DIY Tea Wreath
What winter can be complete without a hot cup of tea? Nothing can be better than getting nice and cozy with your favorite cup after a long day! I’m a little addicted to tea. I’ve taken to drinking more than three cups a day, so I go through my stash fast! Not only is tea warm and comfy, it is also very romantic and can quickly transport you to Jane’s era. Who knows, Mr. Knightley or Edward Ferrars could unexpectedly drop by!
Today’s DIY is a tea wreath and is a unique and functional decor piece that you can whip up in an afternoon. And the best part is that it’s interactive! Your guests will have a blast when you tell them to go up to the wreath and pick out their favorite kind.
I know some people have a tough moral dilemma about crafting with books. I, of course, do not advocate cutting up every book in your library, but I do have an idea that might put your mind at ease. I already own numerous copies of “P&P” but for my designated “crafting copy”, I went to my local used books store, which is run by a church. I found a paperback copy for $0.50 and since the money goes to charity, I donated a few extra dollars when I bought the book, too. And you know what? It actually did make me feel better about using the pages for DIY projects (and don’t worry, you’ll get a LOT of use out of each book). Let me know if you have any other ideas!
Supplies:
- Foam Board
- Pack of clothespins
- Mod Podge (I used the glossy finish) and foam brush
- An old copy of “Pride and Prejudice” or another book you have around
- Craft glue
- Scissors
- Paint and paint brush
- Your favorite tea bags
- Ribbon
Steps:
1. Draw out two concentric circles on the foam board (I made mine 9 inches and 13 inches in diameter).
2. Cut the circles out with the exacto knife to made the base for the wreath.
3. Paint the base (I painted mine with a brown “wood” color) and let it dry.
4. While the base is drying, mod podge (which you will find is a verb now!) the book pages to the clothespins. To get the most out of each page, I just attached 6 or 7 clothespins to one page and then cut them apart. Then, trim the edges. *You don’t want the text to be upside down, so make the words face one way on half of the pins and the other way on the other half.
5. Once you’ve finished each clothespin, brush a layer of mod podge on the top surface (to give it a shiny finished look). Let everything dry for a couple of hours. Catch a couple of episodes of your favorite BBC Jane Austen production while you wait!
6. Lay out the pins on the base and make sure you have enough!
7. Use the craft glue to attach the pins to the base and wait an hour for it to dry. Another episode, perhaps?
8. Clip the tea bags on!
9. Embellish! I added a ribbon and a book page bow to mine.
10. Thumbtack the wreath on your favorite wall. Enjoy your favorite tea, as well as your guests’ reactions!
A little inspiration: This is a perfect addition and statement decor piece for your upcoming Jane Austen Tea Party! Have an assortment of teas ready and don’t forget the scones and clotted cream. Make sure you tell your girls to wear their favorite ultra-feminine tea party dress and bonnets and gloves are always encouraged. For extra ambiance, play some regency music! My favorite is the beautiful soundtrack by Carl Davis from the BBC’s 1995 Pride and Prejudice.
