Starting a stamp collection. by Craig Dawber

Stamp collecting or philately has been a popular hobby for years. People like the many different styles of stamps and are drawn to the idea that some stamps have been all around the world. Stamps are a way to remember special events, people and places. They celebrate the ordinary and the not so ordinary. Stamp collecting can be a fun hobby that also is an amazing educational experience.

If you are thinking about starting a stamp collection you gather your supplies before getting any stamps. You will need an album or box to hold your stamps. Think about what kinds of stamps you will be collecting. If you are looking for old stamps you may want an album with special covers to protect your stamps. Your collection can have a theme or you can collect any kind of stamp. Consider joining a stamp club. At a stamp club you can talk to others and learn about their experiences, about what is big in stamps at the current time and what people are looking to find. You should also get a stamp catalog that covers many different stamps. This catalog will give you information on different stamps so you can be informed about the stamps in your collection. Once you know where you are going to store your stamps and have built up an information base to get information about collecting you can start buying stamps.

You can buy new stamps or used stamps. You can get stamps from other collectors, dealers or the post office, to name a few. You should also have an idea of the types of stamps that are available for you to buy. The following list explains different types of stamps. Definitive - feature presidents, other leaders, national treasures, etc.; printed in large quantities Commemorative - feature historic events, special people, important American topics; printed in limited quantities Special - feature symbols for special circumstances, like holidays; printed around time of special event Airmail - used to send overseas mail Special Purpose - feature special people, places, events, things not covered by other stamps

Now that you know a little something about stamps and stamp collecting you can get started on your own stamp collection.

Source: www.goarticles.com

more

10 Really Low-Cost Ways to Start Your Stamp Collection by Joan Yankowitz

Stamp collecting doesn't have to be an expensive hobby. You can enjoy collecting stamps with limited financial resources. Here are 10 really low-cost ways to start stamp collecting.

1. Ask your friends to use commemorative stamps on their mail when they write to you. Commemorative stamps are generally larger than regular stamps and are issued to honor famous people, places, or events. Because commemorative stamps are usually issued in lesser quantities than common smaller stamps, they are of much more interest to collectors. Tell your friends that you are a stamp collector and ask them to request commemorative stamps at the post office.

2. When you send away for offers that require postage or self-addressed, stamped envelopes, use commemorative stamps. You'll get them back when the envelopes are returned to you. 3. Ask your neighbors, friends, and relatives to save their used stamps for you. You'll find that most people will be happy to save their stamps for you when they learn that you are a collector. 4. If you know someone who gets letters from other countries, ask them to save those stamps. Always be on the lookout for potentially good stamp contacts, and don't be afraid to ask them to go through their mail for you before they throw away all the envelopes.

5. Ask friends and family to save the envelopes from their office mail for you. Many businesses get a lot of foreign mail and regularly throw away stamps that have interest and value to a collector.

6. Ask your parents if they have any old letters with stamps on the envelopes. Don't peel the stamp off the envelope. This will cause thin spots or tears, both of which ruin a stamp's appearance and lessen its value to collectors. Always tear off the envelope corner so that there is paper all around the stamp, and make sure that all of the perforations are undamaged.

7. If you know other stamp collectors, ask them if they have duplicates that they are willing to give or sell to you. Many collectors have thousands of duplicates and they are often willing to help get new philatelists get started by giving them stamps or by selling them packets of stamps much more cheaply than can be purchased in stores or by mail.

8. Look for free stamps advertised by stamp companies. Free stamps are often offered along with "approvals," an assortment of other stamps that you must either buy or return. This can be a convenient way to buy stamps. Note, however, that you usually have to pay the return postage if you return the approval stamps.

9. Check out stamp clubs in your area. Clubs may offer stamps as prizes, or have inexpensive stamps you can afford to buy. Some stamp clubs sponsor junior clubs the local community center, YMCA, or schools.

10. Consider starting a stamp club if one doesn't already exist in your area. It only takes four or five other stamp collectors who are interested in getting together to learn about and trade stamps and ideas.

With free stamps and a few inexpensive accessories, such as a small album and a package of stamp hinges, even collectors with little money can have a great time. So, what are you waiting for? Start collecting stamps today!

Source: www.goarticles.com

more

Starting A Stamp Collection by Mary Miller

One of the most popular hobbies today is collecting stamps. Being among the simpler of the hobbies to take up, it brings enjoyment to many. Getting started in stamp collecting is easy if a few basic guidelines are followed:

1. Consider what topics or focuses within the field of collecting stamps would be preferred. For example, a collector could decide to specialize in stamps from a particular area, time period, or stamps that follow a specific theme such as birds, political figures, or anything else stamps have featured. It is recommended to begin a collection with a somewhat more general focus and allow the collector's interests and development within the hobby to narrow it naturally. Most stamp collectors report that it is more interesting to have a specific theme.

2. A good way to start is by purchasing new stamps from the post office or market. It should be possible to find stamps relating to the focus within the variety offered at most postal counters, and buying a pack will often yield different designs, making it easy to build a diverse collection rapidly.

3. Asking friends and relatives to donate stamps they don't plan to use and those they receive on incoming mail can conserve money. They can also help by asking their friends to donate stamps. When friends and relatives donate stamps to a collection the stamps often carry greater meaning for the collector.

4. It is not uncommon for a stamp collector to begin receiving stamps as gifts from their friends and relatives on nearly any occasion. This also can make the building of a collection easier. It may become worthwhile to let others know which stamps or types of stamps would be most appreciated.

5. It's important to begin to determine whether older stamps or newer stamps will be the focus of a collection. While many people prefer to collect older stamps due to the increased value, rarity, and prestige of such a collection, new stamps are more affordable and easier to find. If the focus of a growing collection is ever changed or refined to exclude some or all of the stamps within it, these stamps should not be discarded. Rather, the collector should endeavor to sell or trade those stamps with another collector (preferably one with unwanted stamps perfect for the new focus).

6. One of the primary benefits of stamp collecting is that the hobby can be done very inexpensively. The tools and supplies necessary can be obtained cheaply and the stamps themselves can be had for free if the focus of the collection is undemanding enough. For example, a loose-leaf album (the basic tool required) can be had for less than most people spend for a single restaurant meal.

7. For those opting to collect received stamps through incoming mail it is important to remove them properly. The envelope should be cut around the stamp, leaving a small area of free space around the stamp's edges. The stamp and envelope piece is then placed facedown in a bowl of warm water until the gum adhesive on the stamp loosens. The stamp my then be carefully peeled free using tongs, allowed to air dry, and then placed in an album. (Note: this works only with stamps that have water-based adhesives.)

8. Take advantage of the many resources for stamps and stamp collecting. The Internet is perhaps the most effective way to search for information on stamps. It can also help determine where specific stamps can be inexpensively obtained, even rare or hard to find stamps. The Internet also provides resources to make contacts with other stamp collectors. This can be an invaluable information base to build knowledge within the hobby as well as point out special deals or places to find coveted stamps. And of course any other collector is also a potential trading partner who might just have little need for the highly desired stamp to complete another's collection.

For the many stamp collectors the best part of the hobby is displaying their collection to, friends, family, and other collectors. Once a collection is established it can be shown or even warrant its own exhibit. A Web site is an excellent way to show a collection without risking harm to it. Not only can it generate interest in a collection, it even makes possible the inclusion of each stamp's story and how it found its way into the collection.

Source: www.goarticles.com

more

Getting Your Stamp Collection Started by Glenn Cutforth

Stamp collecting is definitely a fun and interesting hobby for those who get the bug. It gives you an opportunity to collect tiny pieces of history from all over the world. You might even consider them as little artifacts that open up a new world of exploration. By following a few of these suggestions, you'll be on your way to an enriching and past time.

First, you'll need to decide if you'd like to choose a theme for collecting, such as a specific group of countries or a timeline, perhaps only stamps with animals depicted or nature scenes. It's up to you, and the choices are virtually endless. Then again, having a "general" collection of everything is a great choice too!

You may want to start out by purchasing sheets of new stamps, maybe even from specific countries. You could even ask family and friends to save stamps for you from their mail.

This is a good, easy way to begin your collection. It adds meaning to your stamps too if you receive some from someone who's important to you.

Once the word is out about your new hobby, you'll probably receive gifts of stamps for holidays and birthdays. This will help your collection grow, and special limited edition and commemorative stamps may be acquired too.

You can then begin to narrow down what your preferences are. Do you prefer old stamps over new? New stamps are easier to find, but if you're up for a challenge, old stamps are exciting to try to track down. Save any you don't want to keep for trading with other collectors down the road.

Gathering supplies is an important step as well. You'll want to keep your stamps in order and in good condition. A loose leaf binder with plastic removable pockets, small glassine envelopes and stamp tongs for gentle handling are all important tools you should acquire. Eventually you'll want to have a magnifying glass to inspect stamps closely, and stamp books or catalogue with information about stamps available.

Be careful when removing stamps from envelopes. Carefully steam the stamp off over a bowl of water, and peel off with stamp tongs. Let it dry before storing it.

The internet is the single most useful resource to get started. Stamp collection clubs, organizations, blogs and classifieds are all excellent places to begin.

Once you have a collection you're proud of, show it off to friends and family! Maybe one day you can even start your own website on the subject. Have your stamps displayed with stories on how you acquired them or start your own discussion board. Whatever you do, have fun and happy collecting!

more