USPS Unveils a Winter Wonderland in Miniature

The United States Postal Service is shaking things up with their latest release – enchanting snow globe-themed stamps. It’s like a Christmas miracle in the palm of your hand!

A Universal Love for Snow Globes

From toddlers to grandparents, there’s something about snow globes that captures our hearts. These whimsical trinkets, ranging from kitschy souvenirs to sophisticated works of art, all have one thing in common: a mini world encased in glass, where ‘flitter’ – or as we laymen call it, swirling snow – creates a magical winter wonderland.

Artistry in Postage: Gregory Manchess’ Holiday Masterpieces

The new batch of these captivating snow globes showcases the stunning artwork of none other than the acclaimed artist, Gregory Manchess. With his deft strokes in oil paint, he’s managed to bottle the essence of the holiday season in four unique designs. You’ll find a jolly snowman, a Santa who’s just about to shimmy down a chimney, a majestic reindeer, and a Christmas tree that’s dressed to the nines.

Forever Stamps: A Gift That Keeps on Giving

These snow globe-themed postage stamps come in handy books of twenty. And here’s the icing on the cake – they’re Forever Stamps, which means they’ll always be worth the current First Class mail rate for one ounce. So, whether you’re sending out holiday cards or paying bills, these stamps will add a dash of festive cheer to your mail.

The Genesis of the Snow Globe

In the bustling heart of Vienna, Austria, in the late 1800s, a humble craftsman named Leopold was known for creating intricate glass paperweights. One day, while waiting for a customer, he observed children playing in the snow. Mesmerized by the dance of snowflakes, an idea began to take shape in his mind.

He wondered if he could capture the serenity and magic of falling snow inside one of his glass creations. Experimenting over many months, Leopold tried various methods. He encountered numerous challenges, from making the snow swirl realistically to ensuring the water remained clear. After several failed attempts, a happy accident with a mixture of water, glycerin, and small particles of bone china made the perfect snowstorm.

Initially, Leopold’s invention was a novelty among his usual clientele. But during a Christmas fair, it caught the attention of a wealthy British merchant, Lord Harrow, who saw the potential of this beautiful object as a luxury gift. He placed a significant order, making one specific request: that each globe contained a miniature scene, reminiscent of the festive season.

Seeing the success and the appeal of the snow globe, other artisans began crafting them. As time passed, the snow globe transitioned from a luxury item to a cherished keepsake, making its way into households worldwide. The magic and wonder of the snow globe resonated with both children and adults, symbolizing not just the festive season but also the joy of capturing a fleeting moment in time.

And so, from the snowy streets of Vienna, the snow globe began its timeless journey, warming hearts and encapsulating moments for generations to come.

To your Topical Stamp Collecting!

Stampy

PS: Unique snow globe design with exquisite attention to detail adds playful and timeless beauty to your home decor. This musical snow globe plays the tune “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” 🎅 and is available on Amazon.  ↩️

Janice Dugas – ATA Member

I’m stamp collector, philatelist and philatelic journalist and would love to connect with you. If you are new to the world of stamp collecting please claim your free stamp collecting guide book by simply submitting your name and best email on the box to the right of this article and gain a solid foundation when it comes to enjoying stamp collecting for fun and profit !

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