An artist has given used teabags another lease of life by painting famous British landmarks on them and turning an item often discarded into something beautiful.

Caroline West, 49, began painting on teabags in August 2023 as sustainability has always been something she is passionate about and has depicted everything from popular landmarks.

The landmarks included Stonehenge and nature scenes on the unique canvas.

She has painted around 70 tea bags and counting and said it takes an hour to an hour and a half to complete a creation, depending on the level of detail.

Ms West, based in Waterlooville, in Hampshire, told the PA news agency.

The process begins by drying out used teabags, which can take a few days, cutting them up, scraping out all the tea and ironing them flat. The edges are then cut off, the tea bag is placed on backing paper, a base layer is applied, and the art can begin using acrylic paint.

Yorkshire Tea tea bags have been a popular choice for miniature works of art, something West got from her mother as she was more of a fan of herbal tea.

The series happened around April, and Ms West replicated places such as Saltburn Pier, Scarborough Castle, Humber Bridge, and the Yorkshire Dales.

Tower Bridge, Stonehenge, Blackpool Tower and Snowdon have also been painted in tiny form by the artist.

She has found a way to incorporate herbal tea bags in her work, adding that they provide different pops of colour than their regular counterparts.

Her favourite landmark to paint has been Stonehenge, with the most enjoyable part of the process was the start.

She also dabbles in painting other small items, including pumpkin seeds and leaves, and has even turned crisp packets into keyrings and necklaces. 

(dpa/NAN)