Intended for use on celebratory mail

Stamp Category: Definitive
Value: 68¢ First Class Mail (Forever)
First Day of Issue: March 22, 2024
First Day City: St. Louis, Missouri
Quantity Issued: 225,000,000
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Offset, Microprint
Format: Panes of 20
Tagging: Phosphor, Block Tag

Why the stamp was issued: For use on RSVP envelopes, party invitations, thank you notes, important announcements, and other special celebratory mail.

About the stamp design: Pictures an ink and gouache illustration of colorful flowers by artist Kim Parker.

First Day City: The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held at the St. Louis Stamp Expo in St. Louis, Missouri.

History the stamp represents: Few things liven up a space better than colorful flower arrangements. They make wonderful additions to special events like weddings, birthday parties, and anniversaries, and are also nice everyday decorations. You can order a custom arrangement from a florist, or make one at home with a few simple tools. Most of these tools are well known (scissors, garden snips, etc.), but there is one you may not have heard of before – a flower frog.

Flower frogs have been around for centuries and were first used in the Japanese art of flower arranging, called ikebana. They became popular elsewhere in the late 19th century, and have appeared in many shapes and sizes. Some consist of sharp needle-like spikes on a flat base. Others resemble netting or are solid with various holes. They can be made of metal, glass, ceramic, or plastic, and all of them hold flowers exactly where you want them in your vase. But why are they called frogs? Because they sit in water, of course!

To use a flower frog, simply put it in the bottom of your vase (a little florist’s clay underneath keeps it from moving around). Add a little water and then your flowers. Flower frogs are reusable, making them much more eco-friendly than green floral foam. Many people collect flower frogs, too. It’s like combining two hobbies in one!