I wanted to show you today that there's more that you can do with your digital scrapbooking supplies and photo editing programs besides scrapbooking your photos. You can use these supplies for so much more! And one of the things that I love "scrapping" is my family's favourite recipes! So here's the how and why I "scrap" my recipes!
The first thing you might be wondering is why I would go to all the trouble of scrapbooking my family's recipes. There are a few reasons for me, including:
- I couldn't read my handwriting in half of my written out recipe cards… lol, scrapping them digitally allows me to type them so that they are easier to read.
- My recipe cards are always getting damaged while I'm cooking, having a digital copy of all of my recipes allows me to reprint any of them at any time.
- I had tons of recipe books, but only kept them for a few recipes each. Putting them on recipe cards allowed me to thin out the recipe book stash a little. (I still keep the classics and the ones that have tons of great recipes in them).
- It's easy to share my recipes with my family and friends, just print and give or email them a copy to print themselves!
- It's another way for me to be creative with my digital scrapbooking products! LOL!
Now that I've given you the reasons why I like to "scrap" my recipes, you might be wondering how do I do it and how can you right? Well, there are a few things to consider before you get started.
- Size. What size do you want your recipe cards? I personally like creating mine at 4×6", but other options include 5×7" for a larger easier to read card, 8.5×11" which fits perfectly in a binder with page protectors. You can even get creative and make a themed recipe book in an unusual size and shape! Think about creating a small set that fit into badge holders, perfect for spice blends, cooking charts, flavoured oil recipes, and so much more!
- Printing. This is something you might want to consider when making your decision of what size to scrap your recipes in. Another reason why I like the 4×6" size is because it's cheap to print. I print at my local Walmart for $0.19 each, and I like using a Matte Photo Paper. You can even print at home on your home printer if the quality is decent. You can print on your everyday paper, or use cardstock to make them a bit stiffer, or use Matt Photo Paper at home too.
- Design. The design can be totally up to you and reflective of who you are. You can create all the recipes using the same layout and products, making them all match. Or you can make each recipe card reflect the recipe on the card, using products that match the recipe, and a layout that works for each one individually. You can include photos of the finished recipe, photos of the ingredients all gathered, photos of the people who came up with the recipe or who love the recipe. When including a photo of a person, you might consider including a quote on the recipe card… something that tells the story behind that person and their relation to the recipe.
- Storing. The last thing you probably are wondering before you really get started scrapping your recipes is probably, what do you do with them once they're scrapped and printed, right? Well there are a number of things you can do with them! You can store the cards that are 4×6" or 5×7" in a traditional recipe box, or store them in a photo album for photos of that size. You can store 8.5×11" ones in a binder with page protectors, or check out your local printing company (Staples for example) and their options for printing and binding.
And here is some eye candy for you, some different recipe card styles that I've created for my own collection:
(you can click on the above recipes to be taken to another copy on my blog with layout credit info and larger view options)
If you're artsy crafty to begin with, I'm sure you'll be able to come up with many ways of displaying and storing your recipes. Consider using digital scrapbooking products and editing programs for preserving your family's recipes!
AND, if you like the idea but aren't wanting to get your hands "dirty" with digital scrapbooking… consider my Scrap-4-Hire services! 
You can find more scrapping inspiration and information on my regular blog, Monique's Scrappin' Blog!
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What a fantastic idea! I have typed my favorite recipes into the computer so I can reprint lost or ruined copies, but this is so much cuter. I will definitely have to do this, thanks!!
you're very organized in recipe. WTG
This is a great idea!TFS
cute ideas! Really need to try that!
What a great idea! I'm gonna have to try it.
Those are SERIOUSLY cute!
This is one of the cutest ideas I have seen! I belong to The Red Hat Society and we are always exchanging recipes. This would be a great way to creatively share my recipes while making sure everyone can read them too!
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