I found this wonderful DIY + Freebie project over at Creature Comforts. It looks like so much fun! I can't wait to give it a go!
Step 1: Collect up a variety of teas to use. Each flavour will yield different results, so have fun testing them all out.
Step 2: Brew the tea bags in a separate glass for each flavor using only a small amount of hot water (don't add any sugar or milk). More than one tea bag can be used for stronger colour saturation. A handy tip is to leave the tags on so you remember which was which.
Step 3: Create a quick colour guide for each tea flavour and labeled it for later reference. Painting with tea is similar to painting with watercolor in that the depth of the color builds up with each new application.
To do: just paint 3 small circles in a row for each flavour. When dry, paint a second layer over the last two circles in each row. When those try, paint once more atop the very last circle in the row for a third layer.
Step 4: Head on over to
Creature Comforts to download the
Tea Cup design freebie.
Step 5: Print the Tea Cup design onto heavy-weight card stock paper or watercolor paper (if your printer can process it) and cut out. Leaving a thin white border around the outside gives it a nice effect when completed.
Step 6: Dip your brush into your tea and begin filling in your cards with strokes of tea in the areas you'd like coloured. Start with a thin layer of tea. Once it has begun to dry you can apply additional layers of tea for definition. Remember that each coat will become slightly darker so you can use this for "shading" and other fun effects. Your printer ink may react with the moisture from the tea, but this can create a lovely softness with each coat of tea. Yours may do the same. Don't worry about messing up, you can print as many as you want so just be creative and have fun with it!
Tip: If you want to give this card to multiple recipients (for a shower invite perhaps) but don't have the time to paint that many, you can paint one original version and have it colour copied onto quality paper for instant handmade cards!
Alternately: If tea painting isn't your thing, the free
Tea Cup Design can still make a great starting place for a fun card. Use coloured pencils, markers, or standard watercolors and enjoy!
Make sure you check out more DIY Projects and other great content at
Creature Comforts - definitely one of my favourite blogs!
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