✉ MZA - First Day Cover Cachet Art ✉

I've been wanting to do this kind of a swap for a loooong long time! We will be sending our partners a decorated first day of issue cachet!

Definition: A first day cover is a stamped envelope, postal card or other postal material that was processed at the post office where the stamp was issued, and has a cancellation indicating the same. The cancellation will often be specially designed for the occasion and frequently will say "First Day of Issue" or something similar. Depending on the postal authority there may be a ceremony to commemorate the first day of issue.

More info here.

More info and an issuing calendar for the USPS here.

It's my understanding that this is done not just in the U.S., but all over the world! Therefore, this will be an international swap. That said, I'm useless for information on how this works internationally, so international swappers may just want to use the USPS as well. PM me with questions about that. ;)

WHAT YOU DO:

• Go to the USPS store or other national postal authority and order an already printed First Day Cover. Digital Color Postmarks are also acceptable. Current or past First Day Covers are welcome!
• Thoughtfully decorate the cover in a way that will compliment the stamp. You may use any medium.
• Write a note with your username and the name of the swap.
• Send the note and the First Day Cover to your partner in another outer envelope. Watch your postage!

PM me with questions. If you have experience with this sort of thing, leave notes in the comments or PM me so that I can update the description.

LONG send-by date is to accommodate various issuing dates and deadlines for the USPS so you have lots of options. The new Disney Mail a Smile stamps will come out sometime in May, and I thought people might like to do those. ;)