let's get crafty: Tea/Coffee Stained Gift Tags

I love the vintage effect that coffee and tea give can to paper, and when embellished with a custom stamp or simple piece of ribbon, the result is stunning. Here's how to achieve this look on your own tags, whether old or new.

Tea Staining:

1. Boil tea bags for 20 minutes until the water is dark.  
2. Remove the pan from stove and allow tea to cool for 10 minutes.
3. Place the paper in pan for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Remove the paper with tongs and let dry on a cooling rack until dry.

Coffee Staining:

1. Scoop some instant coffee granules into a bowl and add water, creating a heavy mix of water and coffee that is almost like an espresso.
2. Take a sponge brush and wipe the surface of the paper to get a really good coating.
3. Sprinkle a couple of the coffee granules on the paper to give it a dotted effect, letting it sit for a few minutes so it absorbs.
4. Dab the stain off with a folded paper towel so it leaves an ochre color on the paper.
5. Let dry.

Check out these cute tea-stained gift tags from Bijoux Paperie.