Tips & Tutorials - BottleYourBrand Blog

Canvas Printed QR Codes – What are they? Why Your Business Needs One & How to Make One

October 1, 2022 by Cindy Springer Leave a Comment

We’re excited to share the news that not only do we give you the tools to create a QR code for custom labels, but now it’s easy to turn a QR code into a canvas print. These innovative tech gems display code which redirects anyone with a smartphone to online information.

A canvas printed QR code. Make a custom QR print for your business.

What Exactly are QR Codes, What Does QR Stand for, How do I Scan One?

QR stands for Quick Response code.
A basic QR code looks like a black dot matrix on a white background.
QR codes are brainy barcodes with content encoded in the image that direct a user to a URL (webpage).
To use a QR code, scan the code with your smartphone. Here’s how: with most phones simply point your phone’s camera toward the code and a pop up will ask if you want to open it in a browser. If your phone is smart, but not that smart, then go to the app store on your smartphone and type in QR Reader to download a mobile app. Once you have the QR code app installed, open it and hold your phone screen so the QR code fits in the bracketed site lines, and instantly the reader opens the web page stored in the QR code.

Canvas printed QR codes display information about your business or event. Make on online now.

Seven Innovative Uses for Canvas QR Code Signs

You might wonder why anyone would need to hang a QR code sign in their business. This is why – your customers find information they need fast, and better yet, it’s right at their fingertips! To show these custom canvases are more than just a pretty patterned face, here are seven brilliant ways to use QR canvas prints.

Restaurant Menu – Direct customers to your current restaurant menu.
WiFi Access – Share WiFi details for vacation rental properties, guest rooms, or business waiting rooms.
Mobile Payments – Scan the sign to pay. Display your QR code so customers can submit payments to any of these online payment services: Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or crypto accounts.
YouTube Videos – Hang the QR canvas in your business, convention booth, or waiting room to direct viewers to “How-To” videos or information about your products and services.
Exhibitions/Museums/Gallery Information – Provide specifics about artists, artwork, and artifacts.
Advertising – Give details about products, real estate, events or performances.
vCard – Virtual business card. A vCard contains a name, address information, date and time, photographs, as well as a company logo. It’s an online business card!

A QR code menu on canvas. Made for restaurants, cafes, coffee shops to direct customers to your menu, catering, and on site services.

How to Make Your Own Canvas QR Code Sign

Pick the destination URL. Copy the URL: (CTRL+C for PC or CMD+C for Mac)
Go to https://www.bottleyourbrand.com/qr-code-sign
Choose a canvas size and canvas quantity
Click the blue Customize More button
Once in the online designer either use the QR code link to the left of the template and follow the instructions to paste the URL (CTRL+V for PC and CMD+V for Mac) OR type your URL in the text field and we’ll generate the QR code for you.
Click Add to Cart and proceed through the checkout.
Once your order is received a proof of your canvas is emailed to you for approval.

QR code canvas with information to scan to connect to WiFi. The perfect amenity for guest rooms, AirBNB, VRBO, and business waiting rooms. No more repeat questions about what your WiFi password is.

Create a Colorful Custom QR Code

If you want more than a run of the mill QR code, create a QR code with custom colors using the tools on this page. They offer a service where you choose patterns, eyes, a logo, and bespoke colors. Once you receive your colorful QR code file save it on your device and upload the file here to make your QR wall sign.

About Our QR Code Canvas Signs

Our QR code signs are mounted on thick 1.5” pine wood frames. The canvases are available in multiple square sizes, 12″ x 12″, 18″ x18″ & 26″ x 26.” And good news…being patriotic souls at heart, our QR code signs are made in the USA and are shipped on their way to you within 6 business days. Hanging hardware, wall anchors, and screws are included.

For questions please live chat with us on bottleyourbrand dot com weekdays, 9 am to 3 pm, Pacific time or email us; info at bottleyourbrand dot com. Leave a comment below and we answer those as well.

Make Your Own Food Labels – Three Common Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make

January 1, 2022 by Cindy Springer Leave a Comment

Example of a "make your own" honey label on a jar.

Whether you’re just getting started selling your food product and your budget is tight or you’re making food labels for your famous homemade hot sauce, our short-run printing is what you need. With an online design studio and small print quantities, many business owners and foodies utilize our services. However, your food expertise may not translate to good label design so here are the three most common mistakes seen on customer created food labels.

#1 – BLURRY LOGO

Before you start designing your label make sure your logo is print-ready. For a logo to print clearly it must be the correct resolution. Many people copy and past their logo from a web page. A web page is only 72 pixels per inch resolution, but printing requirements call for 300 pixels per inch resolution. A low resolution logo will appear pixelated. If you don’t know how to create a logo there are websites that offer that service; Logomaker and Freelogodesign to name a couple.

Look at these two logos, the one on the left is 72 ppi and the one on the right is 300 ppi resolution. The 300 ppi logo is sharp while the 72 ppi logo makes your eyes feel like they aren’t quite focused.

If you’re making homemade food labels you might consider using one of our pre-made food label templates. The templates are set up for you to edit the information to make it your own.

TIP: FILE FORMATS COUNT

When using the online designer to make your own label art, the best file format for uploading logos is PNG. Why? Because a logo in PNG format has a transparent background. This means you can add it to a label without a white box around it. A JPEG or PDF will upload brilliantly, but if you want to add a background color be prepared to see the dreaded white box framing your image if you use those file types.

Above: JPG logo VS PNG logo

#2 – ILLEGIBLE TEXT

Legibility means the reader can recognize and figure out words to understand them. Make sure you choose a font style and a font size that are easy to read. Font is a name for the character style of letters, numbers, and punctuation. Fonts are measured in points. A font size smaller than 5 pts is generally going to be too small for most people to read. It doesn’t matter how good your product is if no one can read the words on the label!

Legibility is a result of the chosen typeface and font, its size, spacing, and the contrast between text and background.”
Jurek Breuninger

TIP: FONT STYLE & FONT SIZE MATTERS

Choose a font style and font size that is easy to read when making your own food label.

A food label with text that is too small to read.

Above: The font on this label is way too small!

TIP: CONTRAST IS KEY

Choose colors with contrast. That means the text and background colors should not be the same color value. Black letters on a red background sound good, but if the two colors are dark the text will disappear when printed. Pick colors for your text that have a high contrast from the background color. What looks good on a bright screen won’t always translate the same to print.

Food labels for hot sauce bottles, how to make your own with text that is readable.

Above: Low contrast colors vs. high contrast colors

Choose colors for your food labels that have good contrast. Use opposite colors on the color wheel.

#3 – CLUTTERED LAYOUT

Layout is the process of arranging graphics and text in a way that they’re visually appealing. Good layout is important and should make it simple to find out what’s inside the package. Too much information can be a bad thing if it means your label is crammed with words and images in a random way. Think grids; grids organize the various elements of the label like text and images in a way that makes it easy for the eyes to process.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Leonardo da Vinci

This is an example of a food label layout that uses a grid. It’s easy on the eyes and simple to read.

Template of an example food label for apple juice create with grids.

Limoncello labels - make your own online

Have Questions?

If you take into consideration these three things when creating your own food label you’ll have a great jump start on design. If you have questions please feel free to ask us either using our live chat weekdays 9 am to 3 pm Pacific time or email us at info at bottle your brand dot com.

Label Size – How to Get the Right Fit

July 1, 2021 by Jenny Walters Leave a Comment

How to measure a bottle for custom labels. Water bottle labels, bottle, and tape measure.

It’s astonishing how many people order custom labels without checking the size of the bottles they plan to put them on. We give names to certain labels to point you in the right direction, but that doesn’t 100% guarantee that the sizes we offer will fit perfectly on your water bottle or that our ‘standard’ beer label is just right for your exact beer bottles on bottling day. In order to make sure you get exactly what you think you’re getting when you place an order, I’m going to show you how to measure your bottle, whether it’s a one-ounce dropper bottle or a 65-ounce growler jug.

The Right Tool for Measuring Bottles & Jars

First get your hands on a soft tape measure. This is the tool seamstresses and tailors use for fitting a tuxedo or measuring an inseam on pants. They are available at stores like JOANN, Michaels, and of course on Amazon. One flexible tape is under $4.

The recommended tool to measure a round bottle is a flexible, soft tape measure.

Start Measuring at the Zero

This shouldn’t need to be said, but when you measure, start at the 0. Several customers have asked if they should start at the 0 or the 1. True. Story. Start at the 0 please. That first inch counts.

There are two measurements you need for labels:

Circumference – the distance around the bottle or jar. Use this to determine the width of the label.
Height – the distance from the top to the bottom of the area where the label is applied. Use this to determine the height of the label.

TIP: The sticker size you pick for your bottle should fit within those two measurements; not necessarily fill in that entire area, but fit within it.

How to Measure a Round Bottle for a Custom Label

STEP ONE: Check the bottle for the best placement of the label and find the area that is without curves. See photo(s) below. Measure the height of the ‘flat’ area.

TIP: Avoid putting the label on a curved part of any bottle. If there isn’t a ‘flat’ area to apply the label, it will wrinkle. This holds true for glass jars, wine bottles, and beer bottles.

How to measure a bottle for fitting a custom label.

STEP 2: Wrap the tape measure securely around the bottle or jar and note where the tape starts to overlap. That is the bottle circumference or the maximum width of the label without an overlap. (See photo below.)

TIP: When using a flexible measuring tape it’s important not to stretch the tape. You want the measurement to be as accurate as possible.

How to measure around a bottle to find the correct label size.

TIP: If you prefer to order a label with an overlap just make sure you don’t put any important information in the area where the label ends overlap.

Examples of Where to Measure Bottles

Find where the curve or the ridges on the bottle stop and measure between those two spots to locate the maximum height for the label. It is the space between the arrows in these photos. Any label that is shorter than that measurement will fit height-wise on the bottle. Measure around the bottle in the flat area to get the width of the label.

Example: Measure a Small Dropper Bottle for a Custom Label

How to measure a dropper bottle for a custom sticker.

Here’s an example of how to measure a one ounce dropper bottle for height and circumference. As you can see, the height for this label should be no greater than one and one-half inches and the width should be less than three and seven-eighth inches. The best label size we offer for this bottle is three inches by one and one-half inches, which fits inside the two measurements. See photo below.

The front and back fit of a personalized label on a dropper bottle.

This measuring method applies to measuring jars and cans as well. So if you’re measuring a glass food jar or an aluminum beer can simply follow the steps above.

If you have questions about measuring, we are available on live chat Monday through Friday 9 am to 3 pm Pacific time. We offer free samples of our label sizes if you want to check them against your bottle, simply email us the size you think you need and your complete snail mail address. We’ll send off a sample right away. Happy labeling!

What Size Label Fits the Bottle for My Homemade Beer?

June 1, 2018 by Cindy Springer 4 Comments

Whether you’ve been brewing beer for a long time or just discovering how fun making craft beer is at home, at some point serious brewers will seek quality labels for their beer bottles. For all the hard work that goes into home brew you’ll want to make great looking custom beer labels. Home brewed beer is perfect for sharing with friends, trading with other home brewers, giving as gifts, or serving at celebrations. There’s not one label size that fits all craft beer bottles, so we’ll look at different popular beer bottles to help you decide what size we offer on our site to best fit your particular bottle.

Common Beer Bottle Names, Capacity, & Size Description

Here are the various beer bottle sizes and their commonly accepted U. S. names:

Stubby 11 oz. – This bottle is a favorite for craft breweries. The bottle runs about 6.25 inches tall.
Heritage 12 oz. – This beer bottle is shorter and wider than typical standard 12 oz. long neck bottles and is approximate 7. 6.25 inches tall.
Long Neck 12 oz. – This bottle usually stands at 9 inches tall and is more narrow than its smaller peers.
Bomber 22 oz. – This bottle runs about 11 inches tall and looks like the granddaddy to the long neck.
Mini Growler 32 oz. – AKA as a Grumbler, Grenade, Howler, Squealer, Bullet, or Growlette depending on where you are in the U.S. Most of these bottles run a little under 9 inches tall.
Growler 64 oz. – The standard growler is approximately 11 inches tall.

Bottle Sizes for Homemade Beer

For the most part each of these beer bottles styles, feature smooth sides, rounded shoulders, and are easily recognized by their distinctive shapes. It’s recommend to choose amber glass whenever possible for optimum UV protection, because beer ingredients are light-sensitive and light affects the taste of your brew. These bottles are also a great choice for homemade soda, iced tea, cold brew coffee, cold pressed juice, or even kombucha. There are many good sources to purchase beer bottles on the internet. Search for ‘home brew beer bottles’ or ‘home brew supplies.’

How to Measure a Beer Bottle for a Custom Label

Every bottle has an area that’s called the ‘label panel’. Sometimes it’s called the ‘print area’. This is usually a flat depression on the bottle bordered by a top and bottom ridge in the glass.

Measure the Height:
The area between the ridges is where you’ll want to measure to determine the height of the label panel. If there are no ridges then measure the area where the curve stops above the bottom of the bottle to where it starts at the top. Take about 1/4 inch off that measurement to make sure you have room for fudging and to prevent wrinkles in the finished label application.Measure the Width:
To find the area available for the width of the label simply wrap a cloth measuring tape around the bottle and note the measurement where the ends meet. If you don’t have a fabric measuring tape then find a piece of string, yarn, ribbon, shoelace, or something flexible and mark where the ends meet when you wrap it around the bottle. Lay that against a rigid ruler to determine the maximum width of the label panel. Most beer bottles have a gap in the back between the label edges so this measurement is just to determine the max your label width could be.

TIP: Measuring your label panel is the best guarantee that you order the correct size for your bottle. Don’t neglect this step before you create your custom labels.

Bottle Types and Suggested Label Sizes

Now that you have the maximum height and width for your label. You will want your label size to fall inside these measurements. Here are suggested label sizes from our website, by name and label dimensions, that are most likely to fit the different bottles.

Stubby – CIDER OR SODA LABEL: 4 inches wide by 3.5 inches high, 4 inches wide by 3 inches high.
Heritage & Long Neck – BEER LABEL: 4 inches wide by 3.5 inches high.
Long Neck (some styles) & Bombers – WINE LABEL: 3.5 inches wide by 4 inches high. Long Neck: OVAL BEER LABELS: 2.25 inches wide by 3.5 inches high.
Bomber, Mini-Growler, Standard Growler – GROWLER LABEL: 4 by 4 inch square, 5 inch by 5 inch square, 6 inches wide by 4 inches high.
Bomber & Standard Growler – GROWLER LABEL or LARGE WINE LABEL: 6 inches wide by 4 inches high, 4 inches wide by 6 inches high

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Additional Information About Our Beer Labels

How do the labels stick on the bottles? The labels are self adhesive with a semi-permanent glue, which means you can take the label off if you want to re-use the bottle, but the label stays on as long as you need them too. The entire back is covered with a seamed paper that protects the adhesive. You find the crack(s) in the seam and peel it off.
Are the labels waterproof? The labels are waterproof. You can put your beer bottles in the refrigerator or on ice and the labels stay on. The color is electrostatically embedded into the material so the ink won’t run.
Can I put my labeled bottles in the dishwasher? In some cases, you can run your labeled bottles through the dishwasher, but do a test run first. Some dishwashers are set at higher temps than others, so it depends on the settings. The dishwasher soap may leave a filmy residue on the label which you can wipe off with a soft, damp cloth.
Can I use a homebrew cleaning kit/sanitizer on the labeled bottles? The label adhesive cannot endure beer bottle sanitizers like Star San. The chemicals often melt the adhesive. Wash your bottles by hand in hot soapy water taking care not to scrape the surface of the label.
Can I use my own label artwork? Yes! Start at the Make Your Own tab and choose your label size/shape. Make sure your artwork is 300 pixels per inch resolution and JPG or PNG format. Please allow .125 bleed on all four edges. Files should be uploaded in RGB color format, because web pages are RGB. If you’re particular about color, place your order with no artwork and email us your CMYK file along with your order number to info at bottleyourbrand dot com. We’ll match your artwork and order together before we send your labels to press.

If you have additional questions about beer label sizes or need help with artwork questions please feel free to email us info at bottleyourbrand dot com or live chat with us weekdays M-F 9 to 3 Pacific time. Happy brewing!

Guide to Ordering Mini Champagne Labels

September 5, 2017 by Cindy Springer 6 Comments

What’s better than toasting a special occasion with a glass of Champagne? Well, we think having your very own mini Champagne bottle with a personalized label is right up there. If you’re planning to use mini Champagne bottles for your next event this guide to finding the right size label for the bottle will be a great help. Ten popular mini Champagne bottles are shown with the label size we recommend for a good fit.

What we call our standard mini Champagne label measures three inches wide by two inches high. When you choose a sticker size from the drop down menu the first number is the width. This size label fits most mini bottles. We do offer a two inch circle as another option. Also consider our square size 3 wide x 3 high and the other rectangle size, 2 wide by 3 high. These sizes can be found under Make Your Own>Custom Stickers OR under Mini Wine Labels.

For the purposes of this guide to mini Champagne bottles this is how we measure our “standard” label for a 187ml bottle:

Ten Mini Champagne Bottles and Which Label Size to Choose

1. Barefoot Bubbly

The Barefoot Bubbly 187 ml bottle is 7.375 inches tall and 7.25 inches around. The bottle starts curving about 2.5 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 2.5 inches tall will wrinkle.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high label size for the Barefoot Bubbly mini bottle.
A 2 inch circle sticker will also work.
You can also use the water bottle label size 8.25 x 1.75 and it will overlap by 1 inch, so if you use the water bottle label please allow for this when you create your design.

Barefoot Bubbly 187 ml shown with 3 x 2 size mini Champagne label.

2. Codorníu

The Codorníu 187 ml bottle is 8 inches tall and 7.25 inches around. The bottle starts curving about 2.75 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 2.75 inches tall will wrinkle.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high label size for the Codorníu mini bottle.
A 2 inch circle sticker will also work.
You could also use the water bottle label size 8.25 x 1.75 and it would overlap by 1 inch, so if you use the narrow water bottle label please allow for this when you create your design.

Codorníu 187 ml shown with 3 x 2 size mini Champagne label.

3. Cook’s Brut

The Cook’s 187 ml bottle is 7.5 inches tall and 6.75 inches around. The bottle has a definite indented area for the label as you can see in the photo. It starts curving about 3 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 3 inches tall would wrinkle.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high, and/or the 3 inch by 3 inch label sizes for the Cook’s mini bottle.
A 2 inch circle sticker will also work.
You can also use both water bottle label sizes 8.25 x 1.75 or the 8 x 2.125 water bottle label. Please allow for 1.25 to 1.5 inch overlap when you create your design.

Cook’s 187 ml shown with 3 x 3 size square sticker.

4. Courtage

The Courtage 187 ml bottle is 8 inches tall and 7.25 inches around. The bottle starts curving about 2.75 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 2.75 inches tall will wrinkle.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high label size for the Courtage mini bottle.
A 2 inch circle sticker will also work.
You can also use the water bottle label size 8.25 x 1.75 and it will overlap by 1 inch, so if you do plan on using the narrow water bottle label please allow for this when you create your design.

Courtage 187 ml shown with 3 x 2 size mini Champagne label.

5. Freixenet Carta Nevada

The Freixenet Carta Nevada 187 ml bottle is a little over 8 inches tall and 7.75 inches around. The bottle starts curving about 2 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 2 inches tall will wrinkle.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high label size for the Freixenet Carta Nevada mini bottle.
A 2 inch circle sticker will also work.
You can also use the water bottle label size 8.25 x 1.75 and it will overlap by half an inch, so if you do plan on using the narrow water bottle label please allow for this when you create your design.

Freixenet Carta Nevada 187 ml shown with 3 x 2 size mini Champagne label.

6. Freixenet Cordon Negro

The Freixenet Cordon Negro 187 ml bottle is a little over 8 inches tall and 7.75 inches around. The bottle starts curving about 2 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 2 inches tall will wrinkle.

Because of the nature of the frosted glass finish on this bottle we DO NOT recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high label size for the Freixenet Cordon Negro mini bottles as we do for the light color bottle Carta Nevada.
INSTEAD use the water bottle label size 8.25 x 1.75 and it will overlap by half an inch for a firmer grip on the glass. Please allow for this when you create your design.

Freixenet Cordon Negro 187 ml with 8.25 x 1.75 size water bottle label.

7. J. Rogét

The J. Rogét 187 ml bottle is 7.5 inches tall and 6.75 inches around. It starts curving a little over 3 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 3 inches high will wrinkle.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high rectangle, and/or the 3 inch by 3 inch square label sizes for the J. Rogét mini bottle.
A 2 inch or 2.5 circle sticker will also work.
You can also use both water bottle label sizes 8.25 x 1.75 or the 8 x 2.125 water bottle label. Please allow for 1.25 to 1.5 inch overlap when you create your design.

J. Rogét 187 ml shown with a 2 inch wide by 3 inch high rectangle sticker.

8. Korbel

The Korbel 187 ml bottle is a little over 7 inches tall and 7.25 inches around. It starts curving about 2.5 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 2.5 inches tall will show wrinkles.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high rectangle size for the Korbel mini bottle.
A 2 inch circle sticker will also work.
You can also use both water bottle label sizes 8.25 x 1.75 or the 8 x 2.125 water bottle label. Please allow for a 1 to 1.25 inch overlap when you create your design.

Korbel 187 ml with a 3 inch wide by 2 inch high mini Champagne label.

9. LaMarca

The LaMarca 187 ml bottle is 7.75 inches tall and at the base is 7 inches around sloping out to 7.5 inches around before it begins to curve. The bottle has a definite area for the label as you can see in the photo. It’s a tricky bottle because of the sloping sides, but the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high label does fit nicely as long as you apply the label as close to the ridge of glass along the bottom as possible.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high rectangle size for the LaMarca mini bottle.
A 2 inch circle sticker will also work.

LaMarca 187 ml with a 3 inch wide by 2 inch high mini Champagne label.

10. Moët & Chandon

While the Moët & Chandon is a more expensive bottle for most budgets, the look of this bottle is very stunning. The Moët & Chandon 187 ml bottle is a little over 8 inches tall and 7 inches around. It starts curving about 2.5 inches from the base of the bottle, so any label taller than 2.5 inches tall will start to wrinkle.

We recommend the 3 inch wide by 2 inch high rectangle for the Moët & Chandon mini bottle mainly because the ribbon neck label dips down fairly low into the labeling area.
A 2 inch circle sticker will also work.
You can also use the both water bottle label sizes 8.25 x 1.75 or the 8 x 2.125 water bottle label. Please allow for 1 inch to 1.25 inch overlap when you create your design.

Moët & Chandon 187 ml shown with a 3 inch wide by 2 inch high mini Champagne label.

Where to Shop for Mini Champagne Bottles

There are quite a few retailers that sell mini Champagne bottles: Total Wine and More, BevMo, as well as specialty liquor stores. CostPlus World Market sells the beautiful Courtage mini bottles. Some grocers sell 187 ml bottles, most commonly Barefoot Bubbly, which we found at a Kroger affiliate store Quality Food Center. Prices range from $2.69 for a single Barefoot Bubbly to $12.99 for the Moët & Chandon. A four pack of Cook’s 187ml bottles runs about $10.99. This should give you a good idea of the cost for the mini Champagne bottles. As for the custom mini Champagne bottle labels, the prices start at 99 cents each for ten labels, so $9.90 plus shipping. Our labels are waterproof and are NOT paper labels so you can put your bottles on ice and the labels will stay on. The adhesive will withstand cold temperatures. Don’t be fooled by sites that offer water-resistant labels. That’s not the same thing as waterproof. Nothing is more annoying then that moment when you present your bottles and the labels are sliding off, or worse, the ink is running. With custom mini Champagne labels from BottleYourBrand you can rest easy knowing the labels will look great from the start to finish of your special day.

For assistance with mini Champagne labels please chat with us live online M-F 9 am to 3 pm, Pacific time or email us at info at bottleyourbrand.com.