Collecting Stamps, is it Worth It?

Stamp collecting, a secret hobby of many today, is in a way an art form. Many people find stamps they enjoy from envelopes, many just buy online. Then there are the few and the proud that look for collectors stamps. These collectors' stamps are worth money. Not just petty cash at times, but some serious bucks. For example about 6 or 7 years ago the Princess Di collectors' stamps came out. They came with a certificate of authenticity. If you have these stamps after a certain amount of years they could be worth thousands of dollars. But the key is that certificate.

Collectors stamps can be found just about anywhere. You can do a search on eBay, join a "stampers" club where you can purchase a variety of stamps about athletics, animals, people, and much more. Granted when you buy these stamps they aren't immediately worth anything. With time the value will go up.

Many collectors' stamps available are beautiful, very well crafted/painted. However there are a select few even though they are collector's items are so simple you wouldn't think so. I have a stamp myself that is a very simple design of a flag. The original price on the stamp was sold for 6 cents. Due to the original price this stamp is worth quite a bit.

Some people base their collectors' stamps on one solid item. For instance some prefer to only collect stamps about animals. When going through their collection you may see stamps from all over the world that show elephants, tigers, penguins, kolas, pandas, dogs, cats and much more, but no people. It all depends on the individuals theme. There are other people who have a very mismatched selection of stamps. Wide varieties of topics can be seen in these collections.

When going through someone's collection you will find that the collectors stamps are well protected. People use a wide variety of items to keep the stamps safe such as:
- Tins
- Photo Albums
- Plastic sleeves
- Picture frames
- Shoe Boxes
- Display cases

Just to name a few. There are many more places you can store your stamps. Most important is what will keep the stamps dust free and free from any form of condensation which could ruin the quality of the stamp causing the value to decrease with time (which no stamp collector wants to happen). So protection is key for any stamp collection. Let this be a lesson to anyone who wishes to start collecting, the natural elements can be your enemy take care of your stamps with much care they will be worth your while in the long run. Just be patient and happy stamping!

Tag : stamps,photo stamps,old stamps,stamps collcetion

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Bushman

Old US Postage Stamps Price Guide

Thousands of people are avid stamp collectors. Even though this hobby may not seem the most interesting to everybody, stamps collecting is a great hobby. Those who are into collecting stamps know it can be a very entertaining hobby that can be quite time consuming. There are many reasons to get into stamp collecting. It can be exciting to find the different stamps that have been issued throughout the years. It can also be a thrill to collect special edition stamps or find stamps that were misprinted. Another reason that stamp collecting can be exciting is because many old stamps can be worth quite a bit of money. However, it can be difficult to know what old stamps are worth. Fortunately, an old US postage stamps price guide can help you know what your stamp collection is worth.

Benefits of Stamp Price Guide

A stamp price guide not only will let you know what the price of stamps are, but it will also offer other benefits as well. An old US postage stamps price guide will let you know all the stamps that are available and what special edition stamps have been issued over the years.

Stamp guides will also have interesting articles about stamps and stamp collections. A lot of great information can be gained from these guides. Many times the articles themselves alone are a reason to purchase the stamp guides.

Where to Find Stamp Price Guides

There are many different places you can find stamp guides. Collector stores that specialize in collecting stamps are a great place to start. You may find that your local collector store has several different stamp price guides. You can ask the salespeople at the store which guide they would recommend as well as what the differences between the guides are.

Stamp price guides are not as common in retail stores, but you may find some that carry them. Your favorite bookstore will have stamp price guides available as well. If you are part of a stamp collectors club, the other members may know a good place to find stamp guides.

The Internet is a great place to find stamp guides. There are several special collectors sites that sell stamp price guides. As well, there are hundreds of stamp collecting discussion forums on the Internet. These sites will help you find a place to purchase a stamp price guide.

An Essential Tool

An old US postage stamps price guide is an essential tool for any stamp collector. The information found inside this guide can help you learn more about collecting stamps and learn how much your collection is worth. Check out the places discussed above and see if you can find an old US postage stamps price guide so that you can get even more out of your stamp collection today.

Tag : stamps,old stamps,postage stamps,stamps price,stamps collection

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Grazian

Unleash Your Creative Side With Custom Rubber Stamps

Custom rubber stamps are a craze and are being used for all purposes and not only for official ones. Custom rubber stamps have developed into an art form and are used by those who are not professionals as they are very convenient to handle. You can also find special stamps that are used to decorate an artwork. These custom rubber stamps give you a myriad of variations with the use of dye, pigments and paints.

Very Flexible

You can also use these rubber stamps on your clothes, paper, metal, glass, wood and virtually everything. The icing on the cake is that you can avail ink pads that have been especially made for creating an embossed look. You will never run out of choice for pens used for inking stamp pads with various colors. Using custom rubber stamp designs and with the help of other media such as the computer you can create beautiful pieces of artwork. These artworks can be used as corporate trademarks as well. Custom rubber stamps have become popular with creating of scrapbooks.

Uses of Custom Rubber Stamps

The overwhelming response to custom rubber stamps has taken shape as a favorite pastime and a form of art where you can work with these items on any surface. The stamps which are decorative are known as art stamps and prevalent for craft work done at home. These art stamps not only help you to create beautiful designs but are long lasting as well. You can use the art stamps to decorate your photo albums and make attractive scrapbooks. You can use them on letters, cards, banners and flyers. You can decorate your notebooks and wrapping paper by using these art stamps. You can even use two or more designs simultaneously to adorn your paper.

You can create decorative borders on your clothes with these art stamps by using fabric paint. If you use these paints on your household items like your napkins and tablecloths it gives a personalized look to the object. You can even use the custom rubber stamps to decorate your wooden jewelry box or your metallic trinkets and it also complements your picture frames very well.

The uses of custom rubber stamps will never cease to surprise you as they can be used to decorate your child's room and can also make you a designer by helping you to make designs on your walls and ceilings,

Ensure the Correct Size for a Particular Work

You should choose small sized custom rubber stamps for decorating your clothes, wrapping paper or stationery and go in for the large ones when decorating the ceilings and the walls. You should use either paint pens and brush or the usual stamp pads to apply the paints on the custom rubber stamps and rinse them properly after using it.

Tag : stamps,postage stamps,rubber stamps,picture stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Kerr

Share Your Photos In A Unique Way With Photo Stamps

Photo stamps can be a fun and unique way of sharing your favorite photo with family and friends. You can use photo stamps for just about any occasion and purpose, from letters, postcards, invitations to cards and packages.

Photo stamps come in several different rates from thirty nine cents for first class standard to twenty four cents for postcards and photo stamps. Larger postage rates can be made for packages. Photo stamps cost from about $17.99 for a single sheet of twenty thirty nine cent stamps and many photo stamps sites offer a discount when two or more sheets are purchased at one time.

Many people wonder how the United States Postal Service can tell the difference between a photo stamp and a counterfeit photo stamp. The information based indicia is how the United States Postal Service can tell the difference. The information based indicia is a specially designed two dimensional bar code on the printed photo stamps between the border and photos.

The special designed bar code contains information such as the date of the creation of the photo stamps and the software package serial number. A great deal of research has gone into the information based indicia technology and the end result is that photo stamps are completely reliable and trust worthy.

The size of each photo stamp postage measures 1.9 inches in width and 1.4 inches in height and the actual photo area is 1.1 inches in width and 1.1 inches in height. When creating photo stamps the most important thing is the photo you choose for your stamp so keep in mind the actual size of the final image when choosing your photo. You have two choices when choosing your photo for your photo stamps you can either choose to take the photo with the photo stamp in mind or you can choose a photo that has already been taken.

When taking a photo for your photo stamps the composition of your photo is very important. When setting up the shot for you photo stamp, it is important to choose a setting without a lot of background objects, such as trees and buildings. Next, you want to choose a pose that when shrunk down to the actual photo size of 1.1 inches by 1.1 inches you can still clearly see what or who the photos are of.

When using a person as the object of your photo stamp, it is a good idea to just use a close up of the face. When using multiple people, try for a close up head shot getting all the people included in the photo to lean their heads towards one another. When using an inanimate object for your photo stamp make sure that when shrunk down to the actual image size on the stamp that you can still make out what the object is.

When choosing to use a photo that has already been taken, you want to try to use a editing program to shrink the photo down to 1.1 inches by 1.1 inches to make sure you can still see the photo clearly. When choosing your photo make sure to pick a photo with a clutter free background.

You can choose either a color or black and white photo for you photo stamps, you can also use a custom drawing or design. When choosing a photo for your photo stamps close up shots that was focused and sharp work the best. When using a custom drawing or design the most important thing is to make sure the image will be clear and recognizable when shrunken down.

Tag : stamps,photo stamps,old stamps,postage stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Thornburrow

Scrapbook Stamps

Scrapbook stamps have been around for nearly 20 years. Nothing makes your pages or cards more personal than stamping and creating your own. Stamping is even easier now days with the new acrylic stamps that are available. Let me tell you about some of the benefits of using the new acrylic stamp sets and blocks.

Stamps have come along way over the years. We have all used those bulky wooden blocks that took up our whole scrapbook rooms to store. Not to mention that when we stamped with them, it was so final, no fixing out mistakes or adding the little accents with a perfect placement. It was all a guessing game and you just closed your eyes and prayed you "hit your mark". Not anymore, with the new clear acrylic stamps, it has taken scrapbook stamping to a whole new level.

The acrylic stamps are stored in a thin envelope and the clear blocks are stored in there own case. Once you have the blocks, you do not have to keep buying them, they are reusable for all the acrylic stamps. The new and improved scrapbook stamps are lightweight and easy to store and transport anywhere. Not to mention that when using the clear stamps, everyone becomes an expert and most importantly they offer you creative control from project to project. With the clear stamps on the clear block, you will be able to see exactly where you are placing each one which makes it easier to add your accents with matching stamps. You can mix and match stamps sets to create your own creative designs, backgrounds, and boarders.

Using the stamps is easy, simply remove the stamp from the clear carrier sheet and place on the appropriate size block. When using alphabet stamps; simply follow the line guide on the block to create a straight line. This is perfect for titles or journaling. Once you have your stamps on the blocks, pick your color of ink and apply with a downward pressure. You will be able to see the coverage through the block, when it is just right, apply to your paper. Continue the process until you have completed the perfect design.

When you are finished, clean your Stamps off with acrylic cleaner or warm soapy water. When the stamps are clean, return them to the stamp carrier sheet for storage. If by chance they do not stick to the carrier, simply wash with warm soapy water and let them air dry. They will not lose their stickiness.

You will be amazed with these stamps; you will be able to create endless layouts and cards with just one stamp set. And, you will be able to have a bigger variety with all the space you will be saving with the sleek envelopes instead of the bulky wooden blocks. Not to mention that the acrylic are half the price of the wooden blocks!

Close To My Heart offers a complete line of Scrapbooking Stamps and Acrylic Blocks to make your Scrapbooking faster, easier and more enjoyable.

Tag : stamps,scrapbooking,rubber stamps,picture stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcy_Larsen

The Current Facts on Postage Stamps

Postage stamps are the proof that the proper fee has been paid to send a piece of correspondence. If a postage stamp is not present on a piece of mail being sent, the recipient becomes responsible for paying the postage due. If the recipient does not wish to pay the postage due, then the item is returned to the original sender.

Postage stamps can be purchased in a variety of ways. They can be purchased individually, in a book (usually 20) or in a larger roll, if a significant amount is needed. Stamps can be found at the local postal office, in a machine, or at certain locations that provide the service of selling stamps. Keep in mind that most of these remote locations, which are not affiliated with the postal service, tend to charge more per stamp. For example, an establishment that cashes checks and provides other similar services charges 50 cents for a stamp that costs only 39 cents if purchased elsewhere.

Postage stamps have come along way since their initial introduction. No advancement is more appreciated than the birth of the self-sticking stamp. Along with this clever, and much appreciated, advancement, there has also been the change in the look of postage stamps.

Postage stamps come in a variety of sizes and shapes now, and they have all sorts of pictures and themes to them. Depending on the season or current holiday, stamps will have themes that match the current time.

Postage stamps have also been made in honor of certain people and places. Additionally, a neat feature of stamps is that they can be purchased for a particular cause and the difference in the proceeds (which is very slight) will go to the cause the stamps were promoting.

The current price of postage stamps is 39 cents a piece, which is a 2 cents increase over the 37 cents amount. Postage prices continue to rise as the general public uses hard-copy mail less and less, due to advancements in technology that allow most common correspondence to be sent electronically.

As the use of the electronic submission grows, the price of individual postage stamps will most likely increase. If the total volume of mail decreases, the difference must be made up by charging more money to send each piece of mail. The likelihood, at this point, is that postage stamps will continue to increase in price, as time goes on.

Tag : stamps,postage stamps,old stamps,stamps collection

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Francis

Making Rubber Stamps With Liquid Polymer

If you are interested in making rubber stamps and have investigated other rubber stamp making methods you should seriously consider polymer stamp production as a serious option.

What are Polymers?

Tiny molecules strung in long repeating chains form polymers. Why the chemistry lesson? Well for one thing, your body is made of them. DNA - the genetic blueprint that defines people and other living things - is a polymer. Proteins and starches in the foods we eat, the wheels on our skateboards, and even the tyres on our bikes and cars are polymers. In fact, we are surrounded by polymers every day, everywhere we go. Polymers also form one of our recyclables, which is good for the environment.

Polymer Curing - How stamps are made with chemistry!

In polymer chemistry and process engineering, curing refers to the toughening or hardening of a polymer material by the cross-linking of polymer chains; this is brought about by chemical additives, ultraviolet radiation or heat. Rubber stamp polymer is supplied as a liquid and is cured using ultraviolet radiation. Although natural sunlight can cure polymer, liquid stamp polymer requires precise exposure to UV light to make rubber stamps.

Polymer Stamps - Make your own stamps without any skills whatsoever!

How many times has this been said in the past! Polymer stamp production has always attracted people trying to make a quick dollar out of the process. We have seen salespeople selling briefcase size polymer stamp machines to the unsuspecting stationery store and newsagent owner plus more recently the DIY kits sold over the internet aimed at craft people. If you are serious about stamp production you should be wary of some of the claims made about stamp making using liquid polymer.

Polymer in a bag

The most exciting development of recent is a new innovation where polymer is injected into a flat rectangular sealed bag; this new product does away with backing sheets, foam tape and coverlay film normally required for stamp production. Processing times are reduced by about 50% when using these new bags; this reduced labour cost negates the extra cost of the bagged product. The bags are available in a range of sizes to suit production demand. Polymer in a bag has also eliminated the problem of air bubbles during processing; this common objection to polymer stamp making has now been overcome.

Where the Polymer Rubber Stamp Industry is Heading

You have two distinct markets for rubber stamps. The first is the traditional business stamp market where stamps are affixed to handles and self inking units. The second market that is growing rapidly is the craft industry; these stamps are affixed to wooden or clear acrylic blocks and used for card making and scrapbooking. Craft stamps such as an artist's range of stamps that follow a theme are traditionally made using the vulcanizing process due to it being more suited to mass production of the same stamp. Nowadays card makers want custom designs and clear see through stamps of which polymer is making some significant inroads into this market.
Another problem has arisen where polymer 'jelly' stamps are being sold to the craft industry, these polymer stamps have no structural backing allowing the polymer stamp to adhere to an acrylic block without adhesives. In theory this works well, the problem is that distortion of the stamp can occur as well as the possibility that the stamp can tear.

Thankfully a new clear silicone based product called InstaGrip has solved this problem so a polymer stamp with a sound structural backing can be adhered in the same way, without adhesive.

So where is the industry heading?

Business stamping seems to be just as strong as it always has been, with the introduction of the bagged polymer many more manufacturers will be offering polymer stamps due to the bag's labour saving benefits and the lower entry cost for polymer processing equipment.

The craft stamp industry will see much more polymer in the future for much the same reasons. The demand for custom made stamps through services such as stampsearch.com.au here you select craft artwork online and then have that image made into a stamp will help the polymer stamp industry develop in a positive manner.

Tag : stamps,rubber stamps,postage stamps,photo stamps

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_De_Rooy

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!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicky_Whatmore

Top 10 Benefits to Printing Postage Stamps Online

With postage costs rising and very limited time per day, you'll need to find postage alternatives to shipping your mail and packages without having to spend more time and money than you need to at a post office.

With the leverage of the internet, creating your own global business online is now easier than ever and printing postage stamps online is just as easy. All you need to get started are:

1. A computer
2. Internet connection
3. Printer
4. Adhesive printer paper

Now you can print postage stamps instantly from your home without ever having to stand in long lines at the Post Office again.

Go to www.Print-Stamps-Online.com to find out how you can get started with a 4-week risk free trial and also be eligible for an $80 Special Offer which includes: Up to $25 in free postage, a $50 5lb digital scale and $5 in shipping supplies.

Here are the top 10 benefits to printing stamps online with Print-Stamps-Online.com.

1. No More Long Lines and Wait Time at the Post Office
Printing stamps online gives you the ability to print stamps anytime by leveraging the power of the internet. All you need is a computer with an internet connection and a printer and you can begin printing your own custom shipping labels and postage stamps.

2. Save Money with Postage Discounts you can't get Even at the Post Office
Some of the savings that you will see with Stamps.com include: 10% discount off shipping insurance, free Delivery Confirmation, 5%-8% off USPS retail rates, 3% off Express Mail and up to 11% off Priority Mail. With FedEx, save up to 15% on Ground rates and an additional 21% on Express rates.

3. Save up to 80% Compared to Postage Meters
Postage Meters have all sorts of hidden fees that can really cost you. At Print-Stamps-Online.com, there are no hidden fees, no special ink cartridges, no scale rental fees, no reset fees, no annual price increases and absolutely no charges for printing custom logos.

4. Choose from all USPS Services and FedEx Shipping
Choose from all USPS services including First Class, Priority Mail and Express Mail. Also print postage stamps via FedEx Ground and Express and receive even more savings.

5. Easily Manage your Postage Costs and Track your Packages
Managing your postage costs has never been easier and now you can easily keep track of your mailed packages through detailed reports of each postage stamp and shipping label you print.

6. Print Exact Postage Every Time
Get a free digital scale that integrates seamlessly into our exclusive software when you get started with www.Print-Stamps-Online.com. Now you never have to worry about underpaying or overpaying postage again so you print exactly postage every time.

7. Schedule Free Delivery Pick-ups from a Mail Carrier
We all know that you would rather spend your time with other tasks that require your attention instead of waiting in long lines at the Post Office. Schedule a free USPS pick up from a mail carrier to deliver your mail for you!

8. Design Your Own Logos to Use With Your Postage Stamps
Customize your very own personal logos as your postage stamps or put your company logo to look more professional.

9. $80 Free Value with Stamps.com
New customers receive an $80 free value which includes up to $25 in free postage, a $50 5lb digital scale, and $5 in shipping supplies.

10. 4 Week Risk Free Trial
If you are still unsure of whether Print-Stamps-Online.com is for you, then try a 4 week risk free trial.

Say goodbye to long lines at the Post Office and buy your stamps online.

Begin saving time and money by printing your postage stamps online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hann_Wang