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Caroline West, an artist, repurposed used teabags by painting iconic British landmarks on them, transforming an often-discarded object into something beautiful.
She began painting on teabags in August 2023 since sustainability has always been a priority of hers, and she has represented anything from famous sites.
The unusual canvas featured monuments such as Stonehenge and nature scenery. She has painted approximately 70 tea bags and counting, estimating that it takes an hour to an hour and a half to make a design, depending on the level of detail.
She said: “I really love the idea of just taking something that you would normally discard or throw away and then transforming it into a work of art and giving it another lease of life.”
Mrs West, who is based in Waterlooville, Hampshire, told the PA news agency.
“I just think we’re all so busy all the time and it is hard to take the time to slow down and notice the beauty in the everyday things that are often taken for granted.
“I like the idea of using tea bags as a way to turn something mundane into something beautiful.”
The process begins by drying out used teabags which can take a few days cutting them up, scraping out all the tea and ironing them flat.
The edges are then cut off, the tea bag is placed on backing paper, a base layer is applied and then the art can begin using acrylic paint.
She also dabbles in painting other small items including pumpkin seeds and leaves, and has even turned crisp packets into keyrings and necklaces.
