A new label writer
We just bought a Brother VC-500W zero ink label printer from 'Create and Craft' (a television channel for those interested in crafts). The labels are printed using a thermal process. That's not new for us because we have been using a Dymo LabelWriter for years. Not a hand-held type but one that connects to the computer via a USB cable.
I know it's possible to make labels in Word or an art/editing program but I find it much easier and quicker printing single or multiple labels using a dedicated machine. Nothing to set up and always ready to print.
The difference between the Dymo LabelWriter and the new Brother label printer is that the Brother prints labels thermally
in full colour (no ink necessary). Mrs Mart makes cards for Birthdays, Christmas etc and the styled coloured address labels will add a nice touch to the envelopes.
The instructions on how to use the Brother VC-500W and accompanying software could be more comprehensive but once learned, it is a handy machine to have, especially for 'crafters' who want to create self-adhesive fancy labels.
The labels standing in front of the printer are 25mm high (about an inch). The text is large enough to be easily read. Designs on the labels can be anything the imagination can conjure up. Labels can be just about any length, made like a tape really. The machine cuts the tape at the end of the design.
Inserted images are sized by the software that comes with the printer. Further resizing and positioning can be done once the images have been imported. Lots of clipart is included with the program but it isn't photographic quality. The images and backgound used in the labels shown below are some that were imported into the program.
The blurred part in the screenshot is the address book. Worth mentioning is that addresses or any text can be written on the labels but an entire address book can't be created within the program. It can import and use an address book created in Excel (.xls) format however.