Stamp story: August 2009

Customized Postage Stamps - A Novel Idea!

Have you ever wished that you can see your face or pictures that you have personally taken on a postage stamp? These days, because of technology, it is possible to have customized or personalized stamps where you can choose the picture that will appear on your postage stamps. They are becoming more and more popular because of their novelty and uniqueness. It is also fun to see your own face and picture on the postage stamp pasted at the back of the letter that you will mail. The recipient will also look forward to receiving your letters because of the fun and unique stamp.

If you want to know where to find customized postage stamps, you can visit the top five websites that create customized or personalized postage stamps that are approved by the United States Postal Service or USPS. They are stamps.com, endicia.com, zazzle.com, yourstamps.com, and stampexpressions.com.

• Stamps.com. This is one of the first companies approved by the USPS for creating customized postage stamps. Compared to its counterparts, stamps.com personalized stamps are relatively cheaper. You can customize your stamps using photos uploaded from your computer and you can even print them in the comforts of your home. Just create an account when you visit their website and just follow the procedure. Once you have printed the postage stamp, the corresponding fee will be deducted from your credit card account.

• Endicia.com. PictureItPostage by Endicia also allows you to create customized postage stamps at home. Just go to the website pictureitpostage.com and you can download free software from the website that helps you create your own design for your postage stamp. You do not need to pay for the software. You will only pay once you ordered for these stamps in sheets. You can also use their online tool if you do not want to download the software. Once you have created the design, order for them online and specify how many you want. Endicia still needs to check your design, if it meets the standards given by USPS. Upon approval, they will print out the stamps and send them to you by courier service.

• Zazzle.com. This is another website which is approved by USPS. They have so many themes to choose from-weddings, sports, monogram, historical, love, cartoons, holidays, animals, birthdays, and other things and occasions or events you can think of. Just upload the picture that you want to see on your postage stamp once you log in to your zazzle account, choose borders, texts, and other designs, and place order. They will ship your order after 2 days.

• Yourstamps.com. This website also specializes in creating customized or personalized postage stamps. You can use these in special occasions and events like holidays, weddings, birthdays, thanks you notes, birthdays, graduations, business promotions, and others. Create an account on their website and choose the photo that you want to use. You have a free rein on how you would like your stamps to appear. Once you have made your design, order them online and fee will be automatically deducted from your credit card.

• Zazzle.com/postage_stamps. This website specializes in postage stamps. If you want personalized and professional-looking postage stamps, then visit their website. You can upload your company's logo and use them in your stamps. Place and order and wait for them to be shipped to your house.

Ruth Lanham is an author, t-shirt designer and entrepreneur. Ruth is the owner of the very popular t-shirt and gift websites Tshirts-Tshirts and T-shirt-junction. For more information visit her at one of her websites:
http://www.tshirts-tshirts.com
http://www.t-shirt-junction.com

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Rubber Stamps, Not Just For Mailing Anymore!

There are many things you can do with rubber stamps. You can collect them, make your own, or put them to practical use by making address stamps. They can be one of the most creative ways to express yourself, no matter what your design is. All of the endless options are just waiting to be discovered.

People go all around the world traveling and collecting different ones from every country they visit. Each one has a different influence or creative twist from that country. Because traditions are different in other countries and cultures than they are in America, you will see different designs and ideas from people whose cultures influence their work. It can take a lot of time and great effort to make a good collection, but it will always be something you're proud of. You will never find one that looks exactly like another, they're all original.

There are all different types of artwork you can create; it all depends on your creativity and the influences around you. Some people enjoy painting, others are fans of drawing, and others are in love with taking pictures. Unfortunately, there are very few people who take advantage of the artistic values of creating their own piece of artwork and being able to duplicate it with just a little bit of ink. The opportunities are endless and you never know what you can do with a good design. You can make your own design and then use it whenever you are mailing something, or if you need to identify that something is yours. If you make one that is good enough, you can even sell it to make a little bit of money.

A lot of times, people can use these duplicators beyond their artistic uses and put them to a practical use. Although people rarely send letters or mail any more, it is a great way of communication for plenty of reasons. There are no calls to be dropped, you don't need electricity to send a letter and it is very reliable. If you are one of the few who still use the postal service, you are probably tired of having to constantly put your name and information about where you live on your mail. Making one of these pliable duplicators can be creative and extremely convenient and will take much less time than having to write down every single word. Using this option would be especially great if you are artistic and a fan of sending and receiving mail.

No matter what your use for one is, these duplicators are a fun and practical way to express yourself and your creativity. You can put your name or design on anything you want to claim as your own and the only thing that can run out is your ink supply. So next time you need to put your name and other information on a piece of mail or anything else, put a creative spin on it next time you need to imprint any of your personal information.

Chuck R Stewart recently bought several rubber stamps for his daughters arts and crafts time. He also bought several address stamps for his new start up business.

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How to Decorate and Teach with an Alphabet Rubber Stamp

Pediatricians and early education specialists agree that it is never too early to expose infants and toddlers to the alphabet, colors, numbers, and other basics. With these facts in mind, more parents are starting to decorate their babie's rooms with letters, numbers, and primary colors. With some various paints and a little creativity you can easily make your children's room a wonder of learning with a rubber stamp set.

Alphabet rubber stamp sets can be found at most hobby or craft stores. They usually come with letters A to Z as well as the numbers zero through nine. These stamp sets are often inexpensive.

If you cannot find a hobby or craft store that sells alphabet rubber stamp sets, or you simply want to have some added fun, you can make your own alphabet stamps. All you need is a sheet of quarter inch rubber, available from any home improvement store. Draw the letters onto the rubber and cut them out with a precision blade.

When you have your rubber stamp set, you will need to decide what base color to use for your children's room. Most parents choose white as a background for primary colors, but some parents may choose blue or pink based on the sex of the baby. You will need to purchase the paint and apply the base coat to the children's room.

After the initial painting of the room it is time to have the real fun! Get some paint in primary colors. You will probably want to get a pint of each primary color. The primary colors are blue, yellow, red, and green.

Now it is time for the creativity! You can use different alphabet rubber stamps all over the room randomly, or you can use them in a pattern. You can start with the letter A and continue around the room in a straight line to the letter Z. The possibilities are really endless, and are entirely up to you!

Another use for alphabet rubber stamp sets is the creation of banners. You can purchase the tail end of the roll of butcher paper from your local grocer fairly inexpensively, or you can buy it at a hobby or craft store. Use the rubber stamps dipped in left over colored paint to create colorful, home made banners for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or any other occasion.

It is important that when you are finished painting that you wash out the stamps thoroughly. If you do not, the paint will begin seeping into the pores of the rubber and you will never get them completely clean. Washing them as soon as you are finished only takes a minute, and the paint is much easier to rinse off at this stage.

Rubber stamping can take your children's room or nursery from dull to amazing with just a few hours of effort. You'll also have a unique room tailored to your child. By putting your own stamp on the room, you'll have fond memories over many years to come.

Amy Wells is a rubber stamp and crafting enthusiast. You can get more rubber stamping tips at her blog: http://rubberstampcrafters.blogspot.com/

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