Tea Bag Art

When I got my issue of Quilting Arts Magazine June/July 2017,  I was interested in trying out the tea bag thread painting technique.

 I apologize for the odd colors in my photos.
 At first, of course, it was easy...make a pot of tea using tea bags and save them.   I dried them and emptied out the tea by making a small hole at the bottom of the bags.  

 I cut a small piece of muslin to fit inside the bag, this helps stabilize the paper bag and sews your design easier.

Using watered down white glue like "Elmer's" or PVA glue and a cotton swab, I painted the cut edge closed and let it dry.

Next, I cut bits from my scrap bag and placed them on using a dab of glue just to hold them in place to sew over.  I wouldn't suggest using an elaborate design with too many pieces and elements as the size of the tea bags restricts your design and too much sewing will tear up the bags.

Once you've sewn down all the elements, paint the entire surface with the thinned glue and let dry completely.  You will be able to sew the entire bag onto a larger piece once it has dried.  

 This technique is strictly for items you are not going to put through the wash.   I made magnets out of these using those annoying advertisement magnets that come in the post.  Why throw them away?  I cut them to size and glued them onto the back.

 Using them as an applique,  I made 2 eyeglass cases for my sunglasses as well.  This project was strictly an experiment and I don't expect these to last forever because they are just paper, but I like them and if I can be careful with the use, they will last a while.  Applying a couple thin coats of the glue wash helps in preserving the integrity and dries clear.   I used a fine pigma pen to write on the tea bags.

A Tiny Project

I'm sorry I have not posted anything in months.  It's been a crazy summer, but I have not been idle.   I've made some kennel quilts for the displaced pets and dropped items below for World Art drop day which was yesterday and by the way, it is held every year on the first Tuesday in September.  You can go on social media to see more about it or search in your area for more details.

The two mug rugs on the left are paper pieced.  The crochet table mat was a little tricky as you work 2 separate ovals and a square, then weave them and sew together.  And the tea bag magnet at the top is a project I want to post about another time.  These were all the items I did for World Art drop day yesterday.  Whomever found these items, I hope they will like them.

This picture was taken after I cut out the pieces for the mug rug and cozy

Years ago I experimented with tea dying fabric.  So, I wanted to try this technique again with an old canvas tote bag I had.   It was plain, stained and should have been thrown away, but I thought why not tea dye it, experiment with block printing and see if I can make something out of it.  Not worried about ruining it, I went head long into making something out of this horrible piece of fabric.  I cut the handles off and the side seams making it one long piece.   Next, I made a huge pot of tea using 8 black tea blend bags to about 3 cups of water. Steep for around 15 minutes or so, then added the fabric piece and left to cool.  An hour or two later I wrung out, rinse, wrung and rinsed again.  Wrung a final time and let line dry.  Once dry, I ironed the fabric without starch sizing and was ready to add paint, stenciling and block printing.  I used textile paints, let dry and ironed a final time.  It looks blotchy, but I like it, so moving on, I made a mug rug and mug cozy from this tea dyed canvas and like the result very much.  DH uses these in his office.

 Mug Cozy

This is the reverse side.  Fabric for the reverse is a commercial batik cotton fabric.

Mug Rug

Mug Rug reverse side

DH favorite tea break

Colouricious is where I have found print blocks, textile paints and tons of inspiration.
Now, what to do with the rest of this canvas?  Maybe a bag and add some stitching and beading?  We'll see.