Tea Bag Folding Is Similar to Origami
Tea bag folding is a paper folding craft developed in Europe. It is similar to origami folding. You use all the basic origami folds such as the boat, the water bomb or the square base. It is as absorbing as origami because your output can be endless. Each finished pattern and project for card making or scrapbooking is as varied as a kaleidoscope.
If your curiosity is running read on for more info on teabag folding and easy pattern instructions. At the very end of this lens is a link to "Web Links for the Craft of Tea Bag Folding" if you want even more.
December 2008 LOTD A proud crafty lens
A Little About Tea Bag Folding
Tea bag folding is easier than origami folding.
Tea bag folding is a fun art to pursue. New ideas pop up and there is always something to get excited about.
You start with eight squares or tiles, all printed alike, and fold each the same than interlock them together into a pie or medallion using a dab of glue.
The medallions or rosettes can be used for handmade cards, gift tags, or scrapbooking. You decide. Use specially printed tea bag folding paper or find any paper that suits your fancy.
I like to use the dollar notepads or list pads in the bargain bins at your craft store. This pink and yellow star is made from sticky notes. Hint: Just use corn starch over the sticky patch to make folding easier.
You start with eight squares or tiles, all printed alike, and fold each the same than interlock them together into a pie or medallion using a dab of glue.
The medallions or rosettes can be used for handmade cards, gift tags, or scrapbooking. You decide. Use specially printed tea bag folding paper or find any paper that suits your fancy.
I like to use the dollar notepads or list pads in the bargain bins at your craft store. This pink and yellow star is made from sticky notes. Hint: Just use corn starch over the sticky patch to make folding easier.
Stories of Paper Folding
What I found out about tea bag folding.
As I became more absorbed with paper folding I started displaying and selling at craft fairs and people had memories of their paper folding.
This is a collection of histories that have been compiled and finally written down as an informal record of paper folding in Western countries. Tea bag folding is a much older tradition than the internet is portraying on easily accessed sites.
I began learning this as I met people during craft fairs. Several remembered folding paper the same as a child. One in Canada during the 40's, and in the states during the 50's using wallpaper sample books. Two people remembered folding paper in Germany. One just after the forties was shown paper folding by her mother. A younger woman learned tea bag folding in the sixties as a child of a serviceman stationed in Germany.
It has occurred to me now that I should get more information and in the future I plan on getting dates, locations and the ages of the learner and teachers.
If you have any past info on tea bag folding do not hesitate to message me here or on etsy and ebay. I will add your story to this history lens. Tea bag folding is also known as kaleidoscope folding or miniature kaleidoscope origami.
This is a collection of histories that have been compiled and finally written down as an informal record of paper folding in Western countries. Tea bag folding is a much older tradition than the internet is portraying on easily accessed sites.
I began learning this as I met people during craft fairs. Several remembered folding paper the same as a child. One in Canada during the 40's, and in the states during the 50's using wallpaper sample books. Two people remembered folding paper in Germany. One just after the forties was shown paper folding by her mother. A younger woman learned tea bag folding in the sixties as a child of a serviceman stationed in Germany.
It has occurred to me now that I should get more information and in the future I plan on getting dates, locations and the ages of the learner and teachers.
If you have any past info on tea bag folding do not hesitate to message me here or on etsy and ebay. I will add your story to this history lens. Tea bag folding is also known as kaleidoscope folding or miniature kaleidoscope origami.
Explore Tea Bag Folding with a Book.
Here are books offered thru Amazon.com.
I have all the following books and still refer to them for ideas.
Mini reviews have been included with each book recommendation.
Mini reviews have been included with each book recommendation.
More Tea Bag Folding: Celtic and Oriental Designs
Some great fold ideas. The patterns are a little hard to follow. I had to get help from my origami folding daugther.
Amazon Price: $11.86 (as of 11/25/2009) 
Memory Folding (Memory makers)
Lots of ideas for scrapbooks. Easy to follow patterns.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
Tea Bag Folded Greetings Cards (Greetings Cards series)
Beautiful book. Includes intructions on stamping to make your own tiles. Card ideas are very nice. No new fold patterns for me. Excellent for the beginner.
Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 11/25/2009)
Tea Bag Folding
I have referred to this book a hundred times. A bit hard to follow but all ideas are very original and there is more than just card making for your folding.
Amazon Price: $12.44 (as of 11/25/2009)
Tea Bag Folding (Design Original Can Do Crafts)
The picture for this book will show on Amazon. This book was the very first one I used to learn the fun craft of tea bag folding. Lots of folds to get you started and easy to follow.
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
Why Is It Called Tea Bag Folding?
Are You Curious?
Tea Bag Folding may have been around for decades but it is thanks to an artist in Holland that it has worldwide recognition.
Tiny Van Der Plas came upon the name as she was sitting with her cup of tea. Of course, her artist mind was whirling and as she was thinking about a greeting she wanted to make she was also working her fingers with the papers that covered her tea bags. European teas come in fancy papers. I am sure one thing led to another with her friend Janet Wilson.
They have written more than three books together about this fun craft. So it may have been around for decades but it is these two women that have given it a new name and sparked enthusiasts everywhere. Especially in England, Australia and the United States.
The fold at the right is from one of their books titled "More Tea Bag Folding:Celtic and Oriental Designs".
Tiny Van Der Plas came upon the name as she was sitting with her cup of tea. Of course, her artist mind was whirling and as she was thinking about a greeting she wanted to make she was also working her fingers with the papers that covered her tea bags. European teas come in fancy papers. I am sure one thing led to another with her friend Janet Wilson.
They have written more than three books together about this fun craft. So it may have been around for decades but it is these two women that have given it a new name and sparked enthusiasts everywhere. Especially in England, Australia and the United States.
The fold at the right is from one of their books titled "More Tea Bag Folding:Celtic and Oriental Designs".
Here is a Good Video Showing a Simple Fold To Get You Started
This fold is easy. Give it a try.
I'm Curious--How Many Actually Tried Rosie's Fold?
After seeing the video above. How many of you gave it a try?
Did everyone stop after one project?
Loading poll. Please Wait...
Get Started on Folding the Star.
Free tea bag folding instructions.
At the end of this informational lens learn to fold a tea bag folding medallion with paperfacets.
If You Voted Tea Bag Folding is Not for Me
But you like paper arts
The Origami Resource Center is a very good website for origami, tea bag folding, kirigami, Jewish origami and more. Sections for children about paper folding. It is clean and well organized. If you want to know more this is the place.
Origami Resource Center
I Found Tea Bag Folding on Flickr
Pictures of tea bag folding. The ideas are endless.
When in Flickr search tea+bag+folding to get more examples.
see
curated content from Flickr
Take a Look at Teabag Folding on Squidbids.
Look at my tea bag folding work.
Take a look at portfolio pictures of tea bag folding pieces and Paperfacet's ebay philosophy.This is no exaggeration. When you order from me your impression of USPS will be restored. The Post Office out of La Verne does not miss an envelope or package. They are top notch workers! Your order will not be delayed.
Also have a look at my lens about my Etsy Shop. Both sites take paypal for easy transactions.
Leave a comment about this lens. I would like to know how I am doing.
Good or bad. Let me know. Thanks.
Thank you everyone who visited this lens and others the day the music had played LOTD for me! I appreciate the good ratings and all the wonderful comments. Joy joy happy happy I am like a singing cat.
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- mukunda22 mukunda22 Oct 31, 2009 @ 9:39 am
- Never Heard Of This!!
It is a little known art form!!
####blessed####
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- rms rms Oct 5, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
- Congratulations new Giant!
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- jaja23 jaja23 Oct 1, 2009 @ 11:24 pm
- Awesome lens! very creative :) Love it ^_^ 5*
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Tea Bag Folding Pattern-Lesson One
Free Pattern Instructions for tea bag folding
Follows is a step by step pattern for a tea bag fold medallion or star. This is the very first pattern that I learned from an instruction book I bought at a scrap booking fair. I have folded paper at least 330 days a year since that day.
Since working with Squidoo I have folded less.
STEP ONE
You will need eight squares of paper cut 2X2 inches. I will refer to these squares as tiles.
A glue bottle with a tip or a tooth pick to dab glue.
Start your pattern by folding your square 4 ways. Opening the tile up again after each fold as follows.
Fold corner to corner. Open.
Fold other corner to corner. Open.
Fold one side to other side. Open.
Fold other side to side. Open.
The folds will look like the high lighted folds in the first picture.
Since working with Squidoo I have folded less.
STEP ONE
You will need eight squares of paper cut 2X2 inches. I will refer to these squares as tiles.
A glue bottle with a tip or a tooth pick to dab glue.
Start your pattern by folding your square 4 ways. Opening the tile up again after each fold as follows.
Fold corner to corner. Open.
Fold other corner to corner. Open.
Fold one side to other side. Open.
Fold other side to side. Open.
The folds will look like the high lighted folds in the first picture.
STEP TWO
Now make the tile into an origami water bomb base.
or
Squish the sides in to create a double triangle.
Now make the tile into an origami water bomb base.
or
Squish the sides in to create a double triangle.
STEP THREE
With your double triangle flat swing the left side to the right and fold to meet the center.
With your double triangle flat swing the left side to the right and fold to meet the center.
STEP FOUR
Do the same to the opposite side.
Take the right side and swing to the left and fold to the center.
Do the same to the opposite side.
Take the right side and swing to the left and fold to the center.
STEP FIVE
Your folded tile should look like this. It is a triangle with a pop-up diamond in the middle.
Fold seven more tiles the same way.
Your folded tile should look like this. It is a triangle with a pop-up diamond in the middle.
Fold seven more tiles the same way.
Now It is Time to Assemble the Star
You should have eight units completely folded.
Take two folded tiles and interlock them as shown in photos.
Think of one piece in each hand. The point of the piece in the left hand goes under the diamond of the tile in your right hand and meets at the arrows.
This photo is to illustrate what a project might look like. The eight tiles will be identical
and folded so the motif is identical after the tiles are folded.
and folded so the motif is identical after the tiles are folded.
Here is where the glue will be used.
Put a dab of glue under the diamond so the point of the left hand piece will adhere to it and stay.
Dab glue for each as you work around to form the medallion.
Dab glue for each as you work around to form the medallion.
The Finished Star
More Examples and Two Variations
What paper to use for tea bag folding.
Tea bag Folding paper should not be something to hinder your creativity. Get what's out there. You do not have to use your printer or that expensive printer ink.
Additional examples with different papers. I used list pad paper from the bargain bin for these stars. This kind of paper is thinner making it easier to fold.
Hint: Don't hesitate to fold because of materials. Maybe that stationary you have never used, or the decorated laser printing paper you still have can be used for practice. I like to use the fancy drawer paper that is available at Marshall's and Ross. All you need is eight repeat patterns.
Look closely above and you will notice that these two stars are opposite. The second star was interlocked clockwise.
Hint: Before you are ready to assemble your star try it both ways to see which is more attractive.
The star on the right below is an example of trimming the white tips off the bottom most fold. This variation gives the star a little spin.
Last the stars are turned over and you see the back side. As can be noted the back is as artful as the front.
Hint: Cut a circle out of the front of a folded card and center the star over the circle opening to reveal a portion of the back when the card is opened.
Additional examples with different papers. I used list pad paper from the bargain bin for these stars. This kind of paper is thinner making it easier to fold.
Hint: Don't hesitate to fold because of materials. Maybe that stationary you have never used, or the decorated laser printing paper you still have can be used for practice. I like to use the fancy drawer paper that is available at Marshall's and Ross. All you need is eight repeat patterns.
Look closely above and you will notice that these two stars are opposite. The second star was interlocked clockwise.
Hint: Before you are ready to assemble your star try it both ways to see which is more attractive.
The star on the right below is an example of trimming the white tips off the bottom most fold. This variation gives the star a little spin.
Last the stars are turned over and you see the back side. As can be noted the back is as artful as the front.
Hint: Cut a circle out of the front of a folded card and center the star over the circle opening to reveal a portion of the back when the card is opened.
Lesson 2**Variations of Tea Bag Folding for the Star
Get All You Can Out of One Tea Bag Folding Pattern
Here are the two medallions from last week's tea bag folding pattern lesson. Just add some background paper and mount them on a plain card. Add your message in your very recognizable handwriting and your friend will be thrilled to receive an original greeting from you.
Michaels and Joanne Stores have packages of plain cards and envelopes ready to decorate. With the Sunday coupon they would be very affordable.
This Week's New Look in the Tea Bag Folding Star Pattern
Tea Bag Folding Pattern
STEP ONE
Start with the water bomb base following steps 1-5 from Lesson One. Make eight units making sure the patterns end up all the same.
Now unfold them and fold down the two top corners to the center. The creases will already be there from your previous folding.
STEP TWO
Squish the sides in. The shape is the triangle with the diamond on top. Now you have a unit that looks like Step 5. The diamond folds are inside causing it to pop up even more than in Lesson One.
Start with the water bomb base following steps 1-5 from Lesson One. Make eight units making sure the patterns end up all the same.
Now unfold them and fold down the two top corners to the center. The creases will already be there from your previous folding.
STEP TWO
Squish the sides in. The shape is the triangle with the diamond on top. Now you have a unit that looks like Step 5. The diamond folds are inside causing it to pop up even more than in Lesson One.
Tea Bag Folding Instructions
Take the right wing and fold into the center as in the photo to the left. The point will be pointing down. Do the same to the left wing.
Your unit should look like the photo to the right. Fold all the tiles in the same manner.
Hint: The white excess on the lower left can be trimmed off for a cleaner look.
Cut a scrap of paper into a one inch square and glue four units onto it. Dab the glue at the tip of the triangle on the back as in the photo below. The diamond shape needs to be free of glue. You will slip the other units under them.
Dabbing the glue in the same manner as above take the four remaining units and slip them under the flaps of the ones already glued onto the square.
Complete
The back of your project should look like this.
Your finished project should look like this.
Gently bend up the four top units so there is a valley effect in the center.
Our New Variation Mounted as Greeting Cards
Tea Bag Folding Card Sample
The project we just finished is the card on the left. A punch out die cut frame matches nicely. The card on the right is our new variation assembled like the star in our first lesson. There is less of a pinwheel effect with this new fold.
Lesson 3**Variations of Tea Bag Folding Patterns
Tea Bag Folding Pattern and Layout
If you are already familiar with Lesson 2's fold than this week is easy.
We will work with a new pattern layout. I used scrapbooking paper for this project.
You will need only four tiles. Get folding. Fold all four like Lesson 2.
Your units will look like the second picture.
Instead of using the diamond side the other side will be up.
We will work with a new pattern layout. I used scrapbooking paper for this project.
You will need only four tiles. Get folding. Fold all four like Lesson 2.
Your units will look like the second picture.
Instead of using the diamond side the other side will be up.
Cut a square from scrap paper. Glue the folded tiles like the picture below.
The finished medallion will look like this.
The finished medallion will look like this.
Some of the Looks
Mix and Match
Take your finished medallion and mix and match background treatments to get the look you like the best.
I went with the 4th treatment.
curated content from Flickr
Lesson 3 Finished Card Sample
Tea Bag Folding Example
Here is the medallion for Lesson 3 made into a Thank You card. It has been sold on ebay.
Two More Arrangements
Lesson 3
Try these two arrangements with the same fold.
Tea Bag Folding Lesson 4
Making Cards With Tea Bag Folding
This week's lesson will show how to make and use a template to get the most out of your papers. Again I will use grocery list pad paper from craft store bargain bins. They usually have a magnet on the back.
Start with making a template. Refer to Lesson 1 and make two units out of plain scrap paper. Put a dot on one of them.
Interlock as shown. Highlight the parts of the dotted unit on the left side that are on top. The top will be the exposed parts. Interlock the opposite way as shown and highlight the bottom parts of the dotted unit on the right side.
Open up the dotted unit and you have a template of the exposed parts of the folded unit.
Start with making a template. Refer to Lesson 1 and make two units out of plain scrap paper. Put a dot on one of them.
Interlock as shown. Highlight the parts of the dotted unit on the left side that are on top. The top will be the exposed parts. Interlock the opposite way as shown and highlight the bottom parts of the dotted unit on the right side.
Open up the dotted unit and you have a template of the exposed parts of the folded unit.
Making Handmade Cards
I have put the template pattern on vellum so I can see through and compare the exposed motifs of the printed paper.
The first picture on top shows that one berry will be exposed. It is under the yellow highlight. Click picture to enlarge.
This second picture shows more berries under the highlight.
I have decided to cut both. The cut with the three berries I use the vellum template as a guide and cut the square using the template. I take this first tile and line it up over each sheet to cut seven more. Hint: Sometimes the paper is thin enough for you to cut more than one at a time. Just make sure to keep edges lined up.
Here are the folds interlocked into medallions. As you study both examples note that the first cut is the medallion on the left and the second with three berries is on the right.
I use the templates almost for every project. That does not mean the finished project is exactly what I had in mind when I started.
The first picture on top shows that one berry will be exposed. It is under the yellow highlight. Click picture to enlarge.
This second picture shows more berries under the highlight.
I have decided to cut both. The cut with the three berries I use the vellum template as a guide and cut the square using the template. I take this first tile and line it up over each sheet to cut seven more. Hint: Sometimes the paper is thin enough for you to cut more than one at a time. Just make sure to keep edges lined up.
Here are the folds interlocked into medallions. As you study both examples note that the first cut is the medallion on the left and the second with three berries is on the right.
I use the templates almost for every project. That does not mean the finished project is exactly what I had in mind when I started.
********
The following cards were made from the two above examples.
The white card I used the medallion with the three berries.
For the cut with the single berry I used Lesson 3 and made two projects each with four units instead of eight. I have a "Got to Have Red" greeting card and a matching gift tag.
For both cards I used elements from the list pad to give it a coordinating look.
The white card I used the medallion with the three berries.
For the cut with the single berry I used Lesson 3 and made two projects each with four units instead of eight. I have a "Got to Have Red" greeting card and a matching gift tag.
For both cards I used elements from the list pad to give it a coordinating look.
White card with Three Berries
Card and Gift Tag
Lesson 5
Tuesday Morning tea bag folding lesson
Lesson 5 is the start of a new lens. This one is long and it is time to start a new one.
The new lens will be called Tea Bag Folding Pattern Instructions*Part Two
All you need to do is click on the blue title and you are ready to start.
Have fun folding.
Always, Sherry
The new lens will be called Tea Bag Folding Pattern Instructions*Part Two
All you need to do is click on the blue title and you are ready to start.
Have fun folding.
Always, Sherry
Every Tuesday Morning See a New Variation of the Star
The previous Lessons One and Two gave you variations of the same basic pattern. Now you are armed with additional variations in Lesson 3. Lesson 4 was about making a template and more card making hints. Next week come back to see a new variation or helpful hints to add to your folding skills.You start with the basic origami water bomb use some imagination and you are armed with many projects to keep you busy.
If you have a question or comment on this lesson feel free to leave one in the section that follows.
Lesson 5 through 10 is at the new page called Tea Bag Folding Pattern Instructions**Part Two. New instructions on a Pretty Holiday Tree for Christmas using the water bomb, of course.
Bat in the Kitchen A fun page for kids. Fold bats and witches for the Kitchen or for Halloween.
Find Out More About TBF on the Internet
Want more information?
I have a lens devoted to all the information about tea bag folding available on the internet.
This lens has links and more links. It may be just what you have been wanting.
Web Links for the Craft of Tea Bag Folding
This lens has links and more links. It may be just what you have been wanting.
Web Links for the Craft of Tea Bag Folding
Questions or comments on the tea bag folding lesson above.
Need more instructions on tea bag folding?
If you need help on these tea bag folding instructions or have comments feel free to write them here. With the new reply option everyone will benefit from other's questions.
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- avocet3d avocet3d Nov 14, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
- That's really incredible work. i didn't even know this existed as an art form. Awesome!
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- RollingLuggage RollingLuggage Nov 9, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
- Wonderful lens & Great information
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- stargazer00 stargazer00 Nov 8, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
- These are really beautiful! Blessed!
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- lasertek lasertek Oct 26, 2009 @ 7:44 pm
- Great lens! I will try my best to follow the proper folding techniques you've shared here. Will bookmark your lens for reference. Thanks for sharing.
Do visit my lens if you got time. Thanks again.
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- pkmcr pkmcr Oct 24, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
- What a superb lens and amazing ideas! Well done! Blessed by a Squid Angel :-)
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Hello Squidoo Friends and Visitors,
When I was young I dreamed of being a writer, but the path got lost along the way. After 40 years I am published,... (more)
When I was young I dreamed of being a writer, but the path got lost along the way. After 40 years I am published,... (more)
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