Tea Book Finished!
Finally. I’ve finished the book and I think it’s “tea-riffic!” (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
Click any image for a larger view
All the black writing and drawings are on clear acetate, which form partial overlays on each interior page. I photographed them at angle to avoid glare.
In addition to glued fabric collage, most pages include either hand or machine stitching, such as the French knots below.
(If you look closely you’ll notice that I left some of the tea grounds attached to the tea bag papers.)
It was a little tricky getting the fabric and the drawn imagery to align. But, I think the effect was worth the effort.
I love my iced tea!
The photo below shows the front, with the book tied together.
Although I had some technical challenges with this book, I’m really glad I did it. (And I know the next one will be much easier!)
I learned a few things about these books. Maybe I should write up a few pointers, measurements, and such. Would anyone be interested in that?
Ellen Lindner
Yes Ellen! I for one am always interested in any tips and tricks you might have to offer! The book is amazing! I have a mother who is a hot tea drinker and known for her love of it! I think a similar book for her might be fun. I’d probably add other things that she loves, but the love of hot tea is always an underlining theme with her so I’m getting lots of ideas here! Thanks for sharing it with us!
The book loooks great Ellen- the first of many to come.
Thanks for the comments, ladies. Maybe I’ll write down a few pointers before I forget what they are!
Ellen… I have been following this… catch as..as catch can… and I love your little book. I have been trying to figure out what you used as a base.. is it Timtex? Did you coat your pages at all.. with anything? I, too, would be interested in some tips…
I am glad you left some of the tea on the bags… makes it more ‘the real thing’… IMO.
Great job… great fun…
This book is finished perfec-T-ly!
Thanks, ladies! Carole, I used a fairly heavy watercolor paper for the base. It’s sturdy, but stitchable. I SHOULD have sprayed these pages with a protectant, but I just didn’t think of it. I guess I won’t do it now, since the fabrics under the acetate wouldn’t benefit from it.
I’ll write a little tutorial, soon, with all the particulars. These little books are fun and (now that I know what I’m doing,) fast.
I had to laugh at your tea book. I’m from Wisconsin and the only tea we had was the instant. I had my niece in law over a couple weeks ago and even though I have lived in the south over 20 years, just started making tea, and told her I found a recipe for tea and how does it taste. She thought I was crazy. I also found out that you don’t squeeze the tea bag and if you put in a pinch of baking soda it won’t be bitter. Lorrie
Lorrie, that is so funny. Your niece had never heard of “real” tea?
I didn’t know the baking soda trick. I’ll have to try that.