How to Make Mailing Labels for Your Christmas & Holiday Cards.

I used to dread writing our Christmas cards every year until I realized that I didn't have to. Now I use my computer and printer to print out labels, print directly on the envelopes and even print my salutations on almost any store bought or handmade cards.



Step1
We will be using Microsoft Word© for this project. Purchase mailing labels from your local office supply store that are appropriate for your printer. You cannot use laser labels for an inkjet printer or vice versa. Most all labels are formated to be used with Avery© software and templates.


Step2
Go to www.avery.com and download the free software for creating mailing labels.


Step3
Once the software is installed. Open Microsoft Word and click on the Avery icon on the far right of the menu bar to start the software. On the box of mailing labels you will need to look for the product number. This will be a four-digit number and it will be in large print to easily find it. This number is usually located on the front of the box on the botton right or left-hand side. For this article we will use 8660. Type the number in the box and click on the find icon. Once you have your label style number open Microsoft© Word and click on the Avery© icon in the uppper right-hand corner on the menu bar.


Step4
When the Avery© software opens you will click on next and then enter your label number. Choose your label from the list and choose "Next." When the selection menu opens choose the type of label you would like to create. You can choose a blank label or a label with a holiday theme.


Step5
Click on the image you want and then click "Next."


Step6
Now decide if you are making return labels or mailing labels. Let's say you are making mailing labels. You will choose "Type many different entries on one sheet" then click next. You will see a sample of the labels. It may take a while to type in all of your card recipients but once you have it done, you will be able to make labels each year and throughout the year for various mailings.


Step7
After you have clicked on next, click next again, and then click on finish. The Avery© wizard will create duplicate labels for you on the entire sheet. After the wizard is finished all you have to do is click in front of the first line of text and hold the delete key until all the text has been deleted. Starting from the blinking cursor begin typing in your mailing address. Be sure to save your file where you will find it for future use. You will be able to change the clipart or delete to format your labels for everyday mailings or for other special occassions.


Step8
If you would like to change the picture to one of your own photos or to another clipart picture choose "Insert" from the tool bar and then choose "Picture." You will have to decide if you want to choose "clipart" or "from file." If you choose "Clipart" then your clipart organizer will open and you will search for a type of clipart that you want. To change the clipart on the labels, right-mouse click on clipart and choose "Cut" from the sub menu. Then double click on the clipart you have chosen from the clipart manager and the picture will be inserted for you.


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How to Wrap Those Gifts

With the debut of more innovative wrappings, no longer is man (or woman!) limited by the mere traditional confines to deliver that gift in. Consider the following:



Step1
Bags with tissue paper have been one of mankind s greater contributions in the past decade, and now thanks to dollar stores they are even reasonably priced. But sometimes, more substantial support is called for especially for shipping. Then, the search begins for the perfect sized box. But, how many of us think to MAKE our own boxes? It s possible with a box-cutter, larger packing boxes, and strong packing tape. Make sure to tape the inside of the box for extra support.


Step2
Don t overlook other packing ideas. Baby shower gifts can be put into an infant tub, and pinned up with diaper pins and a hooded towel; bridal shower items work when placed in laundry baskets, bundled in tablecloths or bath sheets. Look for sales on scrap material, and use that for wrapping; burlap, felt or cloth pieces, bound by various cords make imaginative wraps.


Step3
If you are married to wrapping the old-fashioned way using boxes, don t overlook different types of paper to put them in. Colorful funny papers (pre-sprayed with hair spray to help prevent the ink from smearing), music sheets, and roadmaps are just some ideas that make great wrapping papers. Stack more than one box, in corresponding sizes atop one another, and bound together with one tie. Use associated materials for tying bows: ie. Twines, cords, wire, leather strips.


Step4
Bows are more able to be refreshed when you use fabric ribbon that has wire edges. No matter how smashed a box gets in-transit, it can more easily be revived when it is wrapped by wire ribbon. That type also makes it easier to create art, like flowers or other shapes. A beautiful look is plaid wired ribbon over a solid color wrapping paper.


Step5
When buying Christmas paper for holiday wrapping, choose a neutral pattern. Something with wispy, non-committal shapes, or in stripes can be used for ALL wrapping year-round. Especially look for paper that can be used for Father s Day or other masculine use; florals are very common, but male-oriented patterns are harder to come by.


Step6
Jazz up a package or gift bag with a small extra like a silk flower, beaded handles, sachet in satin and a sequin drawstring. Use your imagination, and customize it to the recipient; how about a tiny silver spoon for the baby gift, or something blue tacked on for the new bride?


Step7
Make your own gift tags, too, and save money. Use scrap-booking scissors, or sewing pinking shears, to fashion a tag out of the same wrapping paper and large enough to express your sentiments, then tape or wire it to the gift.

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How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Christmas Gift

Christmas can be a dicey time for men. It is often a time of judgment for us by the lady in our life. Take the wrong step in your Christmas search and it will be a long year. Read on to learn how to avoid buying the wrong Christmas gift.

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Step1
Listen to your lady. Often they will drop numerous hints. Pay attention and you will be fine.


Step2
Stay out of the appliances, electronics, kitchen and hardware sections. There is nothing and I mean nothing there that will result in a positive gift.


Step3
Stay away from jewelry that is found outside a glass display case. That is the stuff she got when she was twelve-years-old. If you want jewelry go to a jewelry store, period.


Step4
Avoid clothing all together. This just doesn't work and besides clothing is something she gets from the in-laws, not her lover.


Step5
Stay away from anything that says work. If that means housework, her professional work or yard work. She is not a maid, she is your lover.


Step6
If your lover or wife is also the mother of your children, you can venture down that path. Anything kid related like a picture of you and your children is always a big hit.

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