turquoise wax
Labyrinth Wax Seal
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Print With Shapeways
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$42.43
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Product Description
The classical labyrinth is an ancient family of designs, with one long route from start to finish.
This is a wax seal of around 26mm (about an inch) across, with a circular version of the labyrinth. It feels generously large in practice.
You can also use the slightly smaller (24mm) reverse of the seal to create a reflected, inverted labyrinth - with a raised pathway instead of valleys.
How to use
Sealing wax is widely, and quite cheaply, available online in the form of small sticks, either with or without a wick, and as small beads which can be heated in a spoon over a candle. It may also be available (albeit perhaps less easily and cheaply) in craft or gift shops in your area. Don't try to use normal candle wax.
I have experimented with wicked and bead wax, and for this design in particular I recommend the spoon-heated wax method. (Wicked wax seems to carry some soot down to the paper, which will then show up in this large, flat design.)
Careful preparation is essential : ensure you are a safe distance away from flammable materials and have a flat, steady surface to work on with safe place to set down your hot wax stick or spoon. It is also probably wise not to do this underneath a fire alarm.
Method 1) If you are using a lump or cut piece of wax in a spoon, light the candle, place the wax to be used in the spoon and hold it just over the candle flame. When completely melted, blow out the candle and carefully pour the wax onto the selected area of paper. You can then spread and stir the wax to get a suitable form. Don't rush - you actually have plenty of time. Put the spoon (caution - still very hot) down to one side (you can carefully wipe it clean with some tissue paper after stamping the seal).
Alternatively:
Method 2) if you are using a wicked wax stick, light the wick, then hold it horizontally or tilted slightly downward, a few centimetres above the target. Wax will drip down. Your objective now is to get the right amount of wax onto the paper. After enough wax is on the paper, blow out the wax stick and place it down safely. Don't rush - you actually have a good few seconds.
Now pick up the seal, align it and push it down vertically into position. Hold it in place for 10 seconds or so, then lift it back up vertically. Being a bit larger, it is a bit grippier than smaller seals. Hold the paper down firmly when lifting the seal.
The wax will still be hot and semi-liquid, so don't touch it yet - leave it alone for at least a minute.
Please note
At the end of the manufacturing process, Shapeways polishes the part in tumbling media. In this design a significant amount of polishing material will become lodged in the details of the labyrinth. It is essential that you clear out these pieces with a pin or similar implement.
Any bits you miss often come out onto the wax at the first use. I recommend making a test print before commiting to the correspondance you have invested effort in. (If a stone does appear in a print, allow it to cool and set; I found that it may then be carefully removed with a pin, and the impression will look fine.)
This is a wax seal of around 26mm (about an inch) across, with a circular version of the labyrinth. It feels generously large in practice.
You can also use the slightly smaller (24mm) reverse of the seal to create a reflected, inverted labyrinth - with a raised pathway instead of valleys.
How to use
Sealing wax is widely, and quite cheaply, available online in the form of small sticks, either with or without a wick, and as small beads which can be heated in a spoon over a candle. It may also be available (albeit perhaps less easily and cheaply) in craft or gift shops in your area. Don't try to use normal candle wax.
I have experimented with wicked and bead wax, and for this design in particular I recommend the spoon-heated wax method. (Wicked wax seems to carry some soot down to the paper, which will then show up in this large, flat design.)
Careful preparation is essential : ensure you are a safe distance away from flammable materials and have a flat, steady surface to work on with safe place to set down your hot wax stick or spoon. It is also probably wise not to do this underneath a fire alarm.
Method 1) If you are using a lump or cut piece of wax in a spoon, light the candle, place the wax to be used in the spoon and hold it just over the candle flame. When completely melted, blow out the candle and carefully pour the wax onto the selected area of paper. You can then spread and stir the wax to get a suitable form. Don't rush - you actually have plenty of time. Put the spoon (caution - still very hot) down to one side (you can carefully wipe it clean with some tissue paper after stamping the seal).
Alternatively:
Method 2) if you are using a wicked wax stick, light the wick, then hold it horizontally or tilted slightly downward, a few centimetres above the target. Wax will drip down. Your objective now is to get the right amount of wax onto the paper. After enough wax is on the paper, blow out the wax stick and place it down safely. Don't rush - you actually have a good few seconds.
Now pick up the seal, align it and push it down vertically into position. Hold it in place for 10 seconds or so, then lift it back up vertically. Being a bit larger, it is a bit grippier than smaller seals. Hold the paper down firmly when lifting the seal.
The wax will still be hot and semi-liquid, so don't touch it yet - leave it alone for at least a minute.
Please note
At the end of the manufacturing process, Shapeways polishes the part in tumbling media. In this design a significant amount of polishing material will become lodged in the details of the labyrinth. It is essential that you clear out these pieces with a pin or similar implement.
Any bits you miss often come out onto the wax at the first use. I recommend making a test print before commiting to the correspondance you have invested effort in. (If a stone does appear in a print, allow it to cool and set; I found that it may then be carefully removed with a pin, and the impression will look fine.)
Details
What's in the box:
labyrinth wax seal
Dimensions:
Success Rate:
First To try.
What's this?
Rating:
Mature audiences only.
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