How to Turn Old Recipe Cards into Beautiful Keepsakes (2024)

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How to turn old recipe cards into memories and make wonderful bridal, Mother's Day or Christmas gifts for your family. If you like these projects, check out my DIY Kitchen Art project I created to hang in our kitchen.

How to Turn Old Recipe Cards into Beautiful Keepsakes (1)

I'm a very sentimental person and I love the idea of having a keepsake in my kitchen that I know my grandmother or a family member used. I know you're going to love this idea of turning old recipe cards into gifts as much as I do.

These ideas that I'm sharing with you today will make the perfect bridal shower gift for the new bride. Or perhaps you want to honor your mother or grandmother with a gift of their handwritten recipe for Mother's Day or Christmas.

I know they will be loved by whomever you give them to.

Handwritten Recipe Gifts

This is a photo of recipes from my grandmother. I have two spiral little notebooks with her handwritten recipes.

How to Turn Old Recipe Cards into Beautiful Keepsakes (2)

Recipe Cards as Kitchen Art

Here is a project I did that hangs on my kitchen wall. Those are my grandmother's recipe cards that I framed with a photo of my grandmother and I from a long time ago.

I love this reminder that I see every day when I'm cooking in my kitchen.

You can find out more about this DIY Kitchen Art project HERE

How to Turn Old Recipe Cards into Beautiful Keepsakes (3)

Recipe Cards as Aprons and Dish Towels

There are plenty of places on Etsy that will print your old recipe cards on dish towels, aprons and tea towels. Here are a few that I found that would make great gifts.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandra Marcum says

    Can you send me the steps to take handwritten recipes from loved ones and turn into a sublimation heat transfer for things like aprons/ towels/ etc

    Reply

    • Lois says

      If you want those instructions, you need to click on the title or photo. It will bring you to the site for more information. Thank you.

      Reply

  2. nicki says

    loves these ideas, especially the one from "mamasayswhat". Unfortunately I when I click on the name, it seems the website is gone. Can you help me`? Would really like to make that one for family.
    thanks

    Reply

  3. Rachele says

    What a wonderful way to have a keepsake! I want to try this! Would you mind sharing the Grape Jam Bar recipe? It looks amazing! I love to use old, passed down recipes that you don't see often.

    Reply

    • Lois says

      I'll definitely look into posting that recipe! Thanks for visiting.

      Reply

  4. Weaveron Textile says

    Wow!!!
    What a wonderful idea...

    Reply

    • Lois says

      Thank you!!!

      Reply

  5. Susie @ The Chelsea Project Blog says

    These are adorable. Sharing.

    Reply

  6. Laura Hinckley says

    This is such a great idea. I have a few recipes handwritten I would love to transfer this way. I am trying it. Thanks for linking up to the Home Matters Party with you! #HomeMattersParty Hope to see you next week.

    Reply

  7. Linda says

    This would make great Christmas gifts. I think I am inspired!

    Reply

  8. Meredith Wouters says

    I love this idea! Pinned to my DIY Gifts board to try it. Nice to meet you on the Home Matters Party, and heading over to follow you on Instagram!

    Reply

  9. Jessica Stone says

    These are fantastic! What an amazing way to pass these recipes on to loved ones.

    Reply

  10. Wanda Ann Olsen says

    What a great idea and so meaningful. I love i!
    Hugs,
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

    Reply

  11. Wanda Ann Olsen says

    What a great idea and so meaningful. I love i!
    Hugs,
    Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile

    Reply

  12. Miss Steph says

    I love this idea! My great aunt passed away earlier this year, and putting some of her recipes on tea towels would be a cherished Christmas gift this year!

    Reply

  13. Jessica Jarrell says

    I love this idea! I know my mom has tons of handwritten recipes, now I just need to get some from her. So creative and unique!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

How to Turn Old Recipe Cards into Beautiful Keepsakes (2024)

FAQs

How to Turn Old Recipe Cards into Beautiful Keepsakes? ›

Scanned recipe books

Recipe books built entirely from your collection of scanned recipe cards and clippings include the recipe cards in their original form, rips, stains and all. If you like, include family photos — particularly those featuring cooking or breaking bread together!

What can I do with old recipe cards? ›

Scanned recipe books

Recipe books built entirely from your collection of scanned recipe cards and clippings include the recipe cards in their original form, rips, stains and all. If you like, include family photos — particularly those featuring cooking or breaking bread together!

How to preserve old handwritten recipes? ›

A sizeable collection can be stored in standard archival file folders and boxes. Weak or damaged paper also can be placed in polyester sleeves and then in folders and boxes. Recipes also can be scanned and accessed electronically while the originals are kept in safe storage.

How to turn a recipe into a gift? ›

Scan handwritten recipes and have them engraved or printed on a cutting board, an apron, a tea towel, a mug, a plaque or another thoughtful gift.

How do you display old recipe cards? ›

How to Display Recipe Cards
  1. Simply Frame Them.
  2. Engrave them on a cutting board.
  3. Get a custom sign made.
Jul 22, 2022

How to digitize recipes? ›

Follow these steps to get started:
  1. Collect your recipes. Make sure you've got all your favorites ready to go. ...
  2. Download a mobile scanning app. ...
  3. Convert your handwriting. ...
  4. Save, organize, and share.

How to make a recipe book from old recipes? ›

Take these steps to make it happen.
  1. Brainstorm family recipes. Think of some of your favorite recipes that you loved growing up. ...
  2. Collect the recipes from relatives. ...
  3. Curate the collection and write them up. ...
  4. Design or find a consistent format. ...
  5. Cook (and take pictures).

How to turn handwritten recipes into tea towels? ›

Here are some directions for your convenience:
  1. Scan the recipe. ...
  2. Place one Heat'n Bond EZ Print Transfer Sheet in the printer. ...
  3. When you have a satisfactory copy of your recipe on the Heat'n Bond sheet, use a pair of scissors to cut away the excess material surrounding the words.
  4. Iron the flour cloth towels.

How do you preserve 100 year old documents? ›

Always store important documents flat in a cool, dry, and dark area. Papers should always be stored in acid-free, alkaline materials (like boxes, folders, or mats) or in polyester file folders in filing cabinets. Never keep your documents in a damp or humid storage space, such as basem*nts, attics, or bathrooms.

How to transfer a written recipe onto wood? ›

Lay your paper onto the wood over the Mod Podge.

Lay the paper writing side down onto the wood and press it down with your hands and a credit card or squeegee. Make sure to smooth out all bubbles.

How to copy old recipe cards? ›

If you have a scanner you can simply scan the recipes into the computer. If you don't have access to a scanner, you can take pictures of your recipes using a digital camera or your smartphone.

How to make handmade gifts? ›

Start creating your perfect DIY project now:
  1. Photo Book. A photo book is the ultimate DIY gift. ...
  2. Custom Cheese Board. Have a friend who loves to host dinner parties? ...
  3. Photo Puzzles. ...
  4. DIY Tote Bags. ...
  5. Playing Cards. ...
  6. DIY Birthstone Bracelet. ...
  7. Photo Blanket. ...
  8. Reusable Shopping Bag.
Oct 4, 2023

Is there an app for collecting recipes? ›

RecipeBox is your ultimate kitchen companion. Built with the at-home cook in mind, RecipeBox allows you to save your favorite recipes in one place. It's your all-inclusive kitchen assistant. With RecipeBox, you can organize recipes, plan your upcoming meals, create your grocery list, and even grocery shop in the app.

What to do with old handwritten recipes? ›

The original copies of your most treasured family recipes can often be well-used and fragile. Having them etched onto a piece of wood will give them new life to be used for years to come. Plus, you can make a copy for every member of the family.

Do people still use recipe cards? ›

Although many call it outdated, the world of using good ol' paper for books, studies, and even recipes is still very much present. There are simply some things that digital tools cannot replace, and deciding to print your own recipe cards is one of them.

How do you make a recipe collection? ›

When it comes to organizing your recipes, it's best to break it down into a few simple steps:
  1. Gather all of your recipes.
  2. Group recipes based on format.
  3. Declutter your recipe collection.
  4. Choose a method for organizing your recipes.
  5. Categorize your recipes.
  6. Determine the best organization system.
Apr 9, 2021

What are recipe cards used for? ›

Accuracy: Recipe cards can ensure that the right amount of each ingredient is used in each dish, which can help maintain accurate inventory levels and reduce waste. Training: Recipe cards can be a valuable training tool for new staff members, helping them to learn the proper procedures for preparing menu items.

How to sell recipe cards online? ›

How do I sell my recipes? Sellfy is a great platform to sell your recipes online. It is a user-friendly platform that allows you to create an online store and sell your digital products, including recipes, with ease. You can upload your recipes as a PDF or other digital formats, set a price, and start selling.

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