Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
I am trying to get a bear done for the lemonade bear auction as I have done it for the past two years and for the life of me don't know how to seal a wax nose. I did one before but did not seal it just buffed it and I think it was soft if you know what I mean........Is there a produce out there that will seal wax to make it harder? I hope someone can help me here........ I think I found something in Paula's post a ways back. Here is the link. http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=1540&p=1
I should of looked closer.
Thanks
Lynn,
I wax my noses all the time. I do not use any wax seal. I would consider the waxing, sealing! What kind of wax do you use? I use 100% beeswax. I buy the pellets in the candle making section of the craft store. It gets really hard! Here's my technique. I put the pellets in a Pyrex measuring cup, heat it in the microwave for 4 or 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the wax, 
you want it really hot but be careful, it can catch on fire! I speak from experience on this! If the wax starts smoking, STOP THE MICROWAVE! Then, I use a natural bristled paint brush and brush the wax on. Make sure it's natural bristled, synthetic bristles will melt in the wax. I speak from experience on this as well. 
I heat the wax with a hair dryer until it looks like it disappears. This just sends the wax down to the lower threads of my nose (I have 3 layers in every nose.) Then, I reapply the wax. Usually just 2 applications does it. Then I buff with a lint free cotton cloth. That's it! Easy schmeasy as long as you don't catch the wax on fire! I hpe this helps!
Hugs!
Alison
Hi Lyn!
I occasionally wax my noses and from time to time, use a matte varnish to seal, (I purchase mine from a local hardware store) to give the nose a little more protection - particularly if he's travelling in the post, as beeswaxed noses can damage quite easily. I've also used 'Modge Podge' to seal noses, (it comes in a matte or a gloss finish and dries nice and hard) but I haven't used that over a waxed nose, I use it straight onto the stitching.
I don't always varnish the noses though, as I really like the plain beeswaxed effect. Incidentally, I use a block of pure beeswax purchased online from a candlemaking store ... I think it will last me forever! I use a similar technique to Alison, using the back of a butter knife to smooth away the excess beeswax after each coat has been heated with a hairdryer, prior to buffing it.
Thanks Paula, The varnish will stay on a wax surface? I thought I might be putting on too many layers but I only do a couple of layers. Will have to give the varnish a try. I like the look of wax noses but can't get it to stay hard enough....unless it is just me.
Thanks Alison , I was using 100% beeswax and it just seems to be soft. I was told to rub the wax over the stitches and heat up the inside of an old spoon untill it got hot then rub the under side of the hot spoon over the stitches to smooth it out. I think I will give your method a try.
