There is something delicious about making stamps that look so real, even the postmaster is taken by surprise.

To have the most convincing-looking stamps, it may be helpful to learn about “real” postage stamps. The following links provide useful information for stamp collectors.

One of the most frequently-asked questions is about FDCs, or “First Day Covers.”

Artistampers sometimes overlook this opportunity for adding art–and perhaps value–to the stamps that we mail.

Here’s a definition, if First Day Covers have appeal:

An FDC, or “First Day Cover,” is an envelope to which a postage stamp is affixed. The postmark or cancellation applied to that stamp shows the date and at the location when the stamp was mailed.

(That date is also the first day the stamp was available.  In other words, the stamp — and the card or envelope it’s on — were mailed on the stamps “birthday”… and not later.)

Most collectors also want a printed design on the envelope that explains or provides additional information about the stamp. This printed design is called a “cachet.”

Envelopes, or covers, with postage stamps and cancellations are also issued for various special events such as First Flights, Presidential Inaugurations, Sports, Patriotics, Philatelic Conventions, XMAS, Special Events, etc.” – definition modified from  First Day Covers, by Martin Severe.

For examples of “cachets” created by Junior Philatelists (stamp collectors under age 18), check this illustrated page. (Recently, that link has timed-out. I’m not sure if it’s still valid.)

Looking for stamp ideas, and what to celebrate with a stamp? Ask your local post office about recent and upcoming commemorative stamps

In Quest of the Elusive ‘Shawkspeare’ may inspire mysterious stamps.

Check out other interesting stamps and puzzles at The Mystery Box.

Perforations by Ken Stewart offers a general history and details of different kinds of perforations on stamps, for collectors.

If you’re considering special kinds of cancellations for your stamps, Ken has also written an article, Not Your Run of the Mill Cancellations.

Basically, your options (besides postal cancellation and your own rubber stamp variations) include overprinting to simulate pre-cancelled stamps.

When choosing an adhesive, if you envision your stamps lasting for centuries in private collections, check this article about glues on “real” stamps.

This section will feature photos and articles that inspire me–and others–to make art shrines.

Meanwhile, here are some links that aren’t necessarily about shrines, but they inspire me to think about art shrines and assemblages.

Shrines and assemblage art

Dale Copeland – Quirky, wonderful dimensional art.

Michael deMeng’s Pez dispensers – Inspiring ‘functional’ assemblages.

Lynn Whipple – Distinctive art with antique photos. (Hear her interview on HeartsART.)

Gerard Ferrari Found Object Sculptures – Sometimes whimsical, sometimes creepy.

Lisa Vollrath – Altered art | Shrines, with popular themes.

Leo Sewell – Found Object Sculpture – Fun, clever, popular art.

Articles about shrine making (mostly text)

Some thoughts on shrine making, by Lisa Vollrath.

Creating shrines, by Kay Marie Porterfield.

The art of creating shrines, by Jessica Macbeth.