I tackled my first done! project this weekend. It’s been on my mental list for a while and it finally made it to paper. I completely revamped my recipe binders. I wanted the binders to have a cookbook look to them, so I purchased these covered binders from Target. I like having three main binders – Family Cookbook, Baked Goods, and Holidays. I switched up the categories a bit and created cute coordinating dividers (if you like the look of the dividers and want some guidance, I put the whole thing in my shop as a Recipe Binder Kit). So today’s post is a tutorial on how I made my binders (maybe it’s on your list this month, too?).
toss old recipes that you haven’t used or don’t sound good anymore
gather your recipes that you have saved on your computer or tucked away somewhere
decide on a binder – get one (or more) that have a little extra room
decide on your categories/themes - make cover sheets or dividers to keep everything separated like a cookbook
the kit in my shop has 33 different categories and if you celebrate a holiday or two that isn’t listed, just ask – I’ll add that to your order for free!
three hole punch of plastic sleeve – how will you keep your recipes? I like plastic sleeves because I can wipe them clean
add category tabs – you can purchase divider pages with tabs, but I like to make my own with my label maker.
To secure the tabs to the plastic sleeves I attach the label ( I like clear label tape so the cardstock color shows) to cardstock, cut out the cardstock and attach with a piece of clear packing tape to cover the front and back (this makes it more sturdy).
assemble categories and recipes
the kit in my shop includes a sheet to write down recipes in your cookbook to remember – I love this because it jogs my memory of recipes to make, try, or toss
put your binder in an easy to use place
use it!
So that’s how I made my recipe binders – if you want to make one (or 3) like them, check out the Recipe Binder Kit in my shop.
I use a recipe binder and I’d never go back to cookbooks again. Takes a little work but once you have your basic recipes in the binder, you’re set. Then you can add the really good ones that you find along the way. Everything in one nice, neat place! I love it.
What kind of labeler do you have, and do you like it?
I did this to my binders this weekend–my colors were for different meal types (Crock Pot, Freezer, Quick Fix, and Make Ahead). Many recipes fit more than one of those categories. http://www.childtrainingbible.com/p/what-is-ctb.html Mine are broken into Main Dishes, Dessert & Seasonal, and Everything Else (breakfast, breads, fruit, sides, non-food stuff like playdough, etc.).
I did this last summer and I love it!!! The only thing I would add (cause I had a problem printing off too many recipes and then I couldn’t always remember if our family liked it that well, etc.) so I only put our favorites in and now only new favorites go in. I also make a copy for my daughter to go in a binder of her own with our family favorites when she gets married someday. =0)
Great post! The recipe binder has been on my to-do list for a while. I even got the same style of binders at Target. How did you attach your custom labels? Thanks for help!
I attach the label to cardstock, cut out the cardstock and attach with a piece of clear packing tape to cover the front and back (this makes it more sturdy).
xo, Becky
awesome blog, i love reading your posts and I love the idea of a recipe book – you are full of so many wise ideas! keep the posts coming. House Cleaning Newtown, PA
I pulled out all my recipes today that I’ve clipped from magazines over the years. Will be tackling this project tomorrow after a quick trip to target!
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Just wondering what kind of recipe template you use. Am looking to re-type a lot of mine but can’t find a template to use!
Hi Amy!
I’m actually adding an editable one to the shop – stay tuned!
xo, Becky