Family Recipe Wall Art

I live in an older home...one that was built when a formal dining was the norm. I personally LOVE having the space, but decorating it has been a bit challenging.

I found this wallpaper after first buying our home and thought it was beyond perfect. In fact, I've told my husband I didn't know if I could ever move because I just don't think I could ever part with such a gorgeous room! ;) I haven't been too lucky finding the perfect wall hanging for it

though...a simple mirror just would not do!

I had this large, plain wall in there, but wasn't quite sure what to do with it. That is, until I ran across this uber cute post by the Thrifty Decor Mom entitled Really Cool Recipe Art where she displayed a family heirloom.

Unfortunately, I do not have old family recipe cards in my possession...so, I had to make them! :) Here's what I used:

• 3 Note Cards
• Left Over Coffee Poured Into A Saucer
• Paper Towels
• Baking Sheet
• Oven Set At 200 Degrees

After writing {in my very neatest cursive script} my 3 chosen recipes on their card, I dipped each one in the coffee and placed them on the baking sheet a few inched apart from each other. To give them a more aged look, I then dipped a paper towel in the coffee and sponged it indifferent areas to make "age marks." Then, I popped them into the oven for a few minutes to dry...and voila! Old family heirlooms in minutes!

The rest was just a combination of things I had on hand:

• 3 Frames
• Old Sweaters
• Scrapbook Paper and Stickers
• Sticks
• Hot Glue Gun

The background was made from old sweaters I cut to fit the frame size. I love how it gave each piece texture and softness all at the same time. The scrapbook paper was used to frame the recipe cards and to give an earthy element to the room, I added the sticks. They fit the wall perfectly and it's nice to have such a personal touch to my room.

The recipes I chose came from 3 very different people, but each who helped me to achieve my culinary goals.

First is my great-grandmother's pound cake, which is the exact recipe I use for my wedding cakes. She was a wonderful cook and baker...she is who I push myself to be more like - inside the kitchen as well as out.

Second is a marinara sauce from a chef and friend who taught me so much about cooking. He is the first chef I worked for/interned under after culinary school. His expertise helped me to learn the often hard concept to grasp - how to tell doneness without puncturing the meat, as well as menu planning and flavor combining. Although he's not apart of my family, he absolutely deserves a spot on my wall!

Lastly is my mom's Mac-N-Cheese recipe. She is not the world's best cook, but she does make the world's best baked macaroni and cheese! Plus, she's the world's greatest mom...who has supported my decision to transfer from an English degree at a four year school to Culinary. :)

Little things like this turns a house into a home...and I just love it!

Jade