One of the first donations I received contained HUNDREDS of cancelled postage stamps. The kicker was, the majority of these old stamps were on paper backing. I spent a few days feeing these stamps from their paper and sorting them by category.
Clearly my love of rescuing old things is stronger then my love of turning a profit – this work took me a least 8 hours to do. But, it was worth it and a handful of people have already scooped up the fruits of my labor.
If you too get a charge out of old cancelled stamps and would like a stash for your supply cabinet, head over to the shop and pick up a bag for $2-$4: https://bit.ly/3w3gs9u
Here are 18 Ideas for How to Use Old Stamps in New Projects
1. Make tiny stamp houses.
Source: Etsy seller Heather Donohue
2. Use them as color and texture behind a custom cut mat.
Source: Etsy seller Factory 57
3. Frame them as the works of art they are.
Source: Society 6/Pack and Post
4. Dress up common household items, like these magazine sorters.
Source: Julie Kirk
5. Turn them into glass magnets.
Source: Etsy Shop CrowBiz
6. Update the look of your favorite planner or notebook.
Source: Cintia of My Poppet Makers
7. Use them to make seasonal gift tags.
Source: Claire with PillowBox Blue
8. Create a colorful monogram.
Source: JewelPie
9. Turn them into a mixed media masterpiece
Source: Tofu's blog post
10. Create a whimsical piece of mixed media art
Source: Rachel Markwick
11. Use them as part of ephemera to add color and texture to a painting.
Source: Geninne's Art Blog
12. Save yourself the hassle of having to paint a face!
Source: Postage Stamp Collage, Calm Magazine
Source: Pinterest
14. Make some mail art, Griffin and Sabine style!
Source: Danisart blog
15. Use them for dimensional collage.
Source: Artist Stephanie Rubiano
16. Use them as your canvas.
Source: Artist Everett Spruill
17. Include them in your home decor, as a floor mosaic
Source: Artist Elisabetta Di Maggio, Colossal
18. Create large scale works of pattern and color
Source: Artist Jordan Scott
I hope you're feeling inspired by all of these options! Cancelled postage stamps have little to no value outside of being reused for creative projects. You can pick them up online for a small fee, including at Hello Art Hatchery!
