Aug 21, 2014

Create your own jam labels or tags using MS Word







There are thousands of label examples on the net, but i usually have my own idea, or the label I like the most can't be customized. One afternoon I tried to create label by myself, using MS Word (2010). It wasn't very easy ("&#%!@?!" for Microsoft), but neither so difficult. I prepared tutorial how to do it, just to remind you on the possibilities of the tool you probably have installed.



Tutorial how to create labels and tags using MS Word




The tutorial is related to Microsoft Word 2010 (I am mentioning that because, as usually, some features are improved, but for some of them, Microsoft made step back).

First, decide on the shape of your label.







On Insert tab use Shapes and choose the one you like - this time I added 'blue' shape (half circle).







You can change the size of the object buy dragging one of the small circles (green arrow) or you can rotate the object (red arrow) -  rotate this circle (of yellow color).




You can see that the object's size changed when dragged the small circle.



Changing color and outline






To pick up the desired color of the object, mist go to the Drawing Tools (upper right on the image).

Click on Shape Fill and pick up the color. Or you can choose No Fill if you don't want any color.






For the outline, procedure is very similar as above, only click on: Shape Outline. 


For  my labels, I chose the 'No Outline' option.

Want more sofisticated look? 





On the 'Shape Fill' pop up menu choose More Fill Colors for the color options or : Texture 

 รจ M ore Textures  for the other options available.




Now you can customize gradient, patterns, shadows, ... .  Try and play a little bit.


This is the example for the gradient.




And this is how to choose the pattern - I chose the dot pattern, of course.



Adding image and text




First step is to pick up image you like. I wanted to remove borders and how I did it read on my post here.

After you inserted the picture, right click on it - you'll get pop-up menu. Click on 'Wrap Text' and choose the Front of Text option. Now you can drag the picture on the created shape.




You  see the plums on the the shapes (previously I dragged the smaller shape and put it on the bigger one). 
To add text,  repeat steps Insert -> Shapes -pick up the Text box.




Input desired text, choose the font size and type. If you want additional customization, click on letter A  on the Tool bar - choose on of the offered options and, additionally, option Transform, if you like e.g. rounded text.





Label is finished. 



How to copy labels



Usually, I need more than just one label. The easiest way to copy it is first to select all 'parts' (select one by one and keep the Shift button pressed).




After selecting all components, click on the Group icon and choose Group. Now, you can Copy --> Paste your label as a single shape.



Hope this is helpful. may be there are some other ways to do some steps, I am constantly discovering  MS Word features or how to do something.


jar tag

jar tag


jar tag

jar label



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Aug 4, 2014

Homemade Sage Syrup




Sage (or Salvia Officinnalis)  is one of the most healing plants, well known and used since the ancient times.
This recipe is so simple and the result is amazing - tasteful, refreshing and healing   sage syrup.


Ingredients:

30 dag of sage leaves ( I have huge sage in my garden and used it for the recipe)
2 kg sugar
7 - 10 dag citric acid
2 l water

Take pot (pressure cooker is good choice as it has lid that could be firmly closed), cover the bottom with leaves and sprinkle them with citric acid. Continue with layers of leaves, each one sprinkle with the citric acid. 

In another pot put 30 dag of sugar and heat it until crystals dissolve, then put 2 l of water, add the rest of sugar and cook about 20 minutes. Stir the sage leaves with this mixture, close the lid and leave 24 hours. 
Filtrate the liquid and pour in bottles.

Use undiluted for sore throats or thickly coughs, even asthma or diluted as a refreshing drink.
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