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 vintage bottle labels that you can use to attach to bottles or cabinetry. This is such a simple and easy tutorial and although they are faux vintage, you’ll be amazed how good they look. All you need is some left over coffee and cinnamon plus plain card stock.
Print labels
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.

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.
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.

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Cut Vintage Bottle Labels
Once the paper is completely dry, you can begin to cut the labels using scissors.

Attached Labels
You can attach the labels to most bottles using double stick tape. 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.
Vintage 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.


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


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.

See How to Make Jute Tassels Here.

I’m looking forward to using these in my Fall Decor this year. I hope this gave you some ideas for Fall. If you are getting ready to decorate, check out my 10 Tips for Free Fall Decorating.
Thanks so much for stopping by. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!

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Debbie
Thursday 12th of August 2021
What a fun project! I love this idea. Thanks so much.
rahrags@gmail.com
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Debbie, I'm so glad you like it.
Margie+Clements
Thursday 12th of August 2021
What a great idea! My hubby is wanting to decorate HIS bathroom he said! π And I am going along with it! He just bought old shaving cup, brush & old razor! And we have old bottles. So this idea with the labels would fit right in! Thanks Rachel!
rahrags@gmail.com
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Oh I'm so glad this will help you. Thanks so much for sharing with me.
Mary from Life at Bella Terra
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Rachel, I LOVE this post! I just made 20 pint jars of tomato sauce...I am looking for cool labels so I may do a lesser creative version of these. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing.
rahrags@gmail.com
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Mary, That would be so fun. I'm so glad you like this.
Renae
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Ooh, I love this idea. Now, to find some vintage bottles.
rahrags@gmail.com
Thursday 12th of August 2021
Renae, Oh good luck. They are getting pricey now. But even newer bottles look old with the labels.
Kippi
Friday 23rd of October 2020
Great idea recycle bottles. I love anything vintage, but these are so clever and look perfectly vintage! Have a great weekend, Kippi
rahrags@gmail.com
Saturday 24th of October 2020
Kippi, I really appreciate this. rachel