Do you have a cook in your life that would enjoy a personalized recipe book as a gift?

Handmade Personalized Recipe Book – The Perfect Gift
I am a self-taught bookbinder and have made handmade albums off and on for over ten years.
Crafting a handmade product is very satisfying, and I find the process rewarding and enjoy the people I meet along the way.
I started making albums for friends and families as gifts. Those friends and family encouraged me to open an Etsy store, which I did a few years ago, Photogarnish.
Over the years, some of my favorite clients have been brides and new mothers.
One particular client, a husband, stationed in Iraq, was going to miss the birth of his child.
He contacted me to make an album to send to his wife; he wanted a special place to hold the memories of that day. I was very humbled and honored to help him.
Each album holds a story, a wedding, an anniversary, the birth of a child, and I feel as though I play a small part in their celebration.

Digital vs Albums
I came across this article from a photographer, which I thought was interesting and informative; you can find it here.
The author wrote we are a digital society; most of the world’s pictures are stored and viewed in the Cloud.
This generation is without tangible photos, family history, and memories that could go undocumented.
Were you nervous when Instagram and Facebook went down for a few hours?
What would happen if the Cloud went down? Aside from the everyday data, think of the family histories that could be lost.
Just food for thought…
A Personalized Recipe Book
Below are the steps of me making a personal recipe book. It is time-consuming and requires supplies found only at specialty stores.
If you would like a tutorial on making an album, let me know in the comments.
Personalizing A Recipe Album
The holidays bring people together.
Friends and families gather around the table worldwide, sharing recipes, sharing different foods, and sharing stories.
A cookbook is a personal document meant to be shared; the recipes remind us of the people who prepared the food.
To customize, adding a name, a date, graphics, and color will add a teaspoon of thoughtfulness to any gift.


The inside pocket can hold recipes and descriptive photos.

On the opposite page is a recipe card, a place to write down those secret ingredients.


If you like this post, here are a few others you may enjoy,
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If you are interested in bookbinding, I have added a few supplies and books you may find helpful.
Let me know in the comments if you are interested in a bookbinding tutorial or if you have any questions.

Leslie Watkins says
I love the bookbinding tutorial! I am always about making gifts—“heart gifts” and this has inspired so many ways to use this!
Karen says
I enjoy making gifts too! I’m glad I was able to give you a little inspiration.
alda says
oh my goodness, what a wonderful wedding gift this would be!!! I would love to share this idea with my readers, and gather family recipes for a sweet sweet wedding shower gift. Your books are so beautiful, certainly wedding worthy! I just love this idea.
sending you a hug,
Alda
Karen says
Thanks Alda! I love making wedding albums and working with brides! Your sweet to think of me and share.
Karen
Nancy says
Hi Karen it’s Nancy Fagnano. This is a perfect gift. I’ll call you!
Karen says
Just let me know Nancy! Anything you need❤️
Paula@SweetPea says
This is a wonderful idea for a gift for a special person.
Christin says
What a great idea!!
Cindy says
I love this so much! I may be making some of these. Thanks for sharing
Karen says
Thanks Cindy! They do make great gifts!
Juliet says
Karen – you’re books are amazing. Wow … you’re so talented. It’s so true about the photos versus digital. I was a diligent photo album maker until about 15 years ago … and it’s really a shame. I’ve favorited your Etsy shop … we have a lot of weddings on the books for next year and this would be such a unique gift idea. xo
Karen says
Thanks Juliet…I know, it is so much easier to go digital! I try and pick and choose very special photos and hang on to the printed form 🙂
Thanks so much!
Stacey says
This is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing my recipe. Great gift idea!!
Karen says
Your recipes are so beautiful!
Marieza says
What an art! This is such a unique and special gift. Absolutely gorgeous!
Karen says
Thanks for your sweet comment! Very much appreciated…
Libbie says
This is a lovely gift idea! Pinned.
Karen says
Thanks, Libbie I appreciate the pin and comment!
Linda Johnston says
Absolutely beautiful!
Melba says
Oh gosh, this is so pretty!!!!! Such a great gift!
Kimberly J Snyder says
this is such a great idea! thanks for sharing all the tips on how to make it!
Karen says
Thanks Kim…I love making them..