After making a cup of tea, don't throw out the bag immediately.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJtxyOWiGTe_yQAIAOzhrMCQ-rbWO2VNKxm8tk4j4gG81fFRduMH5ZYyZ5xVNMPfHNll9Kgu4oWCJ8Is_U8Fz4AjY-_CCKzi0l3dKYa871olr0X3TAcNOYtfWBIA1UzwwDK8icHBNl2w/s400/Tea4.jpg)
Save the bags and use them as natural dye.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwShm95m_cgbkiBssp9Wl-WNYc5rGv8Ygq31fTN05vWZxmZVYnKcWF1niBex9Gg7IBjojDfbfmuOdKXvAS7izYhbXoXeBtyS25xhvFc34Tj_i4sZL2SdCTLq9XgwHBz964MgSwLRkgkH0/s400/Tea4a.jpg)
I'll show you how with this piece of inexpensive lace.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJzYrm5BP4HjGaWlioIcliusTckB5ZFfFe0myUw_ilCohaxCQ1Tz4IOu4A2bkdcJUvw-xjNYPZjFdJUz5WTF7FUd3XplcuVoPKAqEpXQzAuJYWGVrN0XGTHZz7MpfpQ3DeMecPBTH4Fk/s400/Tea4b.jpg)
Fill a bowl with hot water and dunk in the used tea bags.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsIH42vMxR_fs8Nm4VjBAhwjbaC-LqmkMmeWV1BjHsHl-P3P42lg4r5nxEYErTYAquB12_6MmH43PeMDL6PAokmw1K10J4K4kbovlkZRc9HHo349eBOaHJkwfMLQupY7smChXHjzKjXk/s400/Tea4c.jpg)
Add the lace, making sure it's entirely underwater.
Allow this to soak for at least 24 hours or until
you've achieved the tone that you want.
{It may require a few days.}
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyd2F-sn_YLuu5FPggtANaJBkFocL_8-5RqzoJ_39UVg8Yc_00BwCzM0P52PlQCIf3GocSGNlp2duQlwKxfIRHpjfiAeqCqzGPgizKmRYinAy1mWx8JZeNslU773iLYLGKBxwAgRILPs/s400/Tea4d.jpg)
TADA! Tea-stained lace!
Rinse your new piece of lace with soap & water
and allow to dry.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpAq8NyYSid8R0FW_pcW3m2GMnCdsEG7J6bokWCdgiojT-RBs4kR5ZjkDi7KwqeOB6RLa5dUuK4plGlewlfqKWPX7FXnooroJ0kQ2X7QIL6LpzwMwmuil1NstV28T_dQhSr0h2eQWc7I/s400/Tea4e.jpg)
Attach an elastic band to the ends...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yyxGsUwMOuUxV4f-Sv2dTbgFkm_X-jskrtTr7uDbXXjk1jGs3Vg4mHd4Ngg2WRPqYoKKhBofyZEgPn70Z21g7JNwVV9xBO5C49EqeOKiWKGny4DcFx-LbZgdcKysqTBwCxdR7BijZQc/s400/Tea4f.jpg)
And you've got a romantic headband!
Staining fabric! how genious! I stained a black and white photograph once to make it look older and i love the results, definitely going to try this headband. I love your Tea series Claire!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nuit for visiting me this entire week! I love all your encouraging comments :) tea staining photos?! That's genius! I have to try!
ReplyDeleteWhat neat ideas you have! Very inspiring -- and your blog is lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet Katie*Bell! Thanks for visiting :)
ReplyDeleteLove it!! I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
ReplyDeletehttp://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-tea-stain-inexpensive-lace-for-a-vintage-look/2010/05/30/
(link will go live Sunday morning)
--Anne
I appreciate it Anne! Thanks as always :)
ReplyDeleteI have used this method lots of times when I want something to look more vintage.
ReplyDeleteWorks like a charm!!
Thanks so much for visiting Sandra Kay! :)
ReplyDelete