossing powder to use, you are able to personalize each piece of artwork. For example, if you wish to celebrate a friend’s wedding or the christening of a child you might want to use pearlescent powder, which produces a beautiful pastel effect. However, a card for a child’s birthday may need to be bright and colorful so you may wish to use metallic and glitter effect embossing powders to produce a dramatic but fun result.

The more you emboss using rubber stamps the more you will create a unique style with the colors of ink and type of embossing powder that you use. After all, the fun part of crafting is not being afraid to experiment so that you create your own unique artwork!

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Home Made Foam Stamps - Customized Layouts

Foam stamps are one of the most effective and decorative photo techniques available. Stamps range in size, themes and colors. Almost every scrapbook or photo layout can be finished out with the help of foam stamps, because they put those finishing touches on the page. For those that want to venture out for customization or creativity, they can try their hand at making their own foam stamps. Not only is this a more cost effective method it also provides a unique and prideful layout. Read on for how to create your own homemade foam stamp quickly and professionally.

Foam stamps are relatively easy to make with only a few craft store materials. Almost any pattern can be made into a stamp. By purchasing craft foam the desired pattern can be traced onto the foam. In order to cut the pattern out it is best to use an Exacto knife. Any nicks or uneven edges will show when used on the craft itself, so nothing but straight edges. Taking great care through the cutting process is imperative to have a good finished stamp. After cutting the pattern out it can then be mounted on a glass block or wooden one, whichever is preferred or handy. Spray adhesive or glue is the best way to attach the foam stamp onto the block, and can be purchased from any craft store.

Making personalized foam stamps allows the scrap booker to add their own creative touch. From a personalized theme to text, it is possible when you make your own. This is also a more inexpensive way to scrapbook, they are cheap to make, custom and look just as good as the store bought stamps!

Lisa is the owner of Modzy.com, the #1 online scrapbooking supplies store. Find thousands of scrapbook products and low prices everyday at http://www.modzy.com

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Stamps Collecting has Never Been So Easy

Collecting stamps has been a popular pastime ever since there were stamps to collect. Collecting stamps has never been easier and collecting isn’t just for the gray-haired gentleman who spends his days poring over his stamps.

When collecting stamps, it’s important to have at least some definition of what you’re hoping to achieve. Some people collect only historical stamps. That is, they’re only looking for the old, rare stamps that are highly sought and prized by collectors. This is a noble goal, but probably not much fun for those without the finances to make those rare purchases. If you’re simply looking for a great hobby, start searching for unusual stamps or collect stamps postmarked in other states and/or countries.

Take a look at some ideas that can help you get your stamp collection off to a good start, or give your current collection a real boost.

Don’t keep your stamp collection a secret. While Great-Aunt Margie isn’t likely to want to sit down and hear the history of every stamp in your collection, letting her know that you’re a stamp collector could be the best move you’ve ever made. She may have a stash of letters in her attic from that special beau who wrote to her from Europe during World War I! Or she may have the letters her grandmother sent back home during her trek across the country in a covered wagon. And she just may remember to mail you a postcard from her next trip to a foreign country. The most unlikely people may be the ones to help you expand your collection, so let family and friends know that you’re collecting stamps.

The Internet can be a very useful tool for those collecting stamps. All you really need to do is find an online forum for stamp collecting and start trading stamps with others creating collections similar to yours. In most cases, you’ll be able to send a letter and the recipient will send one back to you – instantly adding stamps to your collection. Because this is a relatively inexpensive request, you may also get people to send you stamps who aren’t looking for a return letter.

Another idea for collecting stamps that works well for youngsters is to simply be looking for those unusual, strange or “cool” stamps. Your post office will likely have a good selection and you can let your child help you choose each time you need a new book of stamps. Take one off to add to the collection and see how many great stamps are available. Don’t forget that the postal service will also let you create your own stamps with photos you upload to their website!

Collecting stamps can be a great way to connect with your child, and can create a hobby that will span a lifetime.

Bob Benson is the founder of Stamp Collecting online. You can check out our website at http://www.stamp-collecting-supply.info

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Asian Poker Player Stamps Mark At The Asian Poker Classic

Asians are proving to be tough opponents to more established poker professionals from around the world.

The Main Event of the Asian Poker Classic held in Goa, India drew to a close on Monday, 5 March 2007. It was reportly won by Danish poker player Carl Hostrup (USD320,000). Second place was taken by Samuel Lehton (USD165,000) from Sweden.

But Pranav Bathija (USD97,000) from India showed that Asia too was going to have a share of the USD1,000,000 guaranteed pool. He came third in the said event.

He also showed that one can pick up poker fairly quickly - Bathija learned the game by playing for free at online poker site http://MaharajaClub.net. After learning the basics, Maharajah Club identified Pranav as a new player worth sponsoring for Asian Poker Classic.

Bathija played against 143 other poker players from around the world to take his share of the tournaments $1,000,000 prize pool after three days of play at the Intercontinental Grand Resort in Goa.

Bathija was quoted as saying, "This win will do great things for poker in Asia… If I can learn poker in just four months and place third in an international poker tournament, then I’ve proven that it is very possible to be a successful poker player in India".

This third place finish follows the second place finish of day-trader Joshua Pang at the Asian Poker Tour in Singapore, behind Tony G. In the Phillipines' Pan Asia Poker Tour, the top ranked locals were Alan Escano and Derick Hernandes, coming fifth and sixth respectively.

The performances of Bathija and Pang should be seen in the context of the presence of a number of top poker pros like Mel Judah, Lee Nelson and Tony G in the said events.

The success of the players should spur more people to take up the game in this region. The time will come when a local takes first place at one of these tournaments as well.

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Stamp Collecting For Beginners - Collecting Stamps For Fun

Stamp collecting is great for all ages. Not only is it great for the older generations, but for the kids as well. You can learn and enjoy different kinds of information from every stamp. You can also profit a lot from stamps, if you know what you're doing or just happen to stumble upon a rare, expensive stamp.

Many consider stamp collecting as a fun activity not only for older people but also for kids. It provides a person the pleasure of collecting different types of stamps that he may find in ordinary binders or through his received mail. Some people consider it an exciting hobby. For a beginner, he may be fond of compiling different kind of stamps from his album until he realizes that he could specialize in collecting the these stamps.

It is indeed a fun hobby because a person may enjoy and learn different kinds of information from collecting stamps. A stamp features everything that may come into every person’s mind from places, persons, sports, historical events, cars, and many more. He may find it rewarding in the future for having enough compilations and albums where he may display and exhibit his collection.

He may also realize that he may profit from these items. There are special stamps that may feature an important event or a person. The price value of these special stamps can be expensive depending on their rarity and the limited versions of the releases. They can be similar to other commodities where a collector may find a dealer that can provide the possible price value of a particular stamp.

A better option for him to profit more from his collection is to find stamp collectors that may show interest in some stamps that he may also be possibly collecting. He may advertise his collection in newspapers and magazines that conduct special advertisements for rare and special stamps. He may also make use of the Internet in joining auction sales for his stamps. He may also be ensured of an updated value of the stamp by comparing the offered value from current advertisements from the Internet.

The price value can vary depending on the production and supply of the item. The increasing number of collectors that specializes from those rare stamps and limited edition stamps may motivate him to be more competitive in finding these items. There is also an increase on the price value because of this high demand.

Nevertheless, they are more than just earning and profiting. Most stamp collectors consider it as a fun hobby. He may never compare the pleasure he feels every time he find those stamps that interested him. There could be many reasons why people collect stamps. In addition, one good reason they may answer is that it is fun and can give satisfaction of accomplishing something.

It is also helps a person to be informed on different things. Most of these items feature insights about the landmarks and history of a country. This is one reason why it very popular and famous among other collections. A person can never get over the enthusiasm of learning and discovering new things. If he would like to pursue this hobby of being a stamp collector, here are some few things to keep in mind.

1. He should know what things that interest him. He may start finding for collections that can have special meanings or importance to him. He may have the option of choosing from simple stamps that he may receive from mail and postcards from binders.

2. He may join clubs and gatherings to interact with people. He might be able to meet people that are collecting items as well. He may ask the person that may have some collections related to these stamps. In this case, he may be able to trade some of his stamps in replace of that particular stamp.

3. He needs to make sure that he knows how to maximize his time in places where he travels. He may find places that he can possibly find stamps with the theme that he collects.

4. He may access some sites in the Internet that can provide information on where and how to look for rare and special stamps.

5. He may continue doing this hobby for as long as he is having fun. There are many topics and themes to choose from. A collector will not be limited on a certain topic.

A stamp collector should always remember to take importance of the things that makes him fulfilled and pleased. He should take proper care to these kinds of items. Stamps are very sensitive. They are only pieces of paper but they have significant value and importance.

Stamp collectors should be careful with everything involving this hobby. They should be extremely delicate with all the stamps themselves as well as when dealing with other people in trading, selling, or buying stamps. They can easily get scammed, but you can also get really good deals.

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When Document Authenticity Counts: Professional Seals And Professional Stamps

Many professionals – such as engineers, real estate appraisers, interior designers, land surveyors and architects – are required to sign, stamp and/or seal documents to show they were produced by a registered or licensed professional in that field. The purpose of a seal or stamp is to ensure that the professional is licensed to practice that profession in a particular state under its laws and regulations.

Typically a seal or stamp is affixed to documents which are prepared under the professional’s direct supervision and for which they are responsible. Below are a few examples of when a professional seal or professional stamp is used:

Engineer Stamps and Seals

Most states require that an engineer be licensed or registered and each registration or license is valid only in the state in which it is granted. By stamping or sealing a document (e.g., drawings, calculations, plans, etc.) a professional engineer is taking responsibility for the information in the document and is certifying that he or she is licensed in the state.

Land Surveyor Stamps and Seals

Documents produced by a surveyor may be used by title companies, land owners and lending institutions to determine property boundaries. A professional surveyor’s stamp or seal shows that they are registered in a particular state and that the plans follow that state’s regulations and laws.

Architect Stamps and Seals

To work as an architect, these professionals are required to obtain specialized education and work experience to become licensed. They stamp or seal all drawings, plans and other specs to show they are licensed or registered by a particular state. In some instances, architects are required to have a seal for the architecture firm as well as for the individual architect.

Requirements for Stamps and Seals Vary by State

Licensing or registration is performed by individual states because different states have different laws and educational requirements for practicing a profession. Subsequently, each state has different regulations for what is to be displayed on a professional seal or stamp – and these regulations vary between professions in the same state. For instance Iowa’s architecture seal must have a diameter of 1 3/4 inches, include the name of the architect and the words “Registered Architect” along with their Iowa registration number and the word “Iowa”. In South Carolina, an architect seal is also circular and 1 3/4 inches in diameter. South Carolina also specifies that the outer circle contain the words "State of South Carolina" at the top and "Registered Architect" at the bottom with the name of the architect, their business location, and their registration number in the center. Thankfully, most states provide examples of how a seal or stamp should look.

When purchasing a professional seal or professional stamp it is important that the seal or stamp meets the guidelines set forth by your state for your profession. Some retailers keep up with each state’s requirements so that professionals order the correct item needed. Working with one of these retailers can ensure the right information is included in the correct layout for the stamp or seal.

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