Small Decorative Wax Seal & Ink Pad Set

Add personality to letters, wedding invitations, and gifts with this wax seal set from Seattle-based Global Solutions. Cast in pewter and plated with nickel, the stamps are available in 10 designs that range from roses to seashells to Celtic knots. Each stamp measures one-quarter of an inch in diameter, and produces finished wax seals about three-quarters of an inch wide. To help you get started, the boxed set comes with a 2.75-inch wick-wax stick and a 1-inch metallic ink pad.

Before you make an impression, first trim the wick so it’s flush with your wax. Then, using a lighter, soften the wax for about 10 seconds. Gently push the wick onto the paper so a small amount of wax falls onto the wick, and relight the wax. Drip 10 to 15 drops into a pool, push the lit end of the wax stick directly into the pool, and swirl it around in a circle. Push the stamp into the wax and wait 5 seconds. Then, gently rock the stamp out of the wax to leave a clean impression. For a subtle highlight, use your finger to smudge some ink on top of the finished seal. For a more dramatic result, tap the stamp on the ink pad before pressing it into the wax.

Global Solutions founder Cathy Simon started out working with high-end paper. While at a trade show, she saw a selection of wax seals, and knew immediately she wanted to learn the process herself. Inspired by the long history of wax seals, which can be traced back to the world’s first civilizations, she spent the next 8 years perfecting her formula. Today, Global Solutions sells decorative seals in a variety of sizes, along with wick-wax, paper goods, vintage watch parts, and more.