Monday, December 22, 2014

Rudolph cancellations and postage


There are cancellations for all 4 Rudolph stamp characters, and there's also a Rudolph postage label.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Rudolph coloring page

Earl Musick posted this on Facebook saying, "Here's a coloring page I did for the US Postal Service. I hope you like it. Please stay in between the lines and remember Santa's eyes are blue."

Speaking of Rudolph, there are four cancellations. I've now seen Santa and the Abominable Snowman.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Cancellations for Rudolph stamps


2 different ink cancellation marks for the animated Rudolph stamps. Has anyone seen others?

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Moonshot Kickstarter has stamps as a reward

Photo 1024x768

BOOK + CUSTOM COLLECTIBLE POSTAGE STAMPS This special reward package includes the complete book with all of the above goodies PLUS a set of 5 real usable Canadian Collector Stamps featuring original artwork by internationally acclaimed, award winning artist Jeffery Veregge! *Note: these are real usable stamps custom made by Canada Post that you can use to send mail from Canada, within Canada, or to the US!

Thanks to Barbara Postema for the tip.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Nov 6: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first day of issue


 

















  • Unveiling of First-Day-Of-Issue Stamp
  • Create a Holiday Customized Greeting Card
  • Ring Toss & Pin the Nose on the Snowman Games
  • Join in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Carol


Thanks for your interest in the National Postal Museum!





Smithsonian National Postal Museum | 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE | MRC 570 PO Box 37012 | Washington | DC | 20013-7012












.

__,_._,___

Monday, October 27, 2014

Barbara Dale's Holiday Greetings! envelope

In Barbara Dale's studio and cartoon collection is this 'Holiday Greetings!' envelope drawn on by Jeff "Shoe: MacNelly, Will "Annie Fanny" Elder and Tom "Ziggy" Wilson.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Conz does dinosaurs





Flemish cartoonist Constantijn Van Cauwenberge (or Conz for short) just finished the design of a new series of stamps for the Belgian Post Office featuring awesome renderings of ten dinosaurs. On his Facebook page, Conz also posted earlier drafts of two of the designs, which arguably are even greater.


The stamps have a release date of September 2015 and will probably cost something like € 7 (price hikes are always possible).

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Batman stamps FDC by Joe Sutliff

My friend, cartoonist Joe Sutliff surprised me with this First Day Cover of Catwoman. Thanks, Joe!


Thursday, October 9, 2014

Press release for Batman stamps

Batman Stamps Dedication Ceremony
Kicks Off New York Comic Con 2014
Limited Edition Forever Stamps Celebrate
the Dark Knight's 75th Anniversary

NEW YORK, N.Y. / GOTHAM CITY – Today, the U.S. Postal Service, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, took over the Javits Center to kick-off New York Comic Con 2014 by dedicating the Limited Edition Forever Batman Stamps.

As part of the first-day-of-issue ceremony hosted by comic book writer, actor and radio personality Ralph Garman, the eight commemorative Batman designs were revealed depicting Batman from the four distinct eras of comic book history to include the various incarnations of the famed Bat emblem.

"For years, the Postal Service has celebrated so many of America's icons on its landmark stamps — and today, we're excited to honor one of the most iconic comic book Super Heroes in history," said U.S. Postal Service Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President James Cochrane. "It's very fitting we're dedicating these Batman stamps during National Stamp Collecting Month, because stamp collecting played a role in young Bruce Wayne's childhood in the 1950s comics." 
 
Joining Cochrane in dedicating the stamps was legendary comic book illustrator and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher, Jim Lee, whose art is depicted on the Modern Age stamp featured in the collection. DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio also participated in the event, along with Greg Breeding, who designed the stamp sheet for the Postal Service.

"It is an honor to have the U.S. Postal Service feature the Caped Crusader on this new set of stamps in celebration of his 75th anniversary," said Lee. "Batman has inspired and influenced fans around the world for generations and will continue to do so for the next 75 years and beyond — and we hope that fans will add these stylized stamps to their Batman collection."

Batman himself was on hand to help unveil the stamps in the DC Entertainment booth. Following the ceremony, Lee, DiDio, Cochrane and Breeding discussed Batman's evolution in comics before participating in an autograph session.

Limited-Edition Forever Batman Stamps Collection
Four versions of Batman are depicted from the four eras of comic book history: the Modern Age (top row), the Bronze Age (second row), the Silver Age (third row), and the Golden Age (bottom row). In addition, there are four incarnations of the famed Bat-Signal, the spotlight that Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon sent into the night sky to summon Batman.
 
 
Batman's Legacy
First appearing in the comic book Detective Comics #27, which hit newsstands March 30, 1939, featuring artwork by Bob Kane and a script by Bill Finger, Batman emerged from the shadows to become one of the world's most popular Super Heroes. In feature films, television shows, radio, video games, publishing and merchandise, this most human of Super Heroes has battled some of fiction's greatest villains using his intellect, cunning and an arsenal of gadgets to further his quest for justice.

Stamp collecting played a role in the childhood of Bruce Wayne, who shared the hobby with his father in the pages of comic books during the 1950s. These new stamps chronicle the evolution of Batman, from his origins to present day. Batman spans generations fighting for justice in the pages of the comics, on the silver screen, and in the imaginations of fans across the world.

The Batman Limited Edition stamps are being issued as Forever stamps and will be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. All 80 million stamps are available nationwide today. Customers may purchase the stamps at usps.com/stamps, the Postal Store, at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Offices nationwide or visit ebay.com/stamps to shop for a wide variety of postage stamps and collectibles.

Batman previously appeared on postage in 2006 as part of the DC Comics Super Heroes stamp sheet. Issued at Comic Con in San Diego, half of the 20 stamp set were portraits of Aquaman, Batman, the Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Plastic Man, Supergirl, Superman and Wonder Woman. The other 10 stamps depicted covers of individual comic books devoted to each DC Comics Super Hero.

Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Forever Batman Stamps Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Forever Batman Stamps
Special Events Coordinator
380 West 33rd St. Room 4032
New York, NY 10199-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers have to pay five cents each. All orders must be postmarked by Dec. 8, 2014.

Ordering First-Day Covers
The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:

U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products
There are nine philatelic products for this stamp issue.
588424, Framed Art, $39.95
588406, Press Sheet with Die Cut, $88.20 (print quantity 2,500)
588408, Press Sheet without Die Cut, $88.20 (print quantity 2,500)
588410, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (random), $11.95
588416, First Day Cover (set of 8), $7.44
588421, Digital Color Postmark (set of 8), $13.12
588430, Ceremony Program, $6.95
588431, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95
588432, Stamp Deck Card with Digital Color Postmark, $1.99

Many of this year's other stamps may be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, via Twitter @USPSstamps or at uspsstamps.com.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

 

Monday, September 29, 2014

New Batman Stamps from USPS



On October 9th, the US Post Office will issue its contribution to the 75th anniversary of the Caped Crusader : a limited edition set of 8 different stamps, showcasing Batman's representation across the "ages". A special round stamp with the iconic Batman logo will complete the set.

The stamps will be presented at New York Comic Con with a first-day-of-issue ceremony.



I for one am wondering whether this set will be able to compete with Canada Post's Superman issue of 2013. If the Super Heroes sets the USPS put out some years ago are anything to go by, that is seriously doubtful. But at last the typography of these new issues is of better quality. And I love the pun on "Forever"...

(via Robot6)

Batman stamps coming next month

Monday, September 1, 2014

Earl Musick's promo stamps for the US Post Office


Back in July, cartoonist Earl Musick posted on his Facebook page (and thanks to Earl for giving his permission for this repost):

"Some artists are given months to design and paint one postage stamp. I was given 9 hours, YES, nine hours to design and paint 10 postage stamps for the US Postal Service. I did it in 8 hours and 45 minutes. The USPS people told me the designs were terrific and they wanted to use them, but now they must go through legal and other executives for approval before I am allowed to show them. I hope they will be available to show soon. Keep in mind my stamps are only going to be used for USPS promotional purposes and not for real postage."

Today, he says,

"
Many of you have requested to see the "PROMOTIONAL ONLY" stamps that I designed for the USPS. I was given only 9 hours to design and complete a sheet of promotional stamps that show the dedication of the USPS employees. These were my topics and here are my designs. The designs were simple in style because of the time limit. I hope you like them.
Rain Sleet Snow
Mr. ZIP and the ZIPCODE
Operation Santa
Still Making House calls
Largest Civilian Employer of Vets
Ben Franklin
Stamp Collecting
Delivering to Military
Most Trusted
Mule Train (Grand Canyon, AZ) "USPS delivers to every address."

Photo: Many of you have requested to see the

Monday, April 14, 2014

Tom of Finland to appear on stamps in September

Tom of Finland to appear on stamps in September

13.04.2014

http://www.itella.fi/group/english/current/2014/20140413_stamps.html

Stamps will also feature watercolors, bridges, everyday life and Christmas

In September-October 2014, Itella Posti will release seven new sets of stamps, containing a total of 33 new designs. It is a great collection to choose from; the subjects of the new stamps include male drawings by Tom of Finland, autumnal yard and garden scenes painted by Urpo Martikainen, and Jaakko Tähti's photos of Finnish bridges. Other subjects for the end-of-the-year stamps include signs of sky and the change in everyday Finland - and, of course, Christmas.

Confident and proud homoeroticism

The autumn's stamp series begins September 8 with Tom of Finland, who is considered one of the most well-known Finnish artists around the world. His emphatically masculine homoerotic drawings have attained iconic status in their genre and had an influence on, for instance, pop culture and fashion. In his works, Tom of Finland utilized the self-irony and humor typical of subcultures.

During his career, Tom of Finland produced more than 3,500 drawings. The two drawings on the stamp sheet were selected by graphic artist Timo Berry, who designed the stamp, and Susanna Luoto, the Finnish representative of the foundation named after Tom of Finland operating in Los Angeles.

The drawings on the stamp sheet represent strong and confident male figures typical of their designer. "The sheet portrays a sensual life force and being proud of oneself. There is never too much of that in this northern country," says Timo Berry. The miniature sheet contains three 1st class self-adhesive stamps.

The artist behind Tom of Finland was Touko Laaksonen (1920-1991), whose profile is extended in the exhibition Sealed with a Secret - Correspondence of Tom of Finland opening in the Postal Museum September 6.  The exhibition will display the busy correspondence of Laaksonen from the early 1940s to his dying year, 1991. The exhibition will be displayed until March 29, 2015, in Museum Centre Vapriikki in the new Postal Museum to be opened in Tampere in September.

Spider-Man postage available at some Post Offices

Spider-Man, American Flag vended postage to be issued April 1
By Jay Bigalke
3/17/2014
http://www.linns.com/news/us-stamps/300/Spider-Man-vended-postage-April-1

I haven't been able to find the postage yet though. The flat rate
boxes have been available.

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Amazing Spider-Man 2 promotion with the Postal Service

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 promotion with the Postal Service, on a van at M and 19th St, NW, Washington, DC, in a photo by Nick Galifianakis, Spider-Man is also appearing on the fixed price small box that you can get at the Post Office.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Animation stamps from UK

Issue Date: 7th January 2014

Catalogue code: AP384

Presentation pack from the classic children's TV collection at Royal Mail.


The presentation pack from the Royal Mail classic children's TV collection features all your favourite shows including The Wombles, Peppa Pig plus much more.

In this lavishly illustrated Presentation Pack, television writer Graham Kibble-White discusses the golden age of children’s TV from the 1950s to the present day, looking at a host of iconic series and including individual pen portraits of those featured on the 12 Special Stamps.

Andy Pandy
First screened in 1950, Andy Pandy co-starred with Teddy and Looby Loo. 

Ivor the Engine
Ivor the Engine worked in the ‘top left-hand corner of Wales’ from 1959. 

Dougal - The Magic Roundabout
Created by Serge Danot, this popular series made its UK debut in 1965.

Windy Miller - Camberwick Green
Broadcast from 1966, the series was narrated by Play School’s Brian Cant

Mr Benn
Mr Benn appeared in 1971, and the shopkeeper appeared ‘as if by magic’.

Great Uncle Bulgaria - The Wombles
The Wombles introduced us all to the idea of recycling way back in 1973.

Bagpuss
This ‘saggy old cloth cat’ first appeared on our Television screens in 1974.

Paddington Bear
The well-meaning bear from Darkest Peru found TV stardom in 1975.

Postman Pat
The friendly postman first appeared in 1981, together with his cat Jess.

Bob the Builder
Can he fix it? Yes he can, and he’s been doing so ever since 1998.

Peppa Pig
This lovable and cheeky little pig celebrates her 10th anniversary in 2014.

Shaun the Sheep
Following ‘A Close Shave’ in 1995, Shaun graduated to TV in 2007.

Technical Specifications
Design Interabang
Stamp format /size Square 25mm x 25mm excluding protrusions
Printer International Security Printers
Print process Gravure
Perforation 15 x 15
Phosphor All over
Gum Self-adhesive
Number per sheet 30/60 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Priority Mail Gets Amazing Endorsement from Spider-Man

Priority Mail Gets Amazing Endorsement from Spider-Man

USPS and Sony Pictures Team Up to Cross-promote Priority Mail and ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’

March 17, 2014 

http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2014/pr14_018.htm

http://www.facebook.com/uspsspacerTwitter @USPS

Sony Pictures logo

WASHINGTON — To put some Super Hero Spidey-power into its promotion of Priority Mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is teaming up with Sony Pictures for the release of the highly anticipated motion picture “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” in theaters nationwide on May 2, 2014.  

In a campaign to promote Priority Mail and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” the Postal Service and Sony Pictures are collaborating on a high-profile, multi-channel marketing campaign that begins this week and continues through the end of May.

“Our Priority Mail products share many qualities with a Super Hero of Spider-Man’s caliber, namely those of speed, agility and reliability,” said Nagisa Manabe, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at USPS.  “Like Spider-Man, our priority has always been the people we serve. We pride ourselves on our commitment to public service and delivering for our customers, and we are excited about enlisting Spider-Man to help promote our Priority Mail offerings.”

One of the centerpieces of the campaign, which includes direct mail, digital and social media elements, is a television commercial that features Spider-Man circumventing all obstacles in delivering a Priority Mail package to a special showing for fans of “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” USPS linked up with Sony Pictures through their mutual media agency, Universal McCann(UM), and DNA Productions to create the television spot with renowned directors, Rich Lee and Marc Webb, director of “The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Viewers can watch the new USPS/Spider-Man TV spot on the Postal Service’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/uspstv.

“While we always knew about the breadth and reach of the Postal Service, it was exciting to learn about the everyday heroism of its employees,” said Dwight Caines, president, Theatrical Marketing for Sony Pictures.  “Those traits make this partnership the perfect fit for co-branding and cross-promoting ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2.’ We are constantly seeking creative ways to promote our films, and the Postal Service couldn’t have been a better choice.”

The campaign also parallels with the beloved Super Hero by highlighting the courageous acts of the postal workforce. One such example is Isagani Ravelo, a letter carrier in Virginia who saved a person’s life when he heard a customer in distress calling for help. He entered the home to find an elderly woman with severe head injuries resulting from a fall. He immediately performed first-aid to stop bleeding and called an acquaintance of the accident victim for assistance, as the victim requested. Last year, the Postal Service recognized 262 postal employees for heroic acts in the Postmaster General’s heroes program.

USPS mail truck with Spider-Man image

The wide-ranging promotion also includes trucks featuring Spider-Man images in major urban centers, in-movie integrated logo placement, limited-edition Spider-Man Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping Boxes, online and digital banners, Spider-Man postage from self-service kiosks, and retail signs. Inspired by Spider-Man’s comic book heritage, the campaign will feature graphic renderings as a story-telling vehicle and feature stories of ‘USPS super heroes’ – real-life Postal Service employees delivering for their customers.

USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Shipping Box with Spider-Man promotion

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Sony to relay everyday heroism in Spider-Man and the Postal Service,” continued Manabe. “Sony’s innovation and global leadership is sure to help us highlight the exciting products the Postal Service has recently brought to the shipping marketplace. We plan to continue pursuing effective marketing collaborations that highlight the great and reliable service the Postal Service offers to customers each and every day.”

In 2013, the Postal Service added to the strong momentum in its shipping business by launching major changes to its Priority Mail lineup such as improved features, improved USPS Tracking and day-specific delivery.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

USPS and Spider-Man 2

Stan Lee and Spider-Man team up with U.S. Postal Service

by  | March 20, 2014


and here's the Post Office link.

Friday, February 21, 2014

New Peanuts stamp in 2015 reports the Washington Post

The article mentions Peanuts and Dora the Explorer, but Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer could be considered comic art if they use the stop-motion animation one. There's also 20th-Century humorists and Science fiction writers that may prove of interest to us.


Read it at: 

Top secret revealed! See who will be on the next postage stamps.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Cartoon stamp exhibit at Angouleme

A Jesuit exposes stamps BD Angoulême

D'Adhemar to Zorino


This is a philatelic exhibition "PHILABULLE" on BD ! Characters BD Belgian in real stamps and personalized stamps. Nine panels of 12 A4 sheets, presented for the first time at the Tourist Office of Angouleme in the context of the 41st International Film Festival BD of Thursday, January 30 (opening at 18 h) at Sunday, February 2 (extension until 15 February).

Presented by Brother Roland Francart Jesuit editor of the quarterly newsletter of the Friends of Philately and BD This exhibition includes hundreds of A4 sheets, each with a character in alphabetical order. Stamps issued in Belgium, Democratic Republic of Congo, the France , Monaco and the Netherlands.


In addition to this collection, you will see a larger portrait format 30 stamps.


Opening hours:

during the Festival Comic Strip :

- Thursday, Friday from 9am to 18pm

- Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

- Sunday from 9 am to 17:30.

except during the Festival:

- Monday from 10am to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 18h

- Tuesday to Friday from 9h to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 18h

- Saturday from 9:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30.

Free admission.

Address & Contact

Place des Halles

Tourist Office of the Pays d'Angoulême

16000 ANGOULEME

E-Mail: info@angouleme-tourisme.com

info@angouleme-tourisme.com

www.angouleme-tourisme.com


-----


Communiqué de presse:

A Angoulême, ce jeudi 30 janvier, le nouveau président pour la BD chrétienne assistera à la remise des Prix de la BD chrétienne à l'église St Martial.

Philippe de Mûelenaere, président (depuis le 15 janvier 2014), Roland Francart, directeur et Marc Eelbo, membre du Jury Gabriel, représenteront le CRIABD (Centre Religieux d'Info & d'Analyse de la BD, Bruxelles) au 41ème Festival International de la BD à Angoulême du 30 janvier au 2 février

Contacts : Frère Roland Francart sj, Fondateur et Directeur du CRIABD asbl

24 Bd St Michel, 1040 Bruxelles, roland@francart.be tél 00.32.478.26.97.28

http://criabd.over-blog.com/

 

Autre Communiqué de presse:

Un jésuite expose des timbres BD à Angoulême

D'Adhémar à Zorino

C'est une expo philatélique "PHILABULLE" sur la BD ! Personnages de la BD belge en vrais timbres et en timbres personnalisés. Neuf panneaux de 12 feuilles A4, présentée pour la première fois à l'Office du Tourisme d'Angoulême, dans le cadre du 41ème international festival de la BD du jeudi 30 janvier (inauguration à 18 h) au dimanche 2 février (prolongation jusqu'au 15 février).

Présentée par le Frère Roland Francart, jésuite, rédacteur du bulletin trimestriel des Amis de la Philatélie et de la BD, cette exposition comprend une centaine de feuilles A4, chacune présentant un personnage par ordre alphabétique. Timbres-poste émis en Belgique, République Démocratique du Congo, la France, Monaco et les Pays-Bas.

En marge de cette collection, vous pourrez voir un agrandissement, format portrait, de 30 timbres.

Horaires d'ouverture :

pendant le Festival de la Bande Dessinée :

- jeudi, vendredi de 9h à 18h

- samedi de 9h30 à 18h30

- dimanche de 9h à 17h30.

hors période du Festival :

- lundi de 10h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 18h

- du mardi au vendredi de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 18h

- samedi de 9h30 à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h30.

Entrée gratuite.

Adresse & contact

Place des halles

Office de Tourisme du Pays d'Angoulême

16000 ANGOULEME

E-Mail : info@angouleme-tourisme.com

info@angouleme-tourisme.com

www.angouleme-tourisme.com

 


Saturday, January 11, 2014

Superman stamps on Toronto mail truck

Canada's Superman stamps on a Toronto mail truck, photos copyright by and courtesy of Barbara Postema.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

SpongeBob SquarePants mailbox in DC

This SpongeBob SquarePants mailbox in Washington, DC is on Constitution Ave, NW, outside of the National Museum of Natural History.