The art of a handwritten card is all but lost in today’s internet age. Coming from a blogger it hardly makes sense to say such a thing, but if you can remember the last time someone put pen to paper to write you a heartfelt note, then I’m sure you’ll agree: a stroke of cursive can speak volumes.
One of my favorite stores has to be Papyrus, the mecca for eye-catching, one-of-a-kind cards. Sometimes I look at their cards and think: “Wow, this is so cute!” Other times, I think: “Hey, I could totally make this…”
This Afternoon Tea Greeting Card is inspired by all those delightful treasures I’ve come across at Papyrus. For the longest time, I had this adorable wrapping paper print called Tea Time lying unused in my craft drawer, and I figured that this was the perfect opportunity to use it.
You might already know from my previous posts how much I love Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. In this project, this craft glue adds a thick layer of glaze to the paper teacup and teapot designs so that they give off a shiny, porcelain-like lustre.
Some of the teacups will be hung, some will be shelved, and the teapots will be set up right up along side a fresh pile of green tea. In my opinion, this little card is an artful gift in itself. Although it’s perfect for Mother’s Day or as a birthday card, I think it’s most special when given was a thinking of you card for someone who simply loves tea.
Afternoon Tea Greeting Card
What You’ll Need:
teacup and teapot images (I used Caspari’s Tea Time gift wrapping paper)
1 blank greeting card with envelope (I used a 5 1/2″ card)
small piece of card stock (I just used another blank greeting card)
3 wooden skewers (the culinary kind you use for kabobs, cut to 5″ to fit my size card)
6 small silver brads
2′ decorative twine, cut into 5 equal pieces
1 1/2″ piece decorative string or twine
1 teabag or 1/2 tsp loose tea
paper glue
strong gel adhesive or hot glue w/ glue gun (that dries clear)
4 adhesive foam dots (I used 7/16″size)
sharp scissors
1/16″ hole punch
regular hole punch (optional)
Step-By-Step:
1.) Prep the Images. If using Caspari’s Tea Time wrapping paper, cut around teacup and teapot images, leaving a 1/8″ border around the pictures. You will need 8 teacups and 2 teapots to make 1 card.
2.) Apply an even, thin layer of paper glue on the back side of all the cut images, then stick them onto the small piece of card stock. It’s ok to glue one image right next to the next one.
3.) After you’ve glued the images to the card stock, use the Mod Podge Dimensional Magic to trace and fill the images so that they will appear shiny (and dimensional) later. You will need 5 teacup images outlined without a dish, 3 teacup images with a dish, and 2 teapots.
4.) Let the Dimensional Magic dry for about 2 hours, until it is completely dry and clear. Use a pair of scissors to precisely cut the images out–5 teacups, 3 teacup with dishes, and 2 teapots–without any remaining border. Set the images aside.
5.) Make a Row of Hanging Teacups. Use 1/16″ hole punch to punch a small hole in the handle section of each teacup (without dish) image. With each of the 5 pieces of twine, thread one teacup (without dish) through, then tie a knot to create a loop that is 2″ around (1″ when thread is doubled up). Repeat this process 5 times to create 5 “teacup charms.”
6.) Open up a brad, loop one teacup charm into the center of the brad, then wrap the brad tightly around the wooden skewer so that it doesn’t slide around easily. Cut off any excess twine that goes past the knot. Repeat this process 5 times so that all 5 “teacup charms” hang off of the skewer using the 5 brads.
7.) Attach the Teacups, Teapots, and Skewer Shelving. Stick two adhesive foam dots on the back side of each of the 2 teapots.
8.) Place all the images on the card in the exact locations where they will be glued down…just eyeball it until it looks good. I like to place the hanging teacups as the top row, the sitting teacups (with dishes) as the second row, and the teapots on the bottom row. For the bottom row, make space to glue the 1 1/2″ piece of decorative string later (this will become the plate with the tea on it).
9.) Use the gel adhesive or hot glue to attach the 3 skewers to the card. Use the gel adhesive to glue the teacups (with dishes) onto the card (to sit on the middle skewer/”shelf”). For the bottom shelf, peel the protective cover off from the adhesive foam dots (on the back of the teapots), then affix them to sit on both ends the bottom skewer.
10.) Add a Large Pile of Tea! Create a smile-like shape with the 1 1/2″ piece of string so that it looks bowl-like from the side. Glue this string piece in the middle of the bottom row/skewer. Finally, use the Dimensional Magic to create a triangular, pile-like formation of glue atop the “bowl.” Rip open the tea bag and use your fingers to carefully sprinkle the tea leaves on top of the Dimensional Magic so that they stick. Let the card dry for a few hours or overnight, then turn the card over and knock off any of the excess tea…your Afternoon Tea Greeting Card is complete!