As a needlework artist and tea enthusiast, I’m always interested in creative ways to express my appreciation for the art of tea. For the past several months I’ve been crafting a variety of handmade tea gifts and collecting several homemade ones to give to the tea lovers on my list this Christmas season.
Here are three favorites to share. They are relatively easy to make. Check out the instructions, and then visit your local craft store, gourmet food shop and discount department store to purchase the items you need.
Make a decoupage tea caddy from a basic airtight tin, glass or plastic jar. Glue colored paper tea prints and then paint over the entire caddy with a gold or silver wash or varnish. Here’s how to do it.
Stitch a needlepoint teacup or teapot keepsake Christmas ornament, or a set of bargello needlepoint coasters. Consider these ornament patterns.
Create a gift basket with homemade tea cookies, scones and tea cakes. Include a china teacup and saucer, dessert plate, tea infuser and gourmet loose leaf tea. If you’re really feeling magnanimous, add decorated sugar cubes, specialty honey and other teatime treats.
Have some fun with lots of gift ideas. Let your creativity flow as you create one-of-a-kind items that are guaranteed to please.
An idea is to go to a site like Zazzle.com and order some personalized cups. You can get mugs with just about anything printed on them there. It’s not totally cheap but will give the gift basket that exclusive touch.