This is part of a letter writing collection.
A crucible was used to melt the wax that would then be poured onto the closure of a letter and then a stamp would be pressed into the warm wax. When the stamp was release it would leave behind an impression of a crest or image or initials.
The crucible would have taken centre stage on a busy desk and in constant use.
The kit consists of the tray, the crucible spoon, a stamp and a wax block (made from metal). This is a model and does not melt wax. However the stamp that makes the indentation in the round seal does have a pattern on it so could be used!
NOTES
As with all my metal designs the pieces will require a little cleaning using a file and/or sandpaper. The metal is very soft so this is a simple and satifying part of the build process.
I tend to use superglue (Hafixx being my favoured choice) with a super glue activator to speed things up.
To paint the item I strongly recommend a metal primer. Spray primers are the easiest and just a light coat with give the paint something to 'key' with......then the choice is yours. I use all types of paints from acrylics to cellulose spray paints. All have their own merits and so I choose according to the finish I wish to create.
After applying my coats of paint I will always add an aging layer of raw umber acrylic (water it down and then paint and wipe off to leave the dark paint in the recesses). Aging can be very rewarding and there are many options for this. One little recommendation is to use rotten stone/pumice stone powder to add what I like to describe as "dust" to the piece. It is a powder and will always be a powder unless mixed with a binder such as glue. The powder is a soft grey and if it is brished on then off it will leave a slight dusting in the recesses of the design.
A final flourish of splatter (very subtle brown/grey applied with by splattering the paint from a bristled brush such as a toothbrush) adds a little more interest.
