| One of the most popular hobbies today is | | | | stamps with another collector (preferably one |
| collecting stamps. Being among the simpler of the | | | | with unwanted stamps perfect for the new |
| hobbies to take up, it brings enjoyment to many. | | | | focus). |
| Getting started in stamp collecting is easy if a | | | | 6. One of the primary benefits of stamp collecting |
| few basic guidelines are followed: | | | | is that the hobby can be done very inexpensively. |
| 1. Consider what topics or focuses within the field | | | | The tools and supplies necessary can be obtained |
| of collecting stamps would be preferred. For | | | | cheaply and the stamps themselves can be had |
| example, a collector could decide to specialize in | | | | for free if the focus of the collection is |
| stamps from a particular area, time period, or | | | | undemanding enough. For example, a loose-leaf |
| stamps that follow a specific theme such as birds, | | | | album (the basic tool required) can be had for less |
| political figures, or anything else stamps have | | | | than most people spend for a single restaurant |
| featured. It is recommended to begin a collection | | | | meal. |
| with a somewhat more general focus and allow | | | | 7. For those opting to collect received stamps |
| the collector's interests and development within | | | | through incoming mail it is important to remove |
| the hobby to narrow it naturally. Most stamp | | | | them properly. The envelope should be cut around |
| collectors report that it is more interesting to | | | | the stamp, leaving a small area of free space |
| have a specific theme. | | | | around the stamp's edges. The stamp and |
| 2. A good way to start is by purchasing new | | | | envelope piece is then placed facedown in a bowl |
| stamps from the post office or market. It should | | | | of warm water until the gum adhesive on the |
| be possible to find stamps relating to the focus | | | | stamp loosens. The stamp my then be carefully |
| within the variety offered at most postal | | | | peeled free using tongs, allowed to air dry, and |
| counters, and buying a pack will often yield | | | | then placed in an album. (Note: this works only |
| different designs, making it easy to build a diverse | | | | with stamps that have water-based adhesives.) |
| collection rapidly. | | | | 8. Take advantage of the many resources for |
| 3. Asking friends and relatives to donate stamps | | | | stamps and stamp collecting. The Internet is |
| they don't plan to use and those they receive on | | | | perhaps the most effective way to search for |
| incoming mail can conserve money. They can also | | | | information on stamps. It can also help determine |
| help by asking their friends to donate stamps. | | | | where specific stamps can be inexpensively |
| When friends and relatives donate stamps to a | | | | obtained, even rare or hard to find stamps. The |
| collection the stamps often carry greater meaning | | | | Internet also provides resources to make |
| for the collector. | | | | contacts with other stamp collectors. This can be |
| 4. It is not uncommon for a stamp collector to | | | | an invaluable information base to build knowledge |
| begin receiving stamps as gifts from their friends | | | | within the hobby as well as point out special deals |
| and relatives on nearly any occasion. This also can | | | | or places to find coveted stamps. And of course |
| make the building of a collection easier. It may | | | | any other collector is also a potential trading |
| become worthwhile to let others know which | | | | partner who might just have little need for the |
| stamps or types of stamps would be most | | | | highly desired stamp to complete another's |
| appreciated. | | | | collection. |
| 5. It's important to begin to determine whether | | | | For the many stamp collectors the best part of |
| older stamps or newer stamps will be the focus | | | | the hobby is displaying their collection to, friends, |
| of a collection. While many people prefer to collect | | | | family, and other collectors. Once a collection is |
| older stamps due to the increased value, rarity, | | | | established it can be shown or even warrant its |
| and prestige of such a collection, new stamps are | | | | own exhibit. A Web site is an excellent way to |
| more affordable and easier to find. If the focus of | | | | show a collection without risking harm to it. Not |
| a growing collection is ever changed or refined to | | | | only can it generate interest in a collection, it even |
| exclude some or all of the stamps within it, these | | | | makes possible the inclusion of each stamp's story |
| stamps should not be discarded. Rather, the | | | | and how it found its way into the collection. |
| collector should endeavor to sell or trade those | | | | |