This four strip stamp set celebrating bicycling was released yesterday. I think they're fun, but I find the middle color palette sort of strange. Still, overall, think they are neat and I'll be happy to use them. Here's what Beyond the Perf has to say about them:
With the issuance of these stamps, the U.S. Postal Service celebrates bicycling, one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country. Each of the four colorful se-tenant stamps features a different kind of bike and rider: a young child just learning to ride with training wheels, a commuter pedaling to work, a road racer intent on the finish line, and an airborne BMX rider.
Art director Phil Jordan designed the stamps using illustrations by John Mattos.
For release tomorrow is this "sister" stamp to 2010's Scouting issue. I'd like it better if it wasn't refered to as a "sister" issue and if it just said "scouting." I also wish I weren't so cynical and I believed it had been in the plan the whole time to have a "girl" issue of the scouting stamp. Oh well, at least we have it now. Remember to fight for equal rights everywhere, for everyone, even on stamps.
Rounding out the June issues are these stamps celebrating Edith Piaf and Miles Davis. "But wait!", you say, "Edith Piaf is French. What's she doing on an American stamp?" Well, according to the Beyond the Perf site, Edith Piaf is " is one of the few French popular singers to become a household name in the U.S." Since Miles Davis is popular in France (he was awarded the Grande Médaille de Vermeil by the city of Paris), the pair make a perfect double issue for the U.S.P.S. and La Poste, France's postal service.
Ooh, yay! I'm looking forward to the bikes and Piaf!
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 08, 2012 at 11:03 AM
The Scouting stamp is timed to coincide with the centennial celebration of the Girl Scouts! I'm in Washington, D.C. right now, and the whole place is swarming with well mannered girls tripping over themselves to open the door for me. ;) So shelve your cynicism for this one - the USPS is honoring a great organization. :)
Posted by: Kate | June 09, 2012 at 04:43 AM
I'm actually head over heels with the bicycle stamps - I think they're the perfect blend of shades to go with the handmade envelopes in "vintage" colors I like to make, the sepia sort of tones. Can't wait to get my hands on some!
Posted by: Lizzy | June 10, 2012 at 07:41 AM