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Today I am sharing how you can easily make your own custom Valentine’s Day wax seal.
As my girls have gotten older, I tend to less decorating for Valentine’s Day, but we do usually try to pull together a few Valentine’s Day crafts.
Last year we even had an epic fail.
So even though we are not decorating specifically for Valentine’s Day, we do have a few traditions that will never go away.
One of them is taking the time to let people you love know how you feel.
So why not seal those envelopes with a beautiful custom wax seal?
Some time ago at an auction, I purchased a box lot that included these fabulous wax seals and melting wax.
Since they weren’t very relevant to us or to Valentine’s day, I decided to use simple rubber stamps to make my own custom wax seal.
I did have some specialty wax, like the green one below. I also had some beautiful silver and gold wax – which instead of melting caught on fire. Good times.
The pink wax pictured above is actually a sealing wax.
I also realized that most people don’t have specialty wax and custom seals laying around the house. So I did this project using easily accessible household candlesticks and rubber stamps.
Here are the steps below on how I did this project:
Step 1: Select your candle and envelopes. I tested several types of candles and envelope colors. In the end, what I liked best was inexpensive white candles on darker envelopes. If you use a colored candle, make sure the color goes all the way through. Often the color is only on the outside and white on the inside.
Step 2: Light your candle and hold at an angle like pictured. You want to make sure the wax runs behind the flame so that it doesn’t blacken. Practice first on a piece of paper and obviously use caution. Drip the wax in your desired shape creating the outside lines first and then filling in.
Step 3: Let the wax set for a few seconds – till it just starts to loose its clearness. Again, testing this first will be helpful as the wax on all candles is different.
Step 4: Place your stamp into the wax and let it set up for a few seconds before removing it. Again, testing on paper will be helpful because the style of each stamp responds differently. If a stamp has very small details it will not work as well.
I think this is the perfect way to make a hand delivered Valentine even more special.
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Thanks so much for reading.
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Laura!
These are amazing! I love the idea of using rubber stamps! Brilliant!
Thanks for inspiring me today my wonderful friend!
blessings,
karianne
Oh, Laura, I love these so much! I hand stamped all of my wedding invitations with a “B” wax seal. I have always been infatuated with these beauties! Love your take on them. Great job! Pinning!
What a fantastic idea Laura! I want to see the “flaming” candles!
Love this idea! Pinning
Cute idea. I don’t think I’ve sealed an envelope with wax since I was a teenager. Maybe it’s time I start again. Thanks for the inspiration.
- The Tablescaper
Thanks for the idea. I love wax seals but never thought to use a rubber stamp. Brilliant
How fun. It adds such an old school sort of elegance!
what a cute idea! i am so behind in projects to share…i don’t know how ya’ll do it!:)
did you do something new to your blog? seems different…i am so waiting for spring. this cold
weather is ugh! i can tell i am getting old..:) valentine’s is just around the corner too! you reminded me,
projects….:)
xo
I love them….rubber stamps….fantastic idea!!
The only wax I have found which will actually survive mailing is Atelier Gargoyle’s wax; it’s a bit pricey, but arrives intact on the envelope if you aren’t hand-delivering your Valentine or letter. (google Atelier Gargoyle sealing wax or J. Herbin Sealing Wax) Love the idea of rubber stamps, although I will have to try them with the higher temp wax I use to see if they will hold up. I find if you place any stamp on an ice cube before using – or between uses if you are stamping lots of letters such as holiday cards – the stamp comes off the wax much more easily. I own an antique stamp from the early 1800′s, with a compartment in the stem holding interchangable seals. It is a treasure from my mom, and my daughter will inherit it some day. 200 years later, it’s still in use. That’s what I call aging well!
Gorgeous idea…so thoughtful , I love it…xo
I love this! It’s sad that we’ve gotten away from letters, cards and such sent by snail mail. This should encourage a lot of folks to try again.
Pat
Wax seals are so elegant and pretty, great idea using candle wax and rubber stamps.
I am so in love with this I don’t know where to begin except to say I’m running right out and buying pink candles! SWOON!
A truly fabulous idea Laura. Found you through Kari at Thistlewood Farm.
So pretty. I’ve loved using sealing wax in the past. Will have to give your idea a try!
Brilliant. What an amazing idea you have come up with! Cheers.
Laura, what a great use for rubber stamps. I was thinking this would also be cute with a Thank You stamp for Thank You cards. Especially if you enjoy rubber stamping to make cards. Gabrielle
I love old wax seals … I’ve never thought to make them with regular stamps! Great idea!
What a great idea! They look so pretty!
After reading this lovely post, I happened upon a display of sealing waxes and monogram seals in the bridal section of my local Michaels Arts and Crafts store! They even had a few basics like intertwined hears, doves, etc. Couldn’t help but smile thinking about your post. You are always one step ahead of me flowing into the next holiday….your inspiration is always so timely, thank you!
Love this! Great idea to use rubber stamps! I will try it! Pinning!
Found you via craftgawker