Recipe holder
DIY Wooden Ice Cream Stick Recipe Holder: A Fun and Practical Upcycle
Upcycle those wooden ice cream sticks into a charming and functional recipe holder. This easy DIY project is not only eco-friendly but also adds a rustic touch to your kitchen. Perfect for keeping your favorite recipes on display while you cook!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Wooden ice cream sticks (about 30-40)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Small wooden base or cardboard piece (for the stand)
- Paint or wood stain (optional)
- Paintbrush
- Clips (for holding recipes)
- Decorative embellishments (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Gather and Clean the Ice Cream Sticks
Start by collecting enough wooden ice cream sticks for the project. Clean and dry them thoroughly if they’ve been used, ensuring there’s no leftover food residue.

Step 2: Create the Recipe Holder Back
Lay the ice cream sticks side by side to form the back of the recipe holder. You’ll need about 10-15 sticks for this section, depending on how large you want your holder to be. Once arranged, glue them together by placing two horizontal ice cream sticks across the back for support. Use the hot glue gun to secure everything in place.




Step 3: Build the Stand
To make your recipe holder stand upright, create a base using either a small wooden piece or cut-out cardboard. Attach more ice cream sticks to this base, stacking them to form a triangular shape. This will act as a support to hold the back section up at an angle. Glue the back of the recipe holder to the stand.

Step 4: Paint or Stain the Wood (Optional)
If you’d like to add color or a more polished finish, paint or stain the wooden ice cream sticks at this stage. Use a paintbrush to apply your chosen color and let it dry completely before moving on.
Step 5: Attach the Recipe Clip
Once your holder is dry, attach a small clip to the top of the recipe holder. This clip will keep your recipe cards in place while you cook. You can either glue the clip directly onto the wood or use a metal binder clip for a more rustic look.
Step 6: Add Decorative Touches (Optional)
Personalize your recipe holder by adding decorative touches like ribbons, beads, or even a hand-painted design on the wooden sticks. Let your creativity flow and make it a unique piece that suits your kitchen décor.

Step 7: Display and Use Your Recipe Holder
Your upcycled ice cream stick recipe holder is now ready to use! Place your favorite recipe card in the clip and set it up on your kitchen counter for easy access while cooking.

Additional Tips for Success:
- Customize the Size: You can make the holder bigger or smaller depending on the size of your recipes or the available space in your kitchen.
- Reuse Materials: If you don’t have enough ice cream sticks, craft sticks from a store work just as well, keeping this project budget-friendly.
- Gift Idea: This recipe holder makes for a thoughtful handmade gift for anyone who loves to cook or bake.
With this simple upcycling project, you’ll create a practical recipe holder that’s both sustainable and stylish. Perfect for adding a rustic touch to your kitchen, it’s a great way to keep your favorite recipes within arm’s reach while cooking.