A few months ago, I was endlessly scrolling through TikTok when I stumbled upon a post by LaRetta (@strictlyrita) showcasing her incredible wax seals. I was instantly hooked. Soon, the algorithm had me diving deeper into the world of wax seals, and before I knew it, I was down the first of many rabbit holes.
After weeks of fascination, I finally decided to give it a try myself. I bought a wax sealing furnace, a couple of seals, and a variety of wax colors. My first attempt? Well, it was pretty terrible! But that’s the beauty of wax—it’s forgiving. You can always remelt it and start over.
The wax dripped unevenly, the seal slipped, and the result was a smudged, unrecognizable blob. But instead of feeling discouraged, I was determined to perfection. There is something deeply satisfying about the process—the smell of the melting wax, the anticipation as I pressed the seal into the molten pool, and the thrill of peeling it back to reveal the design. Even if that design was a mess, it was my mess, and I was determined to improve.
I quickly learned that wax sealing is equal parts art and science. The type of wax matters—traditional sealing wax is brittle and elegant, while flexible wax is more durable for mailing. The temperature of the wax is crucial; too hot, and it spreads too thin, too cool, and it doesn’t adhere properly. And then there’s the seal itself. Applying the right amount of pressure, holding it steady, and lifting it cleanly—all of these steps require a delicate touch and a bit of practice.
Over the next few weeks, I became obsessed with perfecting my technique. I experimented with different wax brands, colors, and even additives like glitter or metallic powders. I discovered that blending wax colors could create stunning marbled effects, and that adding a touch of gold or silver wax to the edges of a seal could elevate it from simple to sophisticated. Each attempt taught me something new, and slowly but surely, my seals began to look more polished and professional.
But wax sealing isn’t just about the technical aspects—it’s also about the stories it tells. I found myself imagining the history behind this ancient art form. Wax seals were once the ultimate mark of authenticity, used to secure letters, documents, and even treasure chests. They carried the weight of authority, romance, and mystery. Kings and queens used them to sign treaties, lovers used them to seal heartfelt letters, and artists used them to mark their creations. Holding a wax seal in my hand, I felt connected to that rich history, as if I were adding my own small chapter to its legacy.
As my skills improved, I began incorporating wax seals into my daily life. I used them to personalize greeting cards and gift tags and even created some gift card holders. Each seal felt like a tiny piece of art, a unique expression of my creativity. My kids became interested and started requesting custom seals for their friends and teachers. It was incredibly rewarding to see something I had learned purely out of curiosity bring joy to others.
Of course, not every attempt was a success. There were still moments of frustration—seals that stuck to the wax, wax that refused to melt evenly, and designs that didn’t turn out as planned. But those moments taught me patience and resilience. They reminded me that perfection isn’t the goal; it’s the process, the learning, and the joy of creating something with your own hands.
Now, wax sealing has become more than just a hobby—it’s the start of a small business. When I sit down to create a seal, the rest of the world fades away. It’s just me, the wax, and the seal, working together to create something beautiful. And every time I press that seal into the wax, I feel a little spark of magic, a reminder that even in our modern, digital world, there’s still room for the tactile, the handmade, and the timeless.
So, if you’ve ever been curious about wax sealing, I encourage you to give it a try. Embrace the mess, the imperfections, and the learning curve. You might just find yourself falling down the same rabbit hole I did—and discovering a world of creativity, history, and joy along the way.
Check out my Etsy listings at Set of 2 Paper Bear Gift Card Holders With Birthday Cake Wax Seals Handmade, Unique Gift Presentation – Etsy