"Peek-A-Boo" by Sara Mika
(created with tea bags)
Chances are, if you know me, you've heard something about my collection of used and dried tea bags. You may even be one of the lucky individuals who have saved and dried their used bags for me. (Thank you!) I set up a tea bag drying station at work and I've even gone so far as to have a local business save their used commercial sized bags for me. Yep. I collect them, dry them, empty and store them.
So why do I go to all this trouble? I use them in my art quilts. The empty bags are moisture and heat resistant so I can use them in a variety of ways. I love the random dye patterns and because I obtain them from many different people, I have collected quite an assortment. 
"Piece of Mind" by Sara Mika
(created with tea bags)
Here's the dilemma. Since I recently bought a home, I've been trying to weed out the junk. You know, get rid of the stuff I've been hanging on to forever. But I just can't decide on the tea bags. I've got so many it's almost ridiculous! I think of the reasons I love them and then I can't stand to part with them. However, if I make myself use them all, I know it will take me until the rest of my natural life. I think of all the other art I want to create. I don't want anything weighing me down or holding me back.
"Peek-A-Boo" (at the top of this post) is my latest tea bag creation. It's also got an old x-ray that is visible when the piece is held up to a light source. I love it. I submitted it for publication but found out the other day that it wasn't selected. I told myself that if it didn't get in, I would toss the tea bag collection. I ALMOST did today. But I just don't know. What do you think???
2 comments:
Sara,
I can't believe you are thinking of canning the tea bags!!You have saved them and pestered everyone for them for sooooo long!!!
I know how you are, if you get rid of them you will regret it down the road!
I love your flowers, and everyone here at work was looking at your blog tonight. They are all very impressed with your talent.
I love the morning glories. Farmer Gram would be sooooo proud too. She is looking down from heaven with a HUGE smile on her face!!
Love you, tried to call you today, you weren't there or not picking up, either one.
Talk to you soon,
MOM
I know exactly what you're going through. We moved 5 years ago from a really big house to a REALLY small house, and I had to be brutal with my sorting. A couple of moves later still, and I've learned pretty well.
I say keep as many as can fit in a designated storage container (clear rubbermaid bins are my fave), and toss the rest. You can always replenish your supply later on down the road if you find yourself running low (but somehow I don't foresee this happening :) ).
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