Wax seals have been used for centuries to add a personal, elegant touch to letters, invitations, and important documents. Today, they’re experiencing a revival, not only on wedding stationery and brand packaging but also in the creative worlds of scrapbooking, junk journaling, and mixed media art. Whether you love the history or the aesthetic, learning how to use wax seals can add a unique, tactile element to your projects. What Are Wax Seals? A wax seal is created by melting sealing wax and pressing a wax seal stamp into it, leaving an impression. Historically, they authenticated the sender and ensured a letter or document hadn’t been opened. Today, wax seals are just as likely to be tucked into a scrapbook layout, layered in a collage, or glued to a journal tag as they are to close an envelope. Artists and crafters love them for their instant vintage appeal and the way they blend beautifully with paper layers, lace, fabric, and ephemera. Why Wax Seals Are Still Popular with Creatives Wax seals have a certain magic,combining tradition with creativity. Here’s why paper artists love them: * Personalization – Custom wax seals can match your initials, brand, or project theme. * Aesthetic appeal – The glossy, raised finish draws the eye and adds texture. * Versatility – Works on paper, ribbon, vellum, fabric scraps, and more. * Keepsake quality – Seals feel special, and people tend to keep them. Types of Sealing Wax Choosing the right wax helps you get the results you want: - Traditional sealing wax – Brittle, best for hand-delivered or display projects. - Flexible sealing wax – Resin-based, mail-safe and page-safe for scrapbooks. - Glue-gun sealing wax sticks – Perfect for batch-making seals for journals or embellishments. - Bead wax – Melt small beads in a spoon for a wider color palette. How to Use Wax Seals Creating wax seals is simple, but the method you choose depends on your project. Traditional method: 1. Heat the wax with a spoon over a flame. 2. Pour onto the surface.

Junk journaling is a delightful and creative way to repurpose materials, tell your story, and express yourself through art. It’s a hobby that combines creativity and sustainability, turning “junk” into something meaningful and beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, this guide will help you get started with junk journaling and inspire you to create something unique. What is Junk Journaling? At its core, junk journaling is the art of transforming discarded or everyday materials into a personalized journal. Think old book pages, ticket stubs, wrapping paper, or vintage postcards—all repurposed to create stunning layouts. It’s a freeform craft with no rules, allowing your imagination to take the lead. Junk journals can serve as a diary, a scrapbook, an art journal, or even a combination of all three. The beauty lies in its imperfection and the unique character of each creation. Materials You’ll Need to Get Started One of the best things about junk journaling is that you don’t need expensive supplies. Start with what you have at home: A base journal: Use an old book, notebook, or even handmade pages bound together. Scrap materials: Think maps, receipts, fabric scraps, magazine clippings, or envelopes. Adhesives: Glue sticks, double-sided tape, or washi tape work well. Writing tools: Pens, markers, or colored pencils to add notes or doodles. Decorative items: Lace, buttons, stamps, or dried flowers can elevate your pages. Cutting tools: Scissors or craft knives for shaping and trimming. Step 1: Select Your Theme or Purpose Decide on the purpose of your junk journal. Is it a travel log, a gratitude journal, or a space for daily musings? You can also create themed journals, such as a holiday memory book or a vintage-inspired art journal. Step 2: Gather and Sort Your Materials Start collecting scraps and materials that inspire you. Sort them by color, texture, or theme to make the creative process smoother. This is also a great opportunity to declutter—look for materials in your home that you can repurpose.

Thank you for this group! Hello from Mid Michigan!

From Illinois.

Hi everyone! It’s nice to be here, and I’m sure I can learn a lot from everyone else!