Stamp Collecting

What is a Postage Stamp?

    It is a small piece of adhesive paper which has specific value that is attached to a letter by a Postal Authority.

    Stamp collecting is the art/hobby of collecting stamps and related items. Collecting stamps began the moment the postage stamps came into existence. From the mid 1800s it spread rapidly across the globe and up until today millions of hobbyist are collecting stamps. It has been widely known as the hobby for kings. With stamp collecting you are not only collecting "small art pieces" but also you learn about the story of what the stamp presents. The content of the stamp may represent people, events, places, animal, country, and pretty much almost about anything. 

    Stamp collecting is sometimes called as Philately. Philately is the study of postage stamps and it's history. Come to think of it, collectors of stamps not just collect because it's beautiful and interesting but they study the history behind their stamps. They put that information in their self-made stamp books making it more presentable.

Which stamps to collect?

    The question not just for beginners but also for seasoned stamp collectors, "what stamps do I collect?" In order not to get overwhelmed stamp collectors often device a theme on what stamps to collect. You can choose any topic for your stamp collection to put it on an album. From flowers, dogs, cats, famous personalities, vintage stamps, your idea is limitless.

Soaking stamps

    Sometimes people collect used/cancelled stamps, they cut them out from envelopes and posts cards for display on their stamp album. To remove the stamp from the paper, stamp collectors often used liquid agents. If not readily available, hobbyist use water. When the stamps are soaked for an ample amount of time they are then carefully separated to avoid tearing it. Some others do not soak the stamps in fear of damaging them, they just cut out the envelope carefully to include the postal marks giving more significance to the stamps.