Gmail – When was Gmail filter last used

You could export your filters, delete them and then when you are ready to enable them simply import them back in.

This is what they suggest you use the Labs: Filter Export/Import function for.

First part: yes you can start from the search box and then when you see the results use More/Create Filter.

Second Part: The problem is that that if you include the phrase "label" in the search string and try to make the filer you will get the forllowing warning.

Filter searches containing "label:", "in:", "is:", or stars criteria (i.e. "has:yellow-star") are not recommended as they will never match incoming mail.

Do you still wish to continue to the next step?**

I have seen nothing that allows you to order the filters, or tell it to stop processing other filters if this one is applied. These types of rules/actions are typically seen in other email systems. Remember the strength of the labels is the ability to file a conversation under multiple labels, so telling it to ignore other rules isn't an action that is needed very often.

The two filter method will work, If it comes from address 1 give it one label. If it comes from the second address then give it label 2. You can even use the not to make sure that only those from address 1 go to label 1.