I've finally got an idea for a few Christmas gifts. It's hard to make gifts for people, because I have to come up with something new each year that is handmade. And it has to be something I haven't given in the past. To make matters worse, I have to scrounge through my supplies to find something, because I'm not about to buy anything new to make Christmas gifts. Somehow that would, in my opinion, defeat the spirit of giving.
I began by sewing several layers of fabric and a tea bag holder together. This is just the first of several steps I have in mind for what I'm calling (for obvious lack of a better name) Tea Tributes.
For this stage, I used some of my rusty fabric, my hand painted fabric, and my dyed fabric. I even added a commercial fabric that I had painted on.
When those were sewn together, I made a few tape transfers. You can see I've started the process here. 
These tape transfers came out SUPER. I'm really pleased 
that you can see the tea bag holder beneath the birds. 
I had hoped to have an assemblage finished, but this was as far as I got. 
Unfortunately, they take a long time to make. I decided to add the tape transfer to the tea bag holder before I assembled What are you working on this week? Have you started your Christmas list, or are you still in the thinking stage? Do you plan to make your gifts, or buy them? Regardless, show us your T inspired post today, whether it's art, sewing, painting, digital wizardry, a trip out and about, or simply sitting back with your favorite cup or mug. I can't forget that Bleubeard wants you to know your photos don't have to be taken on Tuesday to qualify.
This is Day 25
Dollar Exchange Rate
30 thoughtful remarks:
Wow, they are fabulous Elizabeth! I have yet to be successful with tape transfers, and these are something to aspire to. I look forward to seeing your completed pieces, I know they will be wonderful.
It's funny that Lipton's tea isn't so widely available in the UK as it once was, (as far as I can see), yet the company was started in Glasgow, by Thomas Lipton in 1871. I remember my gran and my mum drinking it regularly.
Happy T day Elizabeth :o))
Your tape transfers turned out amazing! Those are hard to make, but you seem to have the knack.
Good luck with your gift making, and have a Happy T Day!
Oh how adorable are those, great transfers! xox
I have never tried to make these and probably never will, I dont have that kind of patience hahaha
Bridget #1
Looks as though you are in for a busy(or rather busier) time! It is fun making presents though! Chrisx
These are just adorable E.
Tape transfer looks amazing as do your special Tea Tributes. I enjoy seeing how you create, it is a fascinating journey and am so glad i am along for the ride.
Looking forward to seeing more:-) xxx
we share the same issues- always having to come up with something dif, hand made and with what I have.
and I always forget, when it has 12 steps- that will be 12 times 12 or whatever to make them!
These do look like fun!
Hello and Happy almost T Day! I love these, so pretty!! You always have good ideas and homemade gifts are the best!!
I don't even want to think about gifts yet, not my favorite part of Christmas. My mom is pretty good about giving me something homemade which I always want. I had hoped to make homemade cards this year but will try again for next year.
I would love to send happy mail your way for Christmas or afterwards. Here's my email if you'd like to. rikm@adelphia.net
I'm linked up and ready to make the rounds tomorrow between errands and chores. It's my last day before the kids are home on break. EEK!
Hope your warm today and not listening to awful wind like I am.
These are coming along beautifully. I love all the different layers and the tape transfer are a wonderful addition. Luckily for me, my hubby has taken over the making of gifts this year. He is making model Tudor houses for everyone. They are all different and looking gorgeous!
Oh gosh Elizabeth... my mouth stands open now.. every time I throw away one of my teabag holders I think about what I could make with it..
Collaging -ok? but then I throw it away - because my stash of painted papers and collected papers is so large that I think it is not the best to fill this up more...
But this project is unique and artsy and fancy and I am so curious about it will look like in the end!
Happy T Day dear Elizabeth!
Today I am here with my newer digital blog - hope this is o.k.!
No I don't make a lot of christmas gifts ...
just some cards for friends and family.
Susi
Those transfers came out really well. Will the sewing punctures really spoil the look? Mind, I don't know where you're going with these just yet, how exciting!
Am going to make a handful of gifts, but nothing as arty as yours..for sure!
Elizabeth, those tea tributes are going to be gorgeous!!! The image transfers came out perfectly--now I see how they really should look!
Wishing you and Bleubeard a happy T day!
Off to a great start, anxious to see the finished gifts. I make a few gifts and a few cards. I also like to buy handmade from craft fairs for gifts. I do admit to some commercial shopping tho.
Darla
Wonderful! They do look complicated to make.
We don't give many gifts any more, but I used to hand-make gifts. Recipe mixes and plants mostly, but I never got a single thank you note, so I switched to store-bought seasonal candles. I didn't get thank you notes for those either, tho lol. Now we just give gift cards to child relations who still live at home with parents.
fab idea
Well, I'm late again!!! LOL
Your tape transfers are amazing! I can never get mine to turn out that well, it might have something to do with patience, or the lack of them....grin
I used to, when I did tons of sewing, give only homemade gifts. Now, not so much, they (the adults)usually get them more for birthdays, if I can come up with a good idea. Christmas is the handmade cards, that they all EXPECT, and feel disappointed if they don't get them. I do miss giving, and getting handmade gifts.
I've started on my Christmas list, and had the main gifts for all the GKs taken care of, only to find out I bought the same thing for Taylor that Santa is bringing. OHY! Thanks goodness there is still time to return it and get the "other" thing I was thinking about. Those parents can sure spoil Grandma's fun....LOL
Hope you and Bluebeard have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Brilliant! of course I love the textures of all the fabrics you've combined and especially the lace...you managed the transfers so well! adore the birds...happy T day...which this week stands for Thanksgiving! hope you have a cozy holiday with loved ones and enjoy your week! ♥
Love what you are making Elizabeth. That tape transfer is awesome. Never heard of that but love that you can see what is underneath... We don't give many gifts for Christmas. Older family members don't like to exchange. And i'am the only one who does anything crafty... Because of that i don't kill myself to get something ready for Christmas. If i have something to give i give and if i don't i don't. I've just finished a Halloween project...lol My crafting is lost in its own little world and pays no attention to the time... lol Hugs!deb
The tape transfers have come out so well Elizabeth. Your idea of gifting is so unique.
Thank you so much for your encouragement on my art dear friend
Hugs
Susan
you are so originaal with your gifts.... are they just decorative or is theee apurpose...... when i just 'just ' i dont mean in a derogatory way ....they aee so textural i lov them. i hope you finishtbem soon
janet
These are wonderful Elizabeth. What a great idea and so apt for Today!!
I know what you mean about using what you have. I feel the same about buying things to make cards too as expensive embellishments so often end up in the bin!
Hugs
xx
Love the transfers, Elizabeth! You are getting really good at them! I can't quite imagine what the final project will be, am waiting faithfully to find out.
Elizabeth I forgot to mention this that DLP is not for serious artists. There is lot of fun playing with paints, stamps and stencils. Basically that is what it is-:) You even can sign up for their online classes, this years' classes are pretty affordable, not sure how they have planned it for next year though. So do think about it. We all can have fun
Hugs
Hello again, just had to share I got the cutest happy mail today, perfect for T time. Will share it next week.
Also, was going to say same thing as Susan (ariel) above, the DLP doesn't have to have drawings in it, you choose whatever way you want to do the prompts they give you. I have thought all year this would be a good project for you, the imagination and supplies you have are amazing and endless in my opinion. I am thinking of joining it next year and not using a planner but just a journal with the prompts only in it. Hope you will reconsider and join us.
Also, wishing you a HAPPPPY THANKSGIVING friend, enjoy the day and the yummy food. I know your as thankful for so much just as I am too. I'm so thankful for your friendship and all you inspire me with and your kind words. Always happy coming here and visiting and the community here. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing so much with us.
Love and Hugs, Dawn
WOW! Those are looking really interesting and I can't wait to see what they look like when they are finished. I'm really late again today :( Had to have another spinal injection today and then when I got home I had to deal insurance companies . So after pulling out most of my hair I had to chill awhile before writing .
I'm popping in after reading TwinkleToes lovely T posting.
I've no idea what the transfers are but I look forward to seeing more.
Lynn :)
your Transfers look soooo very good!
I've never done transfers. Handmade gifts have a special charm that's personal. :) I've been helping Leah with a Christmas project for all Ian's grandparents and great grandparents. We make our Christmas cards every year. This year Leah will be finishing them up...very simple. I haven't been in good physical shape and she's busy with the baby--so very simple this year. :)
I'm glad I finally was able to post yesterday. Happy Belated T-Day! :)
Wow these look like they will be amazing Elizabeth! Your tape transfers turned out great. I can't wait to see the finished items! I don think I will have time to make gifts this year. I have already made (most) of my cards and mailed them really early. You'll understand when you get yours. :)
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