Welcome to Original T-Bag Designs
We’re a small, passionate team based in Hout Bay, South Africa, turning something ordinary normally discarded (used tea bags) into handmade works of art that transform lives.
Our story began when Jill Heyes, a creative art school teacher, moved to South Africa in 1999 and saw the deep socio-economic struggles facing the nearby township of Imizamo Yethu. She wanted to help local women earn a living and support their families, so she started experimenting with everyday, accessible materials. The breakthrough came from the most unlikely place: used tea bags.
Dried, emptied, flattened, and painted, each tea bag becomes a unique, tiny canvas. Today, our local artisans turn these painted canvases into handcrafted gifts, stationery, home décor, and coasters. No two quite the same.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a vibrant social enterprise. Every item you buy provides fair wages, dignity, and sustainable employment to women from the local community helping them support their families, educate their children, and build better homes.
When you hold an Original T-Bag Designs creation, you’re not just holding a beautiful piece of art. You’re holding a real story of hope, resilience, and second chances.
Our story is more about driving sustainable impact and social justice to empower women who struggle to find employment in our society for them to find dignity and purpose.
OUR SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
- We repurpose +/- 7000 teabags monthly destined for the landfill.
- We have created 32 jobs post Covid19 after full 2020 retrenchments and closure
- Our staff compliment is mostly single mothers who support their families and extended families on their income.
- To empower more women we launched a Skills Development Program from 2023
Popular Categories
Stationery
Novelty
Cards
Tableware
Call to Action:
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Transform Your Home with Handmade Décor
Bring warmth, colour, and creativity into every room with our one-of-a-kind items crafted by hand, painted with care.
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Find Unique Gifts
Give more than a gift — give a handcrafted piece that supports local artists and turns waste into wonder.
Bestsellers
Latest Products
Our Locations
HOUT BAY WORKSHOP: Shop 1 Pam Arlene, Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town (Next to Altron Garage).
BAY HARBOUR MARKET: Hout Bay Harbour Market Stand . Friday – Sunday 10am – 9pm
Visit Our Workshop
Step inside the world of Original T-Bag Designs and experience the creativity first-hand. Our Workshop Tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at how everyday tea bags are transformed into art and décor. Meet our talented artisans, see the painting process up close, and discover the stories behind each piece. Perfect for visitors, schools, and groups who want an inspiring and educational outing.
T-Bag Painting Activity
Unleash your creativity with our fun and interactive T-Bag Painting Activity. Guided by our artists, you’ll learn how to recycle and repurpose used tea bags into miniature works of art each one unique. Whether it’s for team-building, schools, family days, or private events, this hands-on activity is the perfect mix of art, sustainability, and fun. Take home your creation as a keepsake or gift! We can also come to you for a group booking.
Hout Bay (Workshop & Shop)
We have a workshop in Hout Bay where visitors can take a tour and buy some products from a small store at the location.
Address:
Shop 1, Pam Arlene Place,
Main Road
Hout Bay
7806
Cape Town
V&A Watershed (Shop)
We have a stall inside the Watershed building at the V&A Waterfront where you can find a range of our products.
Address:
Shop 107 inside the V&A Watershed,
Dock Road
V&A Waterfront
8000
Cape Town