Make Your Own Holiday Wine Labels, Because it’s Ridiculously Easy

October 2, 2015 by Cindy Springer 2 Comments

Considering making your own holiday wine labels but not sure where to start? Making a holiday wine label is not complex so don’t be intimidated. In this post we’ll discover what it takes to put together your DIY wine label. This is the place to start if you have questions about the process.

Holiday wine labels are one of our favorites here at BYB, we especially enjoy seeing your custom designs as they come through the order queue. From silly cartoon Santas to precious family photos, we’ve seen it all.

How to Make a Holiday Wine Label

Step 1: Pick a Holiday.

We have pre-made designs for all the standard U.S. holidays and you can even make up a holiday like Festivus for the Restofus, anything is possible with our online designer.

Step 2: Decide on a theme.

Do you want Santa, Reindeer, Leprechauns, Pumpkins, Snowflakes, Zombies, Christmas Trees, a Nativity Scene, the U.S. flag, fireworks, even your dog’s photo on your label? Any and all of these you can do.

Step 3: Get any clip art, photos or artwork files ready.

Even if you’re not starting from scratch and instead using one of our holiday templates you still might like to upload a photo or clip art to complete your design. To get your file ready make sure you do the following:

Do a resolution check and make sure that it’s 300 dpi resolution. Why 300 dpi? Because that’s the resolution that prints clearly. If you’re not sure how to do this then email the file to us as an attachment and ask us to check it for you. We’ll open it in a graphics program and let you know promptly if it will print clearly or not. We can also make suggestions as to how to make your file look better if it’s not the right resolution.
Name the file so you remember it.
Save it in a handy place like your desktop so you can find it when you’re ready to add it to the label.

Step 4: Decide if you want to make your own design or modify one of our pre-made designs.

Creating your own label art can be addicting so watch out, but for expediency editing one of the available label templates we offer is pretty darn fast. Both options are available.

Step 5: Design your label.

To start from scratch, making your own design go to this page.

When starting from scratch the first page you see after clicking the link above will have a drop down quantity selector. Next click the orange Customize It button below the quantity. Now you’re in the design studio with a blank label in front of you. Are you ready to get started? On the left are tools to Add Text, Add Image, Shapes, Clip Art, Background Color and more. The designer is like a simplified version of PhotoShop. As you design, each piece you add becomes a layer; such as a layer of text, images, shapes and color. There are hundreds of fonts to choose from and not only that, you can change the font color and size using the Text Options tool. Be sure to create an account to save your designs as you make them. That way you can go back into your account and tweak them or show them to others for input.

An artwork file made in a graphics program can be uploaded into the designer as well. Make sure to convert the file to JPG or PNG format to upload it. Also check the color profile. If you’ve made it in CMYK you’ll have to convert it to RGB to upload. If color is an issue, email us your CMYK file and we’ll print from that. Simply reference your order number and attach your file.

When you’re done designing Add to Cart to order.

To modify a pre-made design go to this page.

If you’re editing one of our designs we have almost 400 holiday designs to choose from for holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Valentines’ Day and more. Choose the category of your holiday of choice from the list on your left on the template page. Click on the design you like. Now you’re on what’s called the design landing page. Choose a quantity and note there are text fields to edit the text. That’s an easy way to change the label to your liking. However, if you want to add more to the design go below the quantity drop down and click the orange Customize It button. Now the design will appear in the online designer. Here you can do so much more than edit the text. You can add a photo, a shape, clip art, change color on the background, change the font style. So much you can do with the design that it’s truly a custom label when you’re finished with it. As with making a design from scratch, you’ll want to create an account to save your designs. You can save as many as you like for free and pick the version you like best to order.

Common Questions About Making Wine Labels

What size is the BYB wine label template?

Our template is 3.5 inches wide by 4 inches high.

Can I make another size wine label?

Absolutely! We have other sizes available in the Make Your Own section of the website.

What other wine label sizes can I make?

For square labels we have 3 x 3, 4 x 4, and 5 x 5. For rectangles we have 2 x 3, 3 x 2, 2 x 4, 4 x 2, 3 x 4, 4 x 3, 4 x 6, 6 x 4. The first number is the width, the second number is the height. You can also use the size we call our beer label, which is 4 wide by 3.5 high.

What size is a mini wine label?

We recommend 2 wide by 3 high, 3 high x 2 wide or 3 x 3. It depends on the mini bottle you’ve chosen so please measure it first before you make your own mini wine label. Some customers use our water bottle labels on mini bottles such as the 8.4 fl. oz. (250 ml)Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider. This works too, but please allow for an inch or so overlap.

How do the labels stick? Do I need some special glue?

No glue needed! The labels are self adhesive.

Can I put these in ice or in the refrigerator?

Yes! Our labels are waterproof and colorfast.

7 Ways to Decorate Homemade Holiday Gifts

December 8, 2014 by Cindy Springer 2 Comments

Who says decorating your homemade gifts requires an art degree? If decorating a gift of limoncello, home baked goods, home brew, wine or other delectable delicacies gives you the blues, just look at some of these simple but effective ideas for holiday labeling. Bottles, bags and boxes need only have a custom label or hang tag to give them a holiday feeling.

7 Ideas to Give Your Homemade Goods a Professional Look

1. Custom Hang Tags:

Add a custom hang tag to your bottle, bag or box. Our custom hang tags are three inches square and come with a fine cotton string. Start with a pre-made holiday design or upload a photo like Marilyn and Ken did. If you’re giving out corporate or business gifts you can even add a logo to your hang tag. I’ve included a snowflake ornament tied onto the cello bag behind the hang tag. You can find them just about everywhere this time of year.

2. Circle Stickers for Canning Jar Lids:

Take a look at this custom sticker for a Mason jar. This jar contains a complete holiday cookie mix. I added some green and red striped Washi tape to the rim of the lid and a Santa sticker to decorate the jar. It looks festive without a lot of fuss. This is a 2.5 inch size circle sticker.

3. Bottle Neck Labels for Wine, Beer, and other Liqueurs:

Make a custom bottle neck label to decorate your bottles. This is great way for home winemakers to identify their wine batches and also tag them for gifts. String mini holiday ornaments around the neck for a decorative touch.

4. Rectangle Stickers for Boxes:

You’ll find that many craft stores now carry all sizes and colors of Chinese take-out boxes. This gold box is the perfect holiday gift box for cookies, candies and other homemade foods. It’s easy to create a custom sticker and add a bow for a fabulous festive look.

5. Holiday Bottle Labels for Beverage Bottles:

I found these bottles in many different colors at Tuesday Morning and Marshalls for under $5. They make a great presentation for all kinds of holiday drinks. They work well for home made vinaigrette and limoncello since the cap seals very tight. The labels on these bottles are 3.5 wide by 4 high. BYB has over 350 premade designs to choose from, but you can also upload your own holiday design.

6. Square Stickers for Baked Goods Boxes:

I was lucky enough to come across this snowflake box at our local Packaging Specialties store, but you can find it and a coordinating gable box online. Add some wide tulle and ribbon then finish with your custom square sticker. Line the box with wax paper and add your cupcakes or cookies. The box looks good enough to eat!

7. Wine Labels for Holiday Drinks:

I’ve seen hundreds of Coquito labels, Egg Nog labels, fruit wine stickers and holiday ale labels come through the order queue at BYB. If you’re giving a bottle of goodness, sometimes it’s nice to dress the bottle up with a cello wrapper and some ribbon. You can find this cello bag at Michaels and other craft stores. Gift wrapping doesn’t get much easier and it looks pretty amazing.

There are many other ways to decorate your holiday edibles using custom stickers and labels. Visit our Pinterest page for more ideas. If you need help executing an idea visit us online with Live Chat, email us or call us toll free at 866.935.2235.

Create a Wine Gift Bag in Ten Minutes or Less

November 6, 2014 by Cindy Springer 1 Comment

Only 7 weeks until Christmas! Forget expensive card shop gift wrap, and instead make this “joy” wine gift tote. Follow these easy steps and you’ll create your own inexpensive, personalized gift bag in less than ten minutes. All you need is a kraft bag with handles, baker’s twine and glue. Either use this downloadable template for the letters or, if your handwriting is extra smooth, trace your own design.

Wine Gift Tote Supplies

Assemble the materials for the tote:

Kraft handle bag
Glue
Baker’s Twine
Pencil
Template
Hang tag

Step by Step Instructions

Print out the “joy” template or create your own outline using pencil. TIP: Make the writing very faint so it doesn’t show around the edges of the twine.

If you use our FREE template to make the “joy” outline follow these steps:

Step 1: Flip the template over and on the backside of the letters rub with the lead pencil very thoroughly. You’re actually creating a carbon base. TIP: If you have carbon paper on hand that is ideal, but this will work if you don’t.

Step 2: Turn the template over and place it on the bag where you want the word joy. Next, pressing down firmly with the pencil, trace the word joy carefully. Remove the template and you should have an outline of joy. See photos below.

Step 3: Follow the pencil line with a thin line of tacky glue. Carefully lay the twine on the glue line and press it in place. Let dry before using. TIP: If there is excess glue around the edges of the baker’s twine remove carefully with a toothpick.

Step 4: Tie a custom hang tag from Bottle Your Brand on the handle and you’re good to go! TIP: Hang tags come in quantities as low as ten so make several designs for hostess gifts and holiday gift exchanges.

In the next few weeks I’ll be sharing more gift wrap ideas so be sure to check back. When it comes to customizing gifts we’re you’re go-to source. Email us at [email protected] with any questions.

Make a Holiday Wine Label with a Photo: A Tutorial

October 9, 2014 by Cindy Springer Leave a Comment

Make Holiday Wine Labels with a Favorite Photo

As the days get shorter and the air has that hint of briskness, most of us begin to look forward to winter and the upcoming holiday season. That is, those of us who don’t shudder at the thought of what gifts to give. Relax! I have a unique holiday gift idea for you. Today I’ll show you how to make a holiday wine label with a photo. It’s so easy you’ll want to make several versions to keep on hand for hostess gifts, Christmas gifts, wine lovers and holiday table settings. All you need is a high resolution photo and either a favorite bottle of wine or a bottle of your homemade wine.

According to the U.S. Wine Institute in the year 2013 892 million gallons of wine were consumed. That’s 2.82 gallons per person. So if you’re thinking wine is a great gift to give then you’re right!

Let’s get started! We’re going to customize a wine label by using the image and text fields and skip the design studio. To make more advanced changes you would click the Customize It button, but that’s for a later tutorial. Remember, we’re making a unique wine label the quickest and easiest way possible. See below.

Step 1: Choose a Template.

We’ll use the holiday wine label template Family Christmas Wine Label in this tutorial.

Step 2: Choose Your Photo.

Look to the right of the label template and locate Image 1 and Change Image 1. On this label the template has a photo of a baby, which is Image 1. We’re going to change it to our photo of a different baby. Click Change Image 1 the gray box. An icon appears above the template that says Upload New Images with a cloud and arrow pointing up. See the example in the image below.

Step 3: Upload Your Photo.

Click on the Upload New Images icon. A window will pop up which allows you to select a file from your computer. After you browse your files and select the photo click Open and you will see this screen:

Step 4: Crop the Photo.

When the photo is done uploading this is what appears next; a box with your photo and the suggested cropping. You can grab and move the crop marks over the photo to get the look you want. If you want to rotate the photo you can do so, but keep in mind the gray area outside the crop marks will be cut off. Click Use Cropped Photo so it fits within the border on the template.

Step 5: Type Your Text.

Now you’ll see your photo on the label template just like in our example below. Type your greeting in Text Line 1 and press enter or your keyboard. Do the same for Text Line 2. Your message appears on the wine label along with your photo!

Step 6: Add to Cart.

All that’s left is to choose your label quantity from the drop down and place your order.

Want to Make More Changes to Your Holiday Wine Label?

If you want to make further changes, like changing the font style, font color or font size or add an additional line of text, click the green Customize It button and the design will be transferred into the design studio for more advanced designing options. See the image below. We’ll save that for another tutorial. In the meantime you have a wonderful holiday wine label with a photo!

Holiday Wine Labels Make Unique Gifts for Family and Friends

Picture giving Grandma & Grandpa, Aunties and Uncles a bottle of wine with your family photo. They’ll be thrilled! Use baby photos, wedding photos, graduation photos, family photos or family reunion photos to make a unique gift for everyone in your family circle. For some families making a photo wine label becomes a yearly tradition. Think of saving one bottle a year for future holiday celebrations. You’re not just making a wine label you’re making memories.

For further help or if you have specific questions be sure to email us at [email protected] or live chat with us on our site. We’re always happy to help with special project like this one.

8 Easy & Inexpensive Gift Wrap Ideas: Photo Collage Guide

December 17, 2013 by Jenny Walters Leave a Comment

It’s one week until Christmas eve and if you’re looking for creative, but inexpensive ideas to wrap your food and wine gifts we hope this photo collage inspires you. This is the final installment of our series on holiday gift wrap ideas using custom stickers and labels. We end this series with a visual summary of projects from our previous blog posts and we add a couple of extras as a bonus.

Print out this page and take it with you when you’re shopping, to serve as a reminder of the supplies you’ll need. All of the materials are readily available at stores like Joann Fabric & Crafts, Michaels and Target. None of the projects were expensive to make and all of them are easy enough for those of you who don’t have a Martha Stewart bone in your body. The only item that will cost you more than $5 is the snowflake punch for the cut-outs on project number five. Everything else we used to create the packaging including the min-paint can are under $1. The custom gift tag stickers and wine labels run $9.90 for ten. That’s $0.99 each.

Projects are as follows:

Mini-Paint Can Favor with Circle Sticker
Christmas Party Favor Gable Box with Gift Tag Stickers
Wine Gift Wrap Idea with Custom Wine Label
Wine Gift with Breadsticks and Holiday Wine Label
Easy Food Gift Package with Food Label
Hot Chocolate Mix Cone Bag with Gift Tag Sticker
Scallop Treat Bag with Rectangle Sticker
Snowflake Box for Baked Goods with Square Sticker

Be looking for more unique ways to use custom stickers and labels as we welcome the new year at Bottle Your Brand. Upcoming posts will include trade show hand out ideas, wedding labels and getting approval on wine labels for selling your own wine.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Healthy New Year in 2014.