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.

Pay Attention To Detail With Personalized Wedding Stamps

Do you want to make sure that your wedding is absolutely perfect? The most important thing to remember when you are trying to plan your wedding is that the best weddings pay very close attention to detail. It’s the little things that matter, and some things as small as the napkins you use and the candles you pick to light your tables actually have an affect on people. If you make sure to pay attention to the little details, your guests won’t notice a lot of the bigger elements of your wedding. As a result, you can save a whole lot of money. One tiny little detail to keep in mind is personalized wedding stamps.

The little details in your wedding are what ultimately tie everything together. When you invest in the small things, your guests will get a sense that you have really made an effort to make your wedding as organized and unified as possible. Personalized wedding stamps are one of the very small details that people really take notice of. When you send off your mail consisting of save the date cards, shower invites, wedding invites, thank-you notes, and anything else, they will all be tied together by a single element.

Personalized wedding stamps are wonderful because they are completely original to you and your wedding. You can browse through options online and choose the perfect stamp to adorn your wedding mail. There are several choices you can make. You can choose between a wide range of wedding like images such as flowers, rings, bells, hearts and others. You can also look around for personalized wedding stamps that can come marked with your names or a word or phrase that you would like to associate with your wedding. Whatever stamp you choose to purchase, you will be able to use any form of currency and buy your stamps in a variety of values so that you do not have to worry about not having enough postage to send heavier letters or long distance mail.

When you are planning your wedding, do not look over the small details. If you are not particularly detail oriented, ask someone in your family or your bridal party to think up ways that you can make the small aspects of your wedding like personalized wedding stamps shine. If you show the proper attention to detail, your guests will be amazed at the wonderful planning that went into making your special day as perfect as can be.

5 Rarest Stamps in the World

Rare stamps are to stamp collectors, what Dusenburgs are to car collectors. They are usually a feather in the cap of the stamp collector who owns them. Some stamp collectors are willing to spend fortunes on finding and acquiring these rare stamps.

There are many reasons which can make a stamp rare. It could be because of a limited production, old age, or a printing mistake. Rare stamps are very valuable, even if they are used, though unused stamps are significantly more expensive.

Contrary to the norm, the 1st postage stamp, the Penny Black, isn't very rare. Any stamp collector can buy a used one for $180 per sheet. Single pieces have been sold for $20, though an unused one can cost about $3,000.

Benjamin Franklin Z-grill stamp
This rare stamp was printed in 1868, and was exceptional because it had small squares imprinted on the back of the stamp. This was done so that the ink would be absorbed into the squares, thus preventing people from cheating the postal system by washing out the cancellation marks. Only 2 known copies of the Z-grill stamp are known to exist and their value is approximated to be around $2.97 million.

British Guiana 1 cent Magenta
This rare stamp was prin ted in 1856, by a local newspaper company because the postmaster could not wait for a delivery of stamps from England. Each one of these stamps had to be initialised by a post office employee before they were used so as to avoid forgery of the stamps. There is only one British Guiana 1 cent Magenta knows in existence and its value is approximately $935,000.

Post office Mauritius, Red/Blue Penny
The Red Penny and the Blue Penny was printed in Mauritius in 1847. More than 240 pieces of the stamp were sold before it was realised that they had printed 'post office' instead of 'post paid'. There are 26 known copies of the Red/Blue Penny in existence and their value is around a million pound sterling.

Three-Skilling Yellow
Also known as the Treskilling Yellow, this rare stamp was printed in Sweden in the year 1855. The stamp was supposed to be green in colour but due to a mysterious error, it was printed in yellow. There is only one copy of the Three-Skilling Yellow in the world and is worth approximately $2.3 million, making it the most expensive stamp in the world.

The Inverted Jenny
This rare stamp was created in 1918, for the delivery of mail by air. The printing process was quite complicated and required the sheets of stamps to be fed into the machine twice. Someone accidentally must have flipped the sheets into the machine the wrong way during the second time. Hence, the plane was printed upside down. An individual Inverted Jenny stamp can cost about $500,000.

Rare stamps drive some stamp collectors to extreme lengths in order to get them. It is the Holy Grail for them and they shall not stop until they have acquired these priceless and rare stamps.

Where To Use Custom Wedding Stamps

Custom wedding stamps allow you to create a memorable look to your wedding invites. These are stamps the post office does accept and they do work very well for those who are looking for a way to create something extra special on their invites. Look at all of your options – you may even find that your options are more than you think. With so many options, you may want to buy a few to use for your entire wedding. The question is, when should you use them?

When to Use Stamps

There are numerous occasions when you will need to communicate with others regarding your wedding. Any of these times are great occasions to use personalized, custom wedding stamps. Here are some ideas to take into consideration.

• Use custom wedding stamps for your wedding announcements. This is often the first time you will communicate with your family and friends about your upcoming wedding. Make it special with these stamps.

• Use them for your save the date cards. These communicate with your guests when your wedding is approaching. It is one of the best ways for you to give out the first information about your wedding. stamps here can be formal or very fun, depending on your overall theme.

• Do use them for your bridal shower invites, too. This is a great way for you to bring your first theme through. You can use the stamps to help you to do that. Choose a stamp with your theme on it, or something that works well with it.

• Choose to use the more formal and elegant custom wedding stamps on your wedding invites. This is perhaps the most important place to use them since you want to convey a formal image, or at least make an impression on those you are inviting.

• After the wedding is said and done, it is still a good idea to write thank you notes to your loved ones who came to your wedding or gave a gift. Use a photo wedding stamp here, one that shows a picture of the two of you on the honeymoon or at the wedding.

There are many ways that you can use wedding stamps for your wedding. The key is just to use them where and when you see fit. You really cannot over use them, so do consider using them for every step of the wedding process.

Bhutan Issues 8 Royal Wedding Stamps

To celebrate The Sacred Royal Wedding of Bhutan's "Dragon King", Bhutan Post has released eight different stamps portraying His Majesty the King and the royal bride.

In a traditional ceremony, Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, 31, married Jetsun Pema, 21, a student and the daughter of an airline pilot, on October 13, 2011.

The stamps include a sheet of sheet-lets, two sets of souvenir sheets, two sets of holograms, and one set of gold stamps. The stamps denominations range between Rs 25 to Rs 225. The stamps were launched on October 9, 2011, to coincide with the World Post Day.

The Bhutan Post said post offices will remain open during the holidays coinciding with the royal wedding (October 13-15) to provide free postal service. In addition, Bhutan Post will distribute free stamps to schools having philatelic clubs.

Collecting Pakistani Postage Stamps

Pakistan Postal Stamp Collection

It is not so obvious which stamp is the first issue of Pakistan. In 1854 East India Company issued the first modern postal system in South Asia. Before this issue, a local postage stamp was issued in 1852, known as "Scinde Dak". Scinde Dak is the oldest stamp in Asia and was used in Karachi City and remaining Sind regions. Since Karachi and Sind are part of Pakistan today, it is possible to claim that Scinde Dak is the first stamp of Pakistan.

The East Indian issues of 1854 were used throughout the regions currently in Pakistan. However, since the notion of PAKISTAN did not exist at that period, it is theoretically difficult to call them (or Scinde Dak) the first stamp of Pakistan. The name PAKISTAN was invented around the 1930s to symbolize Muslim nations of the Indian Subcontinent: "P" from Punjab, "A" from Afghans (the majority of NWFP people), "K" from Kashmir, "S" from "Sind", and "TAN" from Baluchistan.

Therefore, the first stamp of Pakistan, according to the orthodox classification among philatelists, is a set of British Indian stamps overprinted "PAKISTAN". Because of the turmoil due to the Partition of British India, the new state of Pakistan could not afford a commemorative stamp. One and a half months later, on 1 October 1947, new stamps of Pakistan were issued, which were British Indian stamps overprinted "PAKISTAN" by India's Printing Authority at Nasik. Pakistani people had to wait until July 1948 to have a set of new stamps printed for Pakistan. The photo on the right shows an 1 Re stamp from this set. This stamps is beautifully engraved with Urdu inscription reading "Long Live Pakistan." I would like to give to this issue the title of the first stamp of Pakistan.

British Indian stamps overprinted "PAKISTAN" on Water Mark Single Star and Multiple Stars on King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI and Victory 1946, Brief Political & Geographical History, Chronological order of events, Local Machine Overprints, How to distinguish the different 'Overprints'? Nasik Print, Peshawar Print, Hybrid Print, Karachi Print, Battered Print, Worn out Print, Relative scarcity of ordinary stamps, Pre-Nasik hand stamps overprints from 15th August to October 1947, Machine overprints after Independence, Hand stamps on ordinary stamps, Typewritten overprints on ordinary stamps, Manuscripts on ordinary stamps, Used abroad ordinary stamps from Dubai, Muscat, Guadur and Bombay Foreign Paquebot, Pakistan Internal postal rates in 1947. The First Postmark "Pakistan Zindabad", King George VI high values sheet format, Karachi Print in Blue, King George VI Peshawar Print, Squat Print, Peshawar Print King George V and opts. on margin, Peshawar Print King George VI, The Indian Independence Act 1947, Pakistan Official postage stamps, Pre-Nasik overprints on Service stamps, Hand stamps overprints on KG VI Service stamps, Typewritten overprints on Service stamps, Manuscript overprints on Service stamps, Relative Scarcity of Service stamps, Nasik Print, Karachi Print, Peshawar Print, With 'N' narrow, heavy grotesque bold, King G VI overprinted in red, King G V overprinted in black, Opt. on margin, King G VI, Lahore Print Type I With 'N' broad is known in black on King G V & King G VI, Lahore Print Type II, Bahawalpur State Print opts. 'PAKISTAN', Hyderabad Sind Print, The Baluch Regiment 'Print', SERVICE Type 2- 6 and many more. 1947 to 31st Dec. 2003 with full details of Size, Designer, Pinter,Process, Format, Gum, Perforation, Imprint, Plate Number, Quantity, FDC, Leaflet, Colour, Errors and many more details of the stamps, 228 Printed Pages on art paper 90 Gms, Size 180mm x 240mm (7.5 x 9.5 Inch) Covering Pakistan & Service and Bahawalpur & Service, at Rs. 700.00 within Pakistan & registered postage will be free and US$ 40.00 for all overseas countries. Recent stamps that are regularly available at post offices depict the father of the nation Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Low denominations have Islamic designs. High denominations are often commemorative stamps.

The first charm of Pakistani stamps is its variety of themes found on commemorative stamps. In large post office in Pakistan, it is worthwhile to search a philatelic bureau window. You can buy various commemorative stamps at face values. You can find Himalayan mountains, endangered wildlife, cricket heroes, historic buildings, folk costumes, and so on. The Pakistan Post Office has a sound policy of limiting the motives of stamps to those with relevance to Pakistan.

According to the Scott postage catalogue, about 750 stamps were issued between 1947 and 1990. Except for the high values of 1947 overprinted issues, no stamp has a big premium so that it is feasible to have a complete collection of postage stamps of Pakistan. If you buy Pakistan stamps in bulk, you will find a number of stamps inscribed "SERVICE". They are called official stamps and issued for the postal payment by government agencies.

For serious collectors of Pakistan stamps, becoming a member of Pakistan Postal stamp Collection Website. This website is designed for Pakistan postal stamp promotion in world.

Purchasing Personalized Wedding Stamps

Have you ever thought about the amount of mail you will need to send out to have a successful wedding? Between sending save the date cards, invitations, and thank you cards, you can end up sending out a giant pile of mail. It is not uncommon for a wedding to host around two hundred people. By the time you send every one of your guests all the mail you need, you can pay a fortune in postage. When you are using that many stamps to send out the mail important to your wedding, you might not want to keep buying standard American flag or Liberty Bell stamps. In this situation, it is not very appropriate. Instead, you should look into purchasing personalized wedding stamps.

Personalized wedding stamps will provide you with a way to place a special mark on the mail that you send out to your wedding guests. When you first send out your save the date cards, your guests might already know what is awaiting them inside the envelope. Personalized wedding stamps will work to make your wedding look all the more put together. With just one look at the stamp that marks your mail, your family and friends will be excited to open their letters, knowing that there is a piece of wedding news waiting for them.

There are a lot of options available when you are choosing personalized wedding stamps. Some of the most common stamp choices involve a picture of wedding related items such as wedding rings, flowers, church bells, a heart, and religious symbols. However, you can get even more personal with your wedding stamps. A lot of bride and grooms create stamps that bare an image that is unique to their own wedding. This can be an image of the flowers that you have chosen, a stamp related to the month in which your wedding takes place, or even a stamp with your names printed on it.

Whatever you want on your stamps, you are sure to be able to find it. Don’t settle for plain boring stamps when you can add a little something extra to your save the date cards, invitations, and thank-you notes. You can purchase personalized wedding stamps in any currency, and they come in a variety of values so that you can send your mail no matter what the size or the distance. If you would like to browse around for your wedding stamp options, there are plenty of resources online.

How Loyalty Card Stamps Work

Operating a business of any kind these days can be difficult. There are a number of different things that can contribute to the success or failure of a business. Obviously, good products, prices, and service are vital. But beyond that, a good website, advertising, location, and more all combine to improve your profits. One great way to help boost your customer base, especially if you operate a restaurant or pub, is to utilise loyalty card stamps. Used in conjunction with customer loyalty cards, these stamps can help to boost your sales significantly and with a very low investment of money and time.

The methods for using loyalty stamps effectively are fairly simple. First, you'll need to get the cards and stamps. A number of companies offer loyalty card printing, and in many cases you can simply utilize their templates to print off your own cards quickly. Be sure to order unique stamps that can't be easily replicated. Now you'll need to decide upon a reward. If you're a pub, this may be a free pint or pitcher, or a free basket of chips. In the case of restaurant loyalty cards, maybe a free appetiser or even a lunch entrée is in order.

Now set the reward stipulations for your pub or restaurant loyalty plan. Start with a qualifying purchase. This could be an overall sale amount, such as spending fifteen pounds on a meal. Or it could be as simple as ordering a single sandwich. Finally, set the number of transactions needed to earn the award, which most businesses set as ten. For each purchase, you'll use your loyalty card stamps to mark the card. Once that the card reaches the set number of stamps, the customer can exchange it for their reward and a brand new card.

For example, your program will be similar to this. Buy ten lunch or dinner entrees and receive a free lunch entrée. Or, complete fifteen purchases of ten pounds or more and earn a free appetizer. These are only a pair of examples, and you can use your pub or restaurant loyalty card to offer any number of rewards for a wide variety of purchases. The choice is really up to you, but the basic principal will remain the same. Customers will get to enjoy the benefits of free items, and you'll see your business increase as more customers return each day to work towards their free item. It's a win-win scenario, and easy to understand why so many major businesses use loyalty stamps as part of their business model.

A Guide to Stamps of Australia

Stamp collecting is on the whole a very popular hobby all over the world. This also rings true in Australia where many types of people have a strong interest in philately. There is a good variety of common and collectible Australian stamps issued each year. It is often surprising to see which stamps are most popular amongst collectors. The most popular in Australia is determined each year as thousands of locals vote for their favourite design. First place receives the distinguished Australia Post stamp design award. Some past winners include:

Sports treasures 2005: this line was particularly popular with sports lovers (Australia is a great sporting nation), and included pictures of Donald Bradman's baggy green, Marjorie Jackson's running spikes, Lionel Roses boxing gloves and Phar laps racing silks.

Working dogs 2008: this line featured images of working dogs such as German shepherds and border collies. The most popular of these was a working dogs stamp issue which depicted a border collie.

Australian songbirds 2009: this was a particularly beautiful range and included images of the mangrove golden Whistler, the Green catbird, the Scarlet honeyeater and the noisy scrub bird.

Rare Australian Stamps.

Like stamp collectors from around the world Australian philatelists thoroughly enjoy finding the most rare and valuable Australian stamps to add to their collection. These are generally older stamps with distinctive or memorable designs although having said that, age is not the only factor in determining a stamps value. If a stamp was produced in large quantities and many copies still remain, this will of course drive the price down. Scarcity is the most important factor in determining the value of a stamp. Here are a few examples.

Inverted swan stamp 1855: this stamp is extremely rare and was one of the first to ever feature an inverted frame error. The Black Swan on the stamp was inadvertently printed upside down. With only 15 of these stamps remaining in existence they are currently valued at US$60,000 each.

King George V head stamps: many stamps depict King George V, but these are not all valuable. King George V stamps which include a dull green seahorse issue stamp 1913 and a turquoise royal cipher stamp 1912 with an inverted watermark are examples of some of the rarer issues.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith 1931: Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was the first living Australian to be shown on an Australian stamp. A set that was presented to Sir Charles by the Australian postmaster general is one of the rarest of these.

Where to buy Australian stamps

As with stamp collecting in any country there are many different options and places to find and buy common, collectible and rare Australian stamps. Stamp bulletin features pictures of and information about a wide range of stamps and includes a mail order catalogue in each issue. For locals there are specialty shops where stamps can be bought though these are becoming fewer and less since the advent of the web. There is also a wide range of online stores providing wide ranges of common, collectible, and rare Australian stamps.

What's my collection worth?

There are many ways to obtain valuations for your Australian stamp collection. Local stamp collecting clubs and societies can be a fantastic source of information or if you are lucky enough to have a local specialty store whose opinion you trust this is also a good place to start. Some websites offer valuation services though they may require you to be a member first.

Stamp forgery

Many Australian stamp collectors may be unaware of the number of past attempts to forge rare Australian stamps. Possibly the most famous of these attempts occurred in 1932 when a fraudster tried to forge the very rare 'two pound kangaroo on map' stamp.

Comparing Rubber Stamps, Clear Stamps And Foam Stamps

Rubber, clear and foam stamps - what is the difference between them? Each of these is manufactured from a different material, giving each of them different properties. Knowing and understanding these properties will help ensure you achieve the best possible results for your projects.

The biggest difference between rubber or foam stamps, and clear stamps (also referred to as polymer or photo polymer) is that the clear, are see-through, allowing you to look right through the stamp and see EXACTLY where you are stamping. With rubber and foam stamps, in order to be able to stamp your image exactly where you want it, you need to use a tool called the stamp-a-ma-jig.

As you get ready to stamp with your various stamps - you'll notice that the components you need vary. For example, clear stamps are naturally sticky - all you need to use it is a clear acrylic block - the stamp will naturally cling to it. With rubber you need some kind of a mounting system. For example, with wood mount rubber stamps, the rubber is held to the wooden block with a self-adhesive foam. For unmounted stamps you need to have some means of holding the rubber image to the acrylic block - this can involve a cling foam, or some other adhesive system. With foam, you also need something to hold the stamp - generally these already come mounted to either a foam block or a clear acrylic plate.

When it actually comes to stamping - of the three types of stamps you will typically find that rubber stamps are the best for fine detail stamping. Now note that I said detail stamping. I am not referring to the stamping of small images - you can stamp VERY small images with acrylic stamps. The word "detail" refers to the fine shading lines you can see in certain realistic-looking stamp images. Polymer, being a much softer material, while you can get detail, it doesn't allow for the same kind of fine detail as with fubber stamps. Foam, doesn't really allow for detail at all. In fact, when you see foam stamps, for the most part you see solid images. You'll also notice with foam stamps that images aren't quite as crisp - rather than clearly defined edges, they'll often look a bit softer.

Another difference is in the durability of each of the different materials. rubber is by far the most durable of the materials. Taken care of properly, they will last a lifetime and even longer. With clear stamps there are a couple of things to be aware of. The first is that not all acrylic stamps are created equally. There are high and low quality acrylic stamps. Poor quality acrylic stamps will yellow and harden over time, and even lose their cling. With all acrylic stamps - including high quality acrylic stamps - you do have to take a bit more care in handling them as they can be torn or stretched, and you want to make sure you use them properly for best results.

The final difference - which in part relates to durability - is what types of color mediums you can use with your different types of stamps. While you can use all the stamps with the most common mediums, rubber stamps allow you a few more specialty techniques than the other two. For example - stamping with bleach - that is something that can safely be done with rubber, but not without damaging the other two types of stamps. Even the use of Staz On - a solvent based ink, is questionable when it comes to clear stamps. There has been some debate as to whether Staz On, or more specifically the specialty cleaner that is used to clean Staz On, can cause long term damage to your clear stamps.

So with all of this discussion about differences - does this mean that one type of stamp is better than another or that I recommend one over the other? Definitely not. Each type of stamp has its pros and cons, and each type has it's place in paper crafting. You just want to make sure that you understand the differences, and you understand how to properly use and care for each type.

Art Rubber Stamps For Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a super fun activity that can be enjoyed by you or the entire family. It has become a popular hobby for many. There are times when you might run out of creative ideas or ingenious materials to make a scrapbook album. Ideally one uses recycled or unused products to make a really personalized and unique scrapbook. On the other hand, there are various materials available such as stickers and trimmings, glossy and printed paper, art rubber stamps are becoming more and more popular everyday among scrapbook lovers. Are you interested in this artistic and resourceful craft?

Scrapbooking has evolved into more than just an art. For those who have learned to love the craft, it's their means to relieve stress and to relax. Materials such as art rubber stamps make scrapbooking more fun. Stamps were introduced to this hobby mainly because people are running out of imaginative ideas. stamps also save a lot of time if you are itching to complete your album. You can easily find a wide array of stamps online, at stationary shops and in craft stores. Feel free to choose creative pieces that suit your personal style and taste. stamps are available in different shapes and sizes. There are mounted rubber stamps, quick rubber stamps, acrylic mounts, unmounted rubber stamps, and rubber stamps which have different images and depths. You need not worry because these stamps are very easy and simple to use.

Art rubber stamps will come in handy for those who are not particularly good in drawing or for those people who are not that proud to showcase their handwriting. Using decorative stamps will help you come up with a nice looking album wherein you can display your creative skills. So let your ideas come to life and get down stamping your album using decorative stamps. You may choose to go for any design or style that interests you - animated, simple, pictorial, plain and even embossed rubber stamps. There are stamps that are compatible with different fabrics, papers and cards to give life to anything you wish to create.

Decorative stamps are so easy to clean and maintain and offer an elegant touch to your very own album. The most popular and widely used stamps are cute animals, caricatures and shapes of hearts, chicks, figures of women and men, birds, smilies, cats, dogs, fishes, cows and many more. Do a quick search online and you will find what you are looking for easily. If you are new to scrapbooking, don't focus too much on creating a masterpiece, instead focus on having fun while doing it. You will get the hang of it pretty easily.

The good thing about decorative stamps is that you won't end up with a messy looking artwork. If you are just a beginner scrapbooker you can ask for great ideas from friends who are into scrapbooking for a long time. You need not mimic their style, choose a design that you are comfortable with, and feel free to browse countless designs online to find out what works for you.

Using Rubber Stampede Or Magenta? Regardless, Here's Ways to Store All Your Rubber Stamping Supplies

All you need to make your own personalized greeting card or scrapbook page is a rubber stamp and a few rubber stamping supplies. Sure you can personalize with your computer but is that really personal? Not for me. I love to make everything hand-made. It is the personal touch that I really like.

Some basic rubber stamping supplies that you will need are of course a rubber stamp, ink pad and some paper. But with all the really cool rubber stamping supplies on the market today, who can just use those three things? Not me.

Your possibilities are endless when it comes to rubber stamping supplies. They can be anything from an embellishment that you add to your card or scrapbook page, to the place where your embellishments are stored and organized. I keep all of my rubber stamping supplies in labeled containers. Since I am not that good in remembering which manufacturer of stamps make my favorite stamps like the Magenta stamp, rubber stampede, Hero Arts, Outline rubber stamp, stampendous and the list can go on an on, (because they are all my favorites), I organize them by theme or by holiday.

When I just listed some of the stamp manufacturers, I just remembered that I bought the cutest self cling Magenta stamp of two cats when I was at the stamp convention. It reminded me of my two cats when they sit in our window looking like book ends. Another Magenta stamp that I have is a wood block stamp with the image of a kitten in a field of flowers. Wow, I almost forgot about that stamp. I want to make some note cards with that one.

Besides a Magenta stamp, Magenta also makes really cute Metallic, self adhesive embellishments that are really great for scrapbook pages, cards and even picture frames. My favorite is a package that they have with four of my favorite words. Create, Imagine, Believe and Dream. I also have a really good video from Magenta "The Art of Stamping Magenta Style" that shows you how to use your Magenta stamp to its fullest.

Another great summer time stamp is from rubber stampede. It is a fun border stamp of cocktails. You can use this stamp for a border or you can make an invitation for a cocktail party. rubber stampede has fun stamps. I also was on a "kick" of all oriental themed stamps, and rubber stampede really had some great looking stamps that I used a lot. I can go on and on about how great Magenta and rubber stampede stamps are and for that matter each manufacturer of rubber stamps. Maybe I will one day but not today.

I also keep some of my rubber stamping supplies in a spice rack. That's right a spice rack, I think of it as spicing up my crafts. This is a great place for brads, eyelets, buttons, rhinestones and anything else that will fit in these small jars.

Rubber stamping suppliescan also be housed in recycled containers. Since I use a lot of embossing powder one great container that I use is a plastic grated cheese container. It has the holes on one side to shake out slowly and the other side is one big opening that I use to put back the un-used powder back into the container with my funnel dish.

If you have some decorative metal tins, that is also a great place for rubber stamping supplies. I have this really cure tin that stores my mini spot ink pads.

I remember shopping in a kitchen gadget store. They had silver tins for recipes and I guess cooking supplies. Well of course I bought them and now they are the new home for all of my brads that I have accumulated over the years along with some of metal picture corners that I have from Making Memories to pewter charms and Metallic embellishments from Magenta.

Another great place to store your rubber stamping supplies is photo boxes. They are inexpensive and a great size to hold small paper packs, envelopes, packages of dimensional adhesives and even for cards that you have made for safe keeping.

For some of those big bulky foam stamps that you might have, a great place to store those and other odd shaped rubber stamping supplies are in a plastic clear shoe box.

The most important thing that I can say is LABEL all your rubber stamping supplies. There is nothing worse than being in the middle of a project and wanting something to add to your piece of art and not knowing where to find it.

How to Achieve Full Color Rubber Stamping Designs

rubber stamping is a hobby that allows you to become an artist, even if you never considered yourself one before. With the huge variety of decorative rubber stamps and clear acrylic art stamps that are available, you can always find designs that will suit your project and personality. rubber stamping on scrapbook pages and card making crafts can help you take the tension out of your day and unwind. But, what if you want more than a stamped outline? What if you truly want your stamping images to be in full color? Today you will learn how to achieve different styles of full color stamped designs.

Adding color, whether vibrant or subtle, can draw the eye where you want it in seconds. coloring the details on the rubber stamp itself is one of the first steps you will take to achieving a full color image in your hobby stamping projects. Try any of the following techniques to add color to your creative ideas.

STAMPING AN IMAGE IN COLOR

1. Use a multi color ink pad. Often you will find these available in colored stripes ranging from a rainbow of different colors to complementary colors in different shades. You may even find pie shaped multicolor ink pads that will give you even more colors in your stamping art. Regardless of the ink pad, number of colors, or shape, you will end up with a multicolored stamped image that will add great interest and appeal to your scrapbooks and card making crafts. This can add particular interest to solid images that do not need colored in. Clear rubber stamps are ideal for this technique as you can see how well the ink covers the design as well as the blend color you will end up with before you even stamp the image.

2. Another way you can add color before you stamp, is to use water based colored markers. You can do this easily by simply coloring the stamp details in your choice of color. Depending on the size of the image you are stamping, you may choose to stamp between colors. Clean the stamp and then stamp the next color separately so that the ink doesn't dry on the stamp before you get it on paper. This is very easy to do with your clear rubber stamps as you can see where to place the stamp keeping your images precisely lined up. If you find the ink dries too much before you are done coloring the stamp, simply give it a gently huff - the kind that will fog up your glasses - before you stamp.

3. The third way to add color to a stamped image is simply to choose a color of ink other than black or brown. Then you can ink the entire image and stamp it on your paper craft ideas. With that done, you are ready to begin filling in the spaces with fun coloring techniques.

Once you have finished stamping your image with the technique of your choice, you may choose to add resplendant color or you may wish to use it as it is. If you choose to add more color, keep reading for more great ideas.

COLORING IN STAMPED IMAGES

1. You may use chalks or pastels to color in an image. Chalks are available in a wide range of colors and shades. They are ideal for adding delicate color to rubber stamping projects. You can apply chalks with a stiff paint brush, Q-tip, eye make up applicator, or simply use them like a crayon and then brushed away the excess powder. The best idea is to experiment with the different application tools to find your preference. You may find that one brand of pastels is harder than others. The softer they are the easier you will find it is to use a brush to apply color to your stamping crafts.

2. Coloring with pencil crayons can give bold vivid color to your rubber stamping crafts or subtle pastel shades on your card making or scrapbooking ideas. Choose good quality crayons and colors that suit your craft. With colored pencils your can simply add shadow, fine detail or a background aura. The trick to coloring rubber stamped images with pencil crayons is the amount of pressure you put on the crayon as you color. Always color in the same direction. For pastel shades or to blend colors together apply only light pressure. Likewise, for vibrant color, you should press harder as you color. Smooth papers will color differently than textured paper. Experiment with this technique if you are unsure of the effect you will achieve.

3. Stamping additional color is a fun option. Many rubber stamp sets offer a solid background stamp which, you can ink then stamp to fill in objects such as flowers or leaves. Watch for these types of rubber stamps as you create your stamping ideas. They are fun to use and work with. When using these shadow stamps, be sure you choose a color lighter than the outline color so that your details still show up after you stamp the solid image.

4. Add vibrant color with the use of markers. You can use water base colored markers to easily color in details on your rubber stamped designs. Try to use this technique on smaller areas as the ink sometimes leaves overlap lines from coloring over dry ink.

5. Pigment inks are a quick and easy way for you to add color to your rubber stamped images. You can always be sure that the colors you use will match all your stamped elements with this technique. Ink can be applied a couple of ways. Trial and error will help you choose your favorite method. Ink a make-up applicator, and then mist it lightly with water and color in as if you were using a paint brush. You may also use the corner of a make up sponge dabbed in the ink, and color in the rubber stamped image using it dry or moist for different results.

Now you can fully enjoy full color rubber stamped designs. Use them on your hobby scrapbook art and card making crafts as you relax and unwind after a long day. By exploring the world of color in your rubber stamping hobby, you will more fully realize your creative potential as you design beautiful works of art.

How to Make Rubber Stamps: Comparing Methods of Manufacture

Vulcanized Rubber Stamps

The traditional red rubber stamp that everybody is familiar with will have been manufactured in a vulcanizing press. The first rubber stamp vulcanizing press was patented in 1890 by Charles Schultze in New Orleans USA. Vulcanizing is today one of the most cost effective methods of making rubber stamps for mass produced stamps. Each batch of stamps is produced using a mould. This method of manufacture is more suited to stamp making where the same moulds are used over and over again. Making custom made stamps with a vulcanizing press requiring 'once only' moulds will drive the cost of manufacture up significantly.

Making the mould - before a mould can be made you must have a master plate manufactured from metal or polymer, the master plate has the necessary relief (the artwork is raised) to make an impression in the mould. Having a master plate made each time a mould is required is what drives up the cost of manufacture for vulcanized stamps. Pressing the master plate into a Matrix board creates the mould that will accept the rubber. Heat and pressure is applied to the master plate and matrix board inside a Vulcanizing press. The Matrix follows the shape of the relief provided by the master plate, this then hardens on cooling.

Making Rubber Stamps - Creating stamps is a simple process once the mould is made. Raw rubber stamp gum is placed on top of the mould and then placed inside the stamp press. Hydraulic pressure is placed upon the rubber and the mould from within the stamp press causing the rubber to melt into the areas of the mould that contain the images and text, curing and hardening takes about 10 minutes. Once cured the sheet of rubber is pulled away from the mould and cut up into individual stamps to be affixed to mounts.

Cost of a vulcanizing system is approximately $12,000 AUD

Advantages - Low cost of production for mass produced stamps, good ink transfer.

Disadvantages - Cost of producing master plates and moulds for custom made stamps.

Laser Engraved Rubber Stamps

The traditional raw rubber used for vulcanizing stamp dies is quite unacceptable for the production of laser stamp dies, the laser process requires a very even thickness and blemish free surface to produce an acceptable printed image from a stamp die. The rubber must also be subjected to a specific curing process before it can be exposed to the elevated temperature of a laser beam.

The depth of the engraving is determined by the laser speed, its wattage and the density of the rubber. For example, a 50 or 100W engraver will engrave the rubber deeper and faster than a 25W machine, which may require a second pass to achieve a similar result. Usually supplied in an A4 size sheet form, a good quality laser rubber is required for engraving stamp dies and must also have suitable compression strength and ink transfer properties.

To assist the engraving process, it is necessary to remove the excess dust which is constantly created by the laser cutting action with an efficient exhaust filtration system. As very few, if any, CO2 laser engraving machines were initially purpose built for engraving and cutting rubber, installing and maintaining an effective dust extraction system pays long term dividends. Mirrors, lenses and any exposed bearing surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly as part of a regular maintenance program. Any neglect in this area will be detrimental to overall trouble free laser operation, as the build up of dust and residue will affect running efficiency and the quality of the finished stamp die. Lasers are controlled directly from a computer, the software drivers supplied with lasers work with many graphic programs such as CorelDraw.

Approximate cost of a 25 watt Laser suitable for stamp making is $40,000

Advantages - Production is computer controlled, custom made stamps can be made easily

Disadvantages - High capital investment, maintenance costs and running will be much higher than vulcanizing or polymer methods of manufacture.

Liquid Polymer Rubber Stamps

Converting rubber stamp polymer from a liquid into a solid to make stamps is quite fascinating. Polymer stamps are manufactured between two sheets of glass using precision controlled UV light which passes through a negative containing the stamp artwork solidifying the polymer. Negative production has been simplified with the introduction of water based negative technology, photographic chemicals for producing negatives are now a thing of the past.

The first step in making polymer rubber stamps is to print your images, clipart or text onto Vellum, an almost transparent paper like film.
To produce quality stamp artwork you must use a laser printer, inks from bubble jet printers are translucent allowing UV light to pass where it should not. Water based negatives are easily washed out after being exposed for a few minutes in a UV exposure stamp machine.

Polymer contained in a sachet is now replacing the older cumbersome method of using foam tape to create a dam and pouring of rubber stamp polymers, the sachets have also addressed the age old problem of removing air bubbles from the poured polymer.

The negative of your artwork and polymer sachet is sandwiched between two sheets of glass spaced 2-3mm apart which is then exposed in the machine for a few minutes. Once you have completed the exposure it is a simple process of cutting open the sachet and washing away the excess unexposed polymer before returning the stamp die back to the machine for a 10 minute curing. Once the stamps are cured they can be cut up individually. Polymer sachets are available in a range of sizes up to A4 size.

Processing time is about 30 minutes for a batch of polymer stamps.

Cost of polymer stamp making machines range from $3,500 AUD for an Australian made unit designed specifically for stamp making up to high end imported units with computer controlled washout for $15,000 AUD.

Advantages - Lower capital investment, polymers make almost clear stamps making them ideal for scrapbooking and card making. Stamp relief can be easily controlled during exposure.

Disadvantages - Early polymers did not accept inks as well as polymers available today, this along with being new technology caused initial resistance to polymer stamps.

Summary

Most large stamp manufactures have a mix of the above equipment. The unmounted rubber stamp dies produced with any of these manufacturing methods can be cut up and affixed to simple hand stamps, dater stamps or self inking stamps. Craft stamps are usually affixed to wooden blocks or in the case of polymer stamps affixed to clear acrylic blocks with adhesives or InstaGrip mounting mat. Various manufactures produces stamp mounts. Astron Industries in Australia manufacturer the clear hand stamp 'Vuestamp' and also distribute the Ideal range of self inking mounts. Other brands of self inking mounts are Trodat, Colop and Shiny.

Tag : stamps,rubber stamps,manufacture

How Many Rubber Stamps Do You Have in the Big World of Art Stamps?

For me it all started with these rubber stamps. That's right this cute little butterfly art stamp and this set of alphabet stamps.

I can remember my first rubber stamps. My brother gave them to me for my birthday. It was a butterfly art stamp, and an alphabet stamp set, that was 15 years ago. I can remember thinking to myself "what am I going to do with these rubber stamps"? Boy did I find out what to do with them. I made cute little butterfly note cards and I remember coloring them with a colored pencil (since that is all that I had back then or crayons), then with the alphabet stamps I stamped my family and friends name and of course finished it with a butterfly. Holy crow, he is the one that created my obsession with art stamps, and I am so happy that he did, thanks Mike.

What can I say; I Love Rubber Art Stamps and all the rubber stamping supplies that go along with them. Take a look at just some of the art stamps that I have. I have labeled each drawer and bin so I kind of know what is inside. I also have a few scattered around my craft studio on shelves. I told you that I Love Art Stamps. Now do you believe me?

Rubber stamps have come a long way. There are a ton of manufacturers for Art Stamps, depending on what you are looking for. A long time ago the only kind of art stamp that was available was the red rubber stamp mounted on a wood block. Now, those stamps are still available but there are also clear un-mounted art stamps that you take off of a cling sheet and adhere to an acrylic block. When you are done you just clean the stamp and take off the acrylic block and out back on the plastic sheet or in a clear plastic CD case.

The great thing about these art stamps is that you can see exactly where your image will be stamped on your card stock. This gives you less room for error (even though there is never an error in art, it just makes a different masterpiece then you expected).

What I love about the acrylic block rubber stamps is when you are working with alphabet stamps. The reason is you can have the correct spacing between each letter and word. When I have used alphabet stamps that were wood mounted, I usually had crooked words and phrases on my card or scrapbook page.

Another cool thing about these clear un-mounted rubber stamps is that they do not take up so much room as the original wood block art stamps. So if you do not have a lot of space to store your rubber stamps then this is the ideal way to go. I have two ways that I store my clear un-mounted rubber stamps. One is in a 3 ring binder, and the other in my Crop in Style Stamp Store tote. The stamp store can hold hundreds in the drawers.

There are also red rubber un-mounted stamps that you can purchase. They are cheaper than mounted rubber stamps. You can then mount them any way that you want; either on a wood block or use the ez-mount foam system (I will explain that in a near future article)

The last kind of rubber stamps that I can think of is the pre-inked art stamps. I have some art stamps that are pre-inked wheels. They are great for backgrounds or borders. All you do is insert the small cartridge of ink into the handle of the rubber stamps wheel, insert the wheel and away you go.

Well, as you can see I have a lot of rubber stamps. And with all these art stamps I do not have any duplicates and I can honestly say that I use or have used each and every one.

Tag : stamps,rubber stamps,art,Big World