Tut Tuesday: DIY Printed Labels

I’m a jam snob. I am. It has to be homemade. And it has to be freezer jam. And it can only be, like, 15% 10% fruit chunks. I like the juice. And I love when it’s extra sugar-y. I’m a jam snob. I turn my nose up to store-bought jellies. Bleh. Gag me.

When I make jam, I like to label it. I also like to give labeled jam to friends. I feel like this act of service cancels out the fact that I’m a jam snob. I don’t have a label maker. I’d like to get one someday. That’s why I’m saving money by making my own jam. When I make labels, I just use regular old packing tape. It’s so simple. Read the how-to after the jump.

**i’m going to pretend that all of these photos have the same amount of white balance, ok? i’m learning**

To make your own you’ll need:

• printed label (print with laser printer. DO NOT USE INKJET.)
• scissors
• packing tape
• bowl of lukewarm water
• clean mason jar

Print your label no wider than the width of your packing tape. Once printed, lay a strip of packing tape over the label and burnish with your finger tip. Trim away excess.

Place label in bowl of water and let sit for 5-6 minutes. I used a small pebble to keep the label completely submerged. I’m so classy.

After the 5-6 minutes, remove label from water and CAREFULLY start to peel paper away with fingernail. You want to remove the paper, but leave the printed text.

Trim around the text and get ready to place on your jar.

Place your labels on the mason jar. Start from the middle and work your way to the edge pushing out the air bubbles.

I can’t stress how important it is to push out the air bubbles. I had a few and decided to leave them to show you what they looked like. It gives it a more homemade look, but next time I’ll be more patient and find the perfect placement for the labels. Once they are stuck on, paint a thin layer of glossy mod podge over the top to seal it. Let dry. Fill with some homemade jam. Wow your friends. Or yourself. Whatever. :)