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Well, the title explains the basic issue.
I've been taking a nice amount of tea lately and I read some time ago some people use it for basing. My main concerns are: Shall it be boiled first and dried up to be used or can I use it directly as -I suppose- it comes already dry and will not rot after x time? Will it get spoiled if I use my usual white glue (water based) to glue it to the base? Maybe he needs superglue not to get "moist" during the process?
My third option is just forget about the tea and buy artificial grass/moss instead, but I really love the ideas, a I have a ton of varieties of tea available and it would be a nice option if possible XD

Thanks in advance!

I'm not sure how similar it is but I use dried parsley flakes and have never had a problem with rotting. The only problem I've had is it can't be applied like normal flock as it can crumble and break off so I just mix up some white glue, parsley, and water and apply it to the base with a brush. It seems to almost act a sealant and locks in the smell as well

I wouldn't think that PVA glue would be an issue. Tea is an organic material, so if it stayed damp, it would 'go bad'. That said, if you wet it out with glue, let it dry and kept it dry, I wouldn't think there'd be any issues. Would unused tea bleed and stain onto unwanted areas when applied? I couldn't say. I'd test it out first if I were concerned.

I have used tea leaves mixed with sand for bases a lot.
I always use the tea to make drinks first, then spread out the leaves on a tray on the window sill to let the sun dry it out, I use PVA to glue it all down, I have never had a problem with rot or anything else.

 Big H wrote:
I have used tea leaves mixed with sand for bases a lot.
I always use the tea to make drinks first, then spread out the leaves on a tray on the window sill to let the sun dry it out, I use PVA to glue it all down, I have never had a problem with rot or anything else.

Pva glue plus a coat of varnish should seal it pretty well of worried.
That should be pretty well sealed.

And least make a cuppa first. Respect the tea gods lol

Ive used raw coffee grounds and it looks great. Kind of on topic lol

Thanks a lot for the answers!
I think I'll give it a try then. I dont mind the possible smell neither, to be honest

I recommend this youtube video for some pointers on the subject

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys-islkBCWQ&t=737s

She goes through quite a few option for basing material, including various types of tea and coffee and others.

OJJ

I approve of this discussion.
*Sips Tea in a vaguely British fashion*

 JetmechNOR wrote:
I recommend this youtube video for some pointers on the subject

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys-islkBCWQ&t=737s

She goes through quite a few option for basing material, including various types of tea and coffee and others.

OJJ

Thanks! I didnt know about this video!