I’ve recently started collaborating with Cricut and was asked to share a project with the theme of Keep Kids Creative with Cricut. So, I put my thinking cap on and tried to think of something that would allow for some family crafting fun. Something everyone could do together — including the kiddos. I remembered a project my sister did years ago, where she put together a small cookbook for my mom that included some of our families favorites recipes. She made it using scrapbooking supplies and it was a hug hit!
That is where the inspiration came from on this project. I thought, why not encourage families to make their own DIY Cookbook using some of their favorite family recipes. In order to keep this a family craft (including mom/dad and the kiddos), I thought the family could choose the recipes, mom could cut out (or buy) the embellishments with the kids helping to pick and choose, and the everyone can assemble the pages together! Perfect, right?
I used my cricut machine to cut out all of my embellishments. If you don’t own a cutting machine like this, no worries, store bought embellishments will work just as well (or you can convince your hubby you ‘need’ a Cricut. hee-hee).
You’ll want to grab a few supplies. Pick up a small scrapbook or even a small photo album will work. I used a book that had 6×6 sheet protector pages, making it easy to slide the pages/recipes in and out if necessary. You’ll also need assorted scrapbook paper, recipes of choice and your embellishments (paper cut outs, washi tape, etc). I searched baking, cooking, spatulas, bowls, kitchen, etc. on my Cricut to find the cooking themed elements/embellishments that I used.
The first thing to do is get a sense of how you might lay the pages out. I didn’t glue anything in place, I simply played with different layouts, patterns, colors, etc. A lot of mine changed along the way, so I don’t recommend doing any gluing until your certain of your layout.
I then typed up all my recipes. Of course you could hand write them or have the kids write them out too for a little extra homemade love.
As you can see from the Apple Crisp recipe, I typed them to fit the layouts I had in mind. Once those are completed, you’re ready to assemble. I used a glue stick, glue dots, foam and double sided tape — so there was a little dimension on some pages.
And there you have it! A fun family craft that the whole family can enjoy — for years to come! If you make a DIY Cookbook, I hope you’ll swing back and share it with us. I’d {love} to see them! Happy memory making and let’s Keep Kids Creative with Cricut.
Care to stay in the loop? I’d love to have you!
Catch me snapping + sharing pictures over on Instagram.
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Meredith @ Wait Til Your Father Gets Home says
Oh my gosh, Kelly! I LOVE this idea 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
YAY!! Thanks so much, Meredith. It’s easy and fun… while making some family memories! xo
Melissa @ My Recent Favorite books says
I enjoy making books like this!
Kelly Rowe says
They can be so much fun — and the memories stick around too. Love that! Thanks so much for stopping by, Melissa. HUGS!!
Liz says
Nice idea. Thanks Kelly. Have a good weekend!
Kelly Rowe says
Thank you so much, Liz!! Have a fabulous weekend as well. xo
Martha Dehne says
My mom recently passed away and my sister and I were looking for a way to share her recipes…..this is it! Thank you!
Kelly Rowe says
I’m sorry for your loss, Martha. What a wonderful way to preserve and share your moms recipes. Be sure to come back show off your work! Have a wonderful weekend. HUGS!
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
So cute, kelly! My Cricut has been gathering dust. I have LOADS of fun vinyl now {slightly obsessed} 😉 so I need to get at it! Pinning and sharing!
Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much, Claire! Girl, you need to get your “Cricut” on — all kinds of fun to be had! Have a fabulous weekend. HUGS!!
JaneEllen says
Well I don’t have a cricut or a cameo or a portrait or money to buy stuff but I do have ability to cut things out from paper for the embellishments, have lots of supplies to make them.
This is such a great summer project for families, especially kids and Moms. Kids I would think would get a terrific sense of accomplishment from making this together, using their imaginations. Great project Kelly, so glad you shared this. I don’t have kids at home anymore to help me but might be nice to make a few of these to give our kids, some of our old recipes they might want to make again. Afraid my hubs can’t afford to buy a fancy machine for me but making things myself will be good for my old brain. Happy weekend
Oh hope you don’t mind I wrote down your recipe for non bakes cookies. We’ve had so many 5 weeks months between paydays we run out of money to buy things for a treat. This would be a good and inexpensive treat we could make. Hope you don’t mind I copied it.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much for loving on this project, JaneEllen! I think it’s a fabulous idea to make your own embellishments as well. It’s amazing what a little creativity can do 🙂
I love that you copied the recipe!! Enjoy! Have a blessed weekend. xo
jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says
Super cute idea. Pinned to the BHG family project board 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much, Jessica!! xo
snapdragon says
This is perfect. My current recipe book is a bulky thing that isn’t even close to cute. And, there’s stuff hanging out of it all over the place. This will be perfect to work on with my daughter as we plan menus for the school year. Thanks!!!
Jelli says
What a fun idea! Scrapbook meets cookbook & everyone loves the final edible results.
Kristine says
I made one of these for my mom several years ago with some of her classic recipes for Mothers Day. These types of projects are not only fun, but can hold many memories and moments that I will treasure for years to come. Thank you for sharing. …and your book looks GREAT!!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
Of course I’m loving this! Sharing favorite family recipes is a wonderful thing, and to do it in such a cute and personal way, awesome!!
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says
What a wonderful keepsake, Kelly!
RM, Home Confetti says
I made a family cookbook as a Mother’s Day gift this year – but I did it digitally. Everyone loved it! You can see it here: http://homeconfetti.blogspot.com/2013/05/special-mothers-day-gift-family-recipe.html
Kelly Rowe says
Your book turned out lovely, RoseMarie! Thanks so much for sharing. xo
TidyMom says
i should make something like this for each of my girls! so cute Kelly!
Thanks for linking up to I’m Lovin’ It! I featured your post in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2013/creative-projects/ have a great rest of the weekend!
Susan Hall says
This is absolutely beautiful – a timeless treasure! I’d love to make one of these with each of my children. Beautiful work and helpful tutorial.
Andrew Hopkins says
that is great idea. I will try to make it.
Emily Scott says
Hello! Love your idea! So cute! We are featuring this craft on our blog and pinterest 🙂
Sue Robertson says
Hello,
I am requesting permission to copy one of your images (cookbook) for my small art studio. I will ensure you are credited (and publicized!).
Thanks, Sue
Kelly Rowe says
Please e-mail me with your request and specifically what it is that you’re wanting to use and for what.
My e-mail is: kelly(at)livelaughrowe.com Thank you!