How to Make Wax Seals (DIY Seal for Letter/gifts)

Wax seals are one of those classic details that instantly make any paper project feel thoughtful and special, and the good news is they’re much easier to make than they look. 

Whether you love the tradition of wax sealing or want a modern shortcut, there are several simple ways to create beautiful seals with just a little practice. 

This basic tutorial covers the most common methods for heating wax, how to use a wax seal stamp, and a few easy ideas for putting your finished seals to use.

Basic Wax Seal Supplies

To get started, you’ll need a wax seal stamp (sometimes called a sealing stamp or peg stamp) and a way to melt the wax. 

Traditional sealing wax comes in wax sticks or wax beads, while modern options include glue sticks for making faux wax seals with a glue gun. 

Any of these methods work well—it just depends on the look you’re going for and the tools you have on hand.

Be sure to watch the video here too!

Basic Supplies Needed for Wax Sealing:

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• Wax seal stamps (20 pieces in this kit)
• Hibiscus Flower Wax Seal (the one I am using below)
• Gold wax pellets
• Wax warmer spoon
• Arteza Bright gold acrylic paint marker
• Premade or faux wax seals
• Hot glue gun
• Hot glue sticks (standard glue sticks work great)
• Wax seal double sided tape sticker (for envelopes)
• Silicone Wax Seal mat
• Marble Slab
• Craft tweezers (optional but helpful)

Method 1: Melting Wax with a Warmer or Spoon

One classic method of wax sealing uses wax beads or pieces of sealing wax melted in a small spoon. Hold the spoon over a flame, such as beeswax candles, until the wax becomes fully melted. This usually takes just a couple of minutes.

Once the wax is melted, pour a small puddle onto your paper or project surface. Press the sealing stamp straight down into the melted wax and hold it steady until the wax cools. Lift the stamp gently to reveal the design. This method gives a traditional look and is perfect for wedding invitations or wedding programs.

Method 2: Using a Glue Gun for Faux Wax Seals

For a modern and beginner-friendly option, try making faux wax seals with a glue gun. Insert clear or colored glue sticks into the glue gun and allow it to heat fully. Squeeze out a small circle of hot glue where you want the seal, then immediately press in your wax seal stamp.

Let it cool for a couple of minutes before removing the stamp. This method is great for creating seals ahead of time, adding them to envelopes, or decorating items like a wine bottle tag or gift wrap. Faux wax seals are flexible and durable, making them ideal for mailing.

Method 3: Traditional Wax Sticks

Some wax sticks are designed to be melted directly over a flame. Light the end, let the sealing wax drip onto your surface, then press in the sealing stamp. This method takes a little practice, but it’s a fun way to experience traditional wax sealing and works beautifully for special occasions.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Wax Seal on an Envelope

Once you’ve chosen your heating method, the actual wax sealing process is very straightforward and only takes a couple of minutes. This is the classic way to use a wax seal stamp on envelopes, cards, and wedding invitations.

Start by placing your envelope on a flat, heat-safe surface and make sure the flap is closed and aligned. If you’re working with blank stationery or wedding programs, it helps to lightly crease the flap ahead of time so it stays in place.

Next, melt your wax. Use sealing wax melted in a spoon, wax beads, wax sticks, or even a glue gun with glue sticks for faux wax seals. Pour or squeeze a small puddle of melted wax directly onto the center of the envelope flap. You only need enough wax to slightly spread when pressed—too much will overflow the edges.

While the wax is still hot, press the wax seal stamp straight down into the melted wax. Hold the sealing stamp steady without twisting. After a little practice, you’ll get a feel for how much pressure is just right.

Let the wax cool completely, which usually takes a couple of minutes. As it cools, the wax will harden and release cleanly from the stamp. Gently lift the stamp straight up to reveal the finished seal.

If you’re using faux wax seals made with a glue gun, you can also create them separately and attach them later, which is especially helpful for mailing or decorating items like a wine bottle tag. No matter the method, wax sealing is easy, satisfying, and gets better every time you try it—making next time even more fun than the first.

Ways to Use Wax Seals

Wax seals aren’t just for envelopes. Use them to seal letters, decorate wedding invitations, embellish wedding programs, or add a finishing touch to packaging. 

They also look great on blank cards, scrapbook pages, or even layered with rubber stamps for mixed-media projects. 

Once you start experimenting, you’ll find plenty of creative uses—and next time, you’ll feel even more confident trying new techniques.

That's it!

Wax sealing may feel old-fashioned, but it fits perfectly into modern crafting. 

With a few tools, a little practice, and a couple of minutes of time, you can add a timeless detail to almost any project using either traditional wax sealing or easy faux wax seals.

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