Create your own spooky apothecary display with these free printable apothecary labels! These vintage-inspired labels are perfect for Halloween decorating, DIY potion bottles, witch-themed displays, haunted house decor, or simply adding an old-fashioned apothecary look to your home.
With a few inexpensive bottles, jars, and containers, you can transform ordinary items into creepy-looking potion bottles in just a few minutes. Perfect for adding to your Halloween Decor!
What You’ll Need
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- Free printable apothecary labels (download using the button below)
- Printable sticker paper
- Printer
- Scissors capable of detailed cutting
- Glass bottles or jars
How to Use Printable Apothecary Labels
Step 1: Choose Your Bottles
Gather the bottles and jars you want to use.
Wash them thoroughly and make sure they are completely dry before applying your labels.
If you’re recycling food jars, remove the original labels and clean away any sticky adhesive.
Amber, black or almost any colour in a dark shade makes a great apothecary piece.
When painting glass, the preparation is the key to a lasting painted finish. Wash thoroughly and then wipe down with rubbing alcohol.
Use a good quality spray paint designed for use with the glass surface, such as Krylon Fusion All in One.
Spray a thin coat of paint over the surface and then allow it to dry.
Repeat with additional thin coats until you reach the desired opaqueness.
Step 2: Print the Labels
Download the free set of apothecary labels using the button below.
Print the free apothecary labels onto white sticker paper, or paper of your choice.
Before printing, check your printer settings and select the best-quality printing option available.
For the sharpest results, print the labels at 100% or Actual Size rather than using a setting that automatically enlarges or shrinks the design.
Step 3: Cut Out the Labels
Carefully cut around each label using a pair of good-quality scissors able to cut around the fine, detailed edges, such as micro-tipped scissors.
Don’t worry if the cuts aren’t absolutely perfect. A slightly imperfect edge can actually help create a more authentic vintage appearance.
Step 4: Apply the Labels
If you printed the labels on sticker paper, simply peel off the backing and attach the label to your bottle.
If using Waterslide paper, follow the Steps in this Guide
If using regular printing paper or brochure paper, apply using Mod Podge.
Step 5: Give Them a Vintage Look
Want your bottles to look like they’ve been sitting in an old witch’s cupboard for decades?
There are several easy ways to age your labels.
Lightly brush the edges with brown craft paint or distressing ink. You can also gently rub the edges with sandpaper after the label has been attached.
Another simple trick is to slightly wrinkle the paper before applying it. Smooth it back out, leaving just a few subtle creases.
Don’t overdo the aging. A little goes a long way.
Step 6: Embellish
For another easy finishing touch, wrap a small piece of jute twine around the neck of the bottle.
Tie it into a simple knot or bow.
Fray the ends of the twine slightly.
You could even add a small dried leaf, dried herb sprigs, tiny tag, or charm to make each bottle look like it belongs in an old apothecary shop.
Step 7: Display and Set the Mood
Once you’ve made your bottles, there are so many ways to use them for Halloween decorating.
Halloween Mantel
Arrange several bottles of different sizes along your mantel with candles, pumpkins, books, and other Halloween decorations.
Witch’s Potion Display
Create a little witch’s potion station using bottles, jars, faux herbs, wooden spoons, and an old tray.
Halloween Party Decor
Use the bottles as part of a Halloween party table or buffet.
Arrange several bottles together to create an inexpensive centrepiece.
Haunted House Decor
Apothecary bottles are perfect for haunted house displays. Place them on old shelves, tables, or cabinets to create the appearance of an abandoned potion laboratory.
Halloween Bathroom Decor
Small labelled bottles can also be used to create a fun Halloween display in a bathroom or powder room.
Witch’s Cabinet
If you have an old cabinet, shelf, or bookcase, fill it with your apothecary bottles.
Mix in old books, dried flowers, faux plants, wooden boxes, and other vintage-looking objects for a fun witchy display.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
What Kind of Bottles Can You Use?
You don’t need to purchase special bottles for this project.
Look around your home for containers that can be repurposed. Small glass jars, spice containers, old bottles, cosmetic containers, aluminum cans and food jars can all work.
For an authentic vintage apothecary appearance, look for bottles in different shapes and sizes. Amber or brown glass looks particularly good, but clear glass works just as well and can be painted to achieve the desired effect.
You can even mix different types of containers to create a more collected, old-fashioned look.
Can I Use Regular Printer Paper?
Yes!
Regular printer paper will work if that’s what you have available.
However, sticker paper is a better choice if you want your labels to be sturdier and easier to handle.
If you’re planning on removing the labels after use matte finish paper or regular printer paper and a temporary adhesive (such as a stencil adhesive)
Making Waterproof Apothecary Labels
These free printable labels are designed primarily for decorative use.
If your bottles will be exposed to moisture, consider covering the finished labels with a clear coat of acrylic sealant or a waterproof Mod Podge.
Creating your own vintage apothecary bottles is such a simple way to add a little spooky charm to your Halloween decorating. With a few recycled bottles, some free printable labels, and a little creativity, you can create a collection that looks like it came straight from an old-fashioned apothecary shop. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did, and be sure to check out my other free Halloween printables and DIY Halloween crafts for more spooky decorating ideas!
This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).