CreaTEAvity: How to make teabag artwork

Here is a story of how I started making #teabagart

It was 2017. I was staying at home preparing for CAT. Giving mocks was intense and I would often make a cup of tea for myself after completing one.

On one such day, after giving a mock test, I went to the kitchen and found #Lipton green tea on the table. I thought of bringing a little change to the routine, made a cup of green tea and I continued with my work. The tea was really good, but what happened next was even better.

When I went back to the kitchen sometime later, I realised I had forgotten to dispose off the used teabag. The teabag had completely dried and it seemed like it would make a really good canvas. So I emptied the contents and experimented with various colors and patterns over the next few days. This was the start of #teabagart

A serendipitous encounter with a cup of green tea sparked a burst of creativity (or should I say, creaTEAvity) In this simple moment, Lipton inspired not only a delightful tea experience but also a journey of self-expression and the joy of turning the ordinary into extraordinary.

Here are a few teabag artworks for you to see:

You can shop or get custom teabag artworks made here: www.payalmaloo.com/shop

I will also take the opportunity of this blog to share the creative process and step-by-step guide to making teabag artworks. In my creative journey, I have found inspiration through various sources and practices. Reading diverse topics expands my imagination. In addition to that, graphic novels offer a unique visual storytelling experience. Connecting with fellow creators, engaging in discussions, and collaborating have been invaluable in sparking new ideas and perspectives. Movies (from Studio Ghibli, Disney-Pixar, and the likes) transport me to imaginative worlds and ignite my creativity. Active observation is a constant practice, allowing me to notice intricate details, patterns, and connections in the world. I capture these ideas through notes, sketches, and journaling, preserving them for future artistic exploration.

And now, coming to the teabag art making process - it is rather simple if you follow the given steps:

1. Enjoy a refreshing cup of green tea. The reason I mention green tea is because the canvas would have lighter stains as compared to black tea. This will help us add vibrant colors with ease to the artwork. However, you can still go ahead with a black teabag.

2. Leave the used teabag to dry. Once it is completely dried, remove the thread, gently cut open one side of the teabag and remove the tea leaves from the inside. Clean the teabag thoroughly, ensuring no leaves remain. Use a paint brush to brush off the tea leaves and do it very very gently.

3. Once it is clean, lay the elongated teabag canvas on the drawing board. Use pencil to sketch the basic outline with a very light hand. Do not use eraser as it can spoil your newly made canvas.

4. Use watercolors to paint the artwork, being cautious not to over-saturate the canvas. Have a hairdryer handy for quick drying, if needed. (Alternative to watercolor – Gouache)

5. Consider using micro-tip pens for final outlining and detailing. Apply a protective coat of varnish to preserve the teabag art after completion.

I hope these instructions inspire you to create your own teabag artwork. Don't forget to tag @payal.oolam when you share your masterpiece. Happy tea-inspired artistry!