Tea Bag Stamping

Upcycle a used tea bag by stamping on the filter paper.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Steep the tea and set the used bag(s) aside in a dish to dry overnight.
   
   NOTE:
   To speed the drying process a heat tool can be gently used on the tea bag.

   

2. Step 2

   Remove tea leaves from the tea bag.
   
   For whole bag use:
   On the backside of the tea bag (folded side), cut a small slit 3/4 way down to bottom of the bag approximately 3/4” across. Be careful to only cut a single layer of the bag. Gently rub the bag to remove all of the tea.
   

   

3. For unfolded full sheet:
   Gently remove the staple that holds the bag closed. (The tip of your paper snips or a toothpick works good for this.) Unfold and gently rub the bag tube to remove the tea. Gently pull apart at the seam and remove any additional tea that may be present.
   
   NOTE:
   If you have trouble pulling the seam apart, you can spritz a small amount of water on the seam and then pull it apart. Be sure to lightly dry the bag with a heat tool before proceeding to the stamping.

   

4. Step 3

   Gently smooth the bag with your finger and put into stamp positioning tool if desired.
   
   NOTE:
   Due to color and texture of the bag, it may be necessary to stamp the image more than once, and using the positioning tool makes it easy to re-stamp.

   

5. Step 4

   Stamp desired image(s).

   

6. Color with markers or other medium if desired or needed. Embellishments may also be added as desired.

   

7. Step 5

   Attach tea bag to a cardstock mat and assemble card or project.
   
   NOTE:
   A lighter color cardstock allows the stamped image to show better since the majority of the tea bags are semi-transparent, especially when opened up.

   

8. Step 6

   Complete the project.

   

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Tea Bag Stamping. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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