Wax crayons are an alternative to typical wax beads used alongside wax seals. This can provide an opportunity to upcycle old crayons, test different methods, and achieve a unique wax seal.
In this article, we explore:
- Why you would use crayons for wax seals
- The different materials you need
- How to use crayons for wax seals
Table of Contents
Why Use Crayons for Wax Seals?
If you are already familiar with wax seals, you know that the most common waxes used for sealing are shellac or paraffin wax. These waxes may have additives, such as resin, to change their malleability, but they usually harden well without leaving behind unattractive residue.
These waxes are not always accessible, and you might want to branch out and try different products to test the results.
Crayons are an obvious choice because they are:
- Popular
- Accessible
- Cheap
Odds are you already have crayons lying around your house, and you may not even be using them. Using them for wax seals provides the perfect opportunity to upcycle these crayons, and it allows you to create unique seals.
Recycling and Upcycling
There are plenty of projects out there that help you make use of every leftover crayon shaving you have, and wax seals are one of them.
Depending on which method you choose for heating your wax, you can easily melt down shavings or use broken crayons too small to color with.
You can create your own shavings for this project, but this is a fantastic way to use up any crayons that are too difficult to maneuver for coloring.
It can also bring new life to older crayons that are a bit too dirty or dried out to color with.
Unique Wax Seals
There are several unique crayons options out there, including:
Glitter Crayons
- 24 crayons
- Sparkly coloring experience.
- Great for projects
- Not toxic
- Contents may vary.
Metallic Crayons
- METALLIC CRAYONS: Features 24 Crayola Crayons with a metallic sheen.
- SPECIALTY CRAYONS: Metallic crayons combine shine and texture that changes under different light.
- WORKS ON LIGHT & DARK PAPER: Draw and doodle on dark or colored paper with these cool metallic crayons!
- COLORING ON THE GO: Conveniently organized in a reusable tuck box.
- DURABLE & LONG LASTING: The 24 crayons in this set are double wrapped for extra durability.
Pearl Crayons
- PEARL CRAYONS: Features 24 Crayola Crayons in pearlescent colors.
- SPECIALTY CRAYONS: Pearl crayons combine shine and texture that changes under different light.
- WORKS ON LIGHT & DARK PAPER: Draw and doodle on light or dark paper with these pearl inspired coloring supplies!
- COLORING ON THE GO: Conveniently organized in a reusable tuck box.
- DURABLE & LONG LASTING: The 24 crayons in this set are double wrapped for extra durability. SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Great for...
These variations are often cheap and provide unique depth to your wax seals.
You can also use a mixture of crayon shaving to create multicolor designs, and it is easy to find collections of over 100 colors.
- CRAYOLA CRAYON CADDY: Choose from 152 unique crayons, housed in a fun Crayon Storage Caddy.
- PORTABLE CRAYON CADDY: Take this bulk crayon collection with you wherever you go with a unique crayon storage caddy that...
- GREAT FOR GROUP COLORING: Showcase up to 4 crayon boxes at a time, letting you pick and chose your colors with ease...
- INCLUDES METALLIC & GLITTER CRAYONS: Add dazzling dimensions to artwork with the bonus addition glitter and metallic...
- DOUBLE WRAPPED & DURABLE: These kids crayons are double wrapped for extra strength and long lasting durability.
What You Need to Use Crayons for Wax Seals
Using crayons as wax seals is not much different from creating wax seals with traditional tools.
You need to have:
- Crayons for the seal
- A way of heating the crayons
- Paper or envelopes
- Stamps or seals
There are plenty of ways to accomplish this, and materials vary depending on your needs. In this section, we explain what your options are, as well as the benefits of certain materials.
Crayons
You can use any wax crayons that you have at your disposal, but certain choices work better than others.
It is best to avoid beeswax crayons. While you should be able to melt them down without a problem, the wax is not considered strong enough to seal anything. Even if you intend to use it as decoration, the seal is likely to become brittle and will not withstand time.
Most school crayons should do the trick and they work best with the methods below.
Depending on the crayons you choose, you might also want to have a craft knife on hand to remove the wrappers. You can also use resin to make the seals harder if you find the crayon wax is too soft.
- Precision knife with number 11 fine point blade for exact cuts
- Sharp and durable zirconium nitride coated blade
- Lightweight aluminum handle is easy to maneuver
- Easily cuts paper, fabric, thin metal, and plastic
- Safety cap for storage and portability. Zirconium nitride coating for durability
Heating Method
There are a few ways you can head the crayons, including:
- An old kitchen spoon
- A wax seal spoon
- Over an open flame
- A miniature glue gun
If you have the opportunity, try out a variety of heating methods. You might find that you prefer one over another, especially when using crayons for wax seals.
- Glue gun features: Dual temp, precision nozzle, easy squeeze trigger, enhanced safety features, built-in stand, wide...
- Gorilla hot glue sticks: Weather resistant for indoor and outdoor use, safe for both high & low temperature glue guns,...
- Gorilla Mini Dual Temp Glue Gun uses mini sized glue sticks (. 27" Diameter)
- This set includes: (1) dual temp mini hot glue gun plus (1) 30 count 4" mini hot glue sticks
Paper or Envelopes
You need something to drip or pour the wax onto.
There is not much to consider when picking paper or envelopes, but you should opt for something more durable. Sealed papers are less likely to soak up grease or oil from the crayon wax, and they can withstand the heat and manipulation of the process.
Stamps or Seals
The most obvious choice for sealing is using a vintage wax seal, but this is not your only option when using crayons for wax seals.
- Sealing Wax Stamp Pattern : Copper wax stamp heads, Moon star seal stamp, Floral wax seal, Sun wax sealing stamp,...
- Material : The handle of the wax seal stamp set is made of high-quality wood, and is very sturdy and durable. The wax...
- Function : Wax Seal Stamps is an ideal choice for decoration of envelopes, invitations, wine packaging, presents,...
- Design : The handle in this wax envelope seal stamp kit is ergonomically designed, very lightweight and easy to use. The...
- Application : This wax stamp set can make wax seals on cards, letters, scrapbooks, glass, plastic, gift packaging, wood,...
You can also test out heavy-duty stamps like those used for pottery or even metal stamping. Most rubber stamps do not provide enough relief, and they are difficult to maneuver with the crayon wax.
- Length: 1 to 2 Inches (2.5 to 5.1 cms)
- Make block prints on fabric, paper, clay, pottery
- Make temporary tattoo | Use as drawer knobs
- Always Use sponge cushioning under paper & fabric
- Load color on block with sponge not with ink pad
- PERSONALIZE IT: These metal design stamps allow you to customize most soft metal components and add your own splash for...
- GET IT RIGHT: This 3-piece pack contains sun, moon, and star shapes. Double check each round metal design stamp is...
- MAKE AN IMPACT ON YOUR DESIGN: Our fun & whimsical design stamps are the perfect companion to our line of alphabet...
- BEST METALS: The material you use will determine how well and clear your stamped image will appear. Use softer metals...
- THE BEADSMITH - 40 years in the making! 💎 Trusted to bring you the best quality beads, tools, and supplies. Making...
How to Use Crayons for Wax Seals
Again, the method for using crayons for wax seals is not far from the traditional method.
The largest difference you notice depends on your heating element, but the process is straightforward with a few considerations.
Prep Work
Start by removing any paper labels from the crayons. These are a fire hazard, and they only get in the way if you leave them.
Take the time to prepare the space you are working on.
Newspapers are a quick and easy way to cover your work area, but you can also use old tablecloths, cardboard, or anything else you do not mind getting dirty.
While the wax should not get too hot, your work area should be heat resistant. Do not work directly on a sealed wooden table or another sensitive surface.
Safety Warning
Be sure to check the ingredients in the crayon to make sure it can be safely heated up. Not all crayons are created with the same materials, and some may produce toxic gas if you try to heat up.
Heating the Crayon
Depending on the heating element you choose, this step varies.
- Spoons: Add crayon shavings or small pieces of the crayons to the spoon, then heat it over a candle or a lit stove.
- Open flame: Using a whole crayon, hold a flame to the tip of the crayon just above where you want your wax seal.
- Hot glue gun: Choose a hot glue gun you can dedicate to melting crayons. Carefully feed the crayon into the gun, then plug it in. The crayon will leak on its own when it is ready.
Do not leave any of these materials unattended when heating the crayon.
Applying the Wax
You need to apply enough wax to create a substantial seal, regardless of your method.
This usually amounts to one spoonful or several drops from the open flame or hot glue gun. If you want to mix, reshape, or swirl the wax, do so immediately after application.
You may need to test this a few times to determine the right amount of wax, so be prepared when using crayons for the first time.
Using the Stamp or Seal
After you get the wax onto the paper, let it cool for a few seconds. Most crayon wax is very thin when melted, and it needs the chance to harden up before using your stamp or seal.
Use light to medium pressure to press the stamp or seal into the wax. Hold it down for about 10 seconds to allow the design to set before removing the stamp. Make sure the seal is completely dried and hardened before you touch it.