Playing with Wax Seals Pt. 1

[@spookyard]

Thank you for a great video. I also am just starting out with wax seals and enjoyed your enthusiasm. :) Looking forward to your next wax seal video.

[@oakhousejournals]

Juli, thank you so much for watching and that lovely comment. It's still a learning curve but it's such a fun one. I adore playing with wax and just seeing where it leads. Sure your are finding that too... enjoy. Hugs C xx

[@spookyard]

@@oakhousejournals Yes! I just ordered a ton of wax. Now have to look online for some more seals!

[@oakhousejournals]

Ha ha sounds like it could be an expensive shop for you.....lol. Craspire do some good ones I found and I have a few of those myself but there really are loads out there to choose from. Have fun. Hugs C xx

[@spookyard]

@@oakhousejournals Thanks!

[@donnahenderson4215]

I haven't finished your video yet but I appreciate it. I just started using wax seals, only because I've been watching documentaries about the kings and queens of old and I love the look of the wax seals. Wish me luck and thanks again for your video.

[@pammie12]

Thank you from Australia , loved your video.

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Pammie, big warm welcome from the UK...lol. Thanks so much for your lovely comment and I'm glad you liked the video. Hugs C xx

[@jeannieherrera7888]

Thank you for sharing. Im new at this and Im finding it takes practice. Some of the most beautiful are the ones on vellum. 🎉

[@oakhousejournals]

I find it takes practice too, especially if you want to get them even. Actually I'm beginning to like the ones that are irregular around the edges too now, which is just as well as I have plenty of those 🤣. So long as you're having fun that's all that matters. Thanks so much for popping by my channel. Hugs C xx

[@LedgerAndLace]

These are LOVEly! I really like the vellum ones. When our ancestors were doing wax seals on their letters, I don't think they were aiming for perfect circles--especially when they had oval or square seals. For the hot glue seals, you can also use nail polish to paint them. If you have a heat gun, you can re-melt them and pop the bubbles that way, or change the shape, etc. I just make them in batches, assembly-line style and then I adhere them later.

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Hali, so sorry for not replying to your comment but I didn't get or see notification from YT until this morning. What great tips. Thank you for sharing those. Very much a novice at creating seals but definitely love trying. Hugs C xx

[@debrapohl7083]

I like the imperfection of the green on the vellum. I love the scene on that vellum. thank you

[@oakhousejournals]

Thank you for your lovely comment Debra. Hugs C xx

[@annlroe]

Hi i just love watching your calm way of explaining and trying things out on camera for us all to see. As this video was done some time ago you may already know that you can get a silicon tray with wax size holes to pour the wax into then stamp. Thank you for sharing and I am also from the Uk !

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Ann, thank you so much for that lovely comment and for the 'heads up' on the silicon trays. I did actually find one a wee while back and do use it. Actually it was a big one so I cut it in half and shared the other half with a crafting buddy. But it was so kind of you to mention the trays though. I really appreciated it. Have a fabulous day. Hugs C xx

[@shaymarie7045]

Carol, I gathered all my tools and supplies and made some seals. A lot of them went a little askew but I kept them. Just found your video on wax seals and loved it. Love your adventurism about this art form. Now, about the seals that went askew, the seal was fine but, the raised edge was a little too much. What I did was cut away the raised edge, sanded the edges. They now look like old world coins that can be glued onto pages of journals with out the super raised edges. You can keep the cut away parts and remelt them. There are wax sticks made for glue guns, I found my antique gold ones on Amazon.

[@oakhousejournals]

Ohhhh now there are some ideas I can use. Taking away the raised edges will mean less dimension in my journals..brilliant. I like that and it will make the seal look more even too. I really do like using hot glue in the gun and seem to have more control with that but I believe it is hard to clean the coloured glue from the gun if you want to change colours. Am I right there, so you know? I love it that you can reuse your wax if you make a duff seal.... means I can practise to my hearts content....lol. Thanks for those great tips. Hugs C xx

[@jwerth22]

love the starburst I saw someone keep the wax seal stamp in a bowl with a plastic bag filled with ice cubes- to keep it chilled , might have to wipe off before using in hot wax. She said it gives a better impression. Haven't tried it myself.

[@oakhousejournals]

Yes, I saw that too. I have tried it; putting the seal on ice before using it. I also give it a quick wipe on a cloth, to dry it off, before using it. Worked well. Think my best tip is pouring the seal onto glass, marble or something cold/cool....seemed to work so much better when I did. Thanks for mentioning the tip though. Really appreciate it. Hugs C xx

[@donnahenderson4215]

I just watched a video last night where she had an ice pack that freezes solid and flat and she just laid her stamps on that. I haven't tried it, but it looked like it worked well.

[@joannequagliara6073]

Great job,they look wonderful. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@oakhousejournals]

Ha ha they were fun to experiment and practise with. Thanks so much for watching and leaving me a comment. Hugs `c xx

[@brendabooprather]

I'm almost ready to start this journey (so excited)! Your enthusiasm and giggles are making me even more so :-) I love the idea of marking the top of the stamp with your sharpie! :-) Very nice video!! Thank you :-)

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Bren, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I'm still very much a novice at was seals but I do love playing with them.... well, anything crafty for that matter. Good luck with your wax journey. Hugs C xx

[@jodiehebb9984]

You are so gorgeous. You excitement makes me smile. Thanks for sharing your experiments. I will have to go and have a play with mine.

[@oakhousejournals]

It's just so much fun to 'play' isn't it....lol. Hugs C xx

[@oheck5570]

You are so precious and your seals are lovely.

[@oakhousejournals]

That is so kind of you to say. Thank you so much for watching. Hugs C xx

[@leannegordon7439]

Great tips, thank you - through you, we're learning too. I'm glad the hot glue worked, we often hear these ideas mentioned but don't get a chance to see the outcome. I'm off to watch part #2 ...

[@oakhousejournals]

Glad you liked it... great fun. Pt. 2 showed better 'efforts'. Definitely need more practise but loving these seals. Hugs C xx

[@todayicelebrateme]

Paint pens work really nice. The calligraphy tip.

[@mycreativespace]

This was interesting to follow - I have never tried hot glue to make seals with before, it was a new way I have to try. Thank you so much Carol for the great descriptions and inspiration you give us! Hugs from Helen

[@oakhousejournals]

It's great being able to use hot glue. It doesn't harm the stamps at all or make them dirty etc. It still isn't perfectly transparent but close enough. Certainly better than the wax granules that were supposed to be completely transparent! Have fun trying it out. Hugs C xx

[@jenlitscreations]

I love watching you test these. I have quite a few and I know what to do. Thanks

[@oakhousejournals]

Then pleeeeaaase tell me because I'm a real novice at this.....lol. Having fun though! Hugs C xx

[@paperandtwine]

New subbie here. Just about to upload my first Craspire unboxing tomorrow. Never used wax seals before, I’m very excited

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi & a very big warm welcome from me. Lovely to have you join us. I hope you find plenty to inspire you ( & to share) on my channel. Any questions at all, please just ask. I'm always happy to share and help if I know the answer. Oh you'll have fun with your wax and making seals..... I don't do it nearly as often enough but have such a great time when I do. Enjoy. C xx

[@dollbarinc.3056]

I just got into wax seal stamps too! I love them too! Ah, you are such a delight, can I say, to listen to and watch. You are so charming and happy you make crafting positively lovely. Wishing you happy stamping from Canada!

[@oakhousejournals]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment. That really was so kind of your to say. Sorry for the delay in reply but I didn't get notification from YT of it and just spotted it this morning. Hugs C xx

[@dollbarinc.3056]

@@oakhousejournals 😊

[@tuthillg]

Gorgeous! Love the colors of that wax! TFS the inspiration and experimentation!

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Gail, yes the wax hexagons are a nice combo of shades. I think they work well whatever two shades go into the melting spoon. Hugs C xx

[@diannewesterlund4384]

hi carol, love these ! I even like the irregular ones. I know nothing about this artform, but I am wondering why the makers of these gadgets don't make a sort of circular mold of some sort so that you could pour a perfect circle first, if that's what is wanted. ( anyhow I have a picture of it in my head, maybe I should invent it :) LOL......but you did a great j thanks for sharing your fun with us !

[@oakhousejournals]

Ohhh Dianne that's lovely and did make me giggle. You are very diplomatic and thank you for liking the irregular ones.....lol. Yes they should be the perfect circle and with the impression dead centre BUT who likes perfections anyway....lol. Your invention sounds perfect though.... get on with the design and you're on to your first million. AND don't forget I'm your best friend hee hee. Love & hugs C xx

[@diannewesterlund4384]

@@oakhousejournals LOL !!!!!!!

[@ardellakoskinen5359]

Wonderful demonstration! Beautiful seals!

[@oakhousejournals]

Much more practise needed but have to say I am loving the wax seals I got .... better than the ones I already had by far and they were the same price too. Hugs C xx

[@beatrizrabello6282]

When I bought my seal stamp, I got glue sticks for doing clear seals. They are gorgeous

[@oakhousejournals]

Great tip. Thanks Beatriz. Hugs C xx

[@penelopemarshall6320]

I love the wax seals, I have been playing with them for years! I actually prefer them a bit irregular and over feathers and things than just flat circles. Love your feather 💖 😊

[@oakhousejournals]

Me too, if I'm honest but still crave getting that perfect seal like you see the experts create. That feather was from one of my bantams. It was just floating around the garden in the wind earlier today and I thought I'd give it a try. I'm going to use the smaller one I showed for inside my journal. Fingers crossed I can get a better seal on that one....lol. Hugs C xx

[@msadmiral6319]

Hi Carol, Love the video. Can you please tell me what kind of twine that you used to wrap the envelope? Thank you!

[@oakhousejournals]

Sorry for not getting back to your comment sooner. I've only just spotted it and didn't get a YT notification that it had been posted for some reason. I use Vintage French Linen thread most of the time and it's available in my Etsy shop ( link below any of my videos). Other times I use a fine 100% hemp thread which I bought a while ago from a shop called Dairing in Australia. Hope that helps. Hugs C xx

[@craftingbytheriver]

Fun, fun, fun!

[@julieprince77]

Beautiful! Could you pour first then stick the feather into the puddle before putting the stamp in? But either way it came out beautiful. I prefer them to look slightly imperfect, it looks more authentic that way. But I love the perfect ones as well.

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Julie, thank you for your comment and yes, you could pour first, add the feather & then stamp. Both ways would work. When I started out I wanted to get the perfect circle but I'm now like you. I prefer the imperfect shapes more. Hugs C xx

[@patricia5686]

Love the feather. Whoever said wax seals need to be perfect circles? Embrace the Zen!!

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Patricia. so sorry for the late reply but I only spotted your comment this morning. I either didn't get or didn't see the YT notification. You are absolutely right and I have most definitely embraced the zen since making that video. I infinitely prefer the imperfection in shape now when I make my seals. Hugs C xx

[@jacquiliddell1811]

Love love the starburst ✨. Hooray you done it 👏🏻👏🏻

[@oakhousejournals]

Have to say I loved all of these wax seals..... If they can work like that for me ( a real novice) they'd be perfect with someone knowing what they were doing....lol. I'll keep on with the practising. Hugs Cxx

[@suzieq23ify]

Learning together! Thank you.

[@oakhousejournals]

Are you having better luck at this than me, Susan? Great fun learning though. Hugs C xx

[@suzieq23ify]

@@oakhousejournals No I havent started yet. Wanted to watch a few videos before I play. Agains, thanks for sharing your results! They do look great!!

[@paperandtwine]

I prefer the irregular look to the more perfect looking circles, it’s more organic and hand crafted 😀🤓

[@oakhousejournals]

At first I thought 'to do these properly they need to be perfect circles'. Really !!! I actually like them much better when they're irregular. They have more character.... so I'm chilled with the shapes now....lol.C xx

[@jwerth22]

journal is gorgeous

[@oakhousejournals]

Oh, thank you. That's my Raining Wood journal from GiftSmilee on Etsy. I haven't done any collaging in it for a few weeks now (been a little busy with the tag swap etc) but I've been missing it. I'll be doing some more again soon. Thanks for the lovely comment. Hugs C xx

[@tomeka7782]

Hi Carol, a small tip - to easily separate e.g. baking paper with a cold seal from the glue (hot gun🔫) spray it with isopropyl alcohol (should work with wax too - haven't tried it yet (waxes are on the way))

[@oakhousejournals]

Oh great tip.. thanks so much. I'll definitely give that a try next time I've my wax and seals out to play with. Brilliant... so pleased you shared that. Hugs C xx

[@conniehoelscher4591]

What is the name of the twine? Where did you get it. Soooo pretty! Love it all!

[@oakhousejournals]

Connie, so sorry for the late reply but I didn't get or see notification from YT of your comment. The twine is called Avril Art Yarn. I get mine shipped from Australia and/or Hong Kong but you can get it on Etsy. Hugs C xx

[@BrendaMartin-v1i]

I've seen them set their seals on an ice pack to help set faster.

[@oakhousejournals]

Thanks for mentioning that. I'll have to give it a try next time I've got my wax and seals out. Thanks too for watching. Hugs C xx

[@parrishwoods]

Instead of pouring over the quil. you can glue the great one on it Thank you for the film

[@oakhousejournals]

Thanks for the tip and I'll try that another time. I wanted the wax all round the quill, or mostly all round it. Just gluing a wax seal would work but it wouldn't really trap the quill in the wax..... BUT I'll still give it a try. Thanks so much for watching. Hugs C xx

[@jacquiliddell1811]

That journal is exquisite x what a good idea doing it with the hot glue, I am looking forward to getting a seal or some in the new year for my new year project So this tutorial is so very timely for me and is helping a lot. It’s nice to know you don’t have to rush with the hot glue, do they damage the seals at all ? The little one was perfect. Love the way the wax melts in the spoon. I remember watching my grandfather using red wax to seal the string around a brown paper parcel. Carol do you print on your vellum ?🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Jacqui, thanks for your comment. Messing with wax seals is a bit of a learning curve for me but I'm enjoying it. You don't have to rush with either the hot glue or the wax and no, the hot glue doesn't damage the seals at all. They're very robust being solid brass. That brass rod wax seal is just gorgeous isn't it....love love love that one...lol. I have that same memory too. That wee red wax seal example I showed was made using a red wax stick like that. Yes I do print on my vellum. I use either 150 or 200gsm weight and put it through my Cannon printer which is an ink jet printer. Works amazingly well and with it being that weight I just feed it in like a normal piece of paper. Hope this helps. Hugs C xx

[@jillspence6432]

Hi Carol I’m not an expert by any means, but I have seen some people who make their wax seals in advance and store them in tubs ,,then stick them with a little dab of hot glue. Couldn’t you remelt the ones your not happy with? I am hoping that I will receive some of these for Christmas. Just have to see that Father Christmas brings in his sack. And yes I am on the nice list😂🥰❄️🌸💕❄️

[@oakhousejournals]

Just like there are no calories at Christmas there is NO naughty list after the year we've all had.....lol. So I am sure Santa will pop a few in his sack for you. Yes, I believe you can add completed seals to projects using hot glue but I find it is really easy using the double sided tape or the wee permanent glue dots. And you're right about re-melting the seals that don't turn out right. The only thing you need to be careful of is if you've added something to the original wax seal, like glitter or perhaps a vellum holly leaf, like I did. Obviously they're gong into the melting spoon too so you need to know how they'll react when in that heat. It's great you can re-melt the duff seals because it means you can just keep playing and playing....lol. Hugs Jill. C xx

[@cobault2010]

Just a tip.. if you don't like how your seal worked out, you can use a scissors and cut the wax in smaller bits and repeat the wax to have another go at it.

[@oakhousejournals]

Thank you so much for that tip, Gabriele. I do it all the time actually and it works really well. But it is always good to share tips so a BIG thank you for that. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs C xx

[@sholiCrafts]

What sort of twine is that please?

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Sherril, it's known as Avril Art Twine and I get mine on Etsy. Hope that helps. C xx

[@himiyo8619]

If you use a heat proof/silicone mat, the seals will come off no problem, as opposed to the baking paper :)

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Himiyo, thank you for the tip. I bought a couple recently and they work a treat. Hugs C xx

[@jwerth22]

i am waiting for my order from craspire!

[@oakhousejournals]

Ohhh what design did you order? They have some lovely ones to choose from. Enjoy using them. Hugs C xx

[@karenwillett707]

Maybe I’m wrong seems four might work best I’m new

[@karenwillett707]

Right on I’m thrilled for you 🎉

[@karenwillett707]

Thanks for reaching me

[@oakhousejournals]

Hi Karen, I'm finding it tends to depend on the size of my was seal. Three was beads works well for the little ones I have whereas I need four for the larger 1" ones. It all takes a wee bit of experimenting but a GREAT excuse to play......lol. Hugs and Merry Christmas. Have a great one. C xx

[@karenwillett707]

It’s three wax beads I hear I’m new

[@oakhousejournals]

Oh brilliant thanks for that. Thanks so much for watching and leaving me that comment. Hugs C xx