Wax Seals

I have had many styles over the years, but I always use red wax. Right now I have a 'K' stamp.

Sometimes I just let the wax itself drip onto the seam of the envelope for an abstract result, but on a more aesthetic note I recently used a snowflake design the size of a dime from a stationery store as 'north pole postage stamps' for a couple of Santa letters to some children.

As far as removing built up wax as has been mentioned, I imagine you could warm the seal and the wipe the softened wax away with a tissue, or a toothpick on hard to reach spots, I've never tried either, so it's just a guess[huh]

I've used a wax seal when sealing correspondence that is handwritten using a quill or dip pen.

The wax I use is a flexible wax that can be mailed in the post without damage:

http://thecelticshop.co.uk/wax_sticks.htm

I think it is less tacky if one were to invest in a seal with your own crest engraved on it. I am thinking of commissioning one in the future from these guys:

http://www.customwaxnseals.co.uk/DesignYourOwn.html

The price is resonable.