Do you know what tea bags are made from?

Tea bags are made from Abaca, the Philippine word for Manila hemp (Musa Textilis), a type of banana tree.  Abaca is a strong fiber capable of standing up to hard use. Tea bags are no thicker than a standard tissue, but try dipping one of those in boiling water!  It is also used to make marine grade rope and canvas shoes. Abaca is the primary fiber I use in my work due to its remarkable strength and ability to absorb pigment.

Boston Public Garden (2013) 6 x 8 inches.  Handmade paper.

        Meg Black Studios