Flowers From The Garden Stamps are a series of postage stamps issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2017. They feature four different paintings of flowers that come from typical American gardens, each bunch artfully arranged in a container. The stamps are designed to celebrate the beauty and diversity of nature, as well as the joy of gardening and flower arranging.
The Design Concept of Flowers From The Garden Stamps
The design concept of Flowers From The Garden Stamps was inspired by the tradition of still life painting, which dates back to the 16th century. Still life paintings often depict objects such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, and household items, arranged in a realistic or symbolic way. The paintings usually convey a message or a mood, such as abundance, decay, or harmony.
The USPS chose to use existing art by Elizabeth Brandon, a contemporary artist who specializes in still life paintings. Brandon is known for her vibrant colors, realistic details, and elegant compositions. She uses oil paints and brushes to create her artworks, which often take several weeks to complete.
The USPS selected four of Brandon’s paintings for the stamps, each featuring a different type of flower and container. The paintings are:
- Red camellias and yellow forsythia in a yellow pitcher
- White peonies and pink tree peonies in a clear vase
- White hydrangeas, white and pink roses, green hypericum berries, and purple lisianthus in a white vase
- Blue hydrangeas in a blue pot
The stamps were designed by Derry Noyes, an art director who has worked with the USPS for over 30 years. Noyes cropped the paintings to fit the stamp format, and added the words “USA FOREVER” and “FLOWERS FROM THE GARDEN” in white letters.
The Designer of Flowers From The Garden Stamps
Elizabeth Brandon is the designer of Flowers From The Garden Stamps. She is an American artist who was born in Mississippi and currently lives in Tennessee. She has been painting since she was a child, and studied art at the University of Mississippi and the Memphis College of Art.
Brandon is fascinated by the beauty and variety of nature, especially flowers. She grows many flowers in her own garden, and also visits local nurseries and farmers’ markets to find inspiration for her paintings. She likes to experiment with different combinations of flowers and containers, creating arrangements that reflect her personal style and mood.
Brandon has exhibited her paintings in many galleries and shows across the country. She has also received several awards and honors for her work, such as the Best in Show at the Oil Painters of America National Exhibition in 2013. She is a signature member of the Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society.
The Release Date of Flowers From The Garden Stamps
Flowers From The Garden Stamps were released on August 16, 2017. They were issued as Forever stamps, which means they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price. They were sold in coils of 3,000 and 10,000 stamps, as well as in strips of 10 or 20 stamps.
The first-day-of-issue ceremony for the stamps was held at the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The ceremony was attended by USPS officials, local dignitaries, and Elizabeth Brandon herself. The event also featured a floral demonstration by a local florist, who showed how to create arrangements using flowers from the garden.
The Use Cases of Flowers From The Garden Stamps
Flowers From The Garden Stamps are suitable for various occasions and purposes. They can be used to send letters, cards, invitations, or packages to friends and family. They can also be used to decorate envelopes, scrapbooks, journals, or crafts. They can even be collected as souvenirs or gifts for stamp enthusiasts or flower lovers.
Flowers From The Garden Stamps are especially appropriate for celebrating events or seasons that are related to nature or gardening. For example, they can be used to:
- Send greetings or wishes for spring, summer, Easter, Mother’s Day, or birthdays
- Express gratitude or appreciation for someone who loves gardening or flowers
- Congratulate someone on their graduation, wedding, anniversary, or new home
- Sympathize with someone who has lost a loved one or is going through a difficult time
- Encourage someone who is pursuing their dreams or goals
Flowers From The Garden Stamps are designed to convey a sense of warmth, joy, and beauty. They are a simple but meaningful way to share the wonders of nature with others.
The Purchase Channels of Flowers From The Garden Stamps
Flowers From The Garden Stamps can be purchased from various channels, both online and offline. They can be bought from:
- The USPS website, where customers can order the stamps in coils, strips, or sheets, and also find more information about the stamps and the artist
- The USPS online store on eBay or The USPS Stamps, where customers can buy the stamps in different quantities and formats, and also browse other stamp products and collectibles
- The USPS mobile app, where customers can use their smartphones or tablets to buy the stamps and track their orders
- The USPS retail locations, where customers can visit their local post offices or postal stores to buy the stamps in person
- The USPS authorized dealers, where customers can find the stamps at various retailers, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or office supply stores
Flowers From The Garden Stamps are available for purchase while supplies last. Customers are advised to check the availability and prices of the stamps before buying them.
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