Artist transforms used tea bags into paintings of famous British landmarks

Caroline West49, started painting on tea bags in August 2023 as sustainability has always been one of her passions, and has depicted everything from popular landmarks.

The sights included Stonehenge and nature scenes on the unique canvas. She has painted around 70 tea bags and the number is growing. Depending on the level of detail, it takes between an hour and an hour and a half to complete a piece.

“I like the idea of ​​turning something you would normally throw away into a work of art and giving it new life.”

Ms West, who lives in Waterlooville, Hampshire, told the PA news agency.

“I just think that we are all so busy all the time that it is hard to take the time to slow down and see the beauty in the everyday things that are often taken for granted.

“I like the idea of ​​using tea bags to transform something mundane into something beautiful.”

The process begins with drying the used tea bags, which can take several days. The bags are cut open, all the tea is scraped out and then ironed flat.

Then the edges are cut off, the tea bag is placed on a backing paper, a base layer is applied and the artistic implementation with acrylic paint can begin.

“It’s quite a process because you have to wait until everything is completely dry as the tea bags are very absorbent.

“Then you just build up the layers one by one, glue them at the ends, peel them off the backing paper and hope that they don’t tear or wear out too much if they do happen.”

Yorkshire tea bags were a popular choice for miniature artwork. West picked up this trait from her mother as she was more of a fan of herbal tea.

“Strangely enough, I don’t drink normal tea, but herbal tea, so my mother served me all the tea bags,”

“I did a little series about Yorkshire sights on Yorkshire tea bags because she drinks Yorkshire Tea,” She said.

The series was set around April and Mrs West recreated locations such as Saltburn Pier, Scarborough Castle, Humber Bridge and the Yorkshire Dales.

The artist also painted Tower Bridge, Stonehenge, Blackpool Tower and Snowdon in a smaller form.

“I just thought it would be really nice and British to have British landmarks on British tea bags,” She added.

She has found a way to incorporate herbal tea bags into her work, adding that they add a different pop of color compared to their regular counterparts.

“My husband drinks fruit teas, which gives a nice pink hue, and I drink chamomile, which gives a yellowish hue,” She explained.

Her favorite landmark to paint was Stonehenge, although the most enjoyable part of the process was getting started.

“I really enjoy the beginning because I find the beginning of something very exciting and the work is based on my ideas,”

“I also like the complexity because I like painting on a small scale. I just think there’s something magical about having a really small painting.”

West posted her work on social media and said it meant a lot to her when people expressed interest.

“It’s really nice to get positive feedback on something I really enjoy doing and people are just really excited about these images being on tea bags,” She added.

She also tries her hand at painting other small objects, including pumpkin seeds and leaves, and has even turned chip bags into keychains and necklaces.