How to Reuse Used Stamps

If you have a used stamp collection, why not decorate with them? Stamps are beautiful as well as interesting! If you've collected them over the years and aren't sure what to do with them, consider this craft idea that will create a beautiful decoration for your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old used stamps
• Wooden Boxes
• Decoupage Glue
• Paint brush
• colored paper for accents

1. 
   Stamp Collection

   Start off by trimming any excess envelope paper that is adhered to the stamp. You don't need to take all of it off. Just clean up the edges of the stamp.

2. 
   Stamp Boxes

   Next, paint a light coat of decoupage glue onto your box. Apply the stamp to the glued portion of the box. Then paint another light coat of glue over the stamp, covering it completely. Do this for the entire box and create any pattern that you'd like with the stamps.

3. 
   Stamp Boxes

   Then, work on the lid. Remember that you have to be able to use the lid and put it on and off of the box. Try to arrange your stamps so that they don't get torn from using the lid over time. I applied stamps to the side and top of the lid and tried to stay away from the edges.

4. 
   Stamp Boxes

   Last, allow to dry for a few days before putting the lid on the box to avoid them from sticking.

5. If you'd like to add a little more color to your boxes, try adhering squares of colored paper to your box as well. Then apply the stamps over them so you can see the full pattern on each stamp. The colored paper in the background will make the colors on the stamps pop.

Tips & Warnings

• If you love this idea but don't have a collection of old stamps, try looking online on sites such as eBay for collections for sale. You can find 100s of stamps on sale and sold together that you can reuse for craft projects.

[mosaicmom]

on 8/19/2009 I have done this on photo frames. Don't get much real mail anymore. LOL I do save the good stamps that have special features.

[joni04]

on 8/19/2009 What a great idea, a craft that actually means something and tell a story! I love it.

[DiscountTickets]

on 8/14/2009 You are so creative, you must save many things.

[langleycornwell]

on 8/14/2009 What a fun DIY project, thanks for the instructions.

[40skydiver]

on 7/16/2009 Oustanding idea! I will have to make one of these for my sister, she is a stamp collector. 5*