Wax seals are a beautiful way to add a personal touch to your letters, cards, invitations, or other paper projects, burt their uses do not stop there!
Wax seals can also add an enchanting addition to your parchments, scrolls, spells and art journal/ scrap books. Gift tags sealed with a wax seal also create a magical touch to your gift giving! (Especially for all of the Practical Magic and Harry Potter fans out there!)
Using a Wax seal is simple but requires a few steps to get right!
Materials You'll Need
To melt wax for a wax seal, you'll need a few supplies:
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Wax: Choose a high-quality wax that is suitable for making seals. Beeswax is a traditional choice and gives a lovely, natural appearance. However, you can also use other waxes such as sealing wax which comes in a variety of colours.
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Heat Source: A heat gun, candle, or specially designed wax melting stove is ideal for melting wax.
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Spoon: If you are using wax beads, a specially designed wax melting spoon (with a deeper bowl and pouring spout, like charming vintage style wax melting spoon shown below) is perfect for melting the wax in.
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Sealing Stamp: You'll need a sealing stamp to press into the melted wax and create the seal. Choose a design that is meaningful to you, or one that is appropriate for the occasion.
Step-by-Step Guide to Melt Wax for a Wax Seal
- Prepare Your Workspace: Choose a flat, stable surface to work on, and protect it with a sheet of paper or a heat-resistant mat. Make sure you have all of your supplies within reach.
- Prepare Your Wax: If you're using beeswax, break off a small piece and chop it into smaller chunks. If you're using sealing wax beads which do not require chopping, add them to your spoon.
- Melt Your Wax: If you're using a heat gun, hold it 2-3 inches away from the wax and heat it until it begins to melt. If you're using wax beads and a candle, light the candle and place the spoon over the candle to melt the wax- being careful not to burn you hand (if your spoon is metal, use heatproof gloves). Make sure you do not overheat the wax, as it may cause the wax to burn or bubble
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Pour Your Wax: Once your wax is fully melted, remove it from the heat source and pour it onto your desired surface. Pour a small amount, about the size of a quarter, to create a seal. - Stamp Your Wax: Immediately after pouring your wax, press your sealing stamp into the wax. Hold the stamp in place for a few seconds to ensure that the wax cools and hardens around the design. Once the wax has cooled completely, gently remove the stamp to reveal your beautiful wax seal.
By following these easy steps, you can create personalized wax seals that add a unique flair to your invitations, letters, or other paper projects.
Remember to always be careful when handling hot wax and heat sources and enjoy the creative process of making your own wax seals.