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General Categories => Tools & Supplies => Topic started by: MaureenV on January 05, 2015, 07:04:03 PM

Title: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: MaureenV on January 05, 2015, 07:04:03 PM
What are your favorite online stores for wax seal supplies?
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: AndyT on January 05, 2015, 07:10:48 PM
I've not gone in for seals at all, but far and away the most interesting range I've seen is at Kallipos.de (http://www.kallipos.de/gb-sealing-wax.html).  There are some very nice designs in the seals section too.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Jamie on January 05, 2015, 07:30:03 PM
I like to buy chips that you use in a spoon from a seller on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/people/HappyJewelrySupplies?ref=pr_faveshops
They're set in Hong Kong though so at least for me in the US, they take a couple of weeks to get things shipped to you just because of the distance.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: schin on January 05, 2015, 09:19:53 PM
I thoroughly recommend Atelier Gargoyle: http://www.ateliergargoyle.com/pages/waxes/agsealingwax.html

Their wax seals have a lovely color and smell and do not break apart in the post.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: jaimelynne on January 05, 2015, 09:25:24 PM
I often use www.nostalgicimpressions.com as they allow you to upload custom designs. They also sell the sticks of wax that you use in a glue gun. We use these for all of our marketing collateral. Not sure how they hold up in post though.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Erica McPhee on January 05, 2015, 11:07:27 PM
I ordered a custom wax seal stamp from:  Stamptitude (http://stamptitude.com/product/custom-wax-seal-stamp/) for the first issue of Dasherie. The design was incredibly intricate and it was only $25! It came from China but arrived quickly and was really nice! I was duly impressed. Especially since I received another quote from a different place for $185!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Linda Y. on January 06, 2015, 12:31:45 AM
I've always wanted to try a wax seal but I hate making a mess :-[
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: schin on January 06, 2015, 12:36:15 AM
I've always wanted to try a wax seal but I hate making a mess :-[

Absolutely no mess! The wax doesn't melt fast enough to make a mess ;D
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: SueL on January 06, 2015, 12:46:22 AM
I love playing with my wax seals. I've been collecting them for many years and usually pick them up on my travels. They're not messy, Linda.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Linda Y. on January 06, 2015, 12:53:40 AM
Maybe I've just seen too many TV shows where it's like dripping all over the place ;D


Found a YouTube video. Is this how you guys do it? Does it take a whole minute to let it drip? :o And this person made a mess!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tcqDNoVmkA
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Blotbot on January 06, 2015, 10:10:32 AM
I have bought was seals thru Happy Jewelry Supplies on Etsy and the seals are nice.  As noted above, there is extra time needed for mailing, and I have found that there can be miscommunication with sellers as well.  For wax, I just buy the cheap stuff in the wedding section of the craft store.  It doesn't crack in the post, but the colors are limited.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Erica McPhee on January 06, 2015, 05:40:26 PM
I cheat and use the wax seal glue gun. No mess.  ;D
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: garyn on January 06, 2015, 08:50:00 PM
You guys convinced me. 
I have an order of 4 seals coming from Happy Jewelry Supplies.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Meredith S on January 06, 2015, 09:31:01 PM
Maybe I've just seen too many TV shows where it's like dripping all over the place ;D


Found a YouTube video. Is this how you guys do it? Does it take a whole minute to let it drip? :o And this person made a mess!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tcqDNoVmkA

Why did they wipe it on the paper at the end? The melted wax would just harden back onto the stick if they left it alone, wouldn't it?

I got 2 from Happy Jewelry Supplies and one from Back 2 Zero for Christmas. I really like them, but I've only used them a few times and I don't know yet if the wax stayed in place in the post. But it's so fun to do!

Mine do take a little time to do, because it melts off so slowly, but I like it. I dunno, it's relaxing or something.  8)
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: schin on January 06, 2015, 10:13:13 PM

Why did they wipe it on the paper at the end? The melted wax would just harden back onto the stick if they left it alone, wouldn't it?


Even after blowing out the flame, a bit of ember/soot remains on the wick and if not completely extinguished, the wick will continue smoking and burning like an incense. I like to just dip the wick in a drop of water afterwards, but these guys just wiped it on the paper.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Meredith S on January 07, 2015, 11:49:35 AM

Why did they wipe it on the paper at the end? The melted wax would just harden back onto the stick if they left it alone, wouldn't it?


Even after blowing out the flame, a bit of ember/soot remains on the wick and if not completely extinguished, the wick will continue smoking and burning like an incense. I like to just dip the wick in a drop of water afterwards, but these guys just wiped it on the paper.

Ah, good to know. Thanks!

P.s. Schin, you are the whole reason I got my wax seals.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: schin on January 07, 2015, 01:40:42 PM
Ah, good to know. Thanks!

P.s. Schin, you are the whole reason I got my wax seals.

Haha good, don't let me go bankrupt alone!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Meredith S on January 07, 2015, 04:29:26 PM

Haha good, don't let me go bankrupt alone!

Never! We'll go down in penniless ruin together, surrounded by our gorgeous wax seals.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Sarah Foutz on January 07, 2015, 07:15:36 PM
Schin, thanks for the head's up of atelier gargoyle--there is a lot of information on that website! I had already ordered a wax seal awhile ago, but haven't yet broken it in....to be seen soon in the valentine's exchange!! :)
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: schin on January 07, 2015, 10:17:54 PM
If you buy from Atelier Gargoyle they will include a ton of literature on everything you need to know about wax seals. Here is a blog post I made about my package from them: http://openinkstand.wordpress.com/2014/12/21/atelier-gargoyle-sealing-wax/
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Sarah Foutz on January 07, 2015, 11:15:20 PM
Thanks Schin, I pinned your blog for future reference so I can remember the website! :)
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: MaureenV on January 08, 2015, 02:48:47 PM
Would anyone mind sharing photos of the wax seal stamps they have?
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Blotbot on January 08, 2015, 04:16:14 PM
Has anyone ever tried to make sealing wax?  I wonder what makes the mailable versions flexible, bees wax?  You could always use crayons for color!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: AndyT on January 08, 2015, 05:54:46 PM
I wonder what makes the mailable versions flexible, bees wax?

Here's a recipe for you, Ellen:

One pound of bees' wax, three ounces of turpentine, and one ounce of olive oil, are
put into a proper vessel over the fire, and allowed to boil for some time, when the mixture will be
well incorporated, and fit to be formed into rolls or cakes for use. To colour such soft wax, an
ounce of any one of the colouring substances of which we shall presently speak, must be stirred
in while boiling, till thoroughly incorporated with the wax. By pouring the melted soft wax into
cold water, it is brought to the requisite consistency to be formed into the rolls or cakes. But
before this is done, the wax is sometimes perfumed: this is effected by adding to every pound of
wax, an ounce of gum benjamin, a scruple of oil of rhodium, ten grains of musk, five grains of
civet, and five of ambergris. These various scents are rubbed up with the oil, and sprinkled on the
wax while in a warm state.


The usual colouring matter is vermilion, but there are other options (I left out the bit about red lead):

Coloured sealing wax is prepared in other respects in the same way, only altering the colouring
matter according to the tint required. For green wax, instead of vermilion, powdered verdigris is
employed: for a brighter green, distilled or crystals of verdigris: for blue, powdered smalt: for light
blue, verditer, or a mixture of verditer and smalt: for yellow, masticot; or for a brighter tint,
turbith mineral. The purple wax is made like the red, only lessening the quantity of vermilion,
and taking a larger or smaller proportion of smalt, according to the required shade of colour. [...]
The best black sealing wax is prepared as above described, except that ivory-black is subtituted
for the vermilion, and in the commoner kinds, lamp-black.


Bet you're itching to get going now!  :)
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Blotbot on January 08, 2015, 08:03:30 PM
Ambergris!  I must have ambergris!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Perfectsettings on January 21, 2015, 05:14:31 PM
I know Erica mentioned this but did you know there are glue sticks that are used for wax seals?  They work marvelous.  I often have brides that ask their guests about the wax seals they send on their env and they're disappointed when told; what wax seal?  They fall off during the stamp cancelling.  The glue seals work a whole lot better and actually STICK.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Milonguera on January 21, 2015, 05:39:37 PM
Two questions:

Once you get the hang of it, how many envelopes will a stick from Gargoyle seal?

Has anyone compared the visual appearance of the different waxes available?  I've seen some that look like plastic and others that look more like cinnabar than lacquer,--though not really like either, as an example.   
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: penstaff on January 25, 2015, 12:50:11 PM
Hi all you wax enthusiasts. There are several posts to this question, but I haven't seen anything pertaining to the supplies from The Manuscript Pen Company. They not only have an abundance of colors, styles, etc . of wax, but stamps as well. You really ought to check 'em out! Of course I represent the company and have their catalogs.
Harvey (penstaff)
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Blotbot on January 28, 2015, 10:03:57 AM
One tip-  if you are sealing a lot of letters, the Winter exchange for example, rest the seal on an ice pack to cool it before making the next seal.  When the seal get hot, it sticks to the wax.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: schin on January 28, 2015, 02:38:20 PM
Hi all you wax enthusiasts. There are several posts to this question, but I haven't seen anything pertaining to the supplies from The Manuscript Pen Company. They not only have an abundance of colors, styles, etc . of wax, but stamps as well. You really ought to check 'em out! Of course I represent the company and have their catalogs.
Harvey (penstaff)

I didn't even know Manuscript made wax seals!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Meredith S on January 29, 2015, 10:56:30 AM
One tip-  if you are sealing a lot of letters, the Winter exchange for example, rest the seal on an ice pack to cool it before making the next seal.  When the seal get hot, it sticks to the wax.

I put olive oil on mine every now and then.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: penstaff on February 08, 2015, 12:26:50 PM
Hi Schin, my, yes, and in a big way-colors in abundance, and bookoo of seals as well as nibs and most anything your heart desires pertaining to calligraphy...and a ton of different nibs: leonardt, Tape, poster, round hand, and many others. As well as markers, fountain pens and different type sets of fountain pens, many different inks including Chinese sticks, etc.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance - it would be wise to combine orders with others to save on postage.
The best,
Harvey
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: silverswirlstudios on March 31, 2015, 11:54:45 AM
Would anyone mind sharing photos of the wax seal stamps they have?

I will post the one I had made of my logo, Maureen. I have other ones that I bought ready made, also.

Wax seals make great gifts!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: silverswirlstudios on March 31, 2015, 11:56:07 AM
I ordered a custom wax seal stamp from:  Stamptitude (http://stamptitude.com/product/custom-wax-seal-stamp/) for the first issue of Dasherie. The design was incredibly intricate and it was only $25! It came from China but arrived quickly and was really nice! I was duly impressed. Especially since I received another quote from a different place for $185!

That's awesome, Erica! My custom one of my logo was $125!

For brides (when I design monograms I sometimes suggest a wax seal), lower priced ones are ideal. Thanks for the tip!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Merissa on April 23, 2015, 02:57:27 AM
I have to second Schin's recomendation and give a shout out to Linnea & Ward at Atelier Gargoyle. Their waxes are amazing, beautiful, and smell lovely too! I made a small order a month or so ago and I was so pleased at Linnea's customer service and warmth. I highly recommend them. Also, something I just learned while on their website is that John Neal Booksellers is now offering their wax: http://www.johnnealbooks.com/prod_detail_list/s?keyword=sealing+wax (http://www.johnnealbooks.com/prod_detail_list/s?keyword=sealing+wax) if you want to order online.

Check out www.AtelierGargoyle.com (http://www.AtelierGargoyle.com) for more info and suppliers.

Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Leanda on December 25, 2015, 02:49:51 PM
I just ordered a batch of stuff from backtozero.com. My first time from there so I can't really say what it's like until I receive, but their website is impressively user friendly and modern and their stamp handles come in some great colours! Found them to be much cheaper for custom seals too. Their customer service is good too!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Mimi on June 02, 2016, 01:16:48 AM
Maybe I've just seen too many TV shows where it's like dripping all over the place ;D


Found a YouTube video. Is this how you guys do it? Does it take a whole minute to let it drip? :o And this person made a mess!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tcqDNoVmkA

I've seen a lot of people use hot glue guns, and colored glue sticks. They seem fairly easy enough AND it's a plus that the colors are gorgeous! 

I just ordered a batch of stuff from backtozero.com. My first time from there so I can't really say what it's like until I receive, but their website is impressively user friendly and modern and their stamp handles come in some great colours! Found them to be much cheaper for custom seals too. Their customer service is good too!

I've heard great things about them, too! I'm looking for a wax seal. Hopefully I can find something from them. I also read that nostalgic impressions is good, too.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: AnasaziWrites on June 02, 2016, 11:07:25 AM
I would second Schin's recommendation heartily. The people at Atelier Gargoyle are outstanding and the wax is lovely.

Looking at this video, I would make one comment. See how the seal sticks to the wax after impressing it? This can be lessened by breathing heavily a couple of times on the face of the seal (thus putting a little moisture on it) just before dipping it into the hot wax. If you are doing multiple impressions, have a moist towel over a piece of ice to both add moisture to the seal and keep it cool, and rest the seal on it momentarily between impressions. A hot seal tends to stick.

WARNING:  Reading further in this post may tempt you to endanger your purse.

A request was made earlier in this thread to see some of the seals we have. Here are my two favorites.

A couple of years ago, I bought an unengraved  gold watch fob made in Birmingham, England in the year of my grandfather's birth (1894). On one side the stone is bloodstone, the other is cornelian, both common to engrave back in the day. I thought, it would be great fun to have both sides engraved to make wax seals. I was in touch with Schin at this time, and she also was considering having a seal made for her calligraphy business, and we were both looking at Dexter Rings, a small company in England, that did the finest work I had ever seen. After much consideration (due in no small measure due to the price of such work), we both went ahead with the custom seal idea--Schin designed her seal for OpenInkStand, and I chose two of my favorite statues from my collection, photographed them, and sent the photos to Dexter, where master engraver William Wright engraved the stones using my photos as a guide.

I still marvel at his skill every time I use the seals. They are about 22 mm in diameter (so, say the size of a quarter) and have such nice detail. I have my heirloom.

If you are looking for a seal in a hurry or something inexpensive, you won't find it at Dexter. Mine took 6 months to make and my purse was reeling after the exchange. It was, though, worth the wait and the money.

You may visit Dexter Rings at this website if you dare:

http://www.familysealrings.com/ (http://www.familysealrings.com/)

Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Mimi on June 03, 2016, 08:30:08 PM

WARNING:  Reading further in this post may tempt you to endanger your purse.


Thanks for the warning! Those wax seals are masterfully crafted!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Karen Gray on June 24, 2016, 06:45:56 PM
I really want to get a custom seals made like the ones I describe in my books. That would be braw :)
Does anyone know of EU/UK versions of Atelier Gargoyle quality wax?
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Mimi on July 29, 2016, 10:55:12 PM
I cheat and use the wax seal glue gun. No mess.  ;D

 Erica, where do you purchase your wax seal glue? Are they the regular .44 in or the mini .25 in? Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Rachael on August 03, 2018, 11:40:57 PM
I'm curious about the glue gun wax seals, are they any good? What about sticker wax seals? And how many envelopes will the Atelier Gargoyle wax seal? I've used wax and a seal before, but it was really cheap and burned constantly.
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: AnasaziWrites on August 04, 2018, 12:12:32 PM
@Rachael
I'm curious about the glue gun wax seals, are they any good? What about sticker wax seals?
They may be efficient, but look, as a rule, to my eye, rather "plasticy" (if that's a word).
 
Quote
And how many envelopes will the Atelier Gargoyle wax seal?
These seals were done with AG wax. As to how many per stick, that will depend on the size of the seal, of course, how deeply it is carved, and how much "extra" you like around the edges. These seals are 22mm (0.9 inches), and with very little extra around the edge. I get about 20 or so per stick, a little less if you like a generous amount around the edge, as I do, so say 15 or so.

Quote
I've used wax and a seal before, but it was really cheap and burned constantly.
I've never had AG was burn. You can also melt it in a spoon made for this purpose or an electric melting pot if you are doing huge numbers of letters. Remember to cool and moisten you seal between uses.

Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: NevadaDeb on October 30, 2018, 12:01:38 AM
Thanks to Schin and all who shared the excellence of Atelier Gargoyle wax sticks. They are very pliable and easy to use, and they certainly melt beautifully.

I also love using the little (Bic LIghter size) Eagle Torches, which I found on Amazon. They were about $2.50 apiece, and came 5 to a package, along with a refill bottle of butane. The small torches are not awkward to use, and make wax seals a quick and easy addition to any lovely envelope, certificate, gift package or other project.

I make all the birthday cards for the staff at my husband’s high school, and have gotten rave reviews on the seals. There’s something about a wax seal that makes everyone feel special.

Thanks to Anasazi for sharing the tip on putting olive oil on the stamp!

Thank you all again. I'm having a total blast.
Sent from my iPad
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: AnasaziWrites on October 30, 2018, 09:07:16 AM
Thanks to Anasazi for sharing the tip on putting olive oil on the stamp!

Thank you all again. I'm having a total blast.
Sent from my iPad
@NevadaDeb
Actually, that suggestion came from Meredith. Never tried that myself.
If I'm doing a single seal, I just breath on it (to moisten it) just before I push it into the wax. If I'm doing a bunch of seals, I rest it on a moistened washcloth between impressions, which both moistens and cools the seal.
Wax seals are fun, no?
Title: Re: Wax Seal Suppliers
Post by: Erica McPhee on November 05, 2018, 07:58:58 AM
I rest mine on a small bowl of ice cubes. It immediately cools it and makes it come right up off the wax for the next one.  ;)