Kid Craft - Bath Spa Tea Bags and Sachets

I did this project with some of the kids I work with. Our youngest crafter for this project was four years old, our oldest was nine. For safety reasons we had the four year old use a blunt embroidery needle and thread, a 7 year old who made a bag with a hanger to hold hers by hand sewing, while the nine year old was able to accomplish this project and make a bag to go with it with an iron and sewing machine using all straight stitching.

For those of you who enjoy Botanicals in your bath these Bath Teas are perfect for the bath without clogging up the drain or making a big clean up job in the tub when you are done and you can personalize your Bath Spa experience with your personalized and signature combinations.

Step 1: Materials Needed

You will need:

Fill-able Extra Large Tea Bags, 5 �s (I got mine from brambleberry.com for about 10 cents each but many craft stores carry them as well)

Scraps of fabric cut 6 x 11 inches
Iron
Scissors
Straight Pins
Embroidery Thread
Embroidery Needle
Washable Marker (optional) or tracing pencil

Assorted Trims for decorations

Colorants, Scents (Optional) and Fillings for Tea Bags or Potpourri for Sachets.

Step 2: Prepare Your Fabrics

With wrong sides up fold over a1/4 inch hem and press in place. Straight stitch in place.

Center tea bag on fabric with one edge off to the side. Fold the fabric over the tea bag leaving about 1/4 inch space on either side.

Press guides in place.

Step 3: Add Embellishments

Now is the time to add any embellishments. Center your design and apply.

We found some left over appliques from the Mothers Day Pillow Project for two and penciled in a heart shape to be embroidered on the third.

If using appliques follow manufacturers directions.

Step 4: To Embroider

Using an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric tight whip stitch around the heart shape by pulling thread through from underneath leaving a tail on the backside.

As you sew catch the tail in the stitches rather than tie a knot. Insert the needle above the stitch on top and bring it up from the back just above the previous stitch.

Work your way around the heart when you reach the end work the needle through the last few stitches just sewn and then back under in the other direction. Cut the thread and turn over.

With right sides together stitch both sides of the bag closed and turn the bag right side out.

Step 5: To Add a Ribbon Hanger

If you are using a ribbon hanger open the top fold of the fabric and lay the top of the ribbon against the fold.

Mark or pin just below the ribbon for a guide to pass the ribbon through. Set the ribbon aside.

With right sides together stitch both sides of the bag closed being careful not to stitch in the ribbon guide. Turn the bag right side out.

Attach a small gold safety pin to the end of the ribbon and pass through the ribbon guide. Draw ends up and tie in a bow.

Step 6: Fill the Tea Bags

In large tea bags add your choice of fillings.

For the first one we used Green Tea Bags, Chamomile, a few drops of lavender scent, Vaseline Intensive Care Bath Beads and blue colorant for the water for a relaxing bath spa experience.

Note: DO NOT USE FOOD COLORING unless you want to look like a smurf. Use colorants designed for soap making that will not dye your skin or hair.

For the second one we used Green Tea, Epsom Salts, Powdered Milk and Honey Bear Drops (ground dehydrated honey) for the Milk and Honey Bath Spa Experience.

The third bag with a hanger was filled with fragrant Potpourri to be hung on a hanger in the closet.

Use a hot iron to seal the tea bags and slip them into their holders, folding the pocket opening closed and your project is done.