How to Use Wax Seals in Paper Crafting Projects

Do you love receiving wax-sealed envelopes with intricately beautiful designs? What about cards that feature wax seal stamps? Don't you just love the vintage look that wax seals bring to every project? It brings such an allure and timeless elegance, unlike any other decorative elements for crafting. No wonder the traditional practice of wax sealing is still vied for by many, despite the rise of the digital age! 

Summer Nights Wax Seal Beads Release Bundle

Wax sealing is an age-old tradition that produces a beautifully imprinted design that you can use to decorate handmade cards, invitations, stationery, and other extra-special creations. Not only are they beautiful and unique – but they're fun and easy to use too! In this blog post, we will show you how to use wax seals in cardmaking, scrapbooking, journaling, and other paper crafting projects with just a few simple steps. So get your favorite wax beads, stamps, and melting spoon, and let's go! 

What Are Wax Seals and What Is Their History?

Wax seals are small embellishments that are made by melting a small amount of wax and stamping it with a decorative seal. A wax seal can be described as a one-of-a-kind logo or design to signify an individual or organization, like a signature. Wax seals take on various shapes and colors due to the unique design of the wax seal stamp used to create them. They are ancient tools with a long history of use.

From being used as seals for important legal documents to symbolizing signatures of government and royalty officials, wax seals were initially meant for use by the ruling class. Their records of first use began in the Middle Ages when people used wax seals to issue official decrees and declarations. This is why wax seals were seen as a symbol of power and authority.

Wax Seal Stamp - Delicate Blossom

It wasn't until the 15th Century that common folk used wax seals to seal letters and parchments since it was more expensive to mail letters enclosed inside envelopes. Now, wax seals are readily available for use in most paper crafting stores, as hobbyists, collectors, and crafters like you continue to preserve the magical art of wax sealing.

Currently, wax sealing and wax seal stamps are used for many purposes, such as envelopes, special invitations, greeting cards, and other paper crafting projects.

What Materials Do I Need to Use Wax Seals?

Wax seals have been around since ancient times and can add a unique touch to your paper crafting projects. Using wax seals isn't difficult, but it requires some essential tools. You'll need wax seal stamps with the desired design, wax, and an open flame such as a lighter or candle. You can even use a glue gun to melt your wax, making it perfect for melting large batches of wax easily. 

Regarding the types of wax for crafting, you can use wax materials such as wax beads and wax sticks. Wax beads are tiny beads available in different colors, while wax sticks have wicks on them, like a candle, that you can light to melt them. For paper crafting and small-scale projects, wax beads are the best tool because you can quickly melt and mix colors. Plus, they're less of a mess to use! 

How Can I Use Wax Seals for My Paper Crafting Projects?

Wax seals can add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your paper crafting projects. Whether you are creating handmade greeting cards, invitations, envelopes, or other paper crafts, wax seals can be a beautiful, one-of-a-kind embellishment. Here are the general steps to get you started on wax sealing: 

1. Choose the design for your wax seal stamp. This can range from flowers, plants, animals, and even sentiments. 
2. Melt the wax beads or wax sticks using a heat source, such as a candle. For the wax beads, you can place them inside a melting spoon and place the bottom of the spoon a few inches above the flame. IMPORTANT: Be careful with an open flame!
3. Once the wax melts into a liquid form, place it on your paper and press the wax seal stamp into the melted wax.
4. Allow the wax to cool and harden.

Wax Seal Stamp - Just Thanks

If you want to see for yourself how to use wax, watch Lilith’s video and get inspired by the three beautiful projects she makes with wax seals:

Make Unique Cards With Wax Seals as Focal Points and Embellishments

Wax Seal Stick Set

Level up the look of your cards by using wax seals to accent your cards. With the wax seal design, you can gain inspiration for your card's theme! Instead of using your regular stamps and dies, why not try working with new material on your next project? You'll have fun experimenting and exploring!

Decorate Your Journal and Scrapbook Pages With Wax Seals

There's no doubt that wax seals are an excellent way to add a touch of extra creativity and flair to journal entries or scrapbook pages. Not only do wax seals bring nostalgia, but they also help give texture to your spreads.

Wax Seal Beads Set - Rose Gold

Use Wax Seals and Stamps to Spruce up Your Envelopes

Wax Seal Beads Set - Enchanted Gold

What goes well with the perfect handmade card that you spent hours on? A beautifully-crafted envelope to go with it! Give your card's recipient a feel of the royal treatment by sealing the envelope with a wax seal stamp to match the elegance of your card.

Wax Seal Beads Set - Sapphire 

Personalize Your Gift Tags With Beautiful Wax Seal Stamps

Who doesn't appreciate a little extra something special with their gift? Amp up your gift tags by adding an intricately-designed wax seal stamp!

It's the perfect way to add graceful flair to your gifts for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or weddings.

Wax Seal Stamp - Blooming Bud

Besides the projects mentioned above, you can also do these DIY wax seal craft ideas:

• One-of-a-kind bookmarks
• Personalized notebook covers
• Mixed media artwork 
• Junk journaling with wax scraps
• Decorating lids and bottles with wax seals
• Make your own signature wax seal and feel like a royal
• Holiday ornaments

Preserve the Magic of Old Times and Start Wax Sealing Today!

Have we convinced you to start crafting with wax seals? If you want to get started, check out our handy wax seal kit. It has everything you need to get started on your first wax seal stamping project - all you need is a candle and a melting spoon!

We hope you enjoyed today’s blog post! Check out our All About Crafting page for more paper crafting inspiration and ideas like these. We’re always looking forward to fueling your creativity!