How Do You Organize Your Stamp Collection ?

Stamp hinges constructed from lightly gummed clear paper have traditionally been used by collectors to mount stamps on book pages. Stamp hinges are supposed to be peelable, but I've seen a lot of old stamps with the remnants of old hinges permanently stuck on the reverse.

As a result, hinges are typically used on postally worn stamps, whereas mounts are typically employed to protect mint gummed stamps from damage. Stamp collectors did not have the sophisticated archive-safe materials we have now many years ago, and hinges were the norm. Today, however, "never hinged" is frequently seen as a requirement for purchasing high-value stamps. Traditional hinges are suitable for beginning collections, low-value collections, used stamps, and stamps that have previously been hinged. But don't use them on mint or high-value "never hinged" stamps!

Unmounted acrylic stamps have increased the popularity of stamping more than ever. Acrylic stamps are less expensive, clear acrylic blocks make stamping easier, and new producers are always introducing us to exciting new designs. Establish a decent technique for arranging your stamps before your stamping hobby becomes overwhelming and becomes an organisational frustration. Once the system is in place, sticking to it and staying organised will be simple.

Begin with cataloguing the first stamp in the first pocket. Stamp an impression of the stamp on each labelled catalogue sheet where the stamp would meet the category - for example, if you had a "wrapped present box" stamp, this stamp would work in Birthday, Baby, Graduation, Wedding, Christmas, and so on. You should stamp it on each page of the catalogue. Write the number of the pocket where the stamp will be stored next to each impression.

Return the stamp to its pocket after cleaning it. I photocopied the graphics and then pasted them onto the sheets rather than stamping them. If you're going to do this, I recommend making a full-size copy. Stamping them, on the other hand, is faster and more efficient.

Once you've stamped all of the images wherever they might be useful, slip the 1212 Catalog sheet into Super Sized Single Pages and place them on a Spinder. You now have a complete catalogue of all your stamps. When you need to discover a specific stamp, simply flip to that Theme or Holiday and the numbered image will show you exactly where to go.

You would do the same thing with mounted stamps, grouping them by size, writing a number on the edge of the wood block, and then storing them numbered in drawers or totes. Insert images of the mounted stamps into the corresponding catalogue sheets.

You might wish to put the letter M in front of the numbers so you can readily recognise the stamp picture as one from the "M"ounted stamp container. For sorting and storing all of your wood-mounted stamps, our Stamp Store & Go bags or Stamp Suitcases are great.

Instead of bringing your entire stamp collection to a crop or workshop, you may easily bring only the stamps you know you will use. Take your catalogue pages and some sticky notes if you don't know which stamps to use. Create your page or project, and leave a space for a stamp from your catalogue. Write the number of the stamp on one of the sticky notes and place it on the location on your project. You can finish the project when you get home. You won't have had to lug all of your stamps, equipment, inks, and so on with you, but you would have had complete access to them.

Many crafters only have a few stamps and have no plans to become more serious "stampers." If you just stamp on occasion, you can keep your stamps in your ScrapRack alongside your other Scrapbooking/Papercrafting equipment. Simply place the stamp in the relevant ScrapRack section's pocket page. If the stamp has numerous uses, such as the gift box stamp discussed above, simply stamp a few impressions on plain paper. Make a note on the paper, such as "see birthday section," then slip the stamped impressions into pockets in the relevant sections.

Stamp collectors have relied on albums and paper tracking systems to organise their collections for years. Indeed, for many dedicated collectors, organising their collections is one of the most rewarding aspects of their hobby. Many enjoyable hours might be spent reviewing previous purchases. Of course, software is now available to assist you in organising your stamps and keeping track of your collection.

It is ultimately up to you whether to track your collection on paper or with technology. You may wish to experiment with software to see how it works, or you may choose to continue with paper. Whatever you decide, be sure you pick a system that works for you.