Wax Seals And Sealing Wax Fun

[MrD]

I can't compare to the others on this thread, but here's my humble effort:

 

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/7222036034_14403bea5e_n.jpg

2012-05-18 wax seal by ~Mr_Darcy~, on Flickr

[kiavonne]

Very cool! I can't usually find a nice initial seal, and yours is crisp and clear. Thanks, MrD! What wax did you use?

 

As far as humble goes, that's ok, cuz this thread is for everyone!

[Northwoods]

I promised myself a gift for my 50th, and was finally able to pull the trigger about a month ago. Part one was a Pelikan M800, and this is part two:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mysticmoose/Seals/8f545c82.jpg

 

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mysticmoose/Seals/fe3dfc75.jpg

 

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mysticmoose/Seals/2de00ef5.jpg

 

 

The impression I made was using Herbin traditional wax.

[wangwei]

Holly, This reminds me of Family Honor.

And it's beautiful.

[kiavonne]

Wow, that's gorgeous, Northwoods!

[Northwoods]

Wow, that's gorgeous, Northwoods!

Thanks. You can't help but love the work Dexter does. I've a couple more to post once I get around to photographing them. Both are name seals: one a stone Japanese name stamp, the other a corresponding wax seal (from Mustom).

[Northwoods]

And here is the name stamp...

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mysticmoose/Seals/0925c1d1.jpg

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mysticmoose/Seals/6d15d52f.jpg

 

 

...and the corresponding seal:

 

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mysticmoose/Seals/efd21f4a.jpg

 

[dannyboy]

This thread makes me drool every time I view it! Thanks to all of you for the photos and commentaries (and especially to Kimy).

[Carrie]

It was a long wait since I placed my order in early November, but I received the final result this week from Dexters, after following kiavonne's recommendation in many threads such as the long running "Show us your seals here." I was always blown away by Edgar Allan Bo's sailing ship seal in red wax also at that link.

 

Having a personal connection here locally to the U.S. Coast Guard's Eagle, I asked Dexter if they could make a seal from this photo, for my own personal use. I knew the detail of the photo was way beyond what could be made, but this was my starting point.

 

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/Eagle-Originals.jpg

I worked with Kate & Simon at Dexter's, who are absolutely wonderful and responsive people. Had one proof that I made some changes on (with kiavonne's help), and the second proof looked perfect. I intentionally lowered my expectations because I know there is a limit of how much detail can be deep carved onto a small metal seal, vs. a photograph.

 

When I opened the two boxes, and first looked at the seal, I was stunned at the quality, but was not quite sure how to "read" the details in the 3 dimensional reverse relief metal. Then I opened the second box and saw the actual seal in wax that Dexter made from this actual stamp. I could not believe my eyes. I still cannot believe what I have in front of me after two days. This is like magic, and so beautiful in person that it brings tears to my eyes at the accomplishment it represents. They used a white wax, and coated the seal with smoke-soot from a paraffin lamp to give the contrast you see.

 

I took an overview photo, and then used my cell phone macro lens to show the close up detail that goes even beyond what you can see with normal vision. (These are clickable thumbnails)

 

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/Eagle-Seals.jpg

 

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/Eagle-Seal1s.jpg

 

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/Eagle-Seal2s.jpg

 

 

I will do some other impressions of my own in various wax colors, but to be able to clearly read the letters on the side of the ship just blows my mind. I did not think about it with the proof, but assuming the wind is behind the ship, filling her sails, Dexter even made sure the waves were breaking over in the right direction if the wind had been coming from the right/behind the ship! It's just unbelievable seeing it in person.

 

Also, curious about the smoke technique, I just took a pinch of cotton from an ordinary cotton ball, put about 3-4 drops of 3-in-1 household oil on it, and lit it while on a stone outside. That little bit of cotton and oil gave off plenty of nice, dark smoke on this Ebay stamp, which I just waved back and forth over the smoke trails until it was all well covered. Then I set it aside, got the wax ready, and pressed it into some ivory colored wax. It's a great accent effect, and easily, completely washes off stamp with dish soap and water.

 

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/pike444/smokes.jpg

Wait until some people get an envelope with this Eagle seal on it.

 

I've got to say that is incredible in the detail. Wow, I'm astounded.

[kiavonne]

Well, I'm having a devil of a time being able to navigate and post and upload photos anymore.

I'll give this a last try, and see if it will work.

I received my last two Dexter Seals, the last two in a series I began a few years ago. Hopefully I can post these photos for you. My camera "skills" have declined, so please forgive the photo quality. The seals are still breathtaking and expertly made. I will always go to Dexter if I have engraving needs for seals, rings, or anything else. They are the best.

 

Starting with the artwork for approval (note, both seals were engraved with traditional seal engraving for use as wax seals):

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/griffinrevise_zpsdb20129b.jpg

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/wingedunicorn_zpse1cd6035.jpg

 

 

The packaging, unveiling, and presentation

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/griffinandwingedunicorn04_zpsc78cf2c6.jpg

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/griffinandwingedunicorn05_zpsb37b3e04.jpg

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/griffinandwingedunicorn06_zpsef647538.jpg

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/griffinandwingedunicorn07_zps885ef48e.jpg

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/griffinandwingedunicorn09_zps9009c05b.jpg

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/griffinandwingedunicorn08_zpsf1b94b3c.jpg

 

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/kiavonne/Wax%20Seals/Dexter%20Seals/griffinandwingedunicorn10_zpsfdf98eab.jpg

 

 

 

A seals thread is going strong in the paraphernalia thread, I'd love to see more folks' photos posted here, too.

Edited November 18, 2013 by kiavonne

[Latinstylez]

I AM VERY EXCITED. I decided to take a leap of faith and put a deposit on a commission by Dexter for a custom made one silver Mammoth Oval signet ring 20mm wide plus 22mm high with a heavyweight head 3mm thick. I was worried that they wouldn't be able to give the below coat of arms, which I re-designed to better represent my family, enough detail to give it justice on a small ring.

 

 

I must say though, Today I recieved the proof and I am pleasantely surprised. So much so that now I want to order the Desk seal version. I figure if that's what it would look like on a ring, I can just imagine what it would look like on a 25mm or larger desk seal.

 

 

I am now eagerly awaiting the ring which they said I could have in as little as two weeks. I am more excited than a school boy on the 4th of July. ;-)

 

I will be sure to post pictures when I get it.

[Fabienne]

Ooooo, nice!

[kiavonne]

I am very much looking forward to seeing your ring, Latinstylez!

[sharonspens]

 

I am truly amazed by the photos shown here. I received a gift from one of my students today, an initial seal she had made for me while traveling in Venice (from Il Papiro). My students often give me gifts, but this one is quite special. I have yet to try it (she did give me wax, too, but I haven't had time to mess around with it yet).

I hope this doesn't prove to be a new obsession. I have a Chinese ink stamp, too, but I will need to hunt it down.

Sharon in Indiana

Edited February 19, 2014 by sharonspens

[kiavonne]

That is a truly nice gift, Sharon. All the way from Venice!

 

I do hate to say this, but... yes, you will have a new obsession. (Then again, one must remember that I probably could have been the case study of obsession if one was ever done on pens, paper, and their associated paraphernalia.)

[sharonspens]

That is a truly nice gift, Sharon. All the way from Venice!

 

I do hate to say this, but... yes, you will have a new obsession. (Then again, one must remember that I probably could have been the case study of obsession if one was ever done on pens, paper, and their associated paraphernalia.)

Oh, I need another obsession like I need another hole in my head. I can't wait to get home from my current business trip and try that seal out!

[kiavonne]

[mobilebibliothek]

I have a couple of store bought seals, but here's my very own design:

 

 

(Please excuse the instagrammy quality. )

 

[kiavonne]

You definitely made it stand out with sooting, MobileBibliothek. Quite readable. Who made the seal for you?

[kingcobradude]

Must. Get. Custom. Seal.