Sealing Wax Recipe

Making beeswax sealing wax for letters is a great way to add a personal touch to your correspondence. Here's a simple recipe for making your own beeswax sealing wax:

Ingredients:

• 2 parts beeswax
• 1 part resin (you can use pine resin or damar resin)
• Optional: A few drops of essential oil for fragrance (e.g., lavender, rose, or cedarwood)
• Optional: A small amount of pigment or metallic powder for color (if desired, but I wouldn't, the natural bee gold colour is lovely)

Materials:

• Double boiler or microwave-safe container
• Stirring spoon
• Wax stamp or seal
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Work Area:

   • Cover your work surface with newspaper or a protective cloth to catch any wax drips and make cleanup easier.

2. Weigh and Measure Ingredients:

   • Measure the beeswax and resin using a 2:1 ratio by weight. For example, if you have 20 grams of beeswax, use 10 grams of resin.

3. Melt the Beeswax and Resin:

   • Use a double boiler or a microwave-safe container to melt the beeswax and resin together. If using a microwave, heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring each time until fully melted. Be cautious, as resin can be flammable, so do not overheat.

4. Add Essential Oil and Color (Optional):

   • If you want to add fragrance to your sealing wax, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil and stir well.
   • If you'd like to color your wax, mix in a small amount of pigment or metallic powder until you achieve the desired color.

5. Cool Slightly:

   • Allow the wax mixture to cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly. It should still be liquid enough to pour.

6. Pour the Wax:

   • Carefully pour the wax mixture onto parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You can make individual wax seals or a larger sheet that can be cut into smaller seals once cooled.

7. Stamp the Wax:

   • Before the wax cools completely, use your wax stamp or seal to create your desired impression on the wax. Press the stamp firmly and hold it in place for a few seconds to allow the wax to cool and set around the design.

8. Cool and Set:

   • Allow the wax seals to cool and harden completely. This may take a few minutes.

9. Use Your Sealing Wax:

   • Once the wax seals have cooled and hardened, they are ready to use. Simply melt a small amount of wax onto the flap of your envelope or document, press your seal into the hot wax, and hold it until the wax cools and solidifies, creating a decorative and secure seal.

10. Store Your Sealing Wax:

• Store your sealing wax seals in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use them.

Homemade beeswax sealing wax adds a personal and vintage touch to your letters and documents. Enjoy creating beautiful and unique seals for your correspondence.