FREEPORT, ME — To help millions of Americans share the welcoming spirit of the 2019 holiday season on their cards and letters, the U.S. Postal Service issued four new stamps inspired by early American wreath designs.
Created by former White House chief floral designer Laura Dowling, the 2019 Holiday Wreath Forever Stamps depict iconic images of holiday wreaths, which adorn the doors and mantels of homes in every community, and convey the warm, inviting spirit of the season. The Postal Service has issued nine-holiday wreath stamps in the past 57 years.
The Holiday Wreath stamps are classic yet contemporary and evoke a sense of warmth and welcome. Many wreaths are created from materials easily found during winter, including pinecones, dried flowers and berries.
- The ribbon leaf wreath is inspired by French floral art. Aspidistra leaves, folded and manipulated to resemble ribbons, create a long-lasting wreath.
- Gilded pinecones and magnolia pods grace the wreath trimmed with cranberry red ribbon.
- Red and gold ribbon adorns the wreath made from gilded dried hydrangea, eucalyptus and nandina foliage, red berries and small ornaments.
- The woodland bush ivy and red winterberry wreath present a classic red and green palette.
The wreaths for the stamps, designed by Dowling, were photographed by Kevin Allen. Antonio Alcalá served as the project’s art director and designed the stamps with Dowling.
The Holidays Wreaths stamps are being issued in booklets of 20 First-Class Forever stamps. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.
