My mother has always held the belief that there isn't much a good cup of tea can't fix. Throughout my childhood, she would offer tea and a sympathetic ear whenever there was a need, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual. As a mother myself, I've come to realize that it wasn't so much the tea that brought healing, but the love and comfort of the listener.

It is our duty, as instructed by God, to support the sick and distressed. Those who are going through a difficult time in their lives need to be reminded of the love of God as well as the love and support of friends and family.

Psalm 41:1 says that the Lord blesses those who care for the poor, encompassing not only those in financial need but also those struggling with spiritual, mental, physical, or emotional challenges.

As Christians and as humans, we should assist each other during difficult times, recognizing that everyone faces trials. Money cannot shield us from suffering, and everyone has their own struggles. A compassionate ear and a caring heart can make a significant impact on someone in distress.

Therefore, when you encounter a friend or acquaintance who seems burdened, offer them a cup of tea, lend an ear, and show compassion. You never know the difference a simple cup of tea can make.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking and crafting habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine and future plots and plans! It’s a win for everyone, really! (See my full disclaimer here.)

Today, we are going to be making some scripture verse tea tags to help get the conversation started. These are great when added to gift baskets or when you're just sitting down to tea with a friend in need.

(A big thank you to Arabahjoy.com and beforeandafters.com for the inspiration for this craft!)

Supplies: Free Ministering Tea Tag image file (available when you sign up for the Mandy Creates Newsletter) 8.5x11 lightweight (65lb) white card stock color printer Cricut maker (or scissors if you prefer to cut by hand) Light Grip Cricut Mat Vinyl Weeding Tools 1/16-inch Specialty Hole Punch (Optional - I didn't use one) 6x6-inch cardstock paper - available at most craft stores, or you can cut 12x12 sheets to size. You will need 1 6x6 sheet for each tea bag Washi Tape Crochet cotton thread (If you are using tea bags with no tags) Scissors Stapler with staples Tea bags (with or without tags) any flavor (Did you know that you can get coffee in bags too? It's real coffee that you steep like tea! Check it out here.) Sweetener and/or sugar packets (optional)

Step 1: Make the Tea Tags

Download the MinisteringTeaTag-1.png file. (Note: The file ending in -1 has all the scriptures already written on the tags and is ready to print as is. The file ending in -2 has only the tag shapes and backgrounds, no words. These will need to be written on after printing or edited in an image editor and words added.)

If you are choosing to cut these tags out by hand, simply print them out on lightweight cardstock paper and cut out with scissors, then move on to step 2.

For Cricut users, upload the design to Cricut Design Space by clicking the "Upload" icon in the lower left corner of the canvas. Choose to upload as flat design for print then cut. You will likely have to resize your image to fit on an 8.5x11-inch sheet of paper. Make sure that the height and width are "Locked" together and change the width to 6.5552 inches and it will be the exact size needed.

Click "Make" in the lower right corner. On the left, you may need to change your material size (located in a drop-down menu under the picture of the design). Design Space will first send the design to your connected printer. Be sure to use 65lb lightweight cardstock to print your tags. Once they are printed, align your tags with the top left corner of a light grip mat. Select the lightweight cardstock material and follow the onscreen prompts to cut your tags out.

After cutting, use the spatula tool to gently lift each tag from the mat, being careful not to pull as this will cause curling.

Step 2: Attach Tags to Tea Bags

You will notice that the Cricut didn't cut the holes from the tags. This is easily remedied. I used my vinyl pick tool to punch the holes. Anything small with a sharp point will do. A regular hole punch will make the holes too big, but you can get a specialty punch for holes this small.

If your tea bags have tags, remove the tags but leave the string attached to the bag. Thread the free end of the string through the hole in your tag and tie it back to itself in a double knot.

If your tea bags do not have a string or tag, cut a piece of crochet cotton string about 7-8 inches long and tie a knot in one end. Center the knotted end of your string on edge of the tea bag and use the stapler to hold it in place. You want the staple to go through the seam of the bag, not the bag itself.

Thread the other end of the string through the hole in the tag and tie it back to itself in a double knot.

If there is too much extra string after the tag, trim it with scissors, leaving no less than 1/4-inch after the knot.

Step 3: Make the Envelope

Place a piece of 6x6 paper on the table so that one corner is facing you (like a diamond shape). Fold the bottom corner up so that the point is just past the center while trying to keep the angle straight. Repeat for the remaining corners. There is no precision here just try to keep things as even and straight as you can.

Once all 4 corners are folded, place your tea bag inside the envelope but let the tag remain on the outside. You can also add a packet of sweetener or sugar, if you like. Close the left and right sides over the tea bag. Then the bottom followed by the top. Again, the tag should still be on the outside of the envelope.

Next, take your washi tape and begin to wrap it around the center starting at the back. You may tape the tag in place in one corner as you pass it or tuck it under the tape by lifting it gently after you have finished.

Step 4: Label Your Tea

I didn't list any supplies for this as it is really up to you. I used coordinating fine point felt tip pens to write the type of tea contained in each envelope as well as note whether that it contained sweetener when I added it. You might consider getting some round labels and either writing or printing the tea type on them and then stick tone to the back of each envelope. You could also use the blank tags provided in my downloads to accomplish this task. So many options!!

Let me know how you use your Tea Tags in the comments below and have a Blessed crafting time!