Wax Seals

Originally, wax seals were used to authenticate written tablets—putting an impression in the clay—but the practice evolved once paper was invented and seals were used to sign documents, seal a document so that it proved it was unopened upon arrival, and then to add a decorative touch to correspondence.

Ever since I got my first set of wax, I have been sealing my envelopes with an ‘e’ stamp. I just purchased a new, larger stamp with a blank finish so I can design my own stamp and have my husband carve it for me. I’m excited to have something that is unique to me, not just a generic stamp that anyone can buy (I do love the ‘e’ though). The blank stamp I bought is significantly bigger, which is great for adding a design but will require more wax than I currently use. I have seen some people use blank stamps with clear wax. They often put dried flowers down, pour the clear wax and then use the blank stamp to make a window of sorts. It looks really pretty.

I have experimented with two different types of wax—a traditional wax with a wick and wax pellets that are melted in a spoon over a flame. I like the pellets much better, as it gives you better control over the amount of wax and the color combination. The viscosity of the wax is different too. The pellets tend to dry a lot harder and the wax sticks dry more flexible. There are also sticks of wax that can be used in a melting gun that looks just like a glue gun.

I am still working on my technique and somethings the wax is pretty wonky on the envelope, but I enjoy using it, and think it gives my letters a special touch.