Learn how to preserve and display family heirloom recipes so they are a part of your home decor and serve as a reminder and inspiration.
Recently, we obtained a copy of Grandma Baker’s Egg Noodles Recipe. My husband’s cousin actually has the recipe card that’s written by Grandma Baker. She took a picture of the front and back of the recipe card and sent it to my husband.
I knew I wanted to somehow showcase that recipe because it’s become such a big part of our family get togethers and has created such fond memories for everyone. Since I didn’t have the actual recipe card, I had to be a little creative.
So I printed out the pictures of the recipe cards, got out my light pad and traced the recipe onto paper. I then scanned and imported the recipe card into Photoshop where I added a background, centered the recipe and printed it out.
After printing, I trimmed the print down to fit my 8″x10″ picture frame and framed it. It was super easy!
Supplies Needed for Displaying Heirloom Recipes in Frames
- original recipe card
- light pad (I LOVE this light pad and it’s less than $20!)
- pencil, pen and fine point marker
- scanner/printer
- printer paper
- cardstock
- paper trimmer or scissors
- picture frame
Instructions:
Step One: Copy the Recipe
The first thing you will want to do is to make a copy of or reproduce the recipe. Take a sheet of regular printer paper, a pencil and the recipe card. Lay the recipe card down on the light pad (you can also place it against a well-lit window), turn the light pad on, place the piece of plain printer paper on top of the recipe card. Use your pencil, pen or fine point marker to trace the recipe.
I have found that the fine point marker works best for me.
Step Two: Scan the Reproduced Recipe
Once you have finished tracing the recipe card, you’ll want to scan it into your computer. Once scanned, you can open it in Photoshop where you can add a nice background and further refine your print.
Even if you don’t have Photoshop, you can still add a background, picture or otherwise enhance the recipe card using online services like PicMonkey or Canva. (I love Canva!)
Step Three: Print
Once you have your recipe reproduced, scanned and edited just the way you want it, you’re ready to print. Be sure to use good quality bond paper for best results.
Step Four: Trim and Frame
Now that you have the recipe printed on cardstock, use the paper trimmer or scissors to trim the recipe to fit your picture frame. If you’re using a mat or a larger than 8″x10″ picture frame, it may not be necessary for you to trim the recipe.
Even if you don’t have a scanner or access to Photoshop, you could do something similar. Let your imagination lead you and your decor taste guide you.
So far I’ve reproduced two recipe cards. Grandma Baker’s Egg Noodles and Dad’s Road Trip Chocolate Chip Cookies. I didn’t actually have the hand written recipe for the cookies, so I typed it up and printed it out to match the noodles recipe card.
The reclaimed barnwood frames were actually made by my husband’s grandfather. He was into using reclaimed wood waaaay before it was trendy to do so. I love these frames and the bit of nostalgia and history that goes along with them.
Each time a take a moment to slow down and really look at these recipes, they bring back such strong family memories. Even our kids will stop and read the recipes and conjure up some of their favorite memories. Now, that makes these framed heirloom recipes even more priceless!
If you have any questions about how to reproduce or display heirloom recipes, please don’t hesitate to ask. Or if you need some help reproducing your family heirloom recipes, just leave me a comment below.
Til next time…
