Stamp Set

Stamp Set

Guide to Stamp Collecting

20 million Americans collect postage stamps as one of their hobbies. Some have a few small boxes where they squirrel away any old, pretty stamps they find, while others have fancy stamp albums with rare, expensive stamps filling each page. Either way, collecting stamps is a fun hobby and a creative way to document different time periods of US and world history.

There are many things to consider when setting up your first stamp collection. Do you want to only collect stamps that have been used and postmarked or you want to collect mint stamps, too? Many people keep the whole envelope that a stamp comes on because the postmark is a sign of the stamp's age or the distance it has travelled.

Maybe you want to collect old stamps, or stamps from the year you were born, or stamps with people on them. Do you want to collect American stamps only? Or maybe you are more interested in international stamps? Whatever it is you choose to focus on, the decision should be based on what interests you most. If you are beginning a stamp collection it means you have an interest in stamps. Find out exactly what facet of stamp collecting and which stamps intrigue you the most and let that guide you as you begin collecting.

Once you have decided which stamps you want to collect, you need to start thinking about how you are going to store, catalog and display your stamps. There are many different styles of stamp albums for sale. Some have rows of clear plastic pockets for stamps to fit inside of. Others have blank pages, often with a decorative border, for stamps to be attached to in whatever manner the collector desires. Still others include details on specific stamps and leaves space open for the collector to append that particular stamp once they've acquired it.

Stamp collecting is partly popular because it is so easy to do: all you really need is a steady stream of correspondence and someplace to store your stamps.

Most collectors do use a few tools to help them acquire stamps, but most of these tools are found around the home. For instance, it's useful to have a pair of tweezers on hand for removing stamps from envelopes and handling stamps in general. You might also want to buy a magnifying glass so you can take a closer look at your collections.

Once you've got yourself all set up, all you need to do is get the stamps! Depending on what stamps you are aiming to acquire, your techniques for stamp finding may vary. If you are looking for rare stamps, stamp catalogs and online sites dedicated to stamp selling and trading will be useful to you. If you are looking for international stamps and you know someone who lives overseas, write to them and ask them to write back with a pretty stamp on their envelope. Or, you could find pen pals in other countries and get international stamps that way. However you end up finding your stamps, make sure you take good care of them so they stay in good condition.

About the Author

Jared Bannister is a long time collector of stamps and coins and writes a range of articles and blogs on stamp collecting. To learn more please visit my website at www.guidetostampcollecting.com.

Dinosaur Stamp Set - 1633 $14.99 Dinosaur Stamp Set - 1633

Melissa And Doug Vehicle Stamp Set $9.99 Melissa And Doug Vehicle Stamp Set

Melissa And Doug Horses Stamp Set $7.99 Melissa And Doug Horses Stamp Set

Happy Handle Stamp Set - 2407 $12.99 Happy Handle Stamp Set - 2407

ABSeas Alphabet Stamp Set stamp set $14.4 This fun, interactive stamp set features the complete alphabet, numbers, and punctuation. In all, there are enough wood stamp handles, labels, and stamp pads to make 42 different stamps.The set also includes an ink pad. Some assembly is required.

Party Stamp Palette Set $9.99 Our Sweet Party Face Painting Stamp Kit features a cupcake, peppermint and hard candy stamps with three paint cakes. Each candy face paint stamp is made of foam and measure: Cupcake Stamp - 1 inch x 1 3/8 inch x 1 3/8 inch Peppermint Stamp - 1 inch x 1 3/8 inch x 1 3/8 inch Hard Candy Stamp - 1 inch x 1 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch This fun to use non-toxic sweet body painting stamp kit takes only a few drops of water to activate the paint and will stamp anywhere on the body. Stamps will dry to the touch within one minute and each set includes enough paint to stamp 750 images. Washes off easily with soap and water.

Heart Stamp Set $12.95 Put Your Stamp on It Add a unique one-of-a-kind touch to your stamped metal art projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/8 long with an 3/16 character height. Made of hardened steel. Set of 3 designs single heart, fancy heart and double heart stamp. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737 as shown below.

Nature Stamp Set $12.95 Put Your Stamp on It Add a unique one-of-a-kind touch to your stamped metal art projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/8 long with an 3/16 character height. Made of hardened steel. Set of 3 designs cloud, flower and leaf stamp. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737 as shown below.

Whimsy Stamp Set $12.95 Put Your Stamp on It Add a unique one-of-a-kind touch to your stamped metal art projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/8 long with an 3/16 character height. Made of hardened steel. Set of 3 designs crown, butterfly and heart/circle boarder stamp. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737 as shown below.

Fun Stamp Set $12.95 Put Your Stamp on It Add a unique one-of-a-kind touch to your stamped metal art projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/8 long with an 3/16 character height. Made of hardened steel. Set of 3 designs paw print, spiral and pinwheel stamp. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737 as shown below. Project created by artist Lori Ramotar. From Stamped Metal Jewelry book 6836

Numbers Stamp Set $16.95 Put Your Stamp on It Add a unique one-of-a-kind touch to your stamped metal art projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/4 long with an 1/8 character height. Made of hardened steel for long life. Number stamp set includes numbers from zero to eight. 9 pieces total. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737. Close up image below is reversed to show finished design.

Designs Stamp Set $69.95 Put Your Stamp on It Add a unique one-of-a-kind touch to your stamped metal art projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/4 long with an 1/8 character height. Made of hardened steel for long life. Design stamp set includes star, swirl, heart, smiley face, leaf and paw print. 6 pieces total. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737.

Like/Dislike Stamp Set $12.99 History Time: The thumbs up/thumbs down gesture for approval/distaste (and which gesture means which) comes from Ancient Roman times - specifically, instructions to the gladiator on whether or not to spare his opponent. But here's the thing: the Latin term for this is Pollice verso, which translates to "turned thumb." If you consult the writings of old dead Roman people, you'll find even they contradict each other on which one is really approval and which is distaste. But, who cares: we of the present have decreed thumbs up to be good and thumbs down to be bad. And that's the model that the Like/Dislike Stamp Set perpetuates. Each Like/Dislike Stamp Set comes with two, self-inking stamps (that's why we call it a set). Use the Like stamp for things you like and the Dislike stamps for things you don't like. For instance: we like origami - so though we will probably crush the little paper swan, we're gonna stamp it with the Like stamp. We don't like TPS reports, so we'll save the Dislike stamp for that. And why did we provide these further instructions and examples for such a straight forward product? Simple: to fill up space. YAY. Get your Like/Dislike Stamp Set today, and ink up your future with your opinion tomorrow. Like/Dislike Stamp Set Set of two stamps - for every occasion. Self-inking, for your convenience. Set includes one of each stamp. Dimensions: 3" x 1.25" x 2.5"

Animal Stamp Set $14.99 MELISSA & DOUG: Wooden Animal Stamp Set. A fun stamp set aimed at children; but great for any crafter! Each set includes wood-mounted rubber stamps; an ink pad; and a set of colored pencils for coloring in the animal images. There is also a list of activity suggestions for helping children learn about animals; nature; colors; numbers; shapes; and design. It's great for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while also encouraging imaginative play and creativity. The ink is washable and the entire set is housed in a beautiful 7x11x1-1/2 inch wooden box. This set includes sixteen wooden stamps; seven colored pencils; and one ink pad. Recommended for ages 4 and up. CAUTION-FUNCTIONAL SHARP POINTS. Conforms to ASTM D-4236. Imported. Type: Sets Gender: Unisex Age: Child,Teen,Adult

Uppercase Letters Stamp Set $18.95 Put Your Stamp on It Say it with style - add names, words and phrases to your stamped metal projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/4 long with an 1/8 character height. Made of hardened steel for long life. Letter stamp set includes all 26 uppercase letters and ampersand. 27 pieces total. Love bracelet below created by Delphi artist Kayleigh McGrath. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737. Close up image below is reversed to show finished design.

Circle Stamp Set $12.95 Put Your Stamp on It Add a unique one-of-a-kind touch to your stamped metal art projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/8 long with an 3/16 character height. Made of hardened steel. Set of 3 designs small circle, medium circle and large circle. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737 as shown below. Project created by artist Lori Ramotar. From Stamped Metal Jewelry book 6836

Celestial Stamp Set $12.95 Put Your Stamp on It Add a unique one-of-a-kind touch to your stamped metal art projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 3-1/8 long with an 3/16 character height. Made of hardened steel. Set of 3 designs sun, moon and star. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737 as shown below.

Vehicles Stamp Set $9.98 Whether by water, road, track or air this wooden stamp set has it all! Includes 10 wooden vehicle stamps, 5 colored pencils and durable, two-color stamp pad. Washable, non-toxic inks. Mix and match these detailed, wooden stamps to create hundreds of beautiful scenes and more! All of it conveniently stores in a durable wooden box. Ages 4 & Up. 16 Pieces. Type: Sets Gender: Unisex Age: Child,Teen,Adult

Butterflies and Hearts Stamp Set $6.98 Mix and match these detailed, wooden stamps to create hundreds of beautiful scenes and more! Set includes a colorful stamp pad and conveniently store in a wooden box. Washable, non-toxic inks! Type: Sets Gender: Unisex Age: Child,Teen,Adult

Melissa And Doug Happy Handle Stamp Set $9.99 Melissa And Doug Happy Handle Stamp Set

Steel Stamp Letter Set $28.49 Steel stamp letter sets create your own permanent identification on metal tags. Steel stamp letter sets allow you to easily mark blank tags. Made of tough carbon tool steel and are heat treated so they won't shatter. Wooden box keeps stamps organized and ready to use. Letter sets contain 27 pieces: A-Z and a period. Number sets contain 9 pieces: 0-8. Steel stamps are available in 3 sizes.

By The Sea Rubber Stamp Set $35.71 Theme: By The SeaMaterials: RubberIncludes one (1) sheet of stamps, one (1) plastic storage caseStamp dimensions: 8.25 inches long x 5.25 inches wideStorage dimensions: 8.5 inches long x 5.375 inches wideImported

Stamp Personalized Stationery $1.52 Make it official with this lovely textured stamp that is set on a perfectly imperfect bias.

Thermal Stamp (Salon Size) $42.56 Thermal Stamp (Salon Size) by Dermalogica for Unisex - 1 Set Body Care

Friendship Stamp Set $7.99 Featuring a rainbow, hearts, and more, children love using 8 playful stamps and a two-color inkpad. It's fun creating countless scenes and coloring in the pictures with the 5 colored pencils! This well-crafted set is conveniently contained in a sturdy wooden box for organizing and storage. It's a tremendous value!

Dinosaur Stamp Set $8.99 Imagine a landscape full of dinosaurs! Children love using the 8 detailed dino stamps and a two-color inkpad. It's fun creating countless scenes, and coloring in the pictures with the 5 colored pencils! This well-crafted set is conveniently contained in a sturdy wooden box for organizing and storage. Ages 4 and up.

Lowercase Comic Letters Stamp Set $29.95 Put Your Stamp on It Say it with style - add names, words and phrases to your stamped metal projects. Round metal stamp shank measures 2-3/8 long with an 1/8 character height. Made of tempered steel for long life. Letter stamp set includes all 26 lowercase letters and ampersand. 27 pieces total. Comes with a deluxe canvas case with individually labeled slots to keep punches organized and makes finding the punch you need quick and easy. For professional results, use with Chasing Hammer 69736 and Steel Bench Block 69737. Close up image below is reversed to show finished design.

Alvin 1201000068 Stamp Block Set #02033500007 $11.35 fiskars this set of stamp blocks includes one block of each size 1x1 2x2 3x3 and 6.5x2. complete with grid lines for easy stamp alignment.

Authentic Models MS050 ABSeas Stamp Set $29.38 Fun interactive stamp set featuring a complete alphabet numbers and punctuation. Fortytwo Wood turned stamp handles labels and stamp pads. Ink pad. Some assembly required. Made of Wood Rubber Paper and Ink.

Deluxe Stamp Set $12.95 Kids can use the 16 playful stamps and 2 inkpads to create countless scenes, and then color in their pictures with the 7 colored pencils! Well-crafted set is conveniently contained in a sturdy wooden box with clear sliding lid. It's a tremendous value that children will use over and over again! Ages 3+. Designs include a tree, house, horse, cow, sun, kite, cloud, cat, and more great stamps. 11" x 8" x 2". Type: Sets Gender: Unisex Age: Toddler,Child

Melissa & Doug Animal Stamp Set $33.24 Brand: Melissa & DougAnimal Stamp SetModel: 3798Kit includes: Colored pencils, stamps, stamp padMaterials: 50-percent solid wood/30-percent plywood/5-percent plastic/3-percent paint/2-percent colored pencils/3-percent rubber/2-percent foam/5-percent inkRecommended for ages 4 years and olderAnimal lovers, here's the stamp set for youMix and match the detailed stamps with images of wild and domestic animals from land and sea, to create hundreds of beautiful scenesAll the pieces, including 16 stamps, 7 colored pencils and a durable inkpad, store in the sturdy wooden boxWashable, non-toxic kid-friendly ink

Melissa & Doug Alphabet Stamp Set $48.66 Brand: Melissa & Doug Alphabet Stamp SetModel: 3557Includes 56 letters (upper and lower case), punctuation marks, 4-color stamp pad, storage trayWrite exciting messages with this beautifully organized wooden alphabet stamp setKeep it neat in the convenient wooden storage trayWeight: 1.7 poundsMaterials: Solid wood, plastic, rubber, silk-screen, inkDimensions: 11.9 inches high x 6.4 inches wide x 1.6 inches deepRecommended for ages 4 years and older