Like many of you, I LOVE loose leaf tea. However, I'm always looking for cute and creative solutions to use my tea. These D.I.Y. tea bags are super cute. I think they would make amazing gifts! Here's how you can make your own...

Supplies needed: Coffee filters, Scissors, Sewing machine, Loose tea leaves, Stapler, Embroidery thread, Paper for tags (construction paper, old book pages, etc.), Optional: Spices (pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ground ginger, etc.)

Step 1 - Cut two coffee filters into a rectangle. I typically just cut off the ridged part.

Step 2 - Stitch the filters together on three sides, leaving one of the smaller sides open.

Step 3 - Fill the teabag with the loose tea leaves. I use anywhere from 1 to 2 teaspoons, depending on the size of the bag and how strong you like your tea. (You can also add about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite spices. Pumpkin spice is one of my favorites!)

Step 4 - Stitch the top of the tea bag closed. All four sides should be stitched now!

Step 5 - Fold down the corners, placing a 3-4in. piece of embroidery thread under one of the flaps.

Step 6 - Fold the tip of the tea bag down, and use a stapler to hold it shut. (You could also stitch this part if you wanted to.)

Step 7 - Cut paper tags and glue, stitch, or staple them to the ends of your embroidery thread.

To make your tea, let the tea bag steep in hot water for 3-5 minutes…and enjoy! xo. Amanda

*Amanda is one of my brand new D.I.Y. Contributors! Check my about page for a full list of contributors. I'm really happy to have added these ladies to my team so we can bring you even more inspiration this season! Oh... and I have a pretty new blog design launching very soon. I've been working on it since May, if you can believe that.... so excited to share. Stay tuned!