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DIY Wax Seal

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Though we live in an age where life seems unfathomable without the existence of email (or internet – GASP), you must admit finding a letter or invite in your mailbox is always a momentous and welcoming occasion. Familiar with that sweet feeling that comes along with receiving a handwritten note, I’m making an early 2013 resolution to send more thank you’s, miss you’s, and just because’s through the postal service. I’ve also recently perfected the art of wax seals as part of this newfound effort! It’s all about the little details, right?

You’ll need:

Start by lighting a candle. Hold the stick of wax about half an inch above the flame. When melting wax, it’s very important not to touch the wax to the flame as it will start to burn and smoke. Allow the heat of the flame to melt the wax, not the flame itself. Watch the tip carefully as it starts to melt. As soon as it wants to drip, rotate the stick quickly – don’t worry if some wax drips into the candle. Just continue rotating for a full minute or until the end of the wax stick looks completely melted and soft.

Quickly apply the melted wax to the back of the envelope. Remove the stick and press the seal directly on top of the wax for a few seconds.

Carefully remove the seal and allow to dry completely before touching it. Tip: Traditional wax dries brittle. If you plan on mailing the letter, have it postmarked by hand at the post office and not run through a postmarking machine. 

Glue gun sealing wax is a flexible wax and although it doesn’t have the same organic look to traditional sealing wax, it’s a much faster and mess-free way to seal. Simply insert the sealing wax tube into a large glue gun. Allow it to heat up completely and squeeze out a dollop of wax onto an envelope.

Press the seal directly on top of the wax for a few seconds. Remove it to reveal the seal! Tip: When using a glue gun, make sure it’s dedicated to only wax and not mixed with glue. This is a great type of wax to use if you’re sealing multiple envelopes. 

It’s as easy and simple as that. Imagine how special your friends will feel when they receive a hand sealed envelope in the mail from yours truly!

(tutorial adapted from Castle In The Air; images by HonestlyWTF)

73 Comments

  6. Erika    November 6, 2012

    Amazing. I would be especially pleased if I received a letter with a stamp like that on it.

  17. Corey    November 6, 2012

    My mom has a wax seal kit in her secretary desk and she uses it whenever she corresponds with friends.; it’s such a classy attribute to a letter.

  30. Kennedi K    November 6, 2012

    Those are gorgeous. I feel like letters are an elegant, simple, and heart-felt alternative to boring e-mails.

  31. Toile La La    November 6, 2012

    So glad to find this tutorial as I’ve renewed correspondence (with old fashioned real paper mail) recently. It’s interesting to see the hot sealing wax gun – wasn’t aware they existed. Nice invention. Great post.

    I agree with you, receiving a letter is a wonderful thing. Seeing real handwriting, feeling real paper, the excitement of opening the envelope, even seeing the stamp someone chooses… all very charming.

  34. Chocosoue    November 6, 2012

    I am a little bit disappointed , in fact when i read DIY , i thaught : ” aw something awsome and hand made !!! ” but i can see that every ” needed ” thing is actually already made for that , and sold pretty much every where , but it’s nice to remember those little details that make every thing look so different :) :)

  36. Nasyitah    November 6, 2012

    Really pretty stuff :) Was hoping that it’ll be something that I can improvise with what I already have at home without getting more supplies. Still, I am really tempted.

  38. Rachel    November 6, 2012

    I have the same resolution myself. I want to teach my daughters the art of a well written letter. And sealing the deal with a wax stamping like this is perfect. Thanks for sharing.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

  39. Cameron    November 6, 2012

    Was gifted a brass seal with the “tree of life” a few years ago and have used it as an excuse to be penpals with friends who have moved across the country. It’s so much fun and takes me back to a simpler time… though more often than not the news is old by the time they receive it. #totallyworthit

  44. Miruku    November 7, 2012

    I live in Japan where we still have to use (non-wax) seals and stamps for everything. It really takes the fun out of it!

  46. Monica    November 8, 2012

    OH MY GOD, I love this sooo soo much! thanks for showing us how to do it! I cant wait to try, this is so exciting! haha, I have been anticipating to do this for so long!

  48. Warren    November 8, 2012

    Wow, what a great idea! I have to try this out! Where do I get the wax?

  49. Monica R    November 8, 2012

    P.S.
    Check out my blog please!!
    and yes Shella, I knew you would love this!

  51. cocoroco    November 8, 2012

    cooool. this is a great idea for holiday cards, maybe ill do this for all my family holiday cards

  52. Erica    November 8, 2012

    @Warren, you can beautiful traditional wax and glue gun wax here. Links are also above, in the supply list.

  54. aini    November 10, 2012

    even though i don’t know how am i going to make them useful, this is very classy and cute! :)

  55. Sanne    November 11, 2012

    Such a great idea for some chique dinner invitations for your best friends / family!

  59. C    November 15, 2012

    The DIY with the glue gun is interesting. But, the seal has been around forever.

  60. Ashley    November 17, 2012

    This is absolutely gorgeous and classy. I always make my own Christmas cards and Thank you notes. It will definitely add a nice finishing touch to them. Thanks for reminding us of this wonderful technique!

  61. Ashley    November 17, 2012

    Side note for fellow sealers…
    First initial if it is a love letter or to other family members.
    Last initital if it is a business letter.
    Both (if you can find a seal with both first and last) for all other documents.
    Happy Sealing!

  62. Athena    January 2, 2013

    This is probably the coolest thing I’ve ever stumbled upon! : ) It seems like everyone’s suddenly forgotten the art of the human hand. I recently asked one of the kids in Grade 4 and asked him “what are hands for” and he replied “computers!” Good heavens. LOL. Will definitely send out more letters. Good excuse to get off the computer for once. : )

  63. Youseph    January 13, 2013

    I have to ask. Now that it has been a little bit of time since this DIY have been written. Do you have any updates or suggestions or experience tips to add to this post?

  64. Kelly    January 21, 2013

    I love this so much ! will definitely try it out.
    Hope I wasn’t the only one reminded of Harry Potter !

  65. Clythe    January 22, 2013

    I am 80 yo now but 50 years ago when I opened my first Gallery/Studio for my designs I sent out invitations hand written on parchment folded over and sealed with shocking pink wax stamped with my initials ! Every one loved it and were quite surprised but complimented me on reusing such a charming old custom.

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