The Secret to Making Vintage Bottle Labels That Look Authentic

Are you a vintage bottle fan? Here is the secret to making vintage bottle labels that you can use on vintage old bottles or cabinetry. This easy tutorial lets you take a simple bottle and create a vintage look. Although these vintage jar labels are faux, you’ll be amazed at their authenticity.

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 it and send it to a local printer such as Staples or Office Depot.

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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; I have had them for a few years.

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How To Age Your Labels

Once you have your labels printed, you can begin the aging process. I 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 countertops underneath.

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

How To Make Vintage DIY Bottle Labels Look Authentic

A few more steps will give your DIY bottle labels an authentic aged appearance.

The Secret Ingredient To Making Authentic Labels

Ground cinnamon spice is the secret ingredient that will give your labels an authentic aged appearance.

After transferring them to the drying area, sprinkle the entire surface with cinnamon. You can gently rub the cinnamon into the labels in some areas.

Finally, allow the card stock labels to dry thoroughly.

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How To Distress The Edges

To create an authentic aged look, you can distress the edges of the label.

I’ve taken the ice pick and removed some label edges. As a result, the label appears more worn and realistic.

You can use sharp scissors or a knife to create the distressed edges.

Vintage Jar Label

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

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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 using double-stick tape. This technique works great and allows for removal if you use the vintage bottle differently. However, for a more permanent solution, you can use a hot glue gun or E-6000 glue to attach.

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

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How To Display Vintage Bottles

As with most vintage collections, they have more value when displayed together.

When creating a vignette, remember to group in odd numbers, such as three or five.

• Add several bottles to a tray or platter.
• Place a collection on your kitchen or bathroom countertop.
• Group a collection on top of cabinets or entry tables
• Add several on an island or coffee table for a fall vignette.

Making these aged bottle labels is so easy you be tempted to add them to all your vintage old bottles. However, finding old bottles with the labels intact is rare. Therefore for an authentic vignette, leave some bottles unadorned.

Adding decorative accents like tassels is a great way to showcase the Vintage Bottles. The jute tassels are easy to make and add a rustic touch to the bottle.

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Collecting Vintage Old Bottles – Where To Find Them

With fall approaching, I love to use amber bottles in my decor. I always look for them while out thrifting with the gals.

Some places to look for old bottles…

• Thrift Stores
• Consignment Shops
• Antique Shops
• Online ETSY or EBAY
• Yard & Estate Sales

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 excellent reproductions.

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Other Uses For Vintage Label Technique

This technique can be used on labels for old apothecary cabinets or any drawer you want a label for. There are many great ways to make these vintage labels that will 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 collectibles with aged labels.

Additional Tutorials and Decorating Ideas

• Thrifting for Fall Home Decor
• 10 Tips for Free Fall Decorating Ideas
• How to Make Jute Tassels

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

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