Archive for the ‘Stamp Collecting’ Category
As an avid stamp collector, I take offense to the notion that stamp collecting will soon be an outdated hobby and distant memory of American culture. I realize that e-mail has long surpassed “snail mail” in terms of volume, but there will always be the need to send hard copies to people, which means that there will always be a need for stamps. One of the enjoyments of being a collector is the fact that you get to see how stamps have evolved over time, from the price to the design, and how this reflects on society as a whole.
The latest innovation to revolutionize the stamp world has been introduction of sticker-style stamps. Personally, I loved the distinct flavor of the lick-and-stick style stamps, but all of the new stamps are, essentially, just expensive stickers. Call me old-fashioned, but I miss the days when you never knew what stamps you would get at the post office, unlike the mass-produced bell design that is ubiquitous now.
Keeping our kids happy and involved is our main goal in life. One way to do that is to get them interested in collecting. Collecting is a great kids craft. There are all sorts of items that kids like to collect. Some of the more common things that kids like to collect are stamps.
Stamps are interesting because they can be from different countries, thus becoming a geography lesson. They may be very old, or they may be new. Stamps are available in all colors and numerous styles. The variety of stamps to look at and collect seems to be unlimited.
Stamps are readily available and have great historical significance. Stamp collecting can be very exciting, and the fact that many may be acquired free or at minimum expense makes it great for kids and adults alike.
The postal service is one of the oldest and most time-tested conveyances of information that is still in use today. Because of this storied tradition, there are countless styles, designs and editions of postage marks for collectors to choose from. While seasoned collectors probably have their favorites and rarities that they seek out at every opportunity, stamp collecting for beginners can be daunting.
With so many countries and eras to choose from, one of the most difficult tasks is choosing where to begin. When I first started collecting stamps over 10 years ago, I decided to focus on my passion: music. Instead of conducting a wide search for every postage mark I could find, I began by seeking out music-themed stamps and broadened my collection from there.
Money origami is simply the art of origami (paper folding) using paper money. While the thought of using a small $1 or $5 bill may appear to be rather limiting, the objects created are often quite impressive. Some time ago I received an email with photos of several items created from money. Whoever created these was really talented, as the results were extraordinary. Most if not all of them had used the designs in the money in such a way as to be features of the item they created.
What would make a person think of using money for this purpose? Perhaps he or she had a long wait somewhere – at the airport, in a restaurant or doctor’s office, and just pulled out a bill and started playing with it. Seems like a good way to pass the time!
Stamp collecting for beginners or for that matter anyone, I’ve read, is one of the most popular hobbies. That is most likely due to the easy accessibility of finding stamps, with mail arriving almost daily. This, of course, offers us a chance to start our collection with little or no investment to speak of. Perhaps this also why stamp collecting is so popular with kids also, in addition to the beauty and variety of stamps available.
Stamp collecting is not just collecting stamps, but includes related items, such as covers (envelopes or packages with stamps on them). First-day covers are sought after eagerly by the avid stamp collector.
It is estimated that the number of stamp collectors in the United States alone ranges up to 20 million. How many times have we received a piece of mail with a stamp we just had to keep?
Contrary to what I had thought, but according to Wikipedia, philately is not stamp collecting, but is the study of stamps. Taking that fact into consideration, someone could be a stamp collector, but not a philatelist. On the other hand, someone might be a philatelist, but not a stamp collector. However, one who has a large extensive stamp collection may desire and need some philatelic knowledge.
It was interesting to me also to learn that some smaller countries create limited runs of elaborate stamps to be bought by stamp collectors. These collectible stamps have become an important source of revenue for these countries.
If you’re dealing with an abundance of stress due to work, family or some other source, it can be beneficial to find a hobby that can clear your head. Recently I’ve thrown myself into the world of stamp collecting – known in stamp circles as philately. To be more precise, philately is the study of stamps. You might find it hard to believe, but many people enjoy simply gazing at the intricate designs on stamps or appreciating them for their historical value without actually owning them.
But I prefer to collect and display my own. I keep my stamps in meticulously sorted albums classified by country. All the stamp collecting supplies I really need to pursue my passion are an empty album with adhesive paper and a magnifying glass. I’m always keeping a lookout in newspapers and online forums for any stamp shows or conventions that might be coming to town.