Teabag folding is also known as miniature kaleidoscope origami. Let’s explore the craft of teabag folding. If you know what you can do, it helps you with actually doing it.
Steps
1. History.
Teabag folding is a relatively new paper craft. It originated in Holland. Find out about the story of Tiny van der Plaas and how looking at materials in a new way can lead to something new.
2. Tea bags.
The first folded shapes were done with tea bag envelopes. Find out about what tea bag envelopes are available to you. Can you collect enough to start folding?
3. Save.
As you explore the actual tiles and samples listed below, be sure to save those that you might want to try. You may choose to save those images that you want to recreate or just for inspiration. In addition, you may find directions on a new fold or way to assemble.
NOTE: You may think that saving what you like is not necessary, but be aware that most of the links from the original release are now gone. All the information they had available is lost to you . . . unless you saved a copy.
4. Organize.
As you save items in your searches, be sure to organize them. Do not dump them all into one huge folder. It will be frustrating when you go back to it if you choose not to do this step.
5. Tiles.
The paper consists of squares that you cut down and fold. Each square is called a tile. Care needs to be taken to make sure each square is the same size and the pattern is the same within that square. Look at free online offerings to see how the sheets are designed. You might also want to check out sheets for sale to see the difference in quality.
6. Folds.
While there are many different ways to fold the squares, you need to be aware of two things – you’ll need multiple pieces (usually in groups of eight) and they’ll need to be folded the same way so they have a kaleidoscope effect when assembled. Use your favorite search engine to look at completed teabag folding projects. Examine how they are assembled for that kaleidoscope effect.
7. Medallions.
Most of the designs you’ll find are for medallions or rosettes. You can use these in place of any round element such as a flower or the sun. As you look at designs, be sure to save any instructions you might want to come back to later.
8. Video.
Watching someone fold and assemble tiles into a final project makes the entire process make more sense. Watch a few videos to get the feeling of how different folds are done and what they look like when finished. You might even want to take a few notes.
9. Other.
While not nearly as discoverable, there are other ways to use the folded tiles. From using a part of a medallion in a shape like a fan to creating a completely different shape, there are many other ways to use these. Note the non-medallion ways you can assemble the tiles into something unique.
10. More.
Continue exploring to find even more that you can do with this craft. Also look at other paper crafts that you might be able to use in conjunction with teabag folding to make your own unique creations.
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- 0EP_B_BPG_TeabagFoldX_2in_12up_MS1_larajla — generic badge printable
- 0EP_BLIST_TeabagFoldX_MS1_larajla — badge items per membership level
- 0EP_BSET0_TeabagFoldX_MS1_larajla —badge set and related badges
- 0EP_SUPP0_TeabagFoldX_Journal_MS1_larajla — badge journal
- 0EP_SUPP0_TeabagFoldX_Planner_MS1_larajla — badge planner
- 0EP_SUPPL_TeabagFoldX_MS1_larajla — supplements currently available per membership level
Supplement Fun
- N/A
Sites to Explore
- web.archive.org/web/20170630193225/http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/jbteabagtiles.htm
- www.craftycarddesigns.com/teabags/teabags.asp
- clipartandcrafts.com/clipart/backgrounds/index.htm
- msvicr.50webs.com/index.html
- zrosemarie.50webs.com
- www.ehow.com/info_8657436_tea-bag-folding-crafts.html
- www.pinterest.com/wongannie2607/teabag-folding
- www.pinterest.ch/acadianrose/tea-bag-folding
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here