Handwritten recipe gifts
"I've just found my late grandmother's lemon drizzle cake recipe in an old book and I'd love to use it to make something for my sisters".
These recipes bring lunch to the table for many years, connecting families and traditions at memorable times of the year such as Christmas and birthdays.
Imagine being sat round the table with your family after having made the very recipe from two, maybe more generations ago. Chatting, laughing and reminiscing. It's such a special thing to do and something everyone remembers. That tattered old piece of paper, adorned with creases and marks from the kitchen of yesteryear, the ink smudged and the corners curled up. You can visualise Nan in her apron, stood over the hot stove. The same apron that used to carry vegetables in from the garden, and had wiped away many tears and perspiration over the years. It served as pot holder, and a kitchen counter cleaner to clear spills, and the pockets were incredibly handy for carrying so many things.
We have a few ways to preserve those special recipes, either for display or to use. Either way, we can ensure that Nanna Eve's recipe is never forgotten, whatever the occasion.
The photos below have links to Etsy for full product information, or refer to our FAQs section for more information.
Memorial gifts
When someone you love passes away, it's an incredibly difficult time. You could have the last card or note they ever wrote, and aren't sure what to do with it.
We would be honoured to create a special keepsake that can be cherished for many years to come. The emotion of seeing their handwriting holds a tangible connection to the past, and is deeply nostalgic and unique; a feeling unlike anything else.
These are some of the keepsakes that are chosen to remember a lost loved one, and are often given to mark special occasions such as the birthday of the surviving partner, children or siblings or as a unique gift for close family members at Christmas. Each has the option for your own unique personalisation, which is explained in more detail on our FAQs page, as well as on each individual Etsy listing.
CUSTOMER STORY
Sarah wanted to surprise her mum with a gift made from her late brother's handwriting for her birthday.
The cushion was made using his exact handwriting and completed with a simple red rose as the requested bespoke design.
These are the special ways that we can preserve memories with gifts that are cherished for many years.
Common questions for memorial gifts
If you're not sure where to start or you need to know how to get the writing to us, use this section or have a look through our comprehensive FAQs below
How do I order?
All products are available to order directly in our long established Etsy shop, and full information is on the individual product listings.
Do you need the original writing or just a photo?
All work we do is from a photo or scan of the handwriting, so you get to keep the original safe. The image(s) can be uploaded on Etsy at the time of order.
Our "Handwriting guides" section provides full information on how to take the best photo, and what to avoid.
Can you combine writing from more than one card?
Yes, absolutely! We do recommend a maximum of 2 photos per order, but can accommodate more on occasion if the item needs it and often piece together parts of writing from different cards. Just tell us at the time of order which parts to include and exclude.
Can you enlarge the writing as I only have a small extract I want to use?
Yes we can. The size of the original writing and the paper/card it was written on makes no difference to the end result. Due to our process, we can resize any writing to make it bigger or smaller and fit the end product perfectly without any loss of quality or clarity.
Can I see how it will look before you print?
Yes, certainly. We send a digital proof for your approval for all orders so you get to check the design and layout before we go to print. At this stage we can make any small adjustments and only print once you are 100% happy.
We do recommend that you have Etsy notifications switched on, and also check your email spam folder to avoid delays in processing.
How long does it take?
The time taken from order to completion varies particularly in busy periods* but we work to an average 3 working days to complete orders.
*At Christmas, orders can take up to a week from order to completion, and we do keep you updated with progress every step of the way.
Where does the handwriting come from?
Over the years, we have printed thousands of unique gifts and worked from handwriting that has come from:
- Birthday cards
- Letters
- Christmas cards
- Gift tags
- Recipe books
- School books
- Whiteboards
- Notes
- Cigarette packets (yes that still happens!)
- Kitchen roll
- Bedroom walls
- Image of a tattoo
As you can see, there are many sources of the handwriting that we work with, and as long as you can obtain a clear photograph or scan there is no reason why we can't use it to create your perfect keepsake.
Birthday gifts
Our range of handwriting products make wonderful birthday gifts for family and friends and are a source of deep emotional connection, particularly if they receive a gift printed with a lost loved one's handwriting. These are the gifts that are treasured the most as they are so thoughtful and meaningful.
The top choices are cushions and tea towels - these can have any handwriting on at all (the tea towels don't need to have a recipe!)
See our Gift Guides section for the full range of products.
Cushion gallery (click on the photos to open in Etsy)
Tea towel gallery (click on the photos to open in Etsy)
Handwriting gifts for him
It is often said that men are difficult to buy for; our handwriting gifts are perfect for the man who has it all or "doesn't need anything". Thoughtful and personalised, these are the gifts that he will love over anything generic.
Occasions include birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and Father's Day (or just because).
