I don't even remember how I got sucked into the wax seal wormhole. Nice video, I-ll have to check with my local post office since I guess they have very different mailing procedures.
It’s frustrating that it can’t be a “one size fits all” situation, but every other stationer I have talked to has a different system and sometimes it’s just whoever is at the front desk that day 🙄 I’ve had mostly good experiences but it’s always safest to ask!
My goodness I am so glad I saw this before preparing my mailers, because I would of been very disappointed if they were returned. I rather spend the little extra to avoid the cancel machine or cancel them myself, but I will check w/my PO before I do anything. Thank you for the info and guidance.
YAY! That’s exactly why I made this video-it’s so tricky and each PO is different but knowing some of the standard protocol beforehand can make your life so much easier! I don’t think twice about sending a letter with a wax seal now, but there are definitely steps that I take that are different than a “regular” letter
This is a wonderful and informative video! There is something I wanted to bring up since this video doesn't mention the topic I am going to ask about. When it comes to wax sealed envelopes, do you lick the adhesive/glue strip regardless of whether it has a wax seal or will the wax seal suffice to hold the envelope and its contents intact without worrying about anything being forced open during transit?
YES, you should always seal your envelopes-the wax seal doesn't prevent the envelope flap from lifting or the machine from catching on the "lip". A wax seal is an extra, not a replacement
Super informative! Thank you so much! Just wish I had seen this before i sent 10 handmade cards from US to UK with a wax seal. They weren’t thin either. 🤦🏽♀️
Thank you for this! I made my own wedding invitations with wax seals using hot glue. They traveled fine and I had no issues. Now I'm sending Christmas cards and doing it again but nervous lol!
Wow! I didn't even know about the machines, I think we don't have anything like that in my country, we don't have as much post here I guess. Either way I try to put the wax sealed envelope in another plain one. Another thing about the candle wax - it also tends to leave greasy spots depending on the wax.
I did just want to expand a little bit on something she was saying about the non-machinable stamps, I send a lot of non-mustainable stamps and if you take non-machinable stamp and you just stick them into your mailbox, they'll still go through the machine and you will have just wasted money and possibly damaged your stationary. so when I send the non-machinables through my mailbox, I put a big red non-mesanable sticker onto the back of the envelope. But that'll make it ugly, though if you do the envelope in envelope method that's not a big deal. So I have had some luck putting on machinables in the mailbox and having them actually not get machine. Technically those non-machinable stamps if they're seen, they're supposed to get put into a different pile and that's why you pay a little more cuz somebody goes in hand cancelling them. I have noticed in the machine sent ones, that you don't see the cancel stamp as much anymore, I don't know if it's UV ink or they're just not putting it on, but in the past couple years or so I've seen less and less canceling stamps. Also, with particularly thick envelope in envelope letters, if it ends up getting stuck into the machine and that machine goes down, they will just tear your letter out of it just completely destroying it. So my point of all this is just to expand on what she said if you're going to pay the extra for a non-machinable stamp, and you have really nice stationery with pretty wax seals or tassels or twine or anything else like that on the envelope, take it into them and physically give them to somebody where they will be able to keep them from going through the machine. They have no problem doing it if you're willing to pay especially if like she said you're willing to hand canceled though I've never been asked to do that. I'm just in full disclosure I've never sent an envelope with a wax seal this is all just experience I've had on my own, I have since moved to having stamps.com and I send them a padded envelopes not in regular envelopes anymore. Which is another thought they have a stamp that cost a dollar it's for a slightly irregular or slightly thick sized envelope and it's under the same first class mail as the rest, but it's made for a small padded envelope. If you get that $1 stamp, you could also put that on. Anyway just wanted to expand on what she said she had a bunch of great advice so.
Great videos! Do you have any recommendations for where to get old style wax that isn't as bendy as the modern, plasticized version we have today? Thank you!
I can’t speak to the rest of Letter Seals’ quality (if it bleeds or is oily) because I haven’t used this particular wax. I just stumbled upon it when researching and know they have the traditional style ☺️
So glad I found your channel, have subbed, I'm learning so much, thanks! (I started on wax seals 40+ years ago - just plain stamping.) Just did 63 Christmas cards, all sealed by hand, which I enjoyed doing but it did feel tedious at times! I wish I'd seen your tutorial on glue guns earlier. When I send an origami letter folded to make it's own envelope or a 'locked' letter (as per Mary Queen of Scots' 'spiral lock') and have added a seal, those methods are meant to avoid using an envelope, yet to protect the seal in the post, just like you advise, I put them envelopes :-)
Oh that locked letter sounds fantastic!! I’ll have to explore those a little, I’m super intrigued! So glad you’re finding the videos helpful! And it means so much to me that you took the time to respond and tell your story-it is way more fun to share videos with friends than to post at random!
You would need to ask at the post office. Some will have you hand cancel (stamp over the postage to cross it off) the postage yourself and others will do it for you for a fee.
Instead of using a "non machineable" stamp for postage, you can use 2 forever stamps. It's not really about the type of stamp, but rather you paid enough for the service you're wanting. I've done it several times with no problems.
Square envelopes have their own rules, so make sure you look those up for your area! Stamps can be purchased at USPS.com and I believe Stamps.com still sells stamps
@@katrinacrouch can we use the non machinable stamps for regular envelopes? I plan to get a wax seal stamp and some gold wax seal, so can I use it for sending regular mail.
I definitely press, but not hard. If you have the brass handle, it’s heavy enough to just “place” but the wooden handles need a little press (at least that’s what my mind assumes)
I sent some wax sealed letters from England to the US and asked the Post Office worker here about paying a bit extra for a non-machinable process. He had no idea what I was talking about about. In fact he looked at me like I had 2 heads and asked why I need to even use a wax seal in the age of self-seal envelopes. 🤦🏽♀
Have you ever sent the crayon hot glue method? I know you said you don't do the crayon method, but when you mix the crayon with the hot glue, and you use enough of the hot glue and just use the crayon to color it, it doesn't leave marks on anything and it seems to bend really well, so figured I'd ask!
I have not tried that yet. It has been requested so I will likely have that tested and up in the next month or two! My biggest problem is that both the crayons and hot glue are not my ideal consistency for a wax seal. Obviously the crayon breaks down (as designed) but the hot glue is also softer and bends/breaks more easily then I would prefer for sending in the mail. So I don’t imagine that the two together would suddenly make a magically-perfect consistency, if that makes sense! Hah But never say never! I’ll give it a try-any color requests when I perform the tests? 😉
I use a silicone mat and then place them aside once they cool and add these stickers to the back to adhere them to the envelopes: artisaire.com/products/adhesive-backings-50-pack?rfsn=6672964.29c0074
I was a wedding stationer for many years and sent many a wax sealed envelope through the mail! There are definitely more successful techniques than simply placing the seal on the envelope (I talk about that more in this video), but as far as I know, they are still allowed!
Oh dear… it might be okay though! These steps just increase security, so to speak. And postal workers are more and more familiar with wax seals, so hopefully someone noticed and saved it
Uhh, that's not a wax seal, that's a pretend decal. Like a clip-on tie. If you're not burning the wax, dripping it onto the envelope, and stamping it with your personal metal stamp, why bother?
I don't even remember how I got sucked into the wax seal wormhole. Nice video, I-ll have to check with my local post office since I guess they have very different mailing procedures.
It’s frustrating that it can’t be a “one size fits all” situation, but every other stationer I have talked to has a different system and sometimes it’s just whoever is at the front desk that day 🙄 I’ve had mostly good experiences but it’s always safest to ask!
My goodness I am so glad I saw this before preparing my mailers, because I would of been very disappointed if they were returned. I rather spend the little extra to avoid the cancel machine or cancel them myself, but I will check w/my PO before I do anything. Thank you for the info and guidance.
YAY! That’s exactly why I made this video-it’s so tricky and each PO is different but knowing some of the standard protocol beforehand can make your life so much easier! I don’t think twice about sending a letter with a wax seal now, but there are definitely steps that I take that are different than a “regular” letter
So helpful! Thank you! Also, LOVE the wall behind you when we see your face! It was fun seeing you create it on IG! 💛🌿
Oh yay!! Glad you like it, hah! The wall was so fun to make and I love how it turned out
This is a wonderful and informative video! There is something I wanted to bring up since this video doesn't mention the topic I am going to ask about. When it comes to wax sealed envelopes, do you lick the adhesive/glue strip regardless of whether it has a wax seal or will the wax seal suffice to hold the envelope and its contents intact without worrying about anything being forced open during transit?
YES, you should always seal your envelopes-the wax seal doesn't prevent the envelope flap from lifting or the machine from catching on the "lip". A wax seal is an extra, not a replacement
Super informative! Thank you so much!
Just wish I had seen this before i sent 10 handmade cards from US to UK with a wax seal. They weren’t thin either. 🤦🏽♀️
Oh dear! Hopefully they will still be okay! Maybe they are more understanding if it’s international? Haha
I was missing the was seal stamp videos ❤️ love it 💕.....
This video was pretty good and filled with information 😌👍🏻....
I also filmed another wax seal video at the same time so that will be up in a few months! Probably November/December
@@katrinacrouch yayyy 🥀✨🎊🥳
I once sent a quilted envelope (with a letter inside) with the stamp sewn into place. They will hand stamp and not machine process.
Wow! That’s such a fun idea-yes, a hand canceled process would be needed in that situation as well!
Glad i found this video. Thank you
So glad it was helpful, Teri! Thank you for being here ❤️
Thank you for this! I made my own wedding invitations with wax seals using hot glue. They traveled fine and I had no issues. Now I'm sending Christmas cards and doing it again but nervous lol!
I’m sure it will be wonderful!!
Wow! I didn't even know about the machines, I think we don't have anything like that in my country, we don't have as much post here I guess. Either way I try to put the wax sealed envelope in another plain one.
Another thing about the candle wax - it also tends to leave greasy spots depending on the wax.
So true! Honestly there are so many problems with alternative waxes 🥴 glad you are enjoying the process!
This was super helpful, thank you!
So glad you enjoyed it! Wax seals are worth the extra time/effort
I did just want to expand a little bit on something she was saying about the non-machinable stamps, I send a lot of non-mustainable stamps and if you take non-machinable stamp and you just stick them into your mailbox, they'll still go through the machine and you will have just wasted money and possibly damaged your stationary. so when I send the non-machinables through my mailbox, I put a big red non-mesanable sticker onto the back of the envelope. But that'll make it ugly, though if you do the envelope in envelope method that's not a big deal. So I have had some luck putting on machinables in the mailbox and having them actually not get machine. Technically those non-machinable stamps if they're seen, they're supposed to get put into a different pile and that's why you pay a little more cuz somebody goes in hand cancelling them. I have noticed in the machine sent ones, that you don't see the cancel stamp as much anymore, I don't know if it's UV ink or they're just not putting it on, but in the past couple years or so I've seen less and less canceling stamps.
Also, with particularly thick envelope in envelope letters, if it ends up getting stuck into the machine and that machine goes down, they will just tear your letter out of it just completely destroying it.
So my point of all this is just to expand on what she said if you're going to pay the extra for a non-machinable stamp, and you have really nice stationery with pretty wax seals or tassels or twine or anything else like that on the envelope, take it into them and physically give them to somebody where they will be able to keep them from going through the machine. They have no problem doing it if you're willing to pay especially if like she said you're willing to hand canceled though I've never been asked to do that.
I'm just in full disclosure I've never sent an envelope with a wax seal this is all just experience I've had on my own, I have since moved to having stamps.com and I send them a padded envelopes not in regular envelopes anymore. Which is another thought they have a stamp that cost a dollar it's for a slightly irregular or slightly thick sized envelope and it's under the same first class mail as the rest, but it's made for a small padded envelope. If you get that $1 stamp, you could also put that on.
Anyway just wanted to expand on what she said she had a bunch of great advice so.
Excited to hear how your first envelope with a wax seal does through the mail! Good luck 💕
Most usps post offices well send these anyway as I've seen and received letters with these wax seals on them
Yes! Extra precautions are recommended to guarantee a safe arrival but not always necessary
I use the Priority envelope for the outer envelope with no problem.
Wonderful idea!
Great videos! Do you have any recommendations for where to get old style wax that isn't as bendy as the modern, plasticized version we have today? Thank you!
Letter Seals has some! You can find their collection here: www.letterseals.com/collections/sealing-waxes-breakable-waxes
I can’t speak to the rest of Letter Seals’ quality (if it bleeds or is oily) because I haven’t used this particular wax. I just stumbled upon it when researching and know they have the traditional style ☺️
@@katrinacrouch Thank you! They can be hard to find sometimes....
So glad I found your channel, have subbed, I'm learning so much, thanks! (I started on wax seals 40+ years ago - just plain stamping.) Just did 63 Christmas cards, all sealed by hand, which I enjoyed doing but it did feel tedious at times! I wish I'd seen your tutorial on glue guns earlier. When I send an origami letter folded to make it's own envelope or a 'locked' letter (as per Mary Queen of Scots' 'spiral lock') and have added a seal, those methods are meant to avoid using an envelope, yet to protect the seal in the post, just like you advise, I put them envelopes :-)
Oh that locked letter sounds fantastic!! I’ll have to explore those a little, I’m super intrigued!
So glad you’re finding the videos helpful! And it means so much to me that you took the time to respond and tell your story-it is way more fun to share videos with friends than to post at random!
Oh my gosh I learned so much! Thank you!
Oh I’m so glad!!
How do you hand cancel an envelope?
And I have heard you should seal paper strips with wax attached to the envelope. Like a free appendix?
You would need to ask at the post office. Some will have you hand cancel (stamp over the postage to cross it off) the postage yourself and others will do it for you for a fee.
Thank you for sharing, great information.
I’m so glad it was helpful! 💕 thank you for taking the time to let me know-that’s so encouraging!
Instead of using a "non machineable" stamp for postage, you can use 2 forever stamps. It's not really about the type of stamp, but rather you paid enough for the service you're wanting. I've done it several times with no problems.
Might work! But I’m still recommend following the guidelines of your specific post office.
I have been looking for the two handled spoon that you put over the candle I can’t find it any place could you help me please thank you
I’ve only been able to find them at Artisaire: bit.ly/3u7l9NG
For the non machinable stamps can we use regular envelopes as opposed to the square ones? And where can we buy those type of stamps, Amazon?
Square envelopes have their own rules, so make sure you look those up for your area!
Stamps can be purchased at USPS.com and I believe Stamps.com still sells stamps
@@katrinacrouch can we use the non machinable stamps for regular envelopes? I plan to get a wax seal stamp and some gold wax seal, so can I use it for sending regular mail.
Thank you.
My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful ❤️
Thank you 😊
So glad you enjoyed it!! ❤️
Super helpful!! Thank you!!
Oh I’m so glad! Let me know if you have any trouble or new questions 💕
@@katrinacrouch Thanks so much!! 💗
I like your top, where did you buy it? Very thorough explanation, thank you so much!
So glad you enjoyed the tutorial! My top is from Express a few years ago, but I have seen similar from Loft or Ann Taylor in the spring/summer ☺️
Hi, You're so pretty, this video is so helpful for me ☺
Oh I’m so glad you found it helpful! Thank you for the feedback 💕
tyvm
So glad you enjoyed the video!
Where do you buy envelopes? Looking for good prices everywhere.. 😊
All of the envelopes shown in this video are from Cards and Pockets or Envelopements :). Good luck!
When you put the deal on the wax, do you press hard or just let the weight of the stamp and handle do the job?
I definitely press, but not hard. If you have the brass handle, it’s heavy enough to just “place” but the wooden handles need a little press (at least that’s what my mind assumes)
I sent some wax sealed letters from England to the US and asked the Post Office worker here about paying a bit extra for a non-machinable process. He had no idea what I was talking about about. In fact he looked at me like I had 2 heads and asked why I need to even use a wax seal in the age of self-seal envelopes. 🤦🏽♀
Oh my word. He must be new. There are lots of reasons to use a non-machinable stamp but wax seals are very popular 🙄 I’m so sorry
Have you ever sent the crayon hot glue method? I know you said you don't do the crayon method, but when you mix the crayon with the hot glue, and you use enough of the hot glue and just use the crayon to color it, it doesn't leave marks on anything and it seems to bend really well, so figured I'd ask!
I have not tried that yet. It has been requested so I will likely have that tested and up in the next month or two!
My biggest problem is that both the crayons and hot glue are not my ideal consistency for a wax seal. Obviously the crayon breaks down (as designed) but the hot glue is also softer and bends/breaks more easily then I would prefer for sending in the mail. So I don’t imagine that the two together would suddenly make a magically-perfect consistency, if that makes sense! Hah
But never say never! I’ll give it a try-any color requests when I perform the tests? 😉
@@katrinacrouch excellent points. I'll keep an eye out for a video!
How do you crate a bunch of seals and then use them later ?
I use a silicone mat and then place them aside once they cool and add these stickers to the back to adhere them to the envelopes: artisaire.com/products/adhesive-backings-50-pack?rfsn=6672964.29c0074
Hand cancel just avoids one of two machines. It is random where the pinching grab captures the envelope.
You have a point. The hand cancel stamp is supposed to help you avoid that issue, though the system is far from perfect
Where do you get the adhesive rounds for the back?
I have used these several times and HIGHLY recommend them! artisaire.com/adhesive-backings-50-pack/
Where did you get that spoon please?
From Artisaire: artisaire.com/products/grace-sealing-wax-spoon
I was told by the post office that a wax seal envelope is not mailable. Is this a new thing?
I was a wedding stationer for many years and sent many a wax sealed envelope through the mail! There are definitely more successful techniques than simply placing the seal on the envelope (I talk about that more in this video), but as far as I know, they are still allowed!
How do you open an envelope with a wax seal?
Same as usual-rip the envelope! You can follow the top seam or along the edge of the flap ❤️
Okay thank you 😊
I should have seen this before I mailed a rather thick card with a wax seal 😩
Oh dear… it might be okay though! These steps just increase security, so to speak. And postal workers are more and more familiar with wax seals, so hopefully someone noticed and saved it
Uhh, that's not a wax seal, that's a pretend decal. Like a clip-on tie.
If you're not burning the wax, dripping it onto the envelope, and stamping it with your personal metal stamp, why bother?