For the past couple of weeks I’ve been spending a lot of time in the kitchen baking all my Holiday goodies. In between watching what’s in the oven an idea came to mind. This is so simple and inexpensive (under $3.) that you can create your own in less than 10 minutes. They make great gifts for those who love to cook/bake. Need a last minute gift? Attending a holiday dinner? The hostess would love one. Family reunion? Collect favorite recipes from everyone and combine in one book. You can also give the book without any recipes inside, but it would add a nice touch if you shared some of your favorites.

Here’s what I did.  

You can pick up these mini brag books (photo albums) just about anywhere but I find that the ones Michaels sell hold up better.  The Recollections brand holds 36 – 4×6 photos.  They cost $1.99.  I was fortunate enough to catch a sale at Michaels and got them for $1.00.  

I customized my cover with a photo that I took at my Mom’s Vintage Store of an old mixer that was admired by many. It had since sold, so I’m glad I have the photo. Adds a nice touch for this project. If your giving this gift to someone who’s spends most of their time in the kitchen (maybe their a professional chef) you could use a photo of them in action. How about cataloging the gift?  Give a set of three or more. One for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oh, and one for desserts. My muse is coming in loud and clear with ideas right now. Back to the tutorial.

I removed the cover from the album and measured a piece of black cardstock the same size. You may use whatever color you wish. Match it with the recipients kitchen color for a more customized look.

I took a piece of white cardstock (cut smaller than the black piece) and used a scalloped scissors to the edges.

This book is mine so I added the text Recipes to the photo. Again, personalize here as you wish. Using double faced tape I attached the photo to the white cardstock and then to the black. I recycled the previous cover by attaching it to the new cover (design facing the black paper). That way I have a empty white page when the book opens to add notes. Or a personal message to the recipient.

Insert back into the photo album and guess what? Your done! I told you it was simple.

If I was to gift this I would add some recipes of my own using 4×6 index cards. Add a nice writing pen and the remaining index cards and your gift is ready. 

What’s nice about using these photo albums for recipe books is that when you accidentally hold the beaters up and dough flies everywhere it wipes off easily. Yes, I’ve done that several times.

Okay, one more idea. My sister shared these adorable photos of my niece Maggie cooking in the kitchen.

Alternate the recipes with adorable photos such as these.  

I’m completely obsessed with these photo album books. So much that I’ve decided to utilize them for another DIY project, titled The Polaroid Project. Check out that post here.  

Check back tomorrow for the weekly Top 10 List.  I’ve sharing DIY wrapping inspiration and quick appetizer recipes.  And I’ve got a couple more simple last minute gift ideas to share before the big day arrives.