Creating Labels - a step-by-step tutorial

Labels, a teacher's dream! I know you love labeling things as much as I do. Labels keep me organized. They let my students know where to find things (and put them back!). And they personalize student supplies. But buying all those cute labels can get expensive! A few years ago I started making my own labels - and I love it! It's easy to do and I can make the labels look however I want!

I posted a picture of some of my labels on Instagram and got a ton of requests to put them in my TpT store. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to do it and still keep the labels editable, protect the clipart and make them print clearly. So, I decided to do a little tutorial here on my blog to help you create your own. (NOTE: If after going through this tutorial you decide you don't want to spend the time creating your own, email me and we can chat about a custom label order. I've already had a few people say they just want them done and ready to print out!)


This tutorial has 2 parts: If you're somewhat familiar with Powerpoint, you can follow my step-by-step directions and you'll probably be fine. If you need a visual, I created a video that should help! (I need to say that I work on a PC. I have no idea how to do this on a Mac, so if it's really different, I can't help!)


In order to create the labels, you need to first create the image you want on the label, then insert it into a template the same size as the labels you want to use. I like to use 2x4 Avery labels. I got the template from the Avery website. I don't feel comfortable sharing the actual template here (copyright issues), so here's the link to the site and the template I use (it's the 5th one on the page).
Avery 2x4 labels templates


1. Open Powerpoint and set the size to whatever size the labels are. (Go to Design > Slide Size > Custom)
2. Add clipart and text to make the first label look the way you want.
3. Click on your label slide on the left pane and click CTRL-D. This will duplicate the slide. Now just go in and change the name! Do this to make a label for all your students. (If you want to change the clipart quickly, click on the image and right click, then select Change Picture.)
4. Once you have all the label images you want, save your file as images (jpegs or pngs seem to work best).
5. Download, save and open the label template you want to use. (My template is a Word document for the 2x4 labels.)
6. Click in the middle of the first box and insert picture. Navigate to wherever you saved your label images and double click on the one you want to add. Do the same for all the boxes on the page.
7. When you are ready to print, put the label sheet into the printer (you may have to put it in upside down so it prints on the right side!) and print.


If you need a hard copy of these directions, you can download them HERE.

I have to tell you that I have not been able to figure out how to make a SECOND page of the template! If someone knows how to do this, please let me know! Until then, after I print a page, I go back and delete the images and then insert new ones. I can do it pretty quickly since it goes right back to the folder where the images are. But I would love to know how to make more than one page!


Now, if all those directions seem too confusing or you just want to see it in action, you can watch my video tutorial. Even if you're an experienced Powerpoint user, you may pick up a tip or two! (Or know of a better way for me to do something!)

I tried to explain how I do this the best way I could, but if you still have any questions or want to ask about a custom order, you can email me (secondgradestories@charter.net) and I'll do my best to help you out!