Interested In Stamps

Hi, I hope its ok to post this here. I started getting interested in stamps when I used some in a scrapbook I was working on. Let me say I love scrapbooking and do it quite a bit. I loved how they looked,especially in paper collages. So I started to get interested in the hobby of stamp collecting. I have no interest in "value" or "rarity". I just like the cool look of some stamps and they work really well in my paper collages. I have bought a couple of lots on ebay and should be getting a big one I bought any day now. I didn't spend very much money at all on them, so they probably aren't valuable.

I have 2 questions. First, I would love to find somewhere to buy a lot of stamps that don't really have any value, but look cool to put in my paper collages. I would like to buy quanities for cheap.(If thats possible,lol)

Secondly, there is so much information on the net, I am getting confused.Where is the best place to learn about this hobby? I think its a facinating hobby, and would like to learn about it. I should be getting in some I ordered from ebay anyday and would like to know what they are. How does a total newb get started, where do I begin.

I do a lot of swaps and such with my scrapbooking friends from many different countries, and they would be happy to send me some stamps from their countries. One thing I have also thought about is, what if I destroyed a "rare" stamp in my collages by not knowing what they were?I would feel terrible. I have a love of all things paper (weird, I know,) and I feel I should treat them with more respect. I do all my scrapbooks with archival quality materials and hope to pass them down to my children,etc. I was thinking that adding stamps to/with them would make for some great history, besides just using them for decoration.

Sorry this is so long,I just have so many questions.

Welcome,
I'm new as well. There are many people here that can give you insight into the hobby as you need. Just start reading the topics you see listed.
Or go to your local library, they should have a few books to try out.

Take Care! Good Collecting!
Mike

I would love to see a picture of your stamp collages , then maybe you can get better information on what stamps would suit your creative needs better , in fact I have some crazy duplication and I don't know what to do with it , even if I gave away one stamp to each member I'd still have 200 or more of each stamp.
I bet your scrapbook and creative collages look real cool , if you can let us see them .
..................and welcome to the Stamp Community Forum.

Welcome stefanib

You can get all the guidance you need from this site. I also collect for enjoyment and not value. I started out just like you did, by buying lots on ebay. Now I am overun with spares and have started looking for more specific stamps, for cheep of course.

As for buying stamps cheep I found that persistance and patience pay off. I now trade a lot also.

If you're doing collages you probably dont' mind stamps with minor dammage. If you wish I could set those asside for you when I come accross them I do find many. I Scapbook myself and was thinking of doing something similar to what you're doing with stamps also.

Hope this helps and don't be shy about asking questions. We're all pretty freindly here.

Dianne

collages
In the past I have made stamp boxes and pencil holders
from nice colourful damaged stamps for friends and members of
the stamps club.
They made great gifts .
David

hanks everyone! I knew I came to the right place, you guys know your stuff! I have been reading through some threads, and besides all the great knowledge, I notice there is a very friendly vibe on here!

I will take some pictures and post them this evening, when I get home. I'm at school right now(I attend college). I would love to see anything anyone else has made!

Dianne Earl,I hadn't thought of looking for "damaged" stamps.I think I will message the guy I bought a big lot from and see if he has any. How nice of you to offer to save them for me! I would happily pay you for them, just let me know.

Jayelem, I would love to buy your duplicates. Duplicates are ok by me.Actually, I will need some like that if I make , say, a series of ATC(artist trading cards) cards or invitations or stuff like that. Let me know how to go about buying them from you?

I won a couple of lots on ebay last night, after I posted this. I can't wait to get them! I love stamps that are "interesting' looking. Mostly "vintage" look. While, I do a lot of different styles, My paper crafting style is a shabby chic style. I love stuff form other countries, old stuff and colorful stuff.

I know you're going to enjoy it here. This weekend I will have a look. I have some stamps from Chile that I know I have about 200 of the same one and would love to find a home for.

Dianne

One of our club members used to make a number of craft items for gifts and sale that incorporated damaged stamps in decoupage. She would take all our damaged stamps for use in her artwork. She no longer does that stuff and she has left us so all my rejects are just destined for the trash which is a shame. I'd be happy to save them for anyone who can put them to use. I really do not like to throw the majority of damaged stamps that I do.

I have been busy, sorry I haven't been back here.

I got my big lot of stamps in today! WoW, there is a lot! I need an album, I think. I am going to do some searching to find a good cheap album. Or is that a oxymoron? LOL!

I can't get my pics to post, I am doing it right, (I think) clicking the little insert image button at the top,but it doesn't show.

Dianne, and cgortha, here's my email addy for any "unloved, broken, or damaged" (lol) stamps that need a home:

stefanib123@hotmail.com

I would send you my address but I don't know how to send a private message or email....I'm technology challenged!

Thanks to eveyone for their generous offers!