Tea Bag Folding: A Cornucopia Of Style
The increase in health awareness and organic living has helped spark the resurgence of tea drinking across the globe. In the United States alone, tea sales almost tripled from less than two billion dollars in 1990 to over six billion dollars in 2005, according to the Tea Association of the United States.
At present, you will surely find a variety of tealeaves, such as oolong, rose, vanilla, jasmine, mint, and even fruit teas, including lychee, lemon and mango, in local supermarkets and coffee shops. Even tea bags have evolved from the common rectangular shape to the new circular or pyramid-shaped bag that is infused with long tealeaves instead of dust, which are indistinguishable tealeaf particles.
Along with the rise in the popularity of tea drinking over the years is the emergence of tea bag folding. Tiny van der Plaas, a woman from Holland, was the one who created this tea bag envelope inspired paper craft. She came up with the idea, which is commonly known as Miniature Kaleidoscopic Origami, when she started to fold up a fruit tea bag envelope while thinking of a novel way of creating a birthday card for her sister.
Tea bag folding can be compared to origami, a popular Japanese paper craft, in the sense that both hobbies make use of paper to create various designs. However, these creations are usually just used to decorate cards and are made using small matching paper squares. In contrast, the Japanese origami cannot only be used as decorations for cards and gifts, but also to produce paper replicas of different animals, flowers, and almost anything under the sun.
In the past, only tea bag envelopes were used for this paper craft technique. As more and more people all over the world learn of this paper folding art, however, paper manufacturers have started to produce specialty papers exclusively for miniature kaleidoscopic origami. Tea bag folding aficionados all across the globe have also modernized this paper craft art by coming up with more magnificent and intricate geometric designs and innovative and unique materials.
Kaleidoscope papers come in various colors and designs, such as flowers, stars, musical instrument, snowflakes, dragons, spirals, and even soccer balls. Most tea bag papers available in the market are printed in 90-100 grams per square meter paper.
Uses of miniature kaleidoscopic origami
Tea bag folding was traditionally used to decorate birthday cards. Now, you can use this colorful and wonderful paper craft as decorations of greeting cards for all occasions. Some people utilize it to decorate photo frames, wall frames, wall clocks, and even scrapbooks. With just a bit of imagination and creativity, you can make use of it to decorate almost anything and everything.
Moreover, tea bag folding can be considered as a relaxing hobby. If you feel that you are on the edge, stressed out because of too much work, try creating some designs, and you will definitely loosen up a bit.
The most important material of this craft is tea bag envelope – if you want to be traditional – or colorful paper. For a more intricate effect, you might want to choose paper with geometric designs and elaborate patterns.
Other essential materials of tea bag folding are cutting mat, scissors, ruler (preferable metal edged), knife or cutter, and paper adhesive.
Popular Designs
For people who are interested in starting a miniature kaleidoscopic origami, you can find a lot of materials and reference over the Internet. There are also some scrapbooking stores that carry tea bag folding materials and books that could help you learn this paper art. If you are on a tight budget, you can even just print designs that are available on the Net.
If you are a neophyte tea bag folding practitioner, you might want to start creating tea bag rosettes. This is a colorful flower-shaped design that can be used to decorate gifts, cards, and even bookmarks. Another beautiful design that has caught the hearts of many is the starburst design. You can use glitters so that your paper star design will look more brilliant and vibrant.
Tea bag folding is an easy and inexpensive hobby you can take on. Once you have started tea bag folding, you will surely get instantly hooked.
Lee Dobbins
View all articles by Lee Dobbins
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LOUIS VUITTON Black MOTARD AFTERDARK LTD-ED Monogram Folding Bag Clutch Handbag $1,750.00 |
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NANCY GONZALEZ Amazing RED CROCODILE Croc Fold-Over Clutch Bag Handbag Purse $1,650.00 |
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PRADA Camel Cervo Folding Deerskin Large Frame Satchel Bag $2650. NEW $1,295.00 |
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Drive Cirrus Plus Folding Power Wheelchair + FREE BAG $1,299.00 |
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GUCCI Blu ALLIGATOR CROCODILE Leather Bi Fold Card Holder Wallet Clutch Bag Gold $1,250.00 |
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CHANEL Wool Zip-Up Jacket Blazer Coat+Belted Bag Purse 40 NEW Fold-Up Cuffs 1999 $1,050.00 |
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womens JIL SANDER black pebbled leather handbag shoulder bag purse fold over top $995.00 |
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BMW E39 FOLDING SEAT SKI BAG 540i 528i 525i 530i 528 M5 $500.00 |
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BMW E39 FOLDING SEAT SKI BAG 540i 528i 525i 530i 528 M5 $500.00 |
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BMW E39 FOLDING SEAT SKI BAG 540i 528i 525i 530i 528 $400.00 |
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LOUIS VUITTON Monogram FOLDING Jewelry Case Bag LV $750.00 |
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AUTH STELLA McCartney Falabella Fold-Over Black Silver Chain Bag NEW $699.00 |
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Chloe NANCY Fold Over Flap FLucite Handles Clutch Bag $699.99 |
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HERMES Leather Bi-Fold Wallet BEARN Yellow 2004 w Paper Bag Purse H in Square $699.00 |
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NIB CHANEL GREY SOFT CAVIAR FRENCH BI FOLD WALLET BAG $685.00 |
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NIB CHANEL BLACK CAVIAR LEATHER FRENCH BI FOLD WALLET BAG $685.00 |
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MARC JACOBS Mayfair Quilted Fold-Over Leather Bag $659.00 |
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NIB CHANEL GREY SOFT CAVIAR FRENCH BI FOLD WALLET BAG $655.00 |
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TOD’S TODS Black Leather BUCKLE TOTE Shoulder Bag Handbag Magnetic Folded Flaps $650.00 |
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$1,195 CHLOE NWT FOLD UP TAN GOATSKIN SHOPPING BAG/ TOTE FABULOUS HANDBAG! $649.99 |
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NEW Lacquered Folding Double Treadle Ashford Joy Spinning wheel & Carry Bag $629.00 |
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NIB CHANEL BROWN CAVIAR FRENCH BI FOLD WALLET BAG $600.00 |
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Kromski Sonata Folding Wheel With Carry Bag 2# Wool $600.00 |
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NEW DEVI KROELL Pink Purple Gradient Python Fold-Over Frame Clutch Handbag Bag $599.00 |
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MOROCCAN HIGH ATLAS BERBER BAG which will be folded vertically and the two sides $525.00 |
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WHOLESALE 144 pcs Portable Folding Shopping Tote Bag -M $252.00 |
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$680 Linea Pelle Dylan Folding Tote Crossbody Bag Handbag ~ Black ~ RARE & NEW $529.00 |
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MOROCCAN HIGH ATLAS BERBER BAG which will be folded vertically and the two sides $490.00 |
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New Paul Smith Brown Black Plain Folded Messenger Bag Z-671192 $499.00 |
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911, 964 1989-93 Tool kit with fold over snap black bag $495.00 |
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orig Persol Ratti folding eyeglass-frame, + boxes + case + plastic bags, vintage $499.00 |
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NIB CHANEL RED CAVIAR FRENCH TRI FOLD WALLET BAG $479.99 |
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Campout Pop Up Camper Awning Folding Trailer Awning Camp out with Vinyl Bag Teal $482.99 |
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NIB CHANEL RED CAVIAR FRENCH TRI FOLD WALLET BAG $479.99 |
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$680 Linea Pelle Dylan Folding Tote Crossbody Bag ~ Cognac Brown Teak ~ RARE $469.00 |
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Linea Pelle Italian Leather Black Iron Brown Dylan Zip Folding Large Tote Bag $474.99 |
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Linea Pelle Italian Leather Black Iron Brown Dylan Zip Folding Large Tote Bag $474.99 |
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Linea Pelle Italian Leather Black Iron Brown Dylan Zip Folding Large Tote Bag $474.99 |
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25 NEW BLACK ARTIST ALUMINUM FOLDING EASEL LIGHT WEIGHT AND CARRY BAG $450.00 |
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Linea Pelle Large Dylan Folding Tote Zip Bag Gunmetal $449.88 |
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Linea Pelle Large Dylan Folding Tote Bag Gunmetal BNWT $449.88 |
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Dahon Speed D7 Folding Bike+ HD Travel Bag+ Panniers, Perfect mechanic condition $399.77 |
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10x BLUE 4-FOLD TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER TABLE TOP W/Bag $414.99 |
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KARL LAGERFELD Black Leather Woven Strap Fold Over Satchel Shoulder Bag Handbag $399.00 |
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STELLA MCCARTNEY Blue PATCHWORK Fold Clutch Bag Handbag $350.00 |
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Japanese Rosewood Hand Forged Folded Shirasaya Sword Set Razor Sharp + Sword Bag $350.00 |
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Fiat 500 – Introducing the Fiat 500 companion folding bicycle in a carrying bag $300.00 |
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NWT ELAINE TURNER WHITE LEATHER GOLDEN HARDWARE FOLD SHOULDER TOTE CROSSBODY BAG $325.00 |
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BN Gucci G Logo BLK Leather Bi-fold Wallet Bag- COIN POCKET+ BOXED -Great Gift! $300.32 |
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Japanese Rosewood Hand Forged Folded Shirasaya Sword Set Razor Sharp + Sword Bag $330.00 |
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NEW Boyt Mach 6 Deluxe Bi-Fold Garment Bag – Black $329.99 |
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Boyt Mach 6 Deluxe Bi-Fold Garment Bag – Black $329.99 |
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NEW Boyt Mach 6 Deluxe Bi-Fold Garment Bag – Olive $329.99 |
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Boyt Mach 6 Deluxe Bi-Fold Garment Bag – Olive $329.99 |
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BN GUCCI BLK GG Bi-fold Wallet Bag /Purse – BOXED, COIN POCKET- GREAT GIFT! $292.43 |
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Schwinn Loop folding mountain bike bicycle w/carry bag+free helmet & gel fusion $299.00 |
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BN Auth Gucci G Logo DK Brown Leather Bi-fold Wallet Bag- Boxed- Great Gift! $268.70 |
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TUMI ‘Alpha Travel & Business’ Tri-Fold Carry-On Garment Bag – 22133DH $274.99 |
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Tumi Luggage Alpha Tri-Fold Carry-On Garment Bag luggage $279.00 |
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BN Auth Men Gucci Dark Brown GG Leather Bi-fold Wallet Bag- Boxed- Great Gift! $268.70 |
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40.6″ Folded Clay Tempered Japanese Tiger Katana Sword Customization & Silk Bag $249.99 |
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BN Auth Men Gucci DK Green/ GG Leather Bi-fold Wallet Bag- Boxed- Great Gift! $268.70 |
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GUCCI BLACK CANVAS FOLDED TRAVEL BAG NWT $795 $289.00 |
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BN Auth Men’ Gucci Dark Blue / like Black Bi-fold Leather Web Wallet Bag $262.38 |
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BN Gucci Dark Brown Bi-fold Leather Wallet Bag -Red/Green Web-BOXED-Perfect Gift $262.38 |
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BN Auth Men’ Gucci Black Bi-fold Leather Web Wallet Bag- Boxed- Great Gift! $260.82 |
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Tan 4 DOOR Steel Dog Pet Crate folding -wheels & handle-insulated base pad & bag $269.99 |
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4 DOOR Steel Dog Pet Crate folds-wheels & handle-pad-storage bag-insulated base $269.95 |
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4 DOOR Steel Dog Pet Crate folds-wheels & handle-pad-storage bag-insulated base $269.95 |
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Single Fold Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp w/ Carry Handle & Travel Bag 1097 $262.90 |
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Drive Medical Super Light Folding Transport Chair with Carry Bag sl18 $259.06 |
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Folding Bike Bag Fits up to 26″wheel $255.00 |
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Single Fold Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp with Carry Handle and Travel Bag $254.96 |
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Samsonite Pro 3 Business Tri-Fold Garment Bag Black 42458-1070 $252.99 |
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Samsonite Pro 3 Tri-Fold Garment Bag in Black $251.99 |
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Samsonite Pro 3 Tri-Fold Garment Bag – Black/Orange $251.99 |
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Super Light Folding Transport Chair with Carry Bag $251.18 |
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AUTHENTIC BRAND NEW TUMI T-TECH TRI-FOLD GARMENT BAG BLACK CARRY-ON LUGGAGE $225.00 |
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Single Fold Wheelchair Ramp w/ Carry Bag 6′ x 30″ NEW $228.95 |
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JUICY COUTURE♥BACARDI♥QUEEN ANNE♥FOLDING CLUTCH/BAG♥NWT♥AUTH RARE $219.72 |
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Drive Super Light Folding Transport Chair W/C Carry Bag $245.95 |
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Single Fold Access Ramp with Carry Bag | Senior Aid $213.00 |
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Single Fold Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp w/ Carry Handle & Travel Bag 1096 $242.71 |
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Boyt Luggage Mach 6 Deluxe Bi-fold Garment Bag Suiter $239.99 |
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Boyt Luggage Mach 6.0 Deluxe Bi-fold Garment Bag 7643 3 Green Olive 6 NWT $239.97 |
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Boyt Luggage Mach 6.0 Deluxe Bi-fold 42″ Garment Bag 6 Black Ballistic Nylon NWT $239.97 |
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WHOLESALE 48 pcs Portable Folding Shopping Tote Bag -M $116.00 |
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NEW Brynn Capella Lauren Crossbody Fold Over Bag – Fore $238.99 |
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NEW Brynn Capella Lauren Crossbody Fold Over Bag – Sail $238.99 |
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NEW Brynn Capella Lauren Crossbody Fold Over Bag – In T $238.99 |
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Brynn Capella Lauren Crossbody Fold Over Bag 3 Colors $238.40 |
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Brynn Capella Lauren Crossbody Fold Over Bag 3 Colors $238.40 |
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Brynn Capella Lauren Crossbody Fold Over Bag 3 Colors $238.40 |
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Foldlite Boat-In-The-Bag Foldlite 10 Ft Folding Kayak $237.93 |
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NEEDAK REBOUNDER BLACK FOLDING w/Stablizer Bar & Storage Bag EXC great gift smkf $235.99 |
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Single Fold Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp with Carry Handle and Travel Bag $235.11 |
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FoldLite 10 Ft Folding Kayak – BOAT-IN-THE-BAG $235.00 |
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Single Fold Portable Wheelchair Scooter Ramp with Travel Bag 6′ $234.98 |
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Single Fold Wheelchair Ramp w/ Carry Bag 5′ x 30″ NEW $234.95 |
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16 NEW SILVER ARTIST ALUMINUM FOLDING EASELS LIGHT WEIGHT AND CARRY BAG $191.84 |
