When I first heard about it, I thought glue guns would be the way to go (especially since I have one that is dying of loneliness) but after searching out other videos, and now seeing yours, I know that’s not going to be my method of choice. I was all set to get one of those little furnaces but saw a reviewer who said the wooden frame of theirs caught on fire and that scared me off that idea. Going to rewatch your first wax seal video and pay closer attention to your experience with it. I have some of the wickless candles and will probably just try the lighter method - melting the wax directly over the envelope - since I am generally going to be doing only a few at a time. Thanks so much for your detailed videos on the subject, I am fascinated with wax seals and trying to learn as much as I can.
Thanks a million Sandy. I tried to send a couple like that myself and they also got pretty messed up in the mail, so I too am looking for other ways to use my seals on cards. Your info was great! I won't try using my seals with a glue gun thanks to your help.
Also in regards to postage any letter thicker than 1/4” will require extra postage. They sell non-machinable stamps that cover the extra fee. Also it is wise to write on the envelope please hand cancel. I am going to get a stamp so I can just stamp it on the envelope instead of having to write it every time.
Hi Sandy, I love your channel, bust just so you know, if ever you send to the U.K., there is an automatic £8 handling fee for any underpayment, plus the underpaid postage.
We, in the Netherlands/europe don't have to pay extra postage for handeling we pay by weight. So if the seal is light enough i won't cost me extra money. They sometimes will tell you not to use wax seals on your envelops because they will fall off or won't survive the trip.. (so only use the expensive stuff) so I was surprised when yours arrived without a hitch.
Thank you for this video. I was considering a glue gun to do seals. Think I will go back to the wax furnace. Would love to receive on of your beautiful creations!
For the wax glue stick oozing out, maybe you can make a rest for the gun where it's placed upside down or I have pulled the stick back a bit before putting it down.
does your glue gun have a low level and high level? I heard that if your gun as a low level setting that it'll work great and not heat the wax too much
Hi Sandy. May I suggest you either write or stamp "Hand Cancel" on the envelope. I'm not sure if it is a human or a machine that looks at the amount of postage and determines how the envelope travels through the post office system. Of course your pristine envelope art is now marred by "Hand Cancel",
Have you tried cooling the stamp with other methods besides ziplock with ice? I know the fastest way to chill drinks is submerging in ice *water* and with the water swirling rapidly. For instance at some grocery stores they have wine bottle coolers that you insert the bottle into and it spins ice water around it and the whole bottle is cooled very quickly. Maybe a cup/small bucket with ice+water would work better. Submerge the stamp end and swirl/stir?
I know this video is three years old now, but for the the glue stuck on stemp you could probably brush a layer of vaseline on it. it's what I did for some other project that requires hot glue to not stick to a certain surface, won't help on the other issues tho
oops! didn't know about the extra postage for the wax seal-yikes! I just sent out my son's grad announcements and invitations. Hope they get to where they need to go. good to know about the glue guns. I'll stick with my dripping method.
Would using an ice block (used in packing) and a 2nd seal help this process? I'm curious for your input as I have decided to use wax seals for my business to my customers. I am thinking that if I set the seals on the ice block and rotate between the two, it will achieve the cooling process to the desired time frame.
Very helpful video. Now I agree with you that I won't use my glue gun with the wax seals, however, I did want to know which glue gun you prefer to use with regular glue?
As much as I love the idea of the glue gun, the candle works better for my process. I am picky with how the seals look so it’s nice to be able to reheat the wax in the spoon. I also love marbling the colors and adding glitter, foil, dried flowers, etc. in the spoon. 🕯️ 🥄
Sandy, I don’t know if you mentioned and I didn’t catch it, but could you tell me how many seals you made with one stick? I’m having trouble calculating how many I would need for my invitations. Thanks!
Thank you for opening the world of wax seals. I have really enjoyed the info. I have collected some via sales over the years. Your videos have made me get them out and play. One of my first attempts was on a hand delivered card. The recipient was very impressed. Have you tried using colored glue gun sticks to make a seal? I haven't as yet, but...
As I watched this, I wondered if the glue gun (even on low heat) is too hot. My thought was maybe to do a couple envelopes with the wax, then go back and stamp them when they've had a few seconds to cool. Just my thought, although the cleaning process will still be an issue. TFS I always learn something new!
Hi Sandy, MG here. I was wondering if you could use the glue gun wax seal without the glue gun and heating it directly over a tea light candle flame like you would a Wickless wax stick? I’m currently doing research between wick and Wickless wax sticks and I definitely do not want to use a glue gun or invest in one.
Absolutely - the glue gun is really not my favorite way to do it. I like it oldstyle over a candle unless I need to make a ton for something. (Because its slower with candles.) You can get a little holder that'll hold the spoon above the flame and that can help too (they aren't pricey) - amzn.to/3RDQMKV
Sandy, If you can’t incorporate the wax seal on the front of the card or on the envelope (because it gets removed when the stamp is machineable), what you can do is put it as a tramp stamp on the back of the card That’s what I do! I have a “thank you” or “made with love” or “for you” wax seal on the back side of my card at the bottom. I’m planning to get a customized “Made by Sphoorti” stamp made so I can use that as my wax seal ☺️ Also, if you have one of those cool packs that are softer to use / more pliable (like with the gel beads / liquid inside), it’s less of a struggle trying to cool the stamp down. (Since ice in a ziploc bag is harder to work with and requires both hands, where as if you have a cold pack with gel - you can just put the stamp in top and it will stay and cool itself.
It doesn't sound like you will be doing the glue gune method, but what about pre-making the seals on the side with clear glue stick, paint, and glue/tape on envelope. I know it defeats the whole seal thing, but it might work in a pinch???
@@SandyAllnock1 That is so true. I was planning to order a glue gun on Monday, but then I saw these examples of pre-made wax seals being sticked on already sealed envelopes with tapes and was thinking- what's the point? Now you're paying for the wax and for the tape, plus you completely lose the raw and natural touch wax seals bring. It looks like plastic stuck on paper. Before (when using a spoon and candle) I always felt disappointed when the seal wouldn't come out "perfect" - by that I mean full circle. Now I actually prefer it. Even a few drops of wax here and there on the envelope. Anyhow- thank you for sharing. I may just like you have wished to speed up the process, but in the end may loose what makes the seal so special. Very insightful video. Thank you!
Also you have to remember when using seals like this, we didn't have machines for them to run through. A man carrying a bag with mail in it delivered them by hand. Think of your romance novels.
Re: the cooling of the stamp - doesn’t the stamp also get hot when you use the heated wax? You don’t have to cool the stamp when you use the heated wax? Decisions, decisions.... Already have a mini glue gun.... something just cool about melting wax in the spoon.....
My guess is that because it takes longer to melt the wax using a candle, the stamp has time to cool down between uses. With the glue gun it's ready to go so much sooner.
The difference is that when you use the wax in a spoon, it takes longer in between each seal. So it has time to cool down. The glue gun is quicker by a little bit so it becomes a real problem.
OR ☝️have a few of the same stamp😗 rotate so they can cool… that’s of course if you want all your letters to have the same seal. But that is for sure a faster option 😉 And or get one them mini battery operated refrigerators for makeup to keep them in on your desk. They can hold like 6 of those stamps. Depending on how small or big you want your mini refrigerator to be they are small like 6-9 inches usually. But there are so many out there. Or you could use an ice bin with a tray on top with the 3-5 of the same stamper place them stamp down on the tray as you’re working. Just some ideas I think the first two ideas I had would be best.
So beautiful thank you, because I do not have wax candle, I use the original glue gun with the transparent glue stick that come with it, after heating the glue, I put the hot glue in the wax spoon and mix it with any eye shadow color, heat it a bit on candle then pour it and seal it, it is very effective and easy.. Especially for people who can nod find wax candle around them.. I also sometimes I use hair removal wax ...
What a racquet. It shouldn’t depend on who touches it, it should be a yes extra postage or no extra postage. If you paid for hand cancel then the wax seal should be intact. If I did my job the same way the Post Office did their job I would have been fired. A lot of excuses.
I’m not sure it’s the fault of individual postal workers - they’re stretched really far and if they’ve got a whole bin of mail that got sorted into the machine mail before it touched them, they would have no reason to double check it. Who knows where along the line it might’ve had a problem.
Sometimes it's not just the end product that's important but enjoying the process. Thank you for another helpful video.
Good to know. Thanks for the valuable info.
Nice of you to test these things out Sandy. I'll stick with the candle too. Good to see the seal in one piece, lol. You always brighten my day.
Thank you for my card! The seal on my envelope had a very minor smear from running through a machine. It wasn't a big issue.
When I first heard about it, I thought glue guns would be the way to go (especially since I have one that is dying of loneliness) but after searching out other videos, and now seeing yours, I know that’s not going to be my method of choice. I was all set to get one of those little furnaces but saw a reviewer who said the wooden frame of theirs caught on fire and that scared me off that idea. Going to rewatch your first wax seal video and pay closer attention to your experience with it. I have some of the wickless candles and will probably just try the lighter method - melting the wax directly over the envelope - since I am generally going to be doing only a few at a time. Thanks so much for your detailed videos on the subject, I am fascinated with wax seals and trying to learn as much as I can.
That’s probably a good way to go 👍🏻
Thanks a million Sandy. I tried to send a couple like that myself and they also got pretty messed up in the mail, so I too am looking for other ways to use my seals on cards. Your info was great! I won't try using my seals with a glue gun thanks to your help.
Thank you for this information. You answered all the questions that I had. Again Thank you
Also in regards to postage any letter thicker than 1/4” will require extra postage. They sell non-machinable stamps that cover the extra fee. Also it is wise to write on the envelope please hand cancel. I am going to get a stamp so I can just stamp it on the envelope instead of having to write it every time.
I don't see the wax seal play list you mentioned in the video. I would be interested in seeing those videos.
Oops! Just added it. 👍🏻
Hi Sandy, I love your channel, bust just so you know, if ever you send to the U.K., there is an automatic £8 handling fee for any underpayment, plus the underpaid postage.
Yeesh! Well no one I sent them to said there was any postage due, fortunately.
Many people use ice packs to cool the stamp head so that might be an option.
We, in the Netherlands/europe don't have to pay extra postage for handeling we pay by weight. So if the seal is light enough i won't cost me extra money. They sometimes will tell you not to use wax seals on your envelops because they will fall off or won't survive the trip.. (so only use the expensive stuff) so I was surprised when yours arrived without a hitch.
Thank you for this video. I was considering a glue gun to do seals. Think I will go back to the wax furnace. Would love to receive on of your beautiful creations!
Great video! Thanks for doing the research and saving us time and money! 👍🏻👍🏻
For the wax glue stick oozing out, maybe you can make a rest for the gun where it's placed upside down or I have pulled the stick back a bit before putting it down.
Great & appreciated wax seal info.!!! Blessings & hugs!!!
Great info and insights! 20 cent letters sound like a dream to me - for those letters it would be $1.20 in Australia.
Fascinating! Appreciate your videos and research.
Informative video, thank you!
I wish I had seen this before getting sticks and seal. What a mess. I agree with you totally!😢
Like you not enjoying the glue gun creation, the glue gun is not nearly as satisfying as your bowl and candle to watch. Still a worthwhile experiment!
does your glue gun have a low level and high level? I heard that if your gun as a low level setting that it'll work great and not heat the wax too much
It wax on the low setting.
Hi Sandy. May I suggest you either write or stamp "Hand Cancel" on the envelope. I'm not sure if it is a human or a machine that looks at the amount of postage and determines how the envelope travels through the post office system. Of course your pristine envelope art is now marred by "Hand Cancel",
Have you tried cooling the stamp with other methods besides ziplock with ice? I know the fastest way to chill drinks is submerging in ice *water* and with the water swirling rapidly. For instance at some grocery stores they have wine bottle coolers that you insert the bottle into and it spins ice water around it and the whole bottle is cooled very quickly. Maybe a cup/small bucket with ice+water would work better. Submerge the stamp end and swirl/stir?
I know this video is three years old now, but for the the glue stuck on stemp you could probably brush a layer of vaseline on it. it's what I did for some other project that requires hot glue to not stick to a certain surface, won't help on the other issues tho
Can we cut up the wax sticks to use on the heating spoon? Is it the same thing? Because the wax sticks seem a bit stringy than the pellets
Yes, I don't use a glue gun anymore so I just chop up the sticks :)
oops! didn't know about the extra postage for the wax seal-yikes! I just sent out my son's grad announcements and invitations. Hope they get to where they need to go. good to know about the glue guns. I'll stick with my dripping method.
Do you have to special mail them? I’d be afraid PO machines might rip them off
Thank you for this….so interesting. 💌
Would using an ice block (used in packing) and a 2nd seal help this process? I'm curious for your input as I have decided to use wax seals for my business to my customers. I am thinking that if I set the seals on the ice block and rotate between the two, it will achieve the cooling process to the desired time frame.
Probably would 👍🏻
Very helpful video. Now I agree with you that I won't use my glue gun with the wax seals, however, I did want to know which glue gun you prefer to use with regular glue?
I’ve actually never had a glue gun til now…i bought both just to find out I didn’t like using them 🤣🤣🤣 Just call me a canary in the coal mine.
As much as I love the idea of the glue gun, the candle works better for my process. I am picky with how the seals look so it’s nice to be able to reheat the wax in the spoon. I also love marbling the colors and adding glitter, foil, dried flowers, etc. in the spoon. 🕯️ 🥄
❤️
Sandy, I don’t know if you mentioned and I didn’t catch it, but could you tell me how many seals you made with one stick? I’m having trouble calculating how many I would need for my invitations. Thanks!
I’m not really sure honestly; if you look on reputable sites they often tell you how many you’d need (Amazon doesn’t always give that kind of info.).
Thank you for opening the world of wax seals. I have really enjoyed the info. I have collected some via sales over the years. Your videos have made me get them out and play. One of my first attempts was on a hand delivered card. The recipient was very impressed. Have you tried using colored glue gun sticks to make a seal? I haven't as yet, but...
Glue gun adhesive doesn’t have the resin in it that’s needed.
As I watched this, I wondered if the glue gun (even on low heat) is too hot. My thought was maybe to do a couple envelopes with the wax, then go back and stamp them when they've had a few seconds to cool. Just my thought, although the cleaning process will still be an issue. TFS I always learn something new!
Yup too many issues to spend more brain cells on alternatives. 🤣
Are the wax you're using is the same with an ordinary glue stick but colored?
No they’re formulated differently.
Hi Sandy, MG here. I was wondering if you could use the glue gun wax seal without the glue gun and heating it directly over a tea light candle flame like you would a Wickless wax stick? I’m currently doing research between wick and Wickless wax sticks and I definitely do not want to use a glue gun or invest in one.
Absolutely - the glue gun is really not my favorite way to do it. I like it oldstyle over a candle unless I need to make a ton for something. (Because its slower with candles.) You can get a little holder that'll hold the spoon above the flame and that can help too (they aren't pricey) - amzn.to/3RDQMKV
My post office told me that the extra .20 would ensure no machines would be involved.
Mine assured me of that as well but apparently that didn’t happen.
Sandy,
If you can’t incorporate the wax seal on the front of the card or on the envelope (because it gets removed when the stamp is machineable), what you can do is put it as a tramp stamp on the back of the card
That’s what I do! I have a “thank you” or “made with love” or “for you” wax seal on the back side of my card at the bottom. I’m planning to get a customized “Made by Sphoorti” stamp made so I can use that as my wax seal ☺️
Also, if you have one of those cool packs that are softer to use / more pliable (like with the gel beads / liquid inside), it’s less of a struggle trying to cool the stamp down. (Since ice in a ziploc bag is harder to work with and requires both hands, where as if you have a cold pack with gel - you can just put the stamp in top and it will stay and cool itself.
The post office will allow you to pay more postage and the envelope will not go through the machine.
It doesn't sound like you will be doing the glue gune method, but what about pre-making the seals on the side with clear glue stick, paint, and glue/tape on envelope. I know it defeats the whole seal thing, but it might work in a pinch???
No… that ends up just looking like a weird sticker. Not exactly what I’m trying to communicate.
@@SandyAllnock1 haaaa...thank you for sharing that. I won't need to try it out now.
@@SandyAllnock1 That is so true. I was planning to order a glue gun on Monday, but then I saw these examples of pre-made wax seals being sticked on already sealed envelopes with tapes and was thinking- what's the point? Now you're paying for the wax and for the tape, plus you completely lose the raw and natural touch wax seals bring. It looks like plastic stuck on paper. Before (when using a spoon and candle) I always felt disappointed when the seal wouldn't come out "perfect" - by that I mean full circle. Now I actually prefer it. Even a few drops of wax here and there on the envelope. Anyhow- thank you for sharing. I may just like you have wished to speed up the process, but in the end may loose what makes the seal so special. Very insightful video. Thank you!
Also you have to remember when using seals like this, we didn't have machines for them to run through. A man carrying a bag with mail in it delivered them by hand. Think of your romance novels.
Re: the cooling of the stamp - doesn’t the stamp also get hot when you use the heated wax? You don’t have to cool the stamp when you use the heated wax? Decisions, decisions.... Already have a mini glue gun.... something just cool about melting wax in the spoon.....
My guess is that because it takes longer to melt the wax using a candle, the stamp has time to cool down between uses. With the glue gun it's ready to go so much sooner.
The difference is that when you use the wax in a spoon, it takes longer in between each seal. So it has time to cool down. The glue gun is quicker by a little bit so it becomes a real problem.
OR ☝️have a few of the same stamp😗 rotate so they can cool… that’s of course if you want all your letters to have the same seal. But that is for sure a faster option 😉
And or get one them mini battery operated refrigerators for makeup to keep them in on your desk. They can hold like 6 of those stamps. Depending on how small or big you want your mini refrigerator to be they are small like 6-9 inches usually. But there are so many out there. Or you could use an ice bin with a tray on top with the 3-5 of the same stamper place them stamp down on the tray as you’re working.
Just some ideas I think the first two ideas I had would be best.
Good tips! I only do one or two at a time but I’ll try these if I have a big lot sometime 👍🏻
So beautiful thank you, because I do not have wax candle, I use the original glue gun with the transparent glue stick that come with it, after heating the glue, I put the hot glue in the wax spoon and mix it with any eye shadow color, heat it a bit on candle then pour it and seal it, it is very effective and easy.. Especially for people who can nod find wax candle around them.. I also sometimes I use hair removal wax ...
seal?
interesting - but the closed caption wording is nothing like the video...
Their caption system is pretty bad isnt it?
What a racquet. It shouldn’t depend on who touches it, it should be a yes extra postage or no extra postage. If you paid for hand cancel then the wax seal should be intact. If I did my job the same way the Post Office did their job I would have been fired. A lot of excuses.
I’m not sure it’s the fault of individual postal workers - they’re stretched really far and if they’ve got a whole bin of mail that got sorted into the machine mail before it touched them, they would have no reason to double check it. Who knows where along the line it might’ve had a problem.