DIY Recipe Box

Thrift Store DIY Recipe Box Makeover

Welcome friends, we’re back with a thrifty find for a DIY recipe box!

If this recipe box hadn’t been 69 cents, I would have walked away. Ha! Ok you know I would have bought it anyway. I really needed a place to put a few tried and true recipes and it’s perfect.

There ain’t nothing more frustrating than wanting to whip up Granny’s famous biscuits and not being able to find the dang recipe. That’s where recipe boxes come in handy – they keep all your cherished recipes in one place, so you can find ’em in a jiffy.

Now, some folks might say, “Why not just use Pinterest or a recipe app on your phone?” But let me tell you, there’s something special about having a physical recipe box. It’s like a little treasure trove of family recipes and memories that you can hold in your hands.

And let me tell you, there’s nothing better than a DIY project, am I right? A DIY recipe box is the perfect way to put your own spin on this classic kitchen essential. You can paint it with your favorite colors and add your own patterns.

The DIY Recipe Box Makeover

Not only is a DIY recipe box a fun project to work on, but it’s also a great way to make sure your recipe collection is truly unique to you. Plus, it makes for a darn good conversation piece when you have friends and family over.

So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, a recipe box is a must-have for any southern kitchen. And a DIY recipe box? Well, that’s just the cherry on top, y’all.

Alright, y’all, let’s get down to business and talk about how to make your very own recipe box. It’s a piece of cake, I tell you!

Step 1: Clean the Recipe Box

The inside of the box was a lot cleaner than the outside, which leads me to believe that it lived in a spot above a busy stove at some point. I cleaned it really well before I painted it and wiped away a bit of chicken grease I’m sure.

Step 2: Spray Paint Your Recipe Box

Now, let’s talk about spray painting your DIY recipe box.

Personally, I recommend using Behr Chalk decorative paint, it was part of my swag bag from the Haven Conference. I am really loving this paint, the coverage is great! Not only is it easy to use, but it also dries quickly and gives your box a lovely matte finish.

First, make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area (preferably outside) and that your work surface is covered with newspaper or a drop cloth to protect it from any overspray.

Shake your can of Behr chalk spray paint well before you start, and then begin spraying your recipe box in smooth, even strokes. It’s important not to spray too heavily, as this can lead to drips and clumps. Remember, less is more!

When spray painting this DIY recipe box, use several light coats, as you can see here.

Allow your recipe box to dry for a few hours, and then give it a second coat if needed. For an extra touch of flair, you can even distress your box with sandpaper or a damp cloth to give it a vintage, shabby-chic look.

And voila! You now have a beautiful, chalky-finished recipe box that looks like it was made by a professional. Your friends and family will be impressed, and you’ll have a stylish and functional way to store all your favorite recipes.

Step 3: Personalize Your Recipe Box

You can use anything to personalize your recipe box. As you can see here I used Chalk Couture adhesive, reusable transfers and Chalk Paste. The Mini Buffalo check transfer is large, I cut it apart to make the fit better. I did one section at a time, the process was pretty fast. The chalk paste dries quick. To make the design permanent, just spray with a clear poly spray. (You can find all the items used in my shop: Chalk Couture Transfers and Chalkology Paste.