Recipe Binder

I decided that my recipes needed a face lift, especially since I have been finding so many fun recipes on the web.  So I thought I would tell you how to make recipe binder, like I did.
Organization of my recipes isn't something I have really made time to do in the past other than to print and throw into a box, but then when I was trying to host a meal or just simply plan the week's food I had to pull everything out and rummage through tons of recipes just to find one that I wanted. Frustrating!

The first thing I did was think about what I wanted out of a recipe binder.  I'm a messy cook - so protecting my recipes from spills and messes was first priority.
I grabbed a box of sheet protectors - I prefer non-glare when cooking it's easier to read (200 in a box at Sam's!)

And Samsill has a sweet line of Antimicrobial protected binders so I figured since this binder is prone to messes why not have it working for me to keep bacteria, mold and mildew from growing on it.  So I nabbed a fun color (I love green!)  If you are interested in these binders the website has a dealer locator to make getting one super easy.

As I was looking for index tabs to use I ran across binder pocket folders which were cool and I thought would be perfect for holding those odd sized recipes or even coupon.  But I can be pretty cheap and so I thought - "I can make those".  When I got home I found and old pocket folder and made my own template. I decided to use empty cereal boxes since they are large pieces of cardboard... and again I didn't want to buy anything.

Click to Download Template

The template prints on 4 letter size pages and then you tape them together and cut out the individual templates to create the folder.

After I made my pockets I decided it was time to create a cute design for the front and insides.  I knew I wanted to some how include a menu planner, shopping list and spine label.  So if you like it feel free to download and use the art for your own personal use or gifts... please don't sell it.  Link is below.

 Click to download art

My binder categories are:

• Appetizers/Drinks
• Sides
• Salads
• Breads
• Meats
• Breakfast
• Soups 
• Veggies
• Desserts
• Sandwiches

That's just how I roll... but I would suggest looking at your recipes and how you plan meals and create your own categories.  As I was picking these I just flipped through me recipes and wrote down words as they came to me.  Then I narrowed the categories a bit and came up with this assortment.

 On the front I can plan the weeks meals or if hosting I can plan the full meal by writing with a dry erase or overhead projector marker.  Super easy to wipe off with a damp paper towel.

 I decided it would be fun and quirky to use the cereal box print on the outside of the folder, but if that's too much chaos for you the tan inside of the box can be used as the outside.  Also you could cover these with cute scrapbook paper to your liking.

So that's it, my recipe binder face lift.  If you have any questions about the templates feel free to email or comment.  Happy cooking! Oh and don't forget to like my Recipe Binder Pin on Pinterest.

Update:  I decided to create a video of this project for a little more information on what I did.  Enjoy!