Scrapbook Recipe Book Ideas: Things That Make You Go Mmm!

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Scrapbook Recipe Book Ideas…Give the Gift of Culinary Creativity!

Scrapbook recipe book ideas – Do you love to cook or know somebody who does? If there are no major events like weddings or birthdays looming ahead one great scrapbook niche you should take a look at is making your very own recipe book!

Are you yourself a great cook who has had a family member or friend say something to the effect of “That was so delicious, I just have to have your recipe for it”?

Why not return the favor with that tasty dish featured in your very own recipe book? Do you collect or accumulate recipes and stash them in the old box for easy retrieval later from a passel of 3 by 5 index cards?

Take it up a notch and put all those awesome recipes in your very own scrapbook album – and gift it to one of your adult children, nieces, nephews, I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea – This is a gift goldmine!

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MCS MBI 3-Ring Bound Scrapbook Kit – Family Recipes

Materials Needed To Get Started

To create a one of a kind recipe scrapbook you pretty much need the same type of supplies as with other scrapbook niches. First things first is the album.You can choose a photo album with clear pockets or a more traditional scrapbook album. You can choose any size you prefer like 6 by 6 or 8 by 8.

I remember when I was a kid and I had a cute little photo album made for standard 4 by 6 snapshots (or whatever size was the norm back then) in which I would happily insert all my favorite jell-o desserts (I thought jello with all its fruity flavors and colors was the most versatile dessert ever lol).

You don’t need a huge album to get started – as long as it has pockets inside that will hold 3 by 5 index cards if this is how you keep all of your own recipes together – or hold all your written parts easily.

Later on I ended up making a new recipe book from a scrapbook album with journal style paper. It became a fun work in progress -I started on it ten years ago and as time goes by, I add a new dish. This album is just a nice little 6″ by 11″ size (think standard A4 letter size divided in half)

My book uses a hodge podge of cards, magazine clippings, photographs and written dialogue.

You’ll also need:

Glue or adhesive (I recommend the glue stick, dots, or tape runner)
Scissors
Various embellishments of your choosing – e.g., some stick-on bling or rolls of washi tape
Last but not least – your recipe collection!

Consider Decorating the Cover!

If your album has a plain cover, you may want to decorate your recipe book’s front cover too! I took a collage approach with food and dish images arranged together – of course that’s up to you.

Other ideas for the cover could include: a family photo – a great approach if this is to be a family recipe book.

Step One: Designate Your Book

Consider making an introduction page for the very beginning that captures the person (or people) beyond the recipes. Most books have a “foreword” or “dedication” page at the start – this is a great way to welcome the future recipient and let them know what’s in store!

Above is my “intro” welcome page. It’s kind of basic; no dedication or anything like that, just a synopsis of what’s in store .

If you have a whole lot of recipes, you want to have a system of organization – like dish types. Main dishes, side dishes, soups and stews, bread related, and desserts. You want to be able to know which section to look in to find what you’ll be looking for later, or your intended book recipient.

I created a table of contents…and my book didn’t have numbered pages so I had to do that tedious job of numbering them, but hey, if I want to find a good soup recipe I know what page I started them on!

You could create tabs and arrange them so they stick out on the side and show each meal genre, so you will know where to look. Scrapbook.com has an excellent selection of recipe-themed pages, papers and accessories to make this a breeze!

Project Life Recipe Book Card KitShop Now Country Kitchen Recipe Book KitShop Now Recipe Page 8 by 9 Protector SheetsShop Now

Don’t Forget Notes, Measurements and Other Contributions

A handy measurement chart or reference guide in the back is a great idea. Show teaspoon to tablespoon equivalents, and cup, quart, and liter exchanges too – it’ll definitely come in handy one day. Don’t forget to add important notes – for example, I made a quick note on one page of what fruits are good for, and which should not be dropped into gelatin 🙂

Consider adding contributor bios too, you can mention the family member whose recipe you are including and a little insider info just for fun or to honor them.

Add a Little Journaling To Your Recipe Book!

Cooking is a nuanced art, so don’t be afraid to add your own tidbits, tips, extra hints and personal musings. This is no ordinary book – it needs to have your voice! You can go far beyond the list of ingredients and steps involved approach when you add your own special flourishes.

What are some unique ways to do this?

Add a little backstory about certain recipes (like who shared it with you, its origins, etc.)
Your first experience when you made this dish
If this is a generational recipe – how far back? Recipes are often a sacred thing passed down 🙂

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Pictures, Cards, or Both?

If you’re using more than index cards -meaning you’ve got recipes written on scrap paper or other places, pictures are a nice way to add appeal. I have a good amount of recipes from magazines and when I cut them out, I also made sure I got the picture in them too. Try to add photos and pictures whenever you can as it will add more appeal visually to your book.

Always remember that even if you glue down the cards making them permanently stationed on paper, you can always use your phone and take a picture of the recipe before going to the store for the ingredients!

Gifting Your Scrapbook Recipe Book!

This recipe book is sure to be treasured by an adult child going off to college or getting their first apartment, Or a bride-to-be will love this as a wedding gift. Or someone in your family who has got a passion for home cooking!