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. Enter these DIY Printed Jar Labels! 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. 🙂
Lexy is a prop stylist,party enthusiast, and recent transplant from Colorado to Arizona. Her work has been featured by 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty, Daily Candy, Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living Magazine, BuzzFeed, and more! She is the founder of creative event series, EAT DRINK CREATE. 
nice goin girl! i like this DIY.
Thanks, Jane!
Remind me to never bring you jam 🙂 I like this DIY though for sure.
Kathryn! You can most def. bring me some jam. You’re sweet, so I know you’ll make it how I like it. 😉
those are great! Perfect for my current obsession of organizing the kitchen!
I’m such an organizer, too! I love labeling anything.
This is so clever and useful, love it!
Thanks, Ashley! Glad you stopped by! 🙂
Love this idea. So simple,but looks so elegant!
Thank you, Pam! These were seriously the easiest little labels you’ll ever make! 🙂
Or maybe just buy some adhesive paper from a stationary shop and print to it directly.
That’s exactly what I thought.. after half an hour of trying to fathom what on earth ‘packing tape’ could be.. then realised it’s the same stuff as transparent labels or, as Fourthletter says, adhesive paper! Doh!
However this is significantly cheaper, and more accessible!
Thanks for the great tips, will try this tonight!
When i try this, the ink spreads through the paper, making everything go black. What do I do?