The Beauty Of A Wax Seal

Imagine receiving a letter sealed with a beautiful, intricate wax seal. It’s a tactile experience that evokes a sense of nostalgia, romance, and craftsmanship. Wax seals, a centuries-old tradition, have regained popularity in recent years, offering a unique and personal way to add a touch of elegance to your correspondence.

I absolutely love crafting wax seals for my clients. It’s incredibly therapeutic, especially when I put on some relaxing music. There’s something so satisfying about watching the wax set, and the design emerge after I lift the stamp. It’s a truly enjoyable and creative process that always brightens my day. I particularly enjoy experimenting with different wax colours and designs.

These charming little pieces of history can elevate your letters, envelopes and invitations to a whole new level of sophistication. So, let delve further into this blog and talk more about wax seals, what they are, when to use them, and more.

What are Wax Seals?

A wax seal is a small, circular piece of wax that is melted and applied to a document, typically sealing an envelope or letter. Once the wax has cooled, a design is pressed into it, creating a unique and decorative seal.

The history of wax seals can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where they were used to seal letters and documents to prevent tampering. In the Middle Ages, these seals were used by royalty, nobility, and the clergy to authenticate official documents. They were also used by merchants to seal their packages and shipments.

Why Use Wax Seals?

In a world inundated with digital communication, there’s something truly special about adding a tangible, tactile element to your correspondence. Wax seals, with their rich history and elegant appearance, offer just that. There are countless reasons why they are such a popular choice for adding a touch of class to your correspondence. Here are just a few:

• Unique and personal: It’s a personalised statement that adds a touch of elegance and personality to your communications. Whether you’re sending a formal invitation or a personal letter, a wax seal is a timeless way to make a lasting impression
• Nostalgic and romantic: There’s something undeniably romantic about sealing a letter with wax. It evokes a sense of tradition and old-world charm that is both nostalgic and endearing.
• Versatile: They can be used for a variety of purposes, from personal letters to business correspondence. They are a versatile and timeless addition to any occasion. More on this later.
• Endless designs: There are tons of different designs to choose from. You can find seals with everything from classic crests to cute animals. So, whether you’re going for something fancy or fun, there’s a wax seal out there for you.

From the classic elegance of a monogrammed seal to the playful charm of a whimsical design, these seals offer endless possibilities to express your personal style and leave a lasting impression. So, why not add a touch of timeless sophistication to your correspondence and discover the joy of sealing your letters with a wax seal?

When to Use Wax Seals?

Wax seals, a timeless and elegant addition to any occasion, can be used to add a touch of sophistication and authenticity to a variety of events, including:

• Invitations: : Add a touch of elegance to wedding, party, or event invitations. These seals can be customised with the names of the hosts, the date of the event, and a special design.
• Correspondence: Seal letters, envelopes, and documents with a personal touch. Wax seals can be used for formal or informal correspondence, from business letters to personal notes.
• Packaging: Add a unique and memorable element to gift packaging.
• Legal documents: Authenticate important documents such as wills, contracts, and deeds. These seals can help to prevent tampering and ensure the authenticity of legal documents.
• Gift wrapping: Add a unique and memorable element to gift packaging. Wax seals can be used to seal gift boxes, envelopes, or tags.

Wax seals are a timeless way to add a touch of class and sophistication to any project. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply adding a personal touch to your everyday correspondence, wax seals can help you create something truly unique

Types of Wax Seal Methods

There are several effective methods to apply wax seals, each with its own unique benefits. Let’s explore the different ways to create a beautiful and lasting seal, adding a touch of sophistication to your correspondence:

• Traditional method: This involves using a wax seal spoon and a candle, or wax beads, to melt the wax and press the design. The wax seal spoon is heated over a candle flame and then the wax is scooped out and poured onto the document. A seal is then pressed into the wax. Or you can use a wax candle as shown in the first image shown below. This method is more time-consuming but can be very rewarding.
• Wax seal gun: A wax seal gun (which is glue gun, using wax sticks instead of glue sticks) is a convenient and efficient way to apply sealing wax. The gun heats up the wax and dispenses it onto the document. A seal is then pressed into the wax. This method is ideal for large quantities of seals.
• Wax seal stamps: A simple and affordable option for creating wax seals without the need for a candle or spoon, where the seal has already been created for you, and it usually has a sticker on the back to allow you to stick it onto your documents.

Whether you prefer the traditional method, the convenience of a wax seal gun/glue gun, or the simplicity of the already made stamps, there’s a way to add a touch of elegance to your documents. Experiment with different methods to find the one that best suits your style and needs.

Wax Seal Tips

Ready to add a touch of vintage charm to your correspondence? Wax sealing is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your letters and invitations. Consider these tips to create stunning seals that will leave a lasting impression:

• Choose the right wax: Different types of wax have different melting points and textures, so it’s important to choose the right wax for your project.
• Practice makes perfect: It may take some practice to get the hang of applying wax seals, but the results are well worth the effort.
• Consider the design: The design of your seal can say a lot about your personality and style. Choose a design that reflects your interests or the occasion.
• Wax storage: Store leftover wax in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or becoming contaminated.
• Cleaning: Clean your seal after each use to remove any wax residue.
• Cooling time: Allow the wax to cool completely before handling or storing your sealed items.

With a little practice and the right techniques, you can create beautiful and unique wax seals that will be admired by all. So, gather your supplies, choose your design, and start sealing in style.

Final Words

Wax seals offer a unique and timeless way to add a touch of elegance and authenticity to your projects. Whether you’re planning a special event, sending a formal letter, or simply looking for a creative way to express yourself, wax seals are a wonderful option.

With a wide variety of wax colours, seal designs, and application methods available, there are endless possibilities for creating a truly beautiful and in-keeping wax seal. So why not explore the world of these seals and discover the many ways they can enhance your projects and add a touch of luxury to your life?

To view more of my wedding stationery work, including invitations, RSVPs, save the dates, seating plans, welcome signs and so much more, and my design work such as invitations and greetings cards, please take a look at my website links below, Instagram or Facebook pages, or my Pinterest page:

Contact Inkspiration by Gabrielle

If you’re interested in having wax seals added onto your stationery, whether this be an invitation, a save the date, a party invite, or whatever you may need for your wedding day or special celebration, please get in touch with me today.