Stamp Collection - How to Produce and Improve Your Assortment

Most serious stamp collectors have a theme that they follow in their stamp album - it could be a picture, a definitive period, old and rare, color scheming, country, area etc. These individuals often attend stamp-collectors meetings and gatherings to display their own and admire each other's collection.

However that being said, it should also be emphasized that those who collect ordinary stamps or common stamps for fun from every day mail, aren't doing anything wrong either. If you like to collect stamps, then the first thing that you, too, should understand is that there is no right and wrong in the collection of stamps - you can have it any way you like it. Nonetheless, if you want to produce a rare collection, then you have to be careful about a few things; like the rarity, originality and appearance of the stamp.

Make sure that you have all the right tools that you need in order to produce a rare stamp collection. You are going to need:

· A stamp album or a container to store your stamps in. Of course an album is a better choice because it not only collects but it also displays your collection carefully and keeps each stamp apart minimizing the risk of damage.

· A tong that doesn't have rough, tarnished or sharp edges. A tong is used to lift, hold and place a stamp in its right place or even for examining it from both sides. Artful collectors, who make up a priceless and rare collection, take a lot of care to ensure that the stamps are not damaged or torn in anyway. In fact, they don't even keep stamps which have marks of glue on the back. It is only the very old, unique, blemish-free stamps that make up a rare and priceless collection which is actually worth some good amount of money.

· A magnifier to examine the stamps. Consider it as your weapon that you must have with you at all times if you want to become a serious stamp collector. Buy one that is between the strengths of 5 to 10 and one that has been color corrected. At home you can keep a hands free magnifier that is going to aid you in appreciating the stamp properly, but when you are on the go, a handy magnifier is fine.

Different Ways to Present Your Collected Stamps

Collection of Postage stamps is a way to learn different things such as religion and cultures of the countries around the globe. It is mostly considered as a hobby, but many individuals look into studying stamps for historical purposes. These stamps are very fragile and can be torn out easily, so extra care and prudence is required when it comes to handling of these stamps. Moreover, the presentation counts a lot and if you want to flaunt your hobby, it should be clean and presentable.

One of the important things to be kept in mind while collecting postage stamps is that they should be stored properly, so that the life span of the stamp increases and also they do not lose their quality. Putting them in an envelope is one of the easiest ways that can be adopted by the stamp collectors. Different varieties of envelopes are available in the market, but one which is most popular among the postage stamp collectors is the transparent envelope, as it allows them to look at the stamps without taking it from the envelope.

But there are people, who would like to store their stamps in a sophisticated way and for such people; stock books are a good option. These books are also available in folder forms with transparent pockets, so that you can arrange all your stamps according to their rank or country or color etc. The good thing about stock books is that they provide the user with the durability and good storage capacity. There is one drawback of these stock books that the viewer can only see the stamps in groups and the option for individual viewing is not available.

Buying a stamp album is also a good option for storing and taking care of the postage stamps. This would not put you through the hassle of creating sections and buying threads to tie them up or staple pins to put them together. But the problem with these ready-made stamp books is that there is surely no room for creativity, as it would be difficult to draw out your own sections and put up different stuff to make it look more presentable.

Collection of postage stamps can also be called as a different form of art for people who would like to create something special and unique, so that they can show off the journey of their hard work to their friends or relatives. This would require some color papers of your choice, a glue, ribbon to tie papers and your creativity. Once you have everything in your hand, you can easily paste the stamps on either side of the paper. This will not only make it more exciting to look at, but labeling or sorting of the stamps is also trouble-free plus they will be safe inside a book that you have created with your own hands. You can always come up with various sorted sections to put your stamps, such as a section for animals, queens or presidents, monuments etc., so that locating the stamp you want to show will be easy.

It should be noted that collection of postage stamps is a hobby that will open your creativity and let you explore things. This way, you will have knowledge about different cities and countries plus how to keep things in order and good shape.

Having Rubber Stamps With Your Scrapbooking Pages Plus More

Rubber stamps are a versatile and beautiful way to add that finishing contact to scrapbook pages, cards, or any other paper project you are working on. Today's line of rubber stamps and ink pads is far distinct than what you may think of as a stamp. While traditional wood block mounted rubber stamps are nonetheless readily obtainable, there are many options that are easier to store and work with than large wood blocks. The range of inks obtainable for use in scrapbooking is better than ever as well- inks that are archival quality and acid free are affordable and easy to find in each coloration of the rainbow. Whether you are new to stamping or have used stamps on other tasks and haven't made the leap to your scrapbook pages, consider a few of the following ideas:

1. Use stamps to create journaling blocks. You can find stamps from companies such as Hero Arts that are ready-made for journaling right on your pages. keep in mind, displaying off your own handwriting is an important part of your scrapbook, and stamped journaling blocks provide neat lines for you to create on. One line to try is the "A Little Note" set by Hero Arts.

2. Stay up to the minute with date stamps. Date stamps, which can be obtained at any office store, can give you a neat way to quickly add the date to any scrapbook page. Many people love the cool, commercial look that they provide suitable on the page. If you don't like the look of the stamp, you can still use it on the back side to quickly and neatly record when the page was made or when the photographs were taken. You may also want to use the stamp on the back of photographs if they don't include a date to help you don't forget (just be sure to use a photo-safe, acid free ink).

3. Use stamps to create beautiful embossed designs. Use an embossing ink pad to stamp an image onto your project, sprinkle with embossing powder, and then heat with a heat gun to create designs that are as lovely to contact as they are to look at. This project is ideal for tasks that demand an elegant touch such as pages about marriage ceremonies and anniversary as well as other paper crafting projects. For larger projects, consider using backdrop stamps from Hero Arts or other companies that feature large surfaces with a simple pattern.

4. To create exclusive fabric accents, use rubber stamps with material paint. If you decide to use a fabric accent on your page, be sure to take measures to make it safe for scrapbooks (such as spraying with an acid-proof spray). You can also turned stamped cloth into anything from greeting cards to vacation ornaments. Try using

5. Create glittered accents. Dip your rubber stamps into a bit of liquid glue, stamp the design on a page, and add a bit of fine glitter. permit the design to dry, and then tap any excess glitter back into the container to use later. This technique is a pretty update to a traditional school project.

There are so many uses for rubber stamps, you will find that they become your most versatile scrapbooking supply. With the many specialty inks on the market, don't forget that you can also use stamps with paint, glue, chalk, or anything else you can dream up. Color your stamped designs with pens, crayons, water colours, or chalk to create colorful designs, or appreciate the straightforward outline on it's own. No matter what you decide to make, rubber stamps can help your creativity soar to new heights

Collecting Stamps From Dead Countries

Dead countries are those that do not exist anymore. For example the Strait Settlements were grouped together as one British Colony. The settlements are along the Malacca strait a narrow waterway that connects the Pacific to the Indian Oceans it lies along the South West tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. Today the Strait Settlements are in two different countries, Malaysia and Singapore.

Trying to locate stamps from dead countries can prove to be a worthy quest. Some of the rewards that come from the quest may help a child learn of geography or an adult may like to learn what caused it to fail. Was it a change in political structure, a dictator gone mad or perhaps an overzealous neighbor wanting to expand their borders? History does have a tendency to or repeat itself so knowledge of the failure mechanism may help avoid future conflict.

Some of the Dead Countries were actually city states or self-governing regions that issued stamps before the country was unified. Germany had Baden, Bavaria, Bergedorf, Bremen, Brunswick, Hamburg, Hanover, Lubeck, Mecklenburg, Oldenburg, Prussia, Saxony Wurttemberg and the North German Confederation. Italy had a similar selection of states, Modena, Parma, Romagna, Sardinia, Sicily and Tuscany. When unification occurred the stamps of the unifying country were accepted and used in each of the dependent regions.

Former colonies of France, Spain, Portugal and Great Britain each had stamps of a similar design issued with only minor name changes applied to the stamps to indicate the colony in which it was to be used. If a former colony was granted independence it may rename itself and issue stamps with the new name creating another dead country.

Hawaii is an interesting dead country. It was one of the first countries to issue postage stamps. The Kingdom of Hawaii issued their first postage stamps in 1851. They were designed and printed by the adult children of the American Missionaries to Hawaii. The first set of stamps has become known as the Hawaiian Missionaries. In the late nineteenth century opium was introduced by Chinese laborers who were brought in to help harvest sugar. Taxes on the Opium provided a source of revenue for the Kingdom. The beginning of the end of the monarchy occurred when King David Kalakaua accepted money from a narcotic dealing businessman for the right to sell the opiate. A provisional government was formed followed by a Republic led by President Dole. Each form of government issued their own stamps until 1898 when Hawaii was annexed by the United States.

Creating Holiday Gifts With Rubber Stamps

Rubber stamping is an interesting hobby that can keep you busy all year long creating masterpieces for yourself and your family. However, during the holiday season, they can really come in handy in helping you create one of a kind holiday gifts for the ones that you love. The following is a list of holiday gift ideas that you can easily create with stamps. Which will you choose to give those you love during the season?

• Personalized holiday cards. Instead of spending tons of money on the same old greeting cards, consider giving each of your family members a personalized holiday greeting card made especially for them with your stamp collection. While this may take some time and effort on your part, those you love will be amazed at the beautiful creation you have made just to tell them happy holidays!

• Framed artwork. If you have become a master of rubber stamping, consider creating framed art work from your collection of rubber stamps. Original framed artwork will cost you hundreds of dollars in your local craft store. Do it yourself by using unique stamping techniques and having the masterpiece framed when you are finished. Your loved ones will be amazed with this truly unique gift.

• One of a kind scrapbook. If you live away from relatives who do not get to see you and your family often, you can create a truly special gift for them using stamps. Choose to work on this project all throughout the year so that you are bombarded with last minute projects. Choose a beautiful scrapbook and create pages filled with memories of the previous year. Include stamping as a way to add in a special touch and make your creation exquisite. This is a great gift for grandparents and aunts and uncles.

• Wrapping paper. If you prefer to buy gifts for your family, you can still incorporate your love for rubber stamping in these gifts. Create your own wrapping paper out of the many rubber stamps that you have collected over the years. Your gift will without a doubt stand out from the rest.

Make this holiday season truly special for your loved ones by creating one of a kind holiday gifts using your rubber stamps. Personalized holiday cards and wrapping paper will be a great addition to every holiday season. Be creative and find a way to give holiday gifts that include your love for rubber stamping.