A website exploring the wide, relatively unexplored world of Canadian Picture Postage stamps was launched late last year by collector Darlene Burt.
The Picture Postage program managed by Canada Post allows anyone to create personalized stamps and postcards via the Internet or from a mobile device for less than $30. The stamps can be used to mail a standard-size envelope weighing up to 30 grams to anywhere in Canada. The Crown corporation started the Picture Postage trend in January 1994, when it produced booklets of 10 self-adhesive 43-cent stamp frames called “Greetings Booklet – 1,” explains Burt, who’s a member of the British Philatelic Society of Canada.
These initial Picture Postage issues – Scott #1507-08 – have a central blank area, allowing the user to insert one of seven greeting labels from the booklet or insert a personal label or sticker, Burt said, adding SC #1507 has “CANADA” on the left side of the stamp while SC #1508 has “CANADA” on the right side of the stamp.
Comprehensively illustrated throughout the existence of Picture Postage, Burt’s website also includes other greeting stamps dating back to 1994, the 2003 Alaska Cruise stamps, Canada Post’s commemorative envelopes and Picture Postage first-day covers.
For more information about Burt’s website, visit picturepostage.net.