Aging Paper - Tea Dying Paper

A fun way to give an “antique look” to your cards, envelopes, doilies, etc.  Keep in mind this method can be a bit messy…but fun!

Supplies:

Ultrasmooth White Card Stock or Naturals White Card Stock * Tea Bags * Cellulose Sponge * Bleach (for tea stain clean up)

Directions:

1.       Soak 3 tea bags in 2 cups of warm (not hot) water.

2.       Take one tea bag; do not squeeze out water. Set aside.

3.       Next saturate a sheet of paper with the stained water.

4.       Once it’s saturated, rub the tea bag over the paper…keep the tea bag wet. 

5.       Allow the tea bag to break leaving little bits of tea on the paper.  You may need to use all three bags for this step.

6.       Using a fork, gently pull away tiny areas of paper around the outside edge of your card stock.  This leaves a uneven edge…making it appear old & worn.  When you do this you must be sure that the paper is still wet.  As the paper starts to dry…add a little more tea-stained water until you have the look you want. 

7.       Use a sponge, pressing it on the paper…removing the excess water.  Continue to press the sponge until the water is removed. 

Take the paper & place a sheet of glass onto the paper.  For added weight place books on top of that.  This will keep the paper from rippling.  Do this overnight.  Peel the paper off the next morning & brush any loose tea that is still on there.