WAX STAMPS & WAX SEALS
Using wax stamps & wax seals have had a big resurgence in popularity in recent years. I can understand that as they add such a beautiful detail to stationery. They can show your individuality and add elegance to your correspondence. Let’s find out a bit more about wax stamps and wax seals!
WAX STAMPS
A wax stamp is the tool you use to ‘stamp’ an impression into hot wax. The stamps are usually bronze with a wooden handle and come in lots of different styles. The stamps are engraved with patterns or letters to make the impression design. You can choose an existing stamp pattern or get a special custom stamp produced. Many people like to have their initials or a monogram made into a wax stamp. It can be a keepsake to make seals and use on their stationery forever!
WAX SEALS
Then a wax seal is what you end up after you have pressed the stamp into the hot wax. It’s called a ‘seal’ as this was originally used to close an envelope or letter. This kept the enclosed information confidential. At that time, seals were made of a brittle wax which cracked when opened. So it was easy to see if your letter had been read! Nowadays, wax seals are mostly decorative and add an elegant detail to your stationery. I make the wax seals from a flexible wax. That’s so they can go through the post on envelopes without cracking.
You don’t have to limit your wax seal use to just envelopes though. I use wax seals on lots of different paper goods such as:
- Envelopes
- Vellum wraps
- Menus
- Place cards
- Wrapped presents
- Gift tags
- Wedding favours
ATTACHING WAX SEALS
You can pour the wax straight onto your stationery and press the stamp into the hot wax. Or you can make a wax seal on a silicone mat and then apply it to stationery with a self-adhesive sticker. The self-adhesive wax seals are convenient and secure. I prefer this method because I don’t like pouring hot wax on stationery I’ve spent hours creating!
MAKING WAX SEALS
Making wax seals can be very satisfying to do. If you make them, they look authentic and organic as each seal is unique with variations in shape. There are a lot of different wax colours and methods you can use to make the seals. Some people make them with a burner and wax beads or they use a glue gun and wax sticks. So do some research before you start. That way you won’t waste wax and time trying to make the seals.
GET IN TOUCH
If you don’t have enough time, let me do the wax stamps & wax seals for you. You can see my range of stamp patterns and wax colours here. I can also design and order custom wax stamps. I can provide other wax colours. Please contact me for details and to order if you would like a custom stamp.
Wax stamps & wax seals