I've made up labels for my jars by using Hijaak software though any
drawing software would probably work as well.  I ran an initial copy on a
laser printer then made more sheets on a copier.  I added a small strip of
color with a waterproof yellow "magic marker".
 
I make up flour paste by slowly adding a pint of water to 1/3 cup of
flour, stirring to get a good mixture as I'm adding the water.  When well
mixed I cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching, for
two minutes after boiling begins.  I cool it, add about 5 drops of clove
oil for a preservative.
 
I use a paint brush to brush the paste onto a sheet of glass then put the
label on the glass to pick up the paste.  A wiping motion seems to work
well.  I use a damp sponge to help in pressing the label to the jar.
Works well on glass, poorly on plastic.  White glue (aliphatic resin??)
seems to be ok on plastic though I've used plastic very little and don't
have a good opinion here.
 
Before I paste labels on jars, I use  "rubber" stamps to stamp the weight
and type of honey on the label.  The stamps are really made of
photopolymer so I put "rubber" in quotation marks.  My brother has a
rubber stamp business thus is able to supply me with what I need, even
curved stamps for the brims of honeybear hats.  If you need to have rubber
stamps made for your business, contact me directly and I'll give you his
fax number and post office box.
 
For a beekeeper with a lot of labeling, preprinted labels which can be
rapidly applied should be the best way to go.  For me with my 25 top bar
hives and my "gourmet" honey...this works for me.
 
I hope that you have had a good year.  Goldenrod seems to be peaking
around here about now.  Maybe the hives will lay in some good winter
stores....I hope so.
 
Cordially yours,
 
Jim
 
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
  |  James D. Satterfield        |  E-Mail: [log in to unmask]       |
  |                              --------------------------------
  |  258 Ridge Pine Drive         Canton is about 40 mi/64 km   |
  |  Canton, GA 30114, USA        north of Atlanta, Georgia USA |
  |  Telephone (770) 479-4784                                   |
  ---------------------------------------------------------------