Introduction: Faux Tea Bags With Tea-Scented Soap

Easy soap packaging idea that makes for a great gift!

Step 1: Materials

(a)Soap: I used a Melt & Pour Soap Base which some may think is cheating, but I think it's fantastic. It's incredibly easy - you just cut up the block of soap and melt it in the microwave (or if you are like me and don't have a microwave, use a double-boiler) and add in whatever ingredients you want.
I used Earl Greyer Tea which has more bergamot than usual. Then just pour it into a mold or pan and let it set. After a few hours mine was set and I cut it into rectangles about 1" x 2". These are small (think hotel soap) and I was able to get eight soaps from a 1 lb. block, plus scraps that I can melt down into another one or two. You can see an instructable on melt & pour soap here.
(b)Tags: You can create your own tags, or download mine here. Just cut them out, fold them in half, and snip little notches in the corners (see photos). [A note about the tags: Feel free to print out these tags for your personal, non-commercial use. Please do not redistribute in any way.]
(c)White tissue paper: Pieces cut to approximately 6" x 9", one per soap.
(d)Tape
(e)String
(f)Stapler
(g)Scissors

You can buy everything you need for this project HERE.

Step 2: Download the Tags

You can create some tags of your own or download mine. I have provided several different tags, including one plain "Tea Soap" tag. Each tag has a "Made By" and "For" on the back so you can give these as gifts.
Download my tags here.
http://www.cucumbersome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/teabag_tags.jpg
Please don't redistribute these tags or use them for commercial purposes. Thank you!

Step 3: Wrapping It Up

1. Place the soap (with the side you want on the front face-down) in the center of the paper, but a little higher than the middle.
2. Fold the tissue paper over the soap, overlapping the edges. Tape closed.
3. Pinch and fold the sides to form a rectangular box, and then pleat the sides inward.

Step 4: Folding the Tea Bag

4. Fold the bottom up over the soap and secure with a loop of tape (or double-sided tape)
5. Trim the top to be even.
6. Fold the corners down to form a peak at the top.
7. Pull the peak down and tape closed.

Step 5: Staple

Turn the bag over and staple on the string, tying a knot to keep it from slipping through. Staple the tag on the end of the string.