Where to print UPS shipping labels? Try Ship!

At Sticker Mule, we’ve long been making it easier to print custom stickers, labels, and other branding materials. And now we’re excited to announce our newest service to simplify your shipping even more: [Ship by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/ship "shipping label printing free online")! 

Ship is a brand new way to get your own custom shipping labels without additional printing fees, while also tracking your shipments on a single platform. It’s a game-changer for businesses as well as individuals, offering a more convenient and cost-effective way to manage your shipping needs.

![print shipping labels online at ups](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c54af081-047b-4546-a346-fdf5ab9fa32c)

One of the [biggest challenges for businesses](http://www.retaildive.com/news/its-a-ho-ho-horrible-shipping-season-for-small-businesses-too/608947/ "holiday season business challenges shipping and printing labels") when it comes to shipping is the cost. Traditional ways to print UPS shipping labels can be expensive, with hidden fees and other costly additional services adding up quickly. This can be a significant barrier to entry for small businesses and individuals, as it’s hard to find alternatives of where to print shipping labels.

Ship changes all that. With our new service, users can easily print shipping labels for UPS — no need to break the bank with service fees or monthly memberships from other online shipping services. Shipping packages of all weights and sizes just got a whole lot more affordable, whether you’re an individual or a business.

But Ship isn’t just about saving money. It's also about convenience: print labels from the comfort of your own home or office and avoid extra trips to the post office while also keeping track of your shipments over a single, easy-to-access platform.

And to make things even better, Ship is incredibly easy to use. Simply go to Ship by Sticker Mule and follow the prompts to create and print your label. You'll be able to customize your label with your own information, as well as choose from a range of shipping options, including printing UPS shipping labels.

The launch of Ship is big news for Sticker Mule and for our customers, offering a more convenient and cost-effective way for people to manage their shipping label printing needs. A few clicks and — voilà! — you’ll soon get your own print UPS shipping label on its way to you. 

If you’re one of the thousands looking for a better way to print shipping labels, be sure to check out [Ship from Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/ship "Print shipping labels on ship") today!

<ButtonCta text="Print shipping labels at Ship!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/ship" />

We've provided some additional resources for small business owners.

- More details on [how to get the most from Ship](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-print-a-ups-shipping-label-and-save-big), including money-saving tips
- [A guide to shipping for small businesses](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/shipping-for-small-businesses-a-comprehensive-guide)
- [Our recommendations for equipment](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/small-business-shipping-tools-tips-and-cost-saving-strategies) such as scales and boxes




Print UPS shipping labels online without any additional fees! Get ship done with Ship today!

Naughty or spice? Holiday recipes with a kick!

When it comes to holiday recipes, hot sauce might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind. But trust us, a little bit of heat can go a long way in adding depth and flavor to your holiday dishes.

![hot sauce food and drink recipes](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfbc0df3-c103-49d4-8b96-d9ebd7c75694)

This post will provide you with some delicious recipes that have a bit of a kick to them. From traditional holiday recipes with a twist to hot sauce drink recipes from around the world, there are plenty of ways to add some flavor and a bit of heat to your holiday meals. Here are a few ways to spice up your holidays this year.

------------------------------

##Sleighin’ Spicy Shrimp Bites
![hot sauce shrimp bites](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7be102d1-12a3-479b-b10c-ffbc495bf856)

*Makes 16 bite sized appetizers*

1 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 cup olive oil + 1 tbsp for frying pan

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "sweet spicy hot sauce")

Zest and juice of one orange

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp paprika

16 phyllo shells or mini pie crusts

1 cup guacamole

1/4 cup of crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese

Chopped cilantro, for garnish


__Instructions:__

In a large bowl, add shrimp, olive oil, honey, Mule Sauce, orange, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to evenly coat shrimp, cover and refrigerate for one hour. 

In a large saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook over medium heat. Once pan is hot, add shrimp, working in 2 batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook 2-3 minutes per side, depending on size of shrimp. Remove from heat.

__Assembly:__

Spoon or pipe 1 tbsp of guacamole into each phyllo cup. Top with shrimp, crumbled cheese and chopped cilantro and serve.

------------------------------

##Mule Tide

![bourbon drink hot sauce lime pineapple juice](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/de8552a7-5c38-42b3-a80b-ee4745618f91)

1.5 oz Bourbon

.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice

.75 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice

.50 oz Simple Syrup

.25 oz [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "spicy and sweet hot sauce") (1 packet)

2 dashes of orange bitters


__Instructions:__

Shake, strain serve in coupe, garnish with dehydrated lime

------------------------------

##Prancer’s Punch

2 oz Zero proof tequila (Jalisco 55 by Spiritless)

.50 oz Fresh Lime Juice

.25 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

.50 oz Agave Nectar

.25 oz Mule Sauce

5 Rosemary Leaves

__Instructions:__

Muddle the rosemary to release the oils, combine all the ingredients into a shaker tin with fresh ice, shake hard for 30 seconds, straining into a rocks glass and garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and favorite edible flower

*For 10 guests*

20 oz or 2.5 cups Zero proof tequila

5 oz Fresh Lime Juice

2.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

5 oz Light Agave Nectar

2.5 oz or ten packets of [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "best hot sweet and spicy hot sauce")

.25 oz by weight or 5 full sprigs of Rosemary

__Instructions:__

Follow the original instructions, serve in your favorite punch bowl or pitcher

------------------------------	

##Buffalo Chickmas Dip 

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup bleu cheese crumbles

3/4 cup finely shredded cooked chicken breast

1 green onion, sliced (white and pale green part only)

2 tbsp [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "best hot sauce on the internet")

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or brazil nuts)

2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Carrots and pita chips, for serving

__Instructions:__

In a large bowl add cream cheese, cheddar and bleu cheese. Using a rubber spatula, fold to combine evenly. Add in chicken, green onion, Mule Sauce, salt and pepper. Continue to fold until all ingredients are incorporated. Turn mixture out onto plastic wrap and wrap completely, forming a ball. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Meanwhile, chop the nuts finely using a knife or food processor. Combine with parsley on a shallow plate. Roll the cheese ball into the nut mixture, coating all sides.

Place the cheese ball on a platter and arrange with carrots, pita chips or bread.

------------------------------

## All I Want For Christmas Is [Tof]u

![delicious tofu hot sauce tacos](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fa171a17-9b44-41d4-a091-ec1b455b4179)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil. plus 2 tablespoons for pan

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon taco seasoning

1 tablespoon [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "sweet and spicy hot sauce")

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu drained and patted dry

__For serving:__

Warm corn or flour tortillas.

Sliced avocado, chopped cabbage, salsa, and/or any of your favorite taco fixings

__Directions:__

In a large bowl, add olive oil, tomato paste, seasonings and Mule Sauce. Whisk to combine. Chop tofu into 1x1 cubes and toss in olive oil mixture to coat. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to pan. Add tofu and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Place tofu in prepared taco shells with toppings of choice and enjoy.

------------------------------

With a little bit of creativity and the right hot sauce, you can add flavor and heat to your holiday recipes and impress your guests with some truly unique dishes. So don't be afraid to experiment and see what delicious creations you can come up with using this versatile and flavorful ingredient.

Try [Mule Sauce hot sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "sweet spicy hot sauce") today and discover a new level of flavor in your cooking.

<ButtonCta text="Get a bottle of Mule Sauce today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce" />



Delicious food and drink recipes featuring Mule Sauce hot sauce that will bring some extra spice to your holidays!

Decal vs sticker: What's really the difference?

[Decals](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/vinyl-decals "custom vinyl decals") and stickers are two similar yet distinct items that are commonly used for decorative and advertising purposes. While they may seem interchangeable to some people, there are actually some important differences between decals and [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "custom sticker printing").

![stickers vs decals whats the differences](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d9a205e8-f969-4e94-bdc1-0c2337b0c30f)

## What do they mean?
First, let's define what we mean by decals and stickers. A [decal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decal "decal information") is a design that is normally printed onto a special type of paper and then transferred onto a surface, typically by soaking in water. This allows the decal to be easily applied and removed without damaging the underlying surface. However, some decals nowadays may come on special paper that is peel and stick. [Stickers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sticker "sticker information"), on the other hand, are designs that are printed directly onto a backing material such as vinyl or plastic.

## What are the differences?

One of the key differences between decals and stickers is their durability. Decals are generally considered to be more durable than stickers because they are printed onto a special type of paper that is designed to withstand wear and tear. 

In contrast, stickers are printed directly onto a backing material, which can be prone to tearing and peeling over time. This makes decals a better choice for applications where the design needs to last for a long period of time, such as on vehicles or storefront windows.

Another difference between decals and stickers is the way they are applied. Decals are typically applied by soaking the decal in water and then sliding it off the backing paper and onto the desired surface. This allows the decal to be easily positioned and repositioned until it is perfectly aligned. 

As for stickers, you typically apply them by peeling them off the backing material and sticking them directly onto the desired surface. This makes stickers a more convenient option for applications where the design needs to be applied quickly and easily, such as handing out promotional materials at an event.

There is also a key difference between decals and stickers when it comes to the range of surfaces they can be applied to. Decals are designed to be applied to a wide range of surfaces, including smooth and curved surfaces, making them a versatile option for many different applications. 

Stickers, in turn, are typically limited to being applied to flat, smooth surfaces, which limits their versatility. This makes decals a better choice for applications where the design needs to be applied to a wide range of surfaces, such as on vehicles or storefront windows.

##Final words

As you can see, decals and stickers have a lot in common, and can be used as decoration or advertisement. They aren’t exactly equivalent, although to some they may look alike. Decals are more durable, can be applied to a wider range of surfaces, and are more adaptable than stickers. This makes them better suited for scenarios where you need your design to stick around (no pun intended!) for longer periods, or to different kinds of surfaces.

<ButtonCta text="View the types of decals on sale online" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/vinyl-decals" />


From car decals to vinyl bumper stickers, people tend to use the words decals and stickers interchangeably. But what's really the difference between the two words? 

Introducing personalized Christmas ornaments from Sticker Mule!

As the holiday season approaches, many people are thinking about how to make their celebrations extra special this year. One way to do this is by personalizing your decorations, and to help with that we here at Sticker Mule are excited to announce a new product to our lineup: [personalized Christmas ornaments](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/christmas-ornaments "create personalized custom christmas ornaments").

![personalized christmas ornament of pets](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d28c3caf-3c02-4cd9-b9f9-6792a47870aa)

These ornaments are made from high-quality materials and feature your own designs and customizations. Whether you want to add your own photographs, artwork, or text, Sticker Mule makes it easy to create a truly unique ornament that will be a treasured part of your holiday decorations for years to come.

One of the best things about these personalized ornaments is that they make great gifts. Imagine surprising your loved ones with an ornament that features a special family photo or a sentimental message. It's a thoughtful and personal way to show your loved ones how much they mean to you.

But personalized Christmas ornaments from Sticker Mule aren't just for gifting. They're also a great way to add a personal touch to your own holiday decorations. You can create ornaments featuring your favorite holiday scenes and photos, your family's initials, or even your pets. The possibilities are endless! And with their high-quality printing and durable materials, these ornaments are built to last.

Not only are these personalized ornaments a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations, but they're also easy to order. Simply visit the new [personalized Christmas ornament](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/christmas-ornaments "custom made christmas ornaments") page, select the ornament size, and then upload your design. Our team of professional designers will review your design to ensure it looks great. Once you are happy with the proof, we'll get to work creating your personalized ornament.

Once your ornament is ready, it will be shipped to you quickly and securely. And with Sticker Mule's 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can be confident that you'll love your personalized Christmas ornament.

So this holiday season consider adding a personal touch to your decorations with personalized ornaments from Sticker Mule. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or a special way to decorate your own home, these ornaments are sure to be a hit. 

Order yours today and add a touch of personalization to your holiday celebrations.

<ButtonCta text="Create your own personalized Christmas ornament today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/christmas-ornaments" />


Start creating your own personalized Christmas ornaments with photos of family, pets, or anything else!

What is BOPP?

![What is BOPP?](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7461198ee3175da8a8942b56bc58879842079330)

We use BOPP for all of our [custom labels](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels). But what is BOPP exactly?
 
Packaging industry experts would answer the question with a technical term: biaxially oriented polypropylene. That's a fancy name for a type of plastic. ["Biaxially oriented BOPP"](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/biaxially-oriented-polypropylene) means manufacturers stretch the plastic film in two directions during its production. They do this to improve its strength, flexibility and clarity.
 
Basically, BOPP is the kick-ass material we use to make the best labels and stickers. Here’s why [we](https://www.stickermule.com/ "online printing service") and other online printing services love it.


## Talk to me like an engineer, what exactly is BOPP?

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is a thermoplastic polymer that has many similar properties to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). It is commonly used in sticker and label printing, food packaging, bottle caps, and other applications. 

BOPP is produced by cross-linking two propylene molecules with a chemical compound called di-(2-propen-1-ol) adipate (DA). The resulting thermoplastic polymer chain is biaxially oriented. This orientation creates a film that is stronger along two axes than it is along just one axis. 

/end nerdTalk
 
 
## When was it invented?

BOPP is a type of plastic that was first commercially manufactured in the early 1960s by companies like [Brückner-Maschinenbau](https://www.brueckner-maschinenbau.com/en "BOPP manufacturer"). It became popular for its low cost, opacity, and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Today, BOPP is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world; by some accounts, it’s the 2nd most popular plastic in the world!

![Clear and colorful BOPP labels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/533e12719383fc0fa1bd3294c86ac95eec4c504d)

## Why is BOPP a great material for stickers & labels?

Stickers and labels should be easy to print on, resistant to water and chemicals, and either clear or opaque, depending on your needs. BOPP label material ticks all of these boxes and more.

### BOPP is perfect for printing

Printing with both water- and solvent-based inks is possible on BOPP labels. Manufacturers of BOPP film treat its surface using various methods—like [corona treatment](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/biaxially-oriented-polypropylene)—to improve its adhesiveness and printability. 

The corona treatment is a process of applying a thin layer of metal oxide to the surface of the BOPP label. The metal oxide layer is added by applying a liquid or gas on the surface of the label. The liquid or gas is then evaporated to form an oxide film on the surface of the label. 

The corona treatment is not only applied on the surface of BOPP labels, but also to other labels as well, such as those used in food packaging and automotive parts packaging, due to the ease of printing and durability it provides.

### Water, chemical, and UV resistance

The tough BOPP is "the Hulk" of plastic films. Almost indestructible, it resists oil and water, making it perfect for labeling products used in the kitchen or in the bathroom. 

Thanks to its [resistance to most chemicals](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/polypropylene)—solvents, bleaches, and disinfectants—BOPP is also suitable for drug and cosmetic labels.

BOPP film is an excellent choice for any indoor or outdoor use. While it's waterproof, it doesn't have to be sealed against moisture, which means it can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and classrooms. It can also withstand harsh UV light exposure, meaning it can be used for printing signs, graphics, and more.

### BOPP can be crystal clear or opaque

BOPP has excellent clarity, so it's ideal for [see-through labels](https://www.stickermule.com/products/clear-roll-labels). But this material is also available in its opaque variety. So, whether you want a totally transparent or brightly colored label, we have a type of BOPP label to meet your needs.

## Why BOPP is the only material you need for labels 

Versatile and durable, BOPP is an excellent material for labels in the food and non-food packaging sectors. It has many advantages over other label materials, like paper and vinyl. BOPP has a long shelf life, which means it will last longer than other labels. This makes it ideal for use in the food and non-food packaging sectors where shelf life is important. 

BOPP can be used in any type of container, whether plastic or metal.

### BOPP vs. paper labels

Unlike paper labels, BOPP stands up to water, oil, and chemicals. Plastic is also more durable and stronger than paper. So, a BOPP label resists tears and scratches better than paper does.

However, since it's a plastic material, BOPP will usually have a shiny look that some people and designers may not like. If you want a more "matte" finish, paper labels and stickers might be more for you. Just remember these stickers and labels will be way less durable, and are not great for many practical uses.

### BOPP labels vs. vinyl stickers

BOPP is thinner (3.4 mil) than the vinyl material (7 mil) we use for [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers). And because labels are printed on a roll, this makes them ideal for fast peeling and application. Check out [stickers vs. labels](https://www.stickermule.com/support/difference-between-stickers-and-labels) for a more detailed comparison.

![custom food labels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/630b3a0e-8485-4f3a-b21d-7ffe716bda06)

### BOPP labels are safe for indirect food contact

BOPP is a superstar in the food packaging industry. Many food products can use a BOPP label. [Coffee](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/coffee-labels) and [tea packaging](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/tea-packaging), [honey jars](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/honey-labels), [wine bottles](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/wine-labels), and all sorts of [food containers](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/food-labels) are just a few examples. 

As an open-cell construction material, BOPP has many advantages: lightweight, easy to handle, inexpensive to produce, and doesn't need any special packaging. 

### Thin and flexible for any container

Flexible and very thin, BOPP labels stick well to any container. That can be a [mason jar](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/mason-jar-labels) or a [jelly jar](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/jam-jelly-labels), a [container for spices](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/spice-labels), or a [scented candle](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/candle-labels). Add the scratch resistance of BOPP, and the label may last longer than what's inside the container.

### BOPP labels are water and oil resistant

Any label that may encounter oil or water needs to come out undamaged. The water and oil resistance of BOPP label material make it useful for applications in the [cosmetic industry](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/cosmetic-labels) and many others - Sticker Mule labels are perfect for moisturizer jars, shampoo bottles, and [lip balm tubes](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/lip-balm-labels), among others. 

![BOPP cosmetic labels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/21c8623b3c735697314095c7dfa0c879b2e3641b)


## Why aren't you using BOPP?

BOPP is a material that needs specialized equipment to print on. But the good news is that Sticker Mule is the easiest way to print stickers, labels and other promotional materials for your homemade products or promotional business needs with BOPP. 

Whether you need a few custom stickers for your Etsy shop or a large quantity of custom stickers for your retail store, Sticker Mule can help you get the job done quickly and easily. We use the best materials and equipment so we can turn your design into a high-quality printed product.
 
<ButtonCta text="Try our online printing service today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/" appearance="button" variant="secondary" />


Basically BOPP is simpler way to say Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene film. BOPP is a material that's perfect for making stickers and labels, since it can be stretched in two directions. Find out more inside!

What is BOPP? And why we use it for labels & stickers?

Online printing services vs printing at home - How to choose?

Eventually everyone needs printing services to get stickers, brochures, or packaging for their events or endeavors. You can print them yourself at home, but that requires a lot of time and effort and doesn’t necessarily save you money once all is said and done. [Online printing services](https://www.stickermule.com/ "sticker mule online printing service") can be more convenient, affordable and have all the tools you need to get your designs ready for mass production but there are so many services out there and results vary among them all. Here are some considerations and questions you should ask before choosing an online printing service for your business needs or going with printing at home.

![online printing services like sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d826b2aa-9e78-4878-9f26-98b9a8e94da5)
 
 
__What is your printing budget?__

*For budgets under $100*

You may think printing at home is the way to go with smaller budgets or if you want to save money, but there really isn’t a golden rule on that. Online printing works great for smaller budgets too and after the costs of materials, it can oftentimes be even cheaper than doing it yourself, and that’s before even [factoring in the amount of time](https://www.entrepreneur.com/money-finance/how-to-calculate-the-true-monetary-value-of-your-time/320027 "estimate the cost of your time") it takes!

However, printing at home gives you all the control and allows you to experiment a bit more than using a online printing service. So there is definitely a give and take. 

Answering these questions might make the process of choosing a bit easier though;

- Do you have the printing materials (paper and printers) available already?
- Do you have spare time to dedicate to printing?
- Are you handy at designing?
- Are you able to solve technical problems when they arise?

If you answered no to any of these questions, then honestly, online printing may be the way to go. After the time, resources and technical skills needed to create a design and then printing it, you may have spent more money on materials and way more time printing than you anticipated which just hurts your chances of getting a good result with your printing goals.

*For budgets over $100*

For larger budgets, the choice of printing leans more heavily on using an online printing service. The costs and time involved gets much more demanding with higher budgets so unless you have industrial processes in place and the experience needed to scale your printing by yourself, it would be hard to argue not to use a online printing service for your printing needs


__What kind of printing services do you need?__

Before you send your print job to the printer, you will need to select the type of paper, labels, or stickers you’ll want to print on. These options will affect the price and turnaround time of your project. You can choose from glossy, matte, UV or uncoated paper. If you are printing cards, signs or brochures, you might also want to add a UV coating to your print job. This will help protect it from smudging and make it last longer. 
 
If you want to use premium or special materials in your printing job, then the costs of getting a smaller quantity of these materials might not be cost-effective. 
 
Some things you should be able to print at home at smaller quantities;

- Normal paper printing
- Square or circle stickers
- Custom shipping labels
- Color photos
- Heat transfers

Other things that won’t be possible to print at home (no matter the quantity);

- Custom magnets
- [Custom posters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters "custom posters printing")
- Custom packaging
- Die-cut (custom shape) stickers, signs, or decals


__Who will be in charge of the design process?__

If you are hiring a design company to print your stickers, labels, packaging or brochures, you can expect them to have their own designers on staff. They may have their own processes, so they may recommend specific printing services that they normally work with. The design process and costs will vary depending on the company you choose. If you are hiring a designer, you should inquire about their process and prices. 
 
Most online printing companies will provide you with pre-made templates while others will also let you design your print job from scratch. Using the [premade templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates "online printing templates") at companies like Sticker Mule makes the design process much easier if you aren’t a designer yourself and don’t have the budget to hire a designer. It’s the best of both worlds for smaller printing jobs!


__How well does the company handle printing emergencies?__

Sometimes things happen unexpectedly, especially during rush season. You’ll be pressed with extra printing demands and the ability of you or your company to handle these situations will be tested. If you are printing in house or at home, then these situations can be very hard to overcome without experience. It’s these kinds of high-stress situations that make printing for yourself unfeasible at larger scales. Even then, it’s important to find a printing company that can handle your print job without any delays in case something happens. Some companies will charge extra for last-minute printing, while others will not be able to handle it at all. We here at Sticker Mule are proud to provide multiple printing and shipping options depending on how quickly you need things!


__Are there any upfront or hidden costs?__

Some online printing companies will charge you a fee upfront for designing your print job. If you need design services, it’s important to inquire about the design process upfront so you know how much it will cost. It is also important to inquire about the hidden costs of printing. Some companies charge extra for rush printing, shipping and other factors such as the type of paper or binding you choose. Bear in mind that you can avoid hidden costs by choosing a company that offers free design services or ready to go templates.


__How to make your decision__

There are quite a few things to consider before choosing whether or not to print at home yourself or having it sent off to an online printing service like Sticker Mule.
 
Printing at home is an excellent way to save money on printing when printing smaller quantities, while also ensuring that your documents are printed exactly the way you want them. By printing at home, you'll be able to avoid many of the costs associated with professional printing, like shipping, storage and setup fees. Plus, you'll have total control over the quality and appearance of your prints. 
 
However, the more you print, the less this approach makes sense. Even for smaller jobs, online printing might be the cheaper and better alternative especially if you are able to take advantage of deals like Sticker Mule does with it’s 10 for $9 samples.

<ButtonCta text="Get 10 custom prints for $9 sample pack" href="https://www.stickermule.com/samples" />


Find out how to decide between printing at home or printing online in this handy guide

6 ideas on wrapping & decorating your Christmas gifts like no one else

![christmas gift decorating guide](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6013bd38-3205-45e1-9c3b-72cd8ff41380)

‍Christmas is a time for giving, but it can also be a time for creating. The festive season is the perfect opportunity to show your loved ones how much you care about them. If you’re on the lookout for some creative ways to decorate your Christmas gifts this year, keep reading! We think these simple ideas are the perfect way to add an element of surprise and delight when presenting your gifts. Let’s take a look at some inventive ways to add a little extra dash of holiday spirit to your gifts:

__1) Custom packaging tape for the gifts you tape__

![custom christmas packaging tape](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7dd1a401-bf03-43a1-a79b-cc64c37d22ef)

The first festive decor idea we love is [custom packaging tape](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/holiday-packaging-tape "custom christmas holiday packing tape") for your gifts. This is a really fun and easy way to bring some festive cheer to your gifts. You can use one of our [premade packaging tape templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/packaging/packaging-tape "free designs for packaging tape") at Studio to get started decorating your packaging tape with Christmas pictures or even photos of your family, friends, or pets! This is a sure way to pack your present to bring a big smile to the person you are gifting.

__2) Personalized return address labels for the gifts you send__

![custom christmas return labels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/204628bb-75b4-443e-9183-e5106caeb79e)

Another festive decor idea we love is creating your own [personalized return address labels](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/return-address-labels "custom made return labels"). Christmas is the season of giving, and many of us exchange gifts and letters with friends, family, and colleagues. Sometimes, you have to send gifts to people far away. That’s when it could be a good idea to add a custom return label to your letter, present or box so the person you are gifting knows that something special is inside the box. It’s the little things like this that make all the difference when spreading holiday cheer to your family and friends.

__3) Mule Sauce stocking stuffer__

![mule sauce 6 pack](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/af87433a-cc14-421a-bd92-a7a3d1968f65)

A fun & festive idea that’s great for stocking stuffers is a [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce "mule sauce sweet & spicy hot sauce"). This unique gift is perfect for any spicy food fan in your life. It’s a great gift for colleagues, friends, and family members who enjoy cooking and adding a bit of spice to their foods. Our Mule Sauce is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy that even recently [won the first place prize](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/mule-sauce-wins-top-award-at-fiery-food-challenge-hot-sauce-competition "mule sauce first place hot sauce") in a renowned spicy food fest in Texas. That spicy food lover in your life deserves the best, so why not add a bit of top ranked spicy goodness to their stocking this holiday season.

__4) Customized labels for baked goods__

![custom cookie can box labels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cdc41c5a-1a8d-45de-a2c9-5187394c0f22)

Another festive decor idea is [customized labels](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-labels "custom labels for baking goods") for baked goods. If you’re giving baked goods as gifts this Christmas, why not decorate them with festive labels? This is both a decorative and useful way to present baked goods. You can use our premade templates of cute and silly Christmas sticker labels or start a design from scratch and use them to decorate your baked goods.

__5) Personalized shipping bags for smaller items__

![custom shipping bags for christmas](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c7d989fe-4f71-496e-aade-bdee0383279c)

If you’re buying gifts for friends, family members, and colleagues, a useful but yet festive idea to amp up your wrapping game this year is using [personalized shipping bags](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/shipping-bags "custom shipping bags") for smaller items. This is a great way to add some extra Christmas spirit to your gifts. It’s super useful when sending smaller gifts or can even be a special way to package gifts together inside a box. Our custom poly mailers are printed in full color and are lightweight so they are a perfect addition to your gifts this holiday season.


__6) Custom-made buttons for your stockings__

![custom buttons for the holidays](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/229edac7-4f1b-47e3-b9e5-c29469bcdcb1)

Another festive decor idea is making [custom-made buttons](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/photo-buttons "custom photo buttons") for your stockings. Stockings are great ways to give smaller presents, but they also make a great Christmas gift themselves that many people enjoy receiving during the Christmas season, so they can be a great way to show your loved ones how much you care about them. Buttons are a quick and easy way to decorate your stockings and make them look even more special. You can design some Christmas-themed buttons with family members, pets, Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, gingerbread men, or Christmas trees, and use them to decorate your stockings. 

__Well, that's a "wrap"__

There’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than by giving gifts to your loved ones. However, you can make these gifts even more special by decorating them using festive wrapping ideas. The holiday season is a great time to show your loved ones how much you care about them, and it’s an excellent opportunity to get creative with your gifts. If you’re on the lookout for some creative ways to decorate your Christmas gifts this year, we hope this post helps spark some extra creativity in your gift-giving. 


Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays 🎄☃️ from the entire Sticker Mule team!



Stand out from the rest of the crowd with these unique ways to make your presents impress that no one else is really doing

Enlarge an image without losing quality in Photoshop, it's possible?

As a photographer, artist, or designer, the ability to enlarge images without losing quality is a valuable skill. Fortunately, with the right software and technique, it is indeed possible to accomplish this, but with varying results. The key is utilizing a process called "interpolation," which involves inserting new pixels into an image based on the colors and tones of surrounding pixels. This can be [done manually](https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=282942&p=1888161 "manually increase size of an image in photoshop") with just increasing the size of the image but this really isn’t well suited for detailed photos and images.

Luckily, there are a few options these days. But it really depends on if you have access to Adobe Photoshop and its Creative Cloud or not. If you do, you are in luck, Photoshop has released a new feature for photographers called Super Resolution. This can increase the size of the image size by up to 4x, but you’ll need access to a plugin called [Camera Raw](https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/kb/camera-raw-plug-in-installer.html "camera raw photoshop plugin") and Adobe Bridge to get started. If you have access to these programs, it just [takes a couple steps](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/enlarge-image.html "how to enlarge photos in photoshop with a plugin") to get the process done.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="fXmYz-Zy1j4" />

If you’ve spent this entire blog post not quite understanding what those pieces of software do or how they work, we are right there with you. Even seasoned pros grow tired with the complexity of this problem, the whole process is way too confusing. Luckily there are some easier ways!

The following two methods will enable you to increase the size of any image without losing quality, which is perfect if you never intended on editing photos in Photoshop!

__1) Use a AI image upscaling service online__

<YouTubeVideo videoId="MnlxadIeVKQ" />

The easiest and fastest way to improve your quality of photos is by using an AI-powered upscaling service which will not only help you save time, but also make sure that all aspects like color balance are preserved. There are many such services out there, but one that is getting quite popular (for good reason) these days is [Upscale by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale "enlarge image without losing quality online"). It’s a 100% free image way to upscale images online and it works quite well. You can increase the resolution of any image for free by up to 8x with just a couple of clicks!

The best part of this service is that it’s completely free so you really don’t have much to lose by trying it out and seeing if it’s what you are looking for.

<ButtonCta text="Click to upscale your image for FREE" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />

Like with any AI image upscaler, it’s incredibly fast and easy to use, but it’s not always absolutely perfect. It will work great for a majority of images and photos, but you may need some additional tools to achieve perfection with some images. That’s when a  more extensive solution may work for you; like vectorization of your image.

__2) Use a image vectorization service online__

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nr7tGu9yKh4" />

Like with all the AI image upscale services out there, there are quite a few services these days that can turn your image into a vector so you can scale the image indefinitely. This online solution works great for logos, symbols, and artwork among many other object oriented images. If you are looking to increase the quality of a photo, however, this will not be something that will help. But if you do have an object, transforming your image into a vector will pay off for years to come!

Once you have a vector image, you can scale and increase the size of it as large as you want it! You can even fill an entire movie screen with your new vector image without losing any quality. That’s why it’s such a great resource to have for images that you’ll need to send around a lot, since it will work for any purpose someone might want. 

To get started to vectorize your image, head on over to [Redraw by Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "turn an image into a vector"). From there, just upload your photo and we will send you a proof within a couple hours of your new vector image. If you want any changes or don’t like certain things, just keep revising the proof until you are 100% satisfied with it. Once that is done, you just have to pay $14 and you’ll have a brand new vector image that can be used anywhere and practically for any purpose! Success! 

It's also possible to convert an image into a vector a few different ways in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, but again, this approach is a very difficult task for non-Adobe experts. However, if you have the skills, here are [6 different ways to convert an image into a vector](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-convert-any-image-to-vector "convert image to vector") that way.

<ButtonCta text="Click here to turn an image into a vector" href="https://www.stickermule.com/redraw" />

__So in conclusion__

It is indeed possible to enhance images in photoshop, but there are certain limitations that make it infeasible for images that have a lot of detail. In those cases, you can use an AI powered upscaling service like Upscale to increase the resolution by up to 8x or if that is not enough, then you can also convert your image into a vector image that then can be enhanced or enlarged to however big you’d like it!



Is enlarging or enhancing images in Photoshop possible without losing any quality? Find out inside!

How to make a holographic sticker and 5 tricks to make it shine!

[Holographic stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers "holographic sticker vinyl") are made with a colorful, reflective vinyl that gives your designs a unique shine. I love how they make our designs shine like nobody else. If you want to make your hologram sticker stand out even more, here's some tips for creating eye-catching designs with this reflective vinyl

A creative design is the key to success when it comes to custom holographic stickers. Here's a video guide that will get your imagination flowing and give you some ideas on how best use these tools in Photoshop/Illustrator:

<YouTubeVideo videoId="vD9duBs1M0c?rel=0" />

When you're ready to share your design with the world, you can send it off to a [holographic sticker printing service online](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers "holographic sticker vinyl") and upload your design there. It should take about a week for it to be sent back to you a physical holographic stickers!

However if you're ready to take your design from good to great, here are some tricks that will help make sure the new holographic stickers shine like never before!

### Leave empty spaces on your design
Whatever is printed on the holographic material will blend with the holographic effect. Conversely, leaving any part of your design empty, will let the holographic effect shine through 100% and really make it pop.

![holo-empty-fill](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ee8643bee8ff4f57518743fd7ed0f76dc87d10e7)

In the design above we originally had a grey color to represent the metal on the robot. The grey color looks fine, but by removing the fill we can make the metal appear purely holographic.

### Adjust color saturation
[Different colors blend differently](https://www.stickermule.com/support/holographic-stickers-setup) with the holographic vinyl. In general, lighter colors blend with the holographic material more, while darker colors tend to block out the effect more.

![holo-saturation](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9bdd791406097480637f9450ee885e4d9d8e4164)

In the design above, we wanted to create a higher contrast between the cheeks and the pure holographic metal. To do this, we simply increased the saturation of the red to make it darker, to give it less of a holographic effect.

### Use black and white
While nearly all colors will blend with the holographic material in some way, there are 2 colors that almost completely block it out: black and white.

![robot-holo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/cd77f4f29adb526f4baaf86b8e114f0e7526787c)

Using black and white in your design is a great way to create more contrast and make the holographic effects stand out.

### Use color background while designing
When designing with both white fills and empty fills it can become confusing to tell them apart. To help, we recommend putting a colored background beneath your design.

![holo-background](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d4bf7955bc37393b4991a2d0b64a6c7a63df4c57)

The color will help you figure out which parts of your design are set to be totally holographic vs. the parts that are totally white. Just remember to delete the background layer when you’re done!

### Try printing some holographic sticker samples
The best way to figure out what your holographic stickers will look like is getting them in your hands! We offer [custom holographic sticker samples](https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-sticker-samples), so you can try a small batch before placing a larger order.

<ButtonCta text="Print your holographic stickers @ Sticker Mule" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/holographic-stickers" />

Make holographic stickers with this easy to follow video guide and learn some tricks on how to make them stand out even more!

How to make your own custom QR code sticker for free online

Whether it’s a barcode, matrix code, or QR code, all these visual codes have one thing in common. They are used to encode information and make it easier to access. Quick response (QR) codes are dynamic optical codes that can be read by almost any device. They can be found in almost every industry, including retail and e-commerce, education, logistics and transportation, advertising and marketing, and more. 
Unfortunately, most businesses don’t know how to design a QR code sticker for their marketing strategy or how to use it effectively. If you want to know what a QR code sticker is and how to use it for your business strategy, keep reading!

__What is a QR code sticker?__

A QR code sticker is an advertising tool that can be printed on paper, a sticker, or a poster, and then placed in a location where customers are likely to see it. 

The QR code sticker contains a URL or a phone number and links to the desired destination. To access the information, a user needs to scan the QR code sticker with a QR code scanner. This can be done with a smartphone or a special application designed to read these codes. 

QR codes can be used for all types of industries, including retail and e-commerce, education, logistics and transportation, advertising and marketing, and more. They can be applied to anything, such as a poster, a magazine ad, the side of a bus, a billboard, a product, a poster, and more. The only limitation is your imagination! 

QR codes have been used for many years and are an effective way to drive traffic to your website, generate sales, and engage customers. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from QR codes by using them to promote special sales, hosting online surveys, linking to an online store, and more.
 
__Why use a QR code sticker?__

If you’re still not convinced that QR codes are relevant to your business, here are some great reasons to use a QR code sticker. 

- __Better reach__. With QR codes, you can reach a larger audience than with just text. This is especially true if you’re trying to reach people in different languages. You’re also likely to get better engagement rates as people are more likely to scan a QR code than they are to visit sites spelled in text. 

- __More visual__. People are visual creatures, and they’re much more likely to remember information if they’ve seen it in a visual format. If you add some design elements to the QR code (like a logo or brand color), you’ll make it even more memorable. 

- __Time savings__. A QR code is faster to scan than it is to read a text link. This means you’re likely to see a higher rate of engagement and sales from using a QR code.

For the longest time, people considered QR codes a fad. But as you can see and tell, QR codes exploded in popularity in 2020 and it's safe to say...QR code stickers are here to stay. 

__Things to consider when designing a QR code sticker__

If you’re thinking about using a QR code sticker for your business, keep the following tips in mind to make sure it’s effective: 

- Choose a highly visible location: Where you place your QR code sticker is just as important as what you put on it. If you want people to see and scan your QR code, then it has to be in a highly visible location. Avoid dark corners, dimly lit rooms, or areas that are out of the way. 
- Choose the right color: Be sure to choose a color that contrasts with the surface that you’ll be sticking your QR code on. You don’t want to blend in with the wall or blend into the poster behind you. The color of your QR code needs to stand out.

__3 recommended tools for creating a QR code sticker__

If you’re ready to create a QR code sticker for your business, there are a few tools worth checking out. Depending on your budget and time frame, you can choose from various of easy-to-use apps.
 
__1) A website that creates QR codes__

There are plenty of websites that allow you to create QR codes. But QR-code-generator.com is the biggest website and it comes featured packed with a whole slew of options. It was recently acquired by Bitly, so you can be very confident that it has a lot of real value. To get started, simply head on over to https://www.qr-code-generator.com/

Once there, you’ll see a textbox where you can put anything you want and transform it into a QR code. From URLs, PDFs, and MP3s all the way to Bitcoin wallet addresses, the world of links here is your oyster. If you just want a link to a website, select the URL option at the top and input the URL you want a link to, like below;

![qr code generator online](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0ab654d3-aee3-4ee3-8bda-c6657b7c3941)

Once you do that, you’ll see your basic QR code available for download. If that’s all you want, just press the green Download button and you’ll have your QR code sticker!

However, there are a few other options you can do here to make your QR code stand out a bit more. There are 3 free frames that you can use that surround your QR code with words like “Scan Me” to make sure your users know what to do. There are 6 other premium frames that are available, but they will require a paid plan. There is a 14-day free trial available though, so that is something that might work for you.

But that’s how you can create a basic QR code. It’s pretty simple, so give it a try today to start creating your new QR marketing tool!

__2) A design tool like Studio or Photoshop to edit your QR code__

Even though many QR code generators out there have the tools needed to make a nice QR code, oftentimes you’ll need to add some additional text or change some details or orientation of the image. In that case, you’ll need some kind of image design software. The most popular software for this is Adobe Photoshop, however, it’s a bit complex and can be overwhelming for many people. If that’s the case, there are also plenty of online design tools available for free on the internet. 

One such design tool is [Studio from Sticker Mule](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool").

![studio custom design tool free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9802afef-adc7-40eb-8bd0-26dbec38360d)

This tool is completely free to use and has the options needed to customize your QR to your exact liking. To get started with Studio, just head on over to [stickermule.com/studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) and you’ll be presented with a bunch of templates that will help you get started. Once you’ve selected a template, or just start your own design by scratch, you’ll have a bunch of features available to you like adding text, adding images and changing the orientation, and adding shapes and colors. This should give you plenty of inspiration and the tools you need to make your QR even more special and stand out even greater.

The really neat thing about Studio is that once you’ve finished designing your QR code, you just need to press the “order prints” button on the upper right to get your stickers printed! It’s super easy so give it a try today.

__3) A phone or barcode scanner to test your QR code__

The last tool you’ll need is either a smartphone/tablet or a barcode scanner with the ability to read QR codes. Luckily, if you don’t have a barcode scanner, these days almost every smartphone can read a QR code through the default camera app that is already installed on your smartphone. 

So to get started, just open up the camera app on your phone and point it at your new QR code. If you see a popup that wants to redirect you to your website, then your QR code works! However, you may want to click through just to make sure the exact website you want is where your QR code takes you. So once you’ve clicked through, and you’ve confirmed that the website is the one you want, you’ve finished setting up your QR code and you’re ready to start printing!
	
 
__How to print your newly designed QR stickers__

So you have a snazzy new QR code that makes it easier for your users to find more information about your organization or business, now what? Well, now you just have to print them and start sticking them around! 

The cheapest way to do this is by yourself with [blank QR code labels from Avery](https://www.avery.com/blank/usage/qr-code-labels "blank qr code labels") and using the included template. You’ll have to open that in Microsoft Word or some other text editor and then drag and drop the QR code into each label spot. Once you’ve done that, you are ready to print them on your printer. Just insert the label sheet into your printer paper stack and press print! 

Printing the stickers yourself may be cheap, but there can be quite a few issues that can happen from doing it yourself. From non-centered QR codes to uneven printing that may make your QR stickers unreadable, there always seems to be something that goes wrong when doing it yourself. So you’ll need to be comfortable with problem-solving tech and proofing issues yourself if you want to go this route. 

If you aren’t comfortable playing around until it is perfect then custom online printing might be the best option for you. Most online printing services have free proofing processes so they’ll make sure the stickers look and print right, you just have to give the approval.

For example, at Sticker Mule, you’ll just need to upload the image of the QR code when purchasing the [custom square stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/square-stickers "custom printed square stickers") and the proofing team will have a design ready for you to approve in an hour or so. You can work with them on fine-tuning the sticker design or just send it off for printing. The only thing you need to do then is wait for the stickers to arrive by mail in about a week!
 
 __Conclusion__

QR codes are an excellent way to bring more traffic to your website, generate sales, and engage with customers. A QR code sticker is an easy and effective way to display this code. If you want to start using QR codes in your business, the first step is to design a QR code sticker. To do this, choose a highly visible location for your code and select the right color. Then, select a tool to create your code and customize it with your URL and branding.

<ButtonCta text="Start designing labels online" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />



Find out how to create your own custom QR code stickers for free and start printing them!

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