Introducing Recipe Box & Recipe Box Label

I love to cook. Really. I love everything about it. From the precision involved with chopping, to the repetitive motion of mixing, all of it is a lullaby for my soul in some small way. And not only do I get the enjoyment of preparing the food, but I get to see my family gathered, sitting around the table together to share a meal and savor the flavors that I have brought together for them. It doesn’t get much better than that!

With my love of cooking comes a fascination with collecting recipes and cookbooks. I have shelves full of hard-cover editions from my favorite chefs. Envelopes exploding at the seams, that I once established as an attempt to contain my ever expanding piles of magazine clippings and computer print-outs. My recipe box is stuffed with three different styles of index cards, in my attempt to be organized. With recipes in more than one place, it obviously tends to be difficult to find exactly what I need.

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In an effort to bring organization to this area of my life, I have been working for months on rethinking and redesigning what is considered the *norm* in regards to recipe filing. Not only do we have a stamp set to offer you that is visually appealing, we have an entirely new system that will carry you through for years to come. It all starts with the card… recipe cards that is! (Don't forget, you can always click the images for a larger view.)

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I have designed my own version of a recipe card, one that will cater to how you actually USE the card, and look good too.

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One of the things that always frustrated me most about recipe cards is that you had plenty of room horizontally for the ingredients, but not enough room vertically. Ingredients are easiest to go through if they are in a simple one-column format. Our recipe card utilizes vertical space perfectly, complimenting any type of list format.

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The other thing I really like is being able to place the subtitles where and when I need them. Especially ingredients vs. instructions. In this photo, I am showing you two of my favorite recipes. One of them only has a small handful of ingredients, while the other one has an entire page. Because “ingredients” and “instructions” are stamps in the coordinating stamp set, you can position them wherever you need them to be to suit your needs.

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So now that I have given you a brief description of the actual recipe cards, why don’t I show you a little project I made with them?

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One of the neat things about this group of new products is that not only can use them in your own personal space as a means of organization, you can also make gifts, use them as a party theme and much, much more, as the design team will be demonstrating when the new gallery goes live on the 15^th! Today, I thought I would show you a little something that would be fantastic for either the holidays or a shower gift. I don’t know any cook, experienced or not, that wouldn’t be appreciative of brand new stainless cooking utensils. My mother-in-law got me some as a gift a few years ago and it was one of the best, most well-loved gifts I have received during my adult years. I use them practically every day! Ever since then, I have taken the same opportunity with new brides, special friends for their birthdays and more, I just put my own little twist to it!

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I went through my recipes and picked out one to coordinate with each type of utensil I had purchased. For example, pie server with pie (duh!), spatula with casserole, ladle with soup, whisk with an egg dish, etc…

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I then prepared recipe cards to go with each of the utensils, displaying their coordinating recipe. In this case, I began by stamping the borders at the side of my cards, followed by “from the kitchen of” directly underneath it. I wrote my name on each one.

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To save time since I was making several cards at once, I decided to customize a grouping of a few of the subtitles on a single block that I knew I wanted towards the top of each card. It is easy to do this and be sure that the subtitles are evenly spaced to fall between the lines printed on the recipe card. Just place the subtitles, word side down (as if you were stamping) in the position you would like. Then press the block on top of them to adhere them and pick them all up a once.

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After I filled in the appropriate areas for the subtitles that I just stamped, ending with the ingredients, it was time to add the instructions. I stamped its subtitle next. If the ingredients list was short enough, the instructions usually began on the front, but other longer recipes sometimes started on the back. This just proves how versatile and flexible these cards & stamps can be.

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After filling in all the recipe information for each card, I prepared them to be tied to their coordinating cooking utensil. I placed a bull nose paper clip (from Target’s office supply section) at the end of each card.  I then threaded the BACK handle only of each clip with Ocean Tides swiss dot ribbon (more to come about this NEW color later!) It just ends up having a much neater finished appearance if you thread just one handle rather than both.

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You can tie each card to the appropriate utensil. The good thing about cooking utensils is that they almost always come with a hole in the handle so that they can be hung on pot racks, or in your case, allow you to tie on some pretty ribbon!

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Now that we had the utensils done, how about a box to store them in? Did I mention that these recipe cards, measuring 5-7/8 x 2-3/4 inches, were designed to store perfectly in our exclusive egg box? (You just slip out the removable *egg insert*!) It is a super-sturdy & well constructed box, made out of heavy-weight chipboard, its already a beautiful white, perfect to act as a blank slate for you and your creativity. I started by stamping some Ocean Tides cardstock with versamark using the leaf image from First Fruits in order to create some papers that could cover the four sides of my box. You will need to have two pieces that measure 6-1/4 x 2-1/4 inches and two pieces that measure 4-3/8 x 2-1/4. I was able to get a slight *linen* texture to the stamped image by kissing the stamp against some linen fabric before stamping. Neat effect, isn’t it?

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To adhere the leaf strips to the box, using a foam brush, apply Mod Podge to the box and back of the paper. Be sure to do both the outside of the box and the paper, otherwise it may not adhere correctly.  Set aside to allow to dry for about 15 minutes or longer.

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Next, you want to put a nice layer of Mod Podge on top of your paper and up the exposed edge of the raw white box.  I always use Matte Finish Mod Podge, just because that suits my taste and I like the finished product.  Set aside to dry.

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Once dry, you can go back in with a file and sand down any extra cardstock that doesn't quite meet at the corners.

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After completing that, it was time to work on the lid of the box.  I stamped the small dots from Polka Dot Basics onto Ocean Tides cardstock with white acrylic paint and adhered it to cover the entire top.  I then ran strips of Sticky Strip around the box lid in two places to affix ribbon bands.

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I wrapped the ribbon all the way around to the interior of the lid.  To cover the ends, I just cut a piece of white cardstock to size and adhered it as a lining.  This kept everything clean and finished, like I prefer.

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I used a piece of chipboard that I painted white as the sturdy base for the rest of the decorative elements for the lid of my custom recipe box.  The scrolled label frame (heat embossed with white Filigree embossing powder) and *Recipes* title are both from a $5 mini set called Recipe Box Label.  We are hoping to bring you more styles for the box top labels in the future to make the original recipe set even more versatile!

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I used Mod Podge on the lid topper too, that way everything can be easily wiped off when there are food splatters or spills!  I am in love with the detail of this frame, and I hope you are too!

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I added a few bows to the front of the box using Gorilla Glue.  Those babies aren't going anywhere!  I go the idea of this look from a cute storage box that I saw at a boutique a while back.  I think it is such a pretty look, and we can all use a little beauty in the things we use every day!

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I did something a bit different with the inside of the box.  I wanted to make a divider for the roomy interior, so I cut a piece of foam core board to just a hair over 6-inches by 2-3/4-inches high.  I then cut and scored a piece of white cardstock that could go up and over three sides of the foam core.

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After adhering them together I had a divider that looked as though it had originally come with the box!

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The great thing about this divider is that it fits snugly enough that it will separate the contents securely, so there is no need for adhesive.

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This means you can move the divider according to number of recipe cards you have and to suit your needs.  In this particular one, I placed the section dividers & recipes in the front, and then had room in the back for extra recipe cards and a pen to fill them out.  Everything in it's place, neat & tidy!

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The only thing left now is the section dividers! There are nine subtitle section divider stamps in this set (see list in photo).  They all coordinate with a 1-3/8 inch circle punch, making them easy to use.  When adhering the circular tabs in place, be sure to hold one up to the box to make sure that you do not place it in such a fashion that it may be too tall for the box.

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Here is the final ensemble.  For packaging your special gift, you can wrap each individual utensil in crisp white tissue and insert them along with the recipe box in a pretty gift bag or basket!  I think this is such a personal and memorable gift that any recipient would be so appreciative of! .................................................................................................................

Do you enjoy cooking?  Or know someone who does?  How would you utilize this set and coordinating product? 

Let me know your thoughts and you could win Recipe Box & Recipe Box Label stamp sets, along with a set of our exclusive recipe cards and egg box to store them in!

That's a $50 value! 

I look forward to reading your comments, and good luck!

Fine Print: Contest will close @ 11pm EST tonight (Friday, October 10th).  The winner will be chosen via a Random Number Generator and posted here.  Winner is responsible for providing shipping address after announcement has been made.  Please, only one entry per person.

---> CONTEST NOW CLOSED: Thank you so much for your overwhelming support and excitement.  There is nothing better than having you *get* all the details incorporated into the exclusive products created for Papertrey ink.  Thank you!

Here's the winner..

Oh wow! I love this set/ you're recipe box creation! You're story about collecting recipe books sound just like my godmother! Everytime we get together, she searches endlessly for a recipe she knows she flagged. This would make sure a perfect present for her, and such a fun activity we could share together. I also love how you're recipe cards are very LONG- those small 4x6 cards just don't cut it sometimes, but most everything in storage I've seen is geared towards this side. Thanks so much!

Posted by: Kaitlin  | October 10, 2008 at 03:12 PM

Congratulations Kaitlin!  Please email customer service with your shipping address and we will get these items out to you!  Thanks again to all of you for your support!
 

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Want to see a bit more done with Recipe Box stamp set?  Check out what Lauren Meader has created with it!

Melissa Bickford has an additions set fro Merry & Bright being released this month.  She will be sharing some sneak peeks and project ideas on her blog every day of the countdown, so be sure to check it out!

Heather Nichols has not one, but two sets being released this month.  She'll be stamping her heart out this month, just for you.  You can check in on her latest projects by visiting her blog each day!

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Stamps: Recipe Box & Recipe Box Label (to be released October 15th) Polka Dot Basics, First Fruits (leaf)

Ink: Ocean Tides Palette, Versamark (embossing & watermark for leaves)

Paper: Ocean Tides & Stamper's Select White cardstocks

Other: Ocean Tides stitched ribbon & swiss dots satin ribbon, egg box, recipe cards, Matte finish Mod Podge & foam brush. Gorilla Glue, chipboard, foam core board, silver bull nose paper clips from Target, white acrylic paint

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Brandi]

I would love to have a recipe box that could be so organized and efficent. It would also make a wonderful wedding present or a gift for someone starting out on their own.

[lindsey]

Very cute and versatile-Love it! cant wait to buy one... hopefully soon!

[erica m.]

I do enjoy cooking. I would use this set to make myself a recipe box and then make more for Christmas gifts. It is such an elegant recipe set.

[Maryann T.]

I love baking and also love making personalized gifts for friends and family. SO this set would be perfect for both.

[Diane]

Very nice, would be a clean look for a recipe book/ gift.

[Gina]

This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. I've been meaning to put together a bunch of the 'family' recipes my Grandma used to cook for all of my cousins who keep getting married :)

[Crafty Math Chick]

I guess there was at least ONE benefit of not being able to sleep this evening.

I LOVE to cook and bake! And although my recipes are far from organized, I'd MUCH rather create a beautiful box like this, with a starter recipe or two, for a friend who recently got married.

REALLY excited about the new teal color too! I LOVE the 10th - 15th now!!

Best Wishes,
Meredith

[Paula Laird]

Nichole! You are so evil to my wallet! I LOVE this! Aaagghh! I'm going to have to get a job! Your box is super-cute and I love the cards!!! Wow. You are a flipping genius!

[Lisa Dickinson]

Love the monochromatic look with the silver.
i'm in love with the clean layout - it's soooo Nichole!
I'm using the tie on recipe to utensil for a bridal shower this weekend, great idea!

[ElizabethB]

I collect recipe books and have a little room off my kitchen just for my collection. I have hand drawn/lettered many a recipe book for family and friends, this would make a wonderful addition. :) My best friend and her husband are amazing bakers/cooks they could use a place to store their treasured recipes.

[Whitney]

OH mY Gosh! I so want this to make Christmas gifts. I love the new color. The whole ensemble is beautiful!

[Kathy V.]

I love to cook and, like you, have a huge collection of cook books and recipes. I've been thinking a lot about how best to arrange my favorite for me (I have similar complaints about "prepackaged" recipe cards)SO, I'm really LOVING this. Perfect timing. Clever, beautiful design. The color is yummy--and it matches my kitchen!

Plus, since family and friends often ask for my recipes, so I can seen lots of ways to put these stamps to use!

[Sara Spencer]

I LOVE to cook and bake. Perhaps even more than stamping *GASP*!!! =) This would be such a great way to combine the two things I love to do. I hope I win!!!!

[Maile]

I'm actually looking forward to reorganizing my recipes! What a great gift idea! This is going to be a fun set. Thanks for the chance to win.

[Kris Tolman]

I love this set and the egg box as a recipe box is AWESOME! Anything that helps me get organized is a must have, but it makes it fun as well! I LOVE to cook and collect many cookbooks. I would love to gather all of my favorite recipes in one place so I know right where to find them. This is a great idea for that. I also like the idea of putting a recipe with each utensil as a gift idea.

[KarenY]

I actually prefer eating the goodies more than cooking the goodies. This would be a great set to use when giving away recipes to friends and coworkers. And I LOVE the colors! thanks!

[Marty]

Looks awesome and amazing! I would love to win. I need to get organized with my recipes!

[Jessica F]

I am in awe! This has got to be the best ideas ever! I love to cook and have tons of recipes in a pile that I dig through and need to get organized.

[Cynde]

Oh Nicole I love this set! I already know what I would do with it! I would make up cards with Family favorites and things we have enjoyed tradition wise, or that my son really liked. I would enclose all the extras to add to the few I would fill out. I would then give it to my darling daughter-in-law along with a card so she knows it was sent with love and that it was some of her husbands favorites from the past, with lots of cards for her and his favorites together. I think that would be a great gift for her. (not too over the top mother-in-law-ish, I hope!)
As always Nichole you always have the greatest supplies and stamps at Paper Trey Ink!
Thanks so much.....Cynde

[Judy]

I love to collect recipes but find that
I have several systems for saving them and no central organized space to keep
them. I like how you could tailor this
to your recipe collection.

[Judy]

I love to collect recipes but find that
I have several systems for saving them and no central organized space to keep
them. I like how you could tailor this
to your recipe collection.

[Lilian]

Congratulations on another sure hit! I love your stamp set and recipe box idea. I do confess combining your other stamp sets with cute kid stamps to make cards and crafts. I just know I'll be doing it again with this set. I'll try to add baked/cooking images on the recipe cards and (plan to) laminate the cards when they're filled up - to protect them from stains. Thanks for another thrilling countdown!!

[Cindy S]

I can't wait to get this set! I keep procrastinating when it comes to organizing my recipes. This would be perfect! And I can't wait to use the gift set idea for a shower.

[Amy]

This set is soooo AMAZING! I cannot wait to buy it!! I love how many different ways there are to customize it. I think I just found the gift all of the woment in my family are getting for there birthdays throught this year!

Can wait to see what you come up with next!!

[Dawn Nelson]

I stayed up late to see this! I love it. I would use it for new brides or people getting their first apartment etc... it would be a great keepsake to hand down generation after generation. The personal handwriting would make it so special.