I'm not a real stamp collector, because I use the stamps; I do not buy the boring flags, but search out the pretties. If I'm going to mail something, why not use a stamp I like? I know I'm not alone in this - my friend A and I keep each other updated with fabulous stamp alerts.
It's one of the reasons I don't do all my bills online. . .maybe not strictly frugal, but definitely enjoyable to handle the stamps and envelopes and keep my nice mail carrier in letters.
A few years ago I discovered that USPS.com ships any size of order for just $1. That beats waiting in line at my little post office during their quirky business hours - only to discover a mediocre selection of flag stamps.
I love pretty stamps on hand written envelopes - there's something romantic in the postmark and the smell of the paper... I think written correspondence is one of the important ways we connect with others. It's personal, a part of you, your handwriting, your thoughts on paper, and it's something the receiver can hold in their hands....I have saved cards and letters in little pasteboard boxes. When I look through them I'm reminded of people, places, and events - sweet memories!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you on stamps as little works of art! I've had more than one USPS worker look at me like I'm a weirdo when I've walked out after discovering flags as my only option. I was saddened to read recently that many greeting card companies are coming out with pre-paid postage envelopes so that you pay postage when you buy the card. I'm afraid that stamps will soon be relics of the past.
ReplyDeleteI think you have just changed my life. At the post office yesterday wrangling 2 children...in the rain....
ReplyDelete$1!!! I'm all over this!!
I'm so glad to know this! I do my best to keep my favorite, tiny, rural post office in business and am willing to make a concession to their quirky hours, but they only have flag stamps, so I never buy my stamps there.
ReplyDeleteSylvia and Polly, I'm so pleased to introduce you to such convenience :)
ReplyDeleteJanelle, I had not heard about greeting card envelopes. I'm doing my best to keep stamps around. And really, the small independent card makers are not going to have the resources to pre-stamp envelopes. Who needs Hallmark if we have etsy?
I found a super-thick stack of correspondence from my year of living abroad. My mother saved all of the letters I wrote to the family so that I could re-read them over the years. The letters that arrived in S.A. from my friends, also studying abroad, had their stamps carefully clipped off for my host-brother's stamp collection. I LOVE hand written letters. Email may be better for instant gratification, but nothing beats the feeling of someone taking the time to write down their thoughts and feelings.
ReplyDeleteI save my letters too in my journals. The envelopes and stamps are an art of work. I just love looking at them knowing that it was a special note to me.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that the USPS would ship an order for $1. Thank you! I love old-fashioned mail, and so do my girls. Getting and sending snail mail letters is one of life's little pleasures!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for telling me about the $1 shipping! I don't use stamps as often now, but it sure would be nice to have a choice of something pretty when I do need them.
ReplyDeleteHave the price of stamps gone up over the years there since no one sends as much snail mail thanks to emails etc? I remembered that to send a letter here was just 45cents... now it's 55 or 60 cents... probably over a period of 10 years...
ReplyDeleteand thanks for the reminder re: shoestring chic... will see what I can do today! xo
Right after I commented this morning I heard on the radio that you can now text the post office and somehow prepay postage, they give you a code to write on your envelope, and you're good to go. Boo hoo for convenience.
ReplyDeleteJanelle, a CODE?! when you could have a pretty picture?! I am such a Luddite.
ReplyDeleteJacinta, yes, stamps in the US have gotten more expensive and the rates are going up faster and faster. Currently it's $.44 and they are set to go up again this year.
Stamps are lovely... little pieces of art, in my opinion. Like you, I always seek out the pretty and unique ones -- why not, if they're all the same price anyway?!
ReplyDeleteI stay away from "bill pay" fir the same reasons. I love the post office/mail system. I try to do my part to support them. That dollar shipping is great to know! Our post office usually has a pretty good stamps but hey do run out of the fun ones evey now and then,
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