Stamp Exhibitions and Philately Clubs

Stamp Exhibitions

Stamp exhibitions, also known as philatelic exhibitions are held in regional, national and international level to show the world some of the best stamp collections made by philatelists from all over the world. They also serve the purpose of creating awareness about stamp collections and also help stamp dealers and post offices sell stamps and related antiquities and other philatelic items.

What happens in a stamp exhibition?

A philatelic exhibition facilitates the study of stamps, their history and various facts surrounding them. Stamp auctioning and display of various rare stamps give an unforgettable experience to any avid stamp collector.

Stamp collectors compete for medals and are judged upon by qualified judges with a profound knowledge of philately.

Stamp exhibitions mostly happen as regular events conducted by well-known philatelic societies.

Types of exhibition

Exhibitions may be of international, national or regional scope and have a target audience correspondingly.  They may theme based displaying a collection of stamps particular to a certain theme or a general type of exhibition.

Stamp exhibitions that are granted the FIP patronage are considered to be the most prestigious.
Some of the well-known stamp exhibitions are

• STAMPEX
• INDIPEX
• ASIANA
• EXPONET is a virtual stamp exhibition that allows the user to have the joy of visiting a stamp exhibition right from their home via the Internet.

Each country has its own international stamp exhibition at some point in time and these exhibitions have striven hard to keep the art of philately alive in the present days even though postal communication has dwindled.

Philately Clubs

Stamp collection is all the fascination and the thrill of collecting and treasuring hundreds of stamps with a passion and zeal for the love of philately. Hobbyists find philately very interesting and it has been an active hobby for the past 2 centuries.

The zeal for stamp collection is kept alive by the various philately clubs and societies that are formed by activists from all over the world sharing a same passion for philately.

A place to share and explore
Stamp clubs serve as a wonderful platform for stamp collectors to share and explore with people of common interests.  They help you to connect with the local stamp collectors’ community and also maintain a huge base of stamps that you can admire and explore with. Philately clubs can be the best places that can understand your fascination for stamps and let you show off your collection to similar minded people.

Local philately clubs

Finding your nearest philately clubs can be very easy with the help of internet. Just a simple Google search can lead you the place where you can connect with your contemporaries.
Local philately clubs could be a great resource for individual stamp collectors and since philately is rather an individual hobby; clubs could be a great way to socialize.

National and international level philately clubs

There are many national international online societies available that help you add more fun to your hobby. Some of the well-known international philately clubs are

•  American Philately Society
•  Royal Philatelic Society London
•  International Philatelic Union

There are many regional and national philatelic organizations available in every country.

Importance of stamp clubs

Stamp clubs can be ultimate source of help and fun, by rendering in each of these effective ways:

•  Provide a way to connect with fellow stamp collectors
•  Share information
•  Organize stamp exhibitions
•  Give alerts on stamp auctions and deals
• Give an open access to its resources

Connect with the nearby philately club today!

Bonsai as a Business

Bonsai as a Business

Bonsai is more than just a hobby. It can also be a business. While many people admire Bonsai trees for their beauty and elegance, very few people have the patience and skill to grow a bonsai on their own. There is a good market for readymade Bonsais. Bonsai trees command good prices based on the age, species and appearance.

Many customers, particularly companies like to have bonsai trees in their offices on a rental basis as they may not be able to care for the trees on their own.

Bonsai experts are also in demand for training classes.  The Bonsai publishing industry is also well established. Experienced Bonsai practitioners can publish books,blogs,etc.

Here are some easy steps to start a Bonsai Business

Approach Gift Shops with Bonsai.

Many people may want to gift something different to their friends and loved ones.  A bonsai may be the perfect choice.

Get in touch with Interior Decoration Companies

Interior Decoration Companies may consider placing Bonsai trees  in their projects.  Talk to them about selecting the right type of tree for their clients.

Talk to Newspaper Editors and bloggers to publish your story

Write articles on Bonsai in your local newpaper and give out your address.  You will get enquiries and  potential customers.  Get a professional photographer to photograph your products and publish them in lifestyle magazines.

Put up your online store.

With the internet, it is now easy to get exposure for your business.  Set up an online store and upload details of your Bonsai Products. 

Bonsai Clubs and Associations

The art form of Bonsai has grown in popularity around the world. Almost all major cities in the world have their own Bonsai clubs .

These clubs are places where hobbyists and professional practitioners of this art form can meet and share ideas and experiences among one another. You can check online for a club in your town or city.

These clubs also conduct competions and shows to encourage people in the art of Bonsai. Some clubs also conduct training programs to members on advanced Bonsai Techniques.

Artificial Bonsai Trees

Artificial Bonsai Trees are trees made of plastic or other synthetic materials. These Trees are used to decorate homes and offices. Since, these require no maintenance, they are often preferred. Seller claim that each tree is hand made and resembles a natural tree.

Replicas of trees of almost all species are available in their artificial forms. These plants are usually handcrafted and have a lifelike appearance.

The trunk of many artificial trees is made of natural wood. The leaves are made of silk which lend a lifelike appearance. The trees are UV resistant which prevent facing due to exposure to light.

Related links:

Bonsai as a business - Getting started