Ok, here's my label . . .
You can create your own label design in Word or any word processing program that allows you to format labels – no need for a publisher or graphics program. Save money & spend a little time on your computer. I downloaded fonts from dafont.com. Make sure your design is not wider than the label grid. I have Word so this tutorial is based off of that. Not everyone knows how to format labels, so I’m going step by step. This is a pretty long tutorial – sorry!
1. Open your Word program. Find your Labels file = should be under Tools – Letters & Mailings – Envelopes & Labels:
2. Click on Labels tab then Options button:
3. Click on Avery Standard for Label Products, select 8460 - any address label format w/3 columns should work (all you’re after is the label setup), then select OK:
4. It will take you back to the Envelopes & Labels menu. Then select New Documents:
& you will get a new blank page:
5. Go to the Tables menu & select Show Grid:
You will now have a grid pattern on your blank page:
6. You can now design your label. Start in the upper left grid & create something that fits within the gridlines. Think about how big you want your label to be (mine is 2” long x 5/8” wide). Use fonts from dafont.com &/or any clipart (use different fonts in different sizes to create an interesting design). Putting a frame around your design makes it professional looking & makes it easier to cut apart. COLORS DON’T COME OUT AS SHARP OR CLEAR AS BLACK INK – shucks!
7. Here is my old label:
ALL THE PICS ARE FONTS – NOT CLIPART!!
Look at dafont.com – cool site!
I used the T-Shirt iron on transfer method for printing this & it involved lots of steps: printing backwards, iron on to ribbon, using wood burning tool to cut & seal edges. It works ok, but you can’t iron over the label (it’ll melt) & it can crack & peel when you are trying to turn your pieces right side out = not good. I CAN EXPLAIN THIS MORE IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED.
8. I recently created a new label & printing method:
a. Get your self some of this - HeatnBond Lite Iron Adhesive (sheet of glue) to iron on to back of fabric. Any fabric/craft store should carry it. Cut an 8 ½” x 11 sheet:
b. Cut some light colored cotton fabric of your choice to 8 ½” x 11.
c. Follow the instructions & iron on fabric to adhesive.
d. Stick ironed on fabric paper in your printer & print. BE SURE TO TURN OFF “SHOW GRID LINES” IN THE TABLES MENU SO IT WON’T SHOW IN PRINTING.
e. You should get something that looks like this:
https://www.craftster.org/pictures/data/500/pic_111.JPGf. Cut fabric to choice of size – I cut about ¼” from the frame:
https://www.craftster.org/pictures/data/500/medium/pic_121.JPGg. You can leave as is & iron on for each use (then zig zag the edges for a nice look) or you can iron on to another piece of fabric & use as desired:
It does take some planning & time, BUT, you get exactly what you want & you save a lot of money.
THEN –-- after you design your label, take that & design your business card! (use any business card template where you got your tag template from (step 3) & buy card stock at any stationary store) –easy as that!!
I hope this is easy enough to understand. If any of this needs further explanation, pls let me know & you can always ask me questions.
Now that I’ve made a tutorial, I have a better appreciation for those who of you that have made one – it takes A LOT of time! I’m glad to do it tho, to give back to those of you who have given to me. I hope this inspires someone.
