tea for two: an old English tradition

Article Added: 23/12/2009 15:32:36
Sarah Daly is creator of tea for two, a gift company that specialises in beautiful buttons, bags and purses, among other items, made from a wide variety of reclaimed fabrics and vintage buttons.

Sarah has loved crafting and sewing for most of her life. She says that her Mum, a textiles teacher, is a huge inspiration to her, having taught her to sew when she was younger. tea for two was started on a whim after she started making gifts for her family and friends. “Their reactions were so positive that I just wanted to carry on,” says Sarah. “Now I am thoroughly enjoying selling my work at festivals and craft fairs.”

The inspiration behind tea for two, explains Sarah, came from the domestic and focuses on the “traditional elements of English life – in particular my own love of tea and cake!” Sarah predominantly uses traditional patterns, especially florals, and her bunting bags grew from a love of traditional English street celebrations. “I can find inspiration from anywhere,” Sarah adds. “I thought of the Princess and the Pea bag while working in the children’s section at my local library!”

The fantastically unique materials and resources used to make tea for two products come from all over. “My fabrics come from a variety of sources. Often I only need very small amounts so I pick up small scraps wherever I can.” Most of the materials used making tea for two items are re-used, for example unwanted sheets and curtains, old shirt buttons and, for the button hearts, vintage buttons from Sarah’s family collection. For Sarah it is very important to use materials that are as ethically sourced as possible. “When tea for two expands I will aim to use recycled or ethically sourced materials in every single product,” she adds.

Starting a small craft business certainly comes with its pitfalls and challenges. “As I’m still small and starting out it can be difficult to find craft fairs with a reasonable table price. But I love doing it and that’s why I continue!”

So what is it about tea for two that makes it all worth her time and effort? “I love it when people show me photos of tea for two items in their home, or I see them using a bag or a purse,” she explains, “It makes all the hard work so worthwhile for me!”  

All items shown below are priced at £6 each. If you would like to order anything please email Sarah at teafortwo_sarah@hotmail.com.