On 8 May, Åland Post will issue this year’s stamp booklet on the theme island weather. Finnish visual artist Aino-Maija Metsola has illustrated four weather scenes that capture life by the sea.
” Life on an island means living close to the shifting moods and forces of the weather. Aino-Maija Metsola captures these moods with sensitivity in a nature-inspired and colourful booklet – a visual story about the dynamics of island weather”, says Johanna Finne, Head of Stamps at Åland Post Stamps.
Stamp artist Aino-Maija Metsola, herself an island dweller, was excited by the commission.
“I was delighted to receive the commission, as the theme is close to my heart and everyday life. I live on an island in the Helsinki archipelago, which differs from Åland, but where the weather, nature and changing seasons are just as present. For many years I also spent my summers sailing in the archipelago. The stamp designs are therefore largely based on personal experiences and memories. I wanted to show the contrasts, from calm, beautiful sunsets and misty mornings to wind and thunder,” says Metsola.
The four motifs – depicting thick mist, pouring rain, a sunset at sea, and meadow plants swaying in the wind – are painted in watercolour and gouache.
Name of issue: Island weather
Date of issue: 8 May 2026
Artist: Aino-Maija Metsola
Design: Aino-Maija Metsola & Johanna Finne
Edition: 12 000
Denomination: 8 × Europa (€33.60)
Price FDC: €17.80
Stamp sizes: 30 × 48 mm, 60 × 24 mm, 60 × 48 mm
Booklet size (unfolded): 80 × 270 mm
Stamps/booklet: 4 × 2 stamps
Paper: 102 g/m²
Perforation: 14 per 2 cm
Process: 6-colour offset
Printer: Royal Joh. Enschedé
Order the booklet and first day cover in the webshop.