Postage Stamps

October Oct 13 10:41 am CDT

filed under design, stationery and tagged design, handwriting, paper, postage, stamps, stationery, vintage
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In a world of e-mails, texting and chat, the art of the handwritten letter faces near extinction.  I write at least a couple of letters or cards or a week.  There’s nothing better than to receive a lovely note in a pile of mail that usually consists of bills and junk mailers.  I obsessively design and collect stationery.  I have more pens, papers, card stock, and embossers than anyone I know.  My shoe collection is jealous of my stationery collection — that’s saying a lot!

Besides practicing beautiful penmanship and modern calligraphy, the choice of postage stamp is the final detail that should never be overlooked.  I have a collection of stamps that I keep on hand. There are times where you only need one single stamp.  There are other occasions where an assortment of stamps related to one another (asymmetrically placed) are successful in adding that hint of vintage elegance.  However, let me stress that there is NEVER a time for a U.S. flag stamp — that is, unless,  it’s for a Fourth of July party.  Here are some of my recent favorites:

Winslow Homer

Love him and his artwork.  Beautiful choice for correspondence cards.  Just recently released by the USPS — get them now before they sell out.

Baseball Theme

Great for party invitations and summer time bbq’s.  Many vintage stamps are sold online.  Always buy from a reputable source and make sure they are all uncanceled.

Floral Theme

Gorgeous Magnolia themed stamps.  These would be beautiful for a southern wedding invitation suite.  I love the craft envelopes.  They add a casual handmade touch to the overall style.

Old Hollywood

I adore “Old Hollywood” — the glamor, the excess and the beautiful people that graced the silver screen.  These Katharine Hebpurn stamps are a current USPS release.  For bold stationery (black & white, chevrons, neutral letterpress), these stamps add a subtle punch without distracting from the overall design.

If the current USPS stamp selection doesn’t inspire you and vintage ones are too difficult to come by, may I suggest Zazzle?  Yup, design or own custom stamps or choose from an assortment of user-submitted styles online.   Too much fun.

Images via USPS and Elizabeth Anne Designs

Tags: design, handwriting, paper, postage, stamps, stationery, vintage