The Secret to Making Vintage Bottle Labels

On a recent post, I shared how to group collectibles for more impact. In that post, I shared my collection of Vintage Amber Bottles with Vintage Rusty Labels attached. Since many of you asked where the labels came from, I decided to share.

Here is the secret to making bottle labels that you can use to attach to vintage old bottles or cabinetry. This is such a simple and easy tutorial to make a label for a bottle that looks like a Vintage Bottle Label. Although these vintage jar labels are faux, you’ll be amazed how good they look.

How Do You Make a Label for a Bottle?

This is such an easy technique. First determine what style of label you prefer.

There are several Free Printable Labels available online. If you don’t have a printer, you can download and send to a local printer such as Staples or Office Depot.

Supplies for Vintage Jar Labels

• Coffee
• Ground Cinnamon
• Plain Card Stock
• Free Printable
• Double Stick Tape or Glue
• Vintage Bottles or Jars
• If you don’t have vintage bottles, these are a great substitute.

You can download free printable labels from several sources. These are from The Graphic Fairy and I have had them for a couple of years.

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Age Your Labels

Once you have your labels printed you can begin the aging process. I just save a little coffee from my morning cup and pour it into a flat dish.

Prepare a drying area using either a towel or paper towels with some protection for your counter tops underneath.

Quickly dip your labels into the coffee and then transfer to your drying area. You can dribble extra coffee onto the card stock to add darker spots.

Next, sprinkle the entire surface with cinnamon. Allow the card stock labels to dry thoroughly.

If you are pressed for time, you can speed up the drying process by placing the card stock in the microwave. Usually 30 – 45 seconds will be enough time to start. However, it is very important to not over heat.

Warning: You can catch the paper on fire by overheating. I only use this method if I’m watching the microwave the entire time and then only if I’m extremely pushed for time. It’s best to let the drying happen naturally.

Vintage Jar Label

You can see how perfectly aged this DIY Vintage Jar Label is.

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Cut Vintage Bottle Labels

Once the paper is completely dry, you can begin to cut the DIY bottle labels using scissors.

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How to Attach DIY Vintage Jar Labels to Old Bottles

If you don’t want a permanent label on your vintage old bottles, you can attach the labels to most bottles by simply using double stick tape. This technique works great and allows for removal if you choose to use the vintage bottle in another way. However, for a more permanent solution, you can use hot glue gun or E-6000 glue to attach.

I also like to tie them onto the neck of some bottle by attaching a piece of jute string. Just punch a hole large enough to slip the string through and tie a knot to prevent the string from pulling through the hole. I used an ice pick to punch the hole.

If you love simple and easy DIY Tutorials, Click here for another great tutorial from earlier this year.

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Vintage DIY Bottle Labels

To create an authentic aged look, you can distress the edges of the label. Here I’ve taken the ice pick and removed some of the label around the edge. As a result, the label appears more worn and realistic.

Authentic Looking Vintage DIY Bottle Labels

Making these aged bottle labels is so easy, you may find that you are adding them to all your vintage old bottles.

Although I’m showing most bottles with an aged label, when grouping your bottle collection together, I recommend leaving some bottles bare to create a more interesting vignette.

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Collecting Vintage Old Bottles

With fall approaching, I love to use amber bottles in my decor. I always look for them while out thrifting with the gals. You can see some other great items to collect for your fall decorating on Thrifting for Fall Home Decor.

All of these bottles are vintage, however if you have a collection that isn’t vintage, you can certainly create the illusion of old bottles by making Vintage Bottle Labels and attaching them. Here is a link to some great reproductions.

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Create vignettes with collectible old bottles and vintage ironstone platters.

Another great way to display Vintage Old Bottles is to add a tassel. You can see How to Make Jute Tassels Here.

This technique can be used on labels for old apothecary cabinets or any drawer that you may want to label. So many great ways to make these vintage labels work in your decor.

I’m looking forward to using these in my Fall Decor this year. I hope this gave you some decorating ideas for your fall decor and ways to update your collectables with aged labels. If you are getting ready to decorate, check out my 10 Tips for Free Fall Decorating.

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Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!

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