Åland Post Stamps 2-2023

New to Åland Post Stamps

Rebecka Lundén joined the marketing team for Åland stamps and collectibles on 1 February 2023.

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

I studied media and marketing in Finland. At home on Åland, I have worked as a wedding photographer and in marketing for the tourism industry.

What are you looking forward to about your new job as Content Producer?

I love being creative and everything that’s beautiful. I’m looking forward to helping to produce these exquisite miniature works of art, from learning about the artists’ work processes to getting to hold the finished stamp in my hand. It’s a unique experience and feeling that I want to communicate to our customers via our social media and other channels, so I hope that you will follow us there!

Peace on Earth!

My greatest wish? That was one of the questions in the classic My friends books that were popular when I was in school. The answer is simple –then as now – peace on Earth!

The theme for this year’s Christmas stamps is Christmas greetings from the Islands of Peace, another name for the demilitarized island province of Åland. This year’s Christmas theme was agreed back in 2022, and during the project we became aware just how timely the theme of peace is.

Aland Post Stamps

aland_stamps

The cover illustration was created by artist Lasse Harkkala and depicts an angel of peace spreading a message of peace, compassion, hope and light to the world. Find out more about this issue on page 16.

Johanna Finne Marketing Design Manager Åland Post

Ready for new stamp stories from Åland?

In October ‘A Story Through Åland Stamps 2023’ will be published, a pictorial yearbook filled with stamps, memorable encounters, and magical locations.

The yearbook features a light-hearted mix of images, personal portraits, hidden gems, facts, and all stamp issues for the year, attractively and neatly mounted in the book by hand. Embark on a journey of discovery through Åland and the stamp art of Åland!

In this year’s edition you can experience Åland cottage life, learn more about the Åland Example from the director of the Åland Islands Peace Institute, Sia Spiliopoulou Åkermark, follow sustainability work by Emmaus Åland, and read about how a visit to Åland changed the life of Australian artist Danelle Bergstrom.

The photos in the book are by Åland stamp photographer Tiina Tahvanainen.

In addition to new discoveries and insights, this hard-cover coffee table book also includes a unique bonus product: a graphic card featuring an illustration from the Shipbuilding stamp sheet, signed by artist Danelle Bergstrom. The card is only available when purchasing this yearbook.

Secure your copy today! The book will be a limited edition.

Book, “A story through Åland stamps 2023”

Price: €98.00 Code: 908-202326

Åland has a vision of a sustainable, viable and flourishing society. Taking this as her inspiration, Åland graphic designer Elin Eriksson has created two personal and hopeful stamps that will be issued as a mini-sheet on 22 September.

Decisive impacts – for a flourishing future

The environment and sustainable development are highly relevant topics that affect us all. The barkraft.ax network was set up in 2016 to coordinate realisation and implementation of Åland’s development and sustainability agenda, which was adopted by the Åland Parliament in 2014.

The agenda is based on the vision

“Everyone can flourish in a viable society on the Islands of Peace”. The route to realising this vision is by means of seven development goals, which include striving for happy people, ecosystems in balance, biological diversity and creating sustainable consumption and production patterns. The Bärkraft network is also Åland’s contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to be achieved by 2030.

Åland Post is one of the members of the Bärkraft network and has an overall goal of being fossil-free by 2035. The company has invested in electric vehicles and

installed 420 solar panels on the roof of the post terminal, among other measures.

Graphic designer Elin Eriksson took on the challenge of interpreting the theme on stamps:

“It was tricky to come up with a new approach to the theme and not fall back on old clichés relating to future/environment/ solidarity, as it’s such a well-worn topic. It just so happened that I was on parental leave with my 1-year-old daughter at the time, so it felt like a natural interpretation of the subject: to think about the next generation and how the world will look for them. The choices we make today will have an impact on the world they inherit”.

“I photographed myself and my daughter in profile, positioned so our gazes meet on the stamps. On the stamp with my profile, a bud can be glimpsed in the background, and the choices I make today will enable that bud to flower in the future. Behind my daughter’s profile the flower

445

My stamps - Sustainability

Date of issue: 22 September 2023

Artist: Elin Eriksson

Design: Elin Eriksson & Johanna Finne

Edition: 25 000

Denomination: 8 × Europa

Stamp size: 28 × 45 mm

Mini-sheet size: 170 × 95 mm

Paper: 110 g/m²

Perforation: 13 per 2 cm

Process: 4-colour offset

Printer: Cartor Security Printers

The flower from the stamps reappears on the first day cancel and first day cover. Allow the bud to bloom by, for example, recycling clothing and growing food locally.

can be seen coming into full bloom. I want the stamp design to feel hopeful and to convey a sense of fellowship and warmth,” explains Elin.

Elin Eriksson recently moved back to Åland after thirteen years spent in Stockholm and Helsinki. With hands-on experience within graphic production and design, she is now making her debut as a stamp artist.

“I had never designed a stamp before, so it was fun, but tricky to deal with the tiny format and decide how best to convey my message on such a small canvas. If you try to include too many details on a stamp, it easily becomes very messy and unbalanced. Having now had a go with this tiny format, it would be fun to have an assignment at the opposite end of the scale, perhaps a wall mural or curating a whole exhibition,” ponders Elin.

Elin has studied both art and illustration, as well as furniture and graphic design.

“Collage technique is a favourite of mine, where I combine photography with digital illustrations and photo manipulation.”

“As a graphic designer, my day-to-day work involves realising my clients’ visions. I work well having a framework for reference, but then within that daring to challenge conventions and go on to create something unexpected. It’s like a creative equation to be solved. I like mixing different techniques and styles. Collage technique is a favourite of mine, where I combine photography with digital illustrations and photo manipulation. That’s the technique I used to produce these stamps,” explains Elin.

@elin.maria.eriksson

FDC My stamps - Sustainability

Price: €6.60 Code: 416-000445

Elin Eriksson is an Åland illustrator and graphic designer, whose day job is as design director at design agency Hello Studio. The mini-sheet is her first stamp assignment.

Order your personlised stamps

The release of this year’s mini-sheet means expansion of our online ‘Create your own stamps’ service, with a new stamp template that you can use for creating personalised stamps from Åland. The denomination of the stamps in the mini-sheet is ‘Europa’. In other words, you can use them to send cards and letters from Åland to any country in Scandinavia and Europe.

How to tell your story with stamps:

1. Select ‘Create your own stamps’ from the Stamps menu tab at the top of the page on alandstamps.com.

2. Select a stamp template and upload your image. The image must be in jpg format and at least 640×480 pixels.

The minimum order is 1 set, consisting of 2 mini-sheets, i.e., 16 stamps. After submitting your order, we will contact you with an image of how your stamp will look. After that we will print the stamps and send them to you.

Direct link: https://alandstamps.com/ en/products/gor-egna-frimarken-portoeuropa-1

Through personalized stamps you can share the highlights of your life and important events such as weddings, baptisms, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Terms and conditions

Payment

Orders are delivered together with an invoice. You can receive ordered products, even if your account shows a debit balance; however, we reserve the right to demand pre-payment. If the balance does not cover your order, you will receive an invoice for the outstanding amount. Make payments to your account at any time and keep a balance to pay for future deliveries. Stating your Åland account number, please direct your payment to one of the bank accounts mentioned. Recent payments may not be reflected on your latest invoice.

All prices listed are exclusive of VAT. Reminders are posted regularly. A €5.00 delay charge is imposed on reminders.

Bank accounts

Finland IBAN: FI08 5578 0420 0572 27

BIC/SWIFT: OKOYFIHH

Germany IBAN: DE89 2001 0020 0698 2922 07

BIC/SWIFT: PBNKDEFF

Our international account in Finland may be used for direct transfers in euro from any country. Perform your payment as a SEPA transfer from most European accounts. Ask your own bank.

The name and address of our bank is

OP Corporate Bank PLC

P. O. Box 308

00101 HELSINKI, FINLAND

Credit/debit cards

we accept VISA, MasterCard and Maestro. Perform payment online at www.alandstamps.com or authorize the Post to charge your card. State card type, number, date of expiry and 3-digit Card Verification Code. We do not file your card details.

Note:

Cash payments must be made in euro. Not accepted: cheques and foreign currencies.

Deliveries to EU countries

Since 1 July 2021, shipments from Åland must be cleared by customs because Åland is not a member of the EU taxation and customs union.

Exchange and return

You have the right to cancel your order within 14 days. The withdrawal period expires 14 days from the day you have received the products, which must be returned within 14 days after you have made your notice of withdrawal. Complaints: contact customer service immediately if you discover that an item was incorrect or defective.

Become a gold customer

When you have made purchases for €150* in one year, you become a gold customer and obtain more benefits and advantages with Åland Post Stamps. The gold status is updated in January each year.

*Excl. of shipping fees

Processing of personal data

All personal data stated by you when placing an order for products or services is registered and saved electronically. More information on Åland Post’s processing and use of personal data and how you exercise your rights is included in Åland Post Privacy Policy alandstamps.com/en/policies/ privacy-policy.

Your customer account is online! Go to alandstamps.com/en/pages/ mitt-konto-for-abonnemang to log into your customer account. Here, you can check your account details such as your balance, deliveries and standing order as well as update your address. For changes to your standing order, please contact customer service.

Åland Post Stamps reserves the right to change the terms mentioned above.

Price list for delivery & fulfilment services as of 1 November 2022:

Order information

Fill in the order coupon. Fold it once and tape. Post to Åland Post. Postage is paid. For Åland Post’s privacy policy, terms, and conditions we refer you to page 8. Alternatively, place your order by: phone + 358-18-636 639 e-mail stamps@alandpost.com www.alandstamps.com/en

Please visit the web shop to find still more products available, including older stamps.

Choose delivery method:

❏ Economy shipping + €4

❏ Priority shipping + €7

❏ Registered shipping + €15

If you do not tick a box for delivery method, your order will be sent automatically as Economy post to European countries and as Priority post to non-European countries.

All prices listed exclusive of VAT. Prices and availability subject to change.

❏ Yes, please. To stay up-to-date with new products and special offers, I wish to receive Åland Post’s newsletter to my e-mail address. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Date of birth

For FDC gutter pairs and 4-blocks, please contact customer service

Finnish stamps

On 27 July 2023, Åland Post will be highlighting the Saltvik Viking Market on a stamp as part of the Sepac stamp series issued by small European postal operators on the theme of traditional markets. Photographer Alice Åkerblom captured the spectacle and human interaction at one of Åland’s most popular summer markets.

Step back in time at Viking market

Over the course of around 20 years, the Viking Market on Åland has grown to be one of the biggest in Europe. The prehistoric Viking society Fibula started the market in 2000 in Kvarnbo, Saltvik, a location that has seen a wealth of finds from the Late Iron Age. New finds have also shown that the village was an important trading hub at that time. On the site of the market, the society has constructed a permanent Viking village, which is home to artisans, minstrels, musicians, and Vikings during a three-day event every July. Visitors are treated to everything from handicraft stalls selling textiles, ironwork and leather goods, and Viking-style food and drink, to demonstrations of dancing, music, and combat.

When Åland photographer Alice Åkerblom was given the assignment, she could picture clearly how she wanted to present the theme:

“I thought it was great fun to get this request, and when we discussed the motif,

I immediately pictured the women and children in front of me. I wanted to capture a gentler side that you might otherwise overlook, as the battles and chieftains generally take centre stage. You can’t really plan a picture like that. You just go in with an inkling of an idea and wait for the right moment to materialise. And then it’s a case of capturing that moment and the right feel. I feel very happy and proud of the result!”

People are also Alice’s preferred subject to photograph.

“I like having people around me. That’s also the case with my artistic endeavours, whether it’s documentary, art, or advertising. Having a person in front of the camera or a group of people behind it striving collectively towards a creative goal is so enjoyable! I also like working with natural light. The sun as a sharp, crisp light source, or dense cloud that mutes things and creates a soft, romantic light,” says Alice.

FDC Sepac - Traditional markets

Price: €3.40 Code: 416-000444

444 SepacTraditional markets

Date of issue: 27 July 2023

Photographer: Alice Åkerblom

Design: Johanna Finne

Edition: 45 000

Denomination: Lokalpost

Stamp size: 40 × 26 mm

Sheet size: 2 × 16 stamps

Paper: 110 g/m²

Perforation: 13 per 2 cm

Process: 4-colour offset

Printer: Cartor Security Printers

Alice Åkerblom grew up in Åland and is now, once again, based in Åland where she works as a freelance photographer. She draws inspiration from both the Åland archipelago and the buzz of the big city with its crowds of people.

@aliceakerblom

The first day cover shows men and women dressed according to the period, parading to mark the opening of the Viking Market, led by the chief, Tom Danielsson, chairman of the prehistoric Viking society Fibula. The emblem of the society can be seen on the banner. The stamp sheet and first day cancel show handmade jewellery sold at the market.

The Year of the Dragon is the next motif to appear on Åland Post’s stamp series featuring Chinese zodiac animals. Artist Martin Mörck has given free rein to his creativity with this year’s miniature sheet to be issued on 20 October.

Dragon kite-flying at the beach

The homeland of the dragon kite is China , and the art of kite-flying developed there almost 1500 years ago. It’s an activity enjoyed by children and adults alike and is possible almost anywhere with space to run around. The basic structure consists of a light frame over which fabric, paper or plastic is stretched, with a line attached to allow it to float and soar in the wind.

This year’s miniature sheet depicts kite-flying at the sandy beach on Lilla Holmen, which is located by the inlet into the Eastern harbour in Mariehamn. The area has been a popular excursion spot for 150 years. In the 1930s, a duck pond was established, and bird activity in the area has expanded over the years. Today you can find chickens and peacocks on the island too, as well as rabbits. In summer, the sandy public beach with its bathing jetty and bathing raft attracts both families with children and young people.

Right from the first issue in the popular Chinese zodiac series in 2014, artist Martin Mörck has played an active role in its design. With this eighth miniature sheet he now has a fresh chance to give free rein to his imagination:

“Working on the Åland zodiac stamps is a treat for the imagination. For this miniature sheet, I thought that a sandy beach was an interesting option, as I could incorporate movement in the form of children running with a kite. The sandy beach also allowed for perspective and depth, with a horizon. Using the image material, I received from Åland Post I was able to put together a pleasing scene. I have slipped in several different Chinese characters among the sunbathing families. The changing rooms in the background are marked with the characters for male and female, the flask bears the symbol for coffee, and the boy is drawing what he wants with the stick in the sand, to give just a few examples,” says Martin.

446 Dragon

Date of issue: 20 October 2023

Artist: Martin Mörck

Design: Johanna Finne

Calligraphy: Shen Yiahong

Edition: 28 000

Denomination: €2.00

Stamp size: 60 × 50 mm

Miniature sheet size: 170 × 95 mm

Paper: 110 g/m²

Perforation: 13 per 2 cm

Process: 4-colour offset

Printer: Cartor Security Printers

On the first day cover and maximum card you see two traditional Chinese dragons that have snake-like bodies with scales and horns. They have no wings, but can fly, nonetheless. In China, these mythical beasts symbolize power, wisdom, happiness, and harmony. Unlike occidental dragons, they are dear creatures, guardian spirits that are both revered and feared.

On the first day cancel you find a classic kite, while the special cancel depicts a Chinese dragon.

Martin Mörck has worked as a freelance engraver, illustrator, and artist since the 1970s. He has designed stamps and bank notes for many countries. This year’s miniature sheet is Martin’s seventeenth stamp issue for Åland Post. @morckmartin

Photographer: Truls Mörck

On 20 October, the release of this year’s two Christmas stamps and Christmas seals serves as a reminder that it’s soon time for Christmas celebrations. With this issue, Åland Post delivers a greeting of peace, consideration, and charity. Artist Lasse Harkkala hopes that the motifs will convey a feeling of positivity and hope.

Extending a hand at Christmas

Artist Lasse Harkkala made his debut as a stamp artist last year with the popular Europa stamp depicting the mythical sea nymph. Unlike that assignment, Lasse initially found it tricky to come up with the right concept for this year’s Christmas stamps. Lasse explains:

“It felt like slightly odd timing for working on the design, as I had just cleared away last Christmas, both physically and mentally. The idea was to create a Christmas greeting from the Islands of Peace and I began by coming up with my own fantasy characters, but I soon realised that they were not so readily identifiable as figures of peace. So I chose instead to use the dove and angel, which are more familiar peace symbols. With the war in Europe, it felt important to create universal motifs that are hopeful or at least bring a small boost of positive emotion.”

Lasse’s pictures evolve as he works, and the tiny format can be problematic: “My pictures generally evolve over time as I paint and I always want to make them complete pieces, so they can work as individual pictures. I like to add numerous details. However, that works less well with stamp formats where space is needed for text, so it’s always a bit of a challenge for me!”

Classic Christmas attributes that Lasse has also incorporated include Åland handicraft products: the hand-dipped branch candles, produced by a small family company on the island of Husö in the Åland archipelago since the 1980s, light up many Åland homes at Christmas. The Blomman flower pendant worn by the angel of peace is a real item handmade by Åland jewellery-makers Guldviva. It has been a symbol of Åland ever since it was first produced in 1992.

Christmas 2023

Date of issue: 20 October 2023

Artist: Lasse Harkkala

Design: Johanna Finne

Editions: 130 000 & 45 000

Denominations: Julpost & Världen

Stamp size: 36 × 25.5 mm

Sheet size: 2 × 20 stamps

Paper: 110 g/m²

Perforation: 13 per 2 cm

Process: 4-colour offset

Printer: Cartor Security Printers

Christmas angels come in many forms; on the stamp sheet you will find children making snow angels. The first day cover shows a green and decorated Christmas tree. The first day cancel depicts an angel of peace.

Food and drink are some of the most traditional and age-old elements of Christmas celebrations. According to folklore, Christmas porridge had magical associations, including putting out a bowl of porridge for the goblin to keep on good terms with him.

Exotic rice grains were brought to the Nordic region in the 1700s and, for many, this is what Christmas porridge should be made from. In the late 1800s, the tradition of hiding an almond in the porridge became established, promising whoever finds it to be married by the following year.

Appearing in the images is the amaryllis, one of the most popular Christmas flowers on Åland, but most popular at our latitudes is the hyacinth, which has been around since the 1860s and was featured on an Åland Christmas stamp in 2011. Grown from bulbs, both of these plants have become popular because it’s easy to get them to flower in winter despite the lack of sunlight and heat.

Lasse himself is quite relaxed about Christmas and Christmas celebrations.

“Christmas is not that big a deal to me. I try to keep my distance from the consumerism, but I celebrate the fact that the days are getting longer again. Christmas ham, Christmas trees and a Christmas sauna are generally a part of things, and dark beer, of course,” says Lasse.

Lasse’s peace dove and angel also appear on this year’s Christmas seals for decorating cards and gifts. Åland Post has been issuing Christmas seals since 1993 and proceeds from the sales have contributed to numerous charitable projects and organisations on Åland over the years. This year’s recipient is the Red Cross Åland district. The funds will be used to support the extensive activities carried out on Åland.

The Red Cross is one of the biggest civic organisations in Finland. Established more than 80 years ago, the Åland district includes 16 local departments and 5 first aid groups, which organise activities such as first aid and CPR training, work to promote integration of immigrants and refugees and offer befriending activities for both youngsters and the elderly. Every August, the Red Cross also holds a period market, at which the local departments sell handicrafts, vegetables, baked goods, and other products. The district also coordinates the volunteer emergency services on Åland and is responsible for relevant training for volunteers.

Christmas seals 2023

Date of issue: 20 October 2023

Artist: Lasse Harkkala

Design: Johanna Finne

Edition: 2500 sheets of 20 self-adhesive seals

Seal size: 30.6 × 25.8 mm

Sheet size: 210 × 145 mm

Paper: coated 247 g/m²

Process: 4-colour offset

Printer: Cartor Security Printers

Lasse Harkkala is a Finnish illustrator, painter and graphic artist living in Geta on northern Åland. His first commission for Åland Post was the 2022 Europa stamp on the theme stories and myths.

@lasseharkkala

Photographer: Christoffer Relander

FDC Christmas 2023

Price: €5.30 Code: 416-000447

Christmas seals 2023

Price: €5.00 Code: 375-202307

Next subscription delivery

(Note! Preliminary time of delivery)

October

13 September Sepac - Traditional markets (1), My stamps - Sustainability (mini-sheet), Dragon (miniature sheet), Christmas 2023 (2), 1 maximum card, Christmas seals, Sepac folder no. 14

October

November

9 October Stamp book “A story through Åland stamps 2023”

27 October Year sets, year pages, Red Cross cards, annual packs: FDCs, special cancellations, exhibition stamps

You will find the standing order delivery timetable at https://alandstamps.com/en/pages/stopptider-ochleveranstider. Remember that you can read and download all magazines at alandstamps.com.

Special cancellations 2023

Current information is listed at alandstamps.com, where illustrations of the cancels are added subsequently. To obtain special cancellations on your own pre-franked and self-addressed mail items, please send them to us in good time prior to the cancellation date. Subject to change.

Exhibitions and exhibition stamps

Åland Post takes part in the following exhibition in the autumn of 2023: Postimerkkimessut, Helsinki, Finland, 26–29 October.

For the three exhibitions in which Åland Post takes part, we have produced unique exhibition stamps on a peace theme. Josefin Klintberg is the illustrator. A limited number of exhibition stamp packs will be available to buy as of 26 October.

Telephone +358 18 636 639

Phone hours (GMT +2 h): Mon–Fri 9 am–3 pm

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Åland Post Stamps

Johanna Finne

Outi Bergman

Rebecka Lundén

Text

Åland Post Ltd

Stamps PO Box 1100

AX-22111 Mariehamn

ÅLAND, Finland

E-mail stamps@alandpost.com

facebook.com/ AlandPostStamps

Visiting address Flygfältsvägen 10, Sviby, Jomala

Editors

Gunilla Häggblom

Find currently available Åland stamps and collectibles at www.alandstamps. com/en