Elevate Your Paper Crafts with Wax Seals

Ever wanted to add custom, vintage charm to your paper crafting projects? Using wax seal stamps is a fun and beautiful way to do it! If you ever find yourself wanting to try something new that’ll add wow factor, elegance, and personalization, making your own custom wax seal should be on your crafting bucket list.

If you’re a beginner, don’t worry! This guide details some essential info you need to know as a newbie along with different project ideas to get you inspired! 

What Is a Wax Seal Stamp and How Do You Use It?

A wax seal stamp is a kind of tool you need to make custom impressions on wax. After melting some wax and pouring a small, circular amount on paper, you can press your stamp down on the wax and you’ll be left with a gorgeous wax seal! The design varies on the kind of stamp you have, sometimes it can be a word, phrase, symbol, or emblem of some kind.

Here’s what you’re going to need if you want to have a complete wax seal stamp set: 

• Wax Warmer

• Wax Warmer Spoon

• Wax Beads

• Wax Seal Stamps

• Heat source (lighter or match, tealight candle)

• Specialty paper of your choice (cardstock)

What Is a Wax Seal Stamp?

DIY Custom Wax Seal Ideas You Need to Try!

Already have a wax seal stamp kit but have no idea where to use it for? We’ve got some cute ideas to get you inspired, from adorable tags to invitations and bookmarks, you’ll find that wax seals have endless paper crafting possibilities. 

Personal Letters

Wax seals were originally used to keep letters and other official documents closed. It would also denote authority and status, or serve as someone’s signature. Well, you can take inspiration from its original use and try adding seals to your letters!

While it’s true that we might be living in the digital age, the art of handwritten letters shouldn’t be forgotten. It’s such a heartwarming, romantic notion that shows people just how much you care about them. So, if you’re planning on sending some handwritten letters to family and friends, you can secure the envelopes with a wax seal.

Event Invitations

Planning a wedding or birthday party soon? If you’re going for an elegant, vintage vibe, using wax seal stamps is the way to go! It adds that professional touch to your invitations, adding depth and interest to an otherwise flat-looking piece of paper. 

You can use wax seals as decor inside your invitation itself or on the outside of the envelope to seal it. Either way, you won’t regret using this for your invites, because it’s sure to catch the attention of your guests! 

Scrapbooking 

Another great way to use your custom wax seal is in scrapbooking projects! If you love adding texture and dimension to your projects, then wax seal stamps are a great idea. They can be used to stick two or more elements of your scrapbook layout together or act as an accent in the corner.

Wax seals are an amazing addition to scrapbook layouts because they have that elegant look but work well alongside mixed media too! Give it a try and see how wax seals can elevate your scrapbooking projects, just make sure that you give it enough time to dry before touching, closing a scrapbook page, or putting anything on top of your wax seal for best results.

Journaling

Next up we have journaling! While the heart of this activity is writing about your thoughts or anything you set your mind to, there’s no harm in adding some simple decorative details to elevate your journal! Wax seal stamps are just the thing, adding charm and vintage elegance to any journal entry. 

For instance, if you have a book journal that features a story from a fairytale era, then a wax seal could bring that era to life through your journal! On the other hand, a travel journal might do well with a wax seal stamp that’s themed after that specific place. Maybe choose a color or symbol that reminds you of that place and let your wax seal bring it to life. 

Gift Tags or Wrapping 

If you can use wax seals to close a letter or invitation, you can do it with presents too! We’re not saying to fully replace tape or ribbons with wax seals, but it can be a pretty good addition or accent! For instance, you can seal a box with a wax seal and then wrap it up, or maybe you can add wax seals to your wrapping paper if it’s the non-glossy kind.

On the other hand, consider adding wax seals to your gift tags as well. This is an easier application because you don’t have to apply it on wrapping paper. Simply prepare your gift tags on time and add your wax seal before attaching it to the present. 

Cardmaking 

If you’re a cardmaker, making wax seal stamps could be just the thing to give your projects that mixed-media look! Whether you’re looking to seal your card or add wax seals as decoration, the possibilities are endless. 

You can also adhere different elements to your card using wax seals, like twine or dried flowers. Simply keep them attached to the card then slowly pour the wax over it. Put your stamp on top of the wet wax, leave it there for a few seconds and there you have it! You don’t always have to use glue or tape! 

Business Branding 

Wax seals can level up the packaging of your business. It gives off a classy, personalized vibe that could appeal to your customers. For instance, you could put wax seals on paper packaging or a box! The color of the wax should be synonymous with your brand colors so the whole packaging looks cohesive.

If you don’t want to put wax seals on the actual packaging, you could give your customers a simple thank-you note with a wax seal as decoration. It’s such a cute and simple way to show your gratitude and provide aesthetically pleasing products at the same time.  

Home Decor

Aside from vintage vibes, wax seal stamps can also depict class and luxury. Elevate some of your decor at home with wax seals to make them look prettier! Consider making some ornaments, decorating bottles, or even adding them on top of soaps in your guest room. 

If you have any framed DIY artwork you can add it to those too! Those can make amazing conversation starters at home, not to mention give you a sense of pride for making and displaying something handmade. 

Bookmarks 

For all of the bookworms out there, why not consider making a bookmark with wax seals? It gives you a chance to personalize your bookmarks to give it that unique, vintage vibes perfect for readers! Cut out some cardstock to your desired size, include other embellishments of your choice, and finish it off with a wax seal!

Choosing the Right Seals and Colors for a Project

Using a wax seal in itself is already elegant and adds a fun touch to your project, but you can heighten its effect by choosing the right stamps and colors. For the stamp designs, opt for one that suits your project. Choose from words or phrases, florals, symbols, and more. 

As for color options, there are a variety to choose from. Red is typically used for wax seals, but you can select other colors and even mix them for a unique look! Here are some things you should think about when choosing your wax seal and beads: 

• Consider your theme and chosen color palette 

• Will your stamp design pair well with your chosen wax bead color? 

• Does your wax seal complement other elements in your project? 

Don’t be afraid to pair your wax seal stamp set with other crafting supplies too. You’ll be surprised how it pairs well with things like stamps, dies, embossing folders, inks, and of course, mixed media projects! 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Wax Seal Stamping

Play With Wax Seal Magic for Custom, Elegant Projects!

Having a wax seal stamp kit is an upgrade for every crafter. It helps you take mixed media art to a completely different level, not to mention impress your family and friends with how professional-looking your projects are. 

Experiment with different materials, colors, and designs to find what best suits your style. Ready to get started? Grab your wax seal kit and start crafting today! In the meantime, get more crafty inspiration In the Craft Room.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Have questions on all things wax seal stamping? We can help you answer them! 

Adi Gregorio

Adi is a writer with an insatiable love for romance, fantasy, and thriller novels. When she's not off on a fictional adventure, you'll find her journaling or rewatching Avatar the Last Airbender. At home, she's a fur-mom to a feisty but sweet beagle named Arya who keeps her life full of surprises.