It’s already February ! I actually feel like January is a bit longer which is fine with me because It’s my birthday month. I wanted to recap a few things about the shop, teas I’ve been enjoying and what’s coming to the shop in February!

January was officially month two for full time Tea Thoughts and it was nice but also difficult. January is often the slowest month of the year for many shops due to holiday fatigue, it makes perfect sense! As someone who just started full time, it’s a little scary though and allows doubt to creep. But instead of talking about what was lacking, I want to focus on what I accomplished, and it’s a lot !

In last month’s recap, I talked a little bit about my schedule that I try to keep so that I stay on track. I was pretty good about this schedule in January too except for a few days. Something I’ve learned the past couple years is to not wait to plan ahead for the holidays and even later in the year. Things happen and you don’t want to be stuck with nothing to share. In January I finalized several designs that I will be using later in the year and have already started to plan a few special holiday products that I will be trying this year!

I also placed several orders for products that I will be releasing in March April and May depending on how I structure it. With all this done, I want to try to focus back on working with my hands. I have some clay left over and while it’s a little too chilly to sit on my balcony and throw I may try to hand build some items or maybe do another tea pet series! I also recently finished an important step for tax season and that is a huge load off my mind.

Teas

I received many teas for both Christmas and my birthday and I have been slowly sipping them down as well as sharing them! Two of my favorite have been moon bear oolong and red buffalo oolong from Hatvala Tea.

I also decided to keep one of the fish gaiwans that had some glaze issues for myself. Even though I’m at home, I find it relaxing to be able have a tea session while at the computer if I’m busy. This set has been great because I can fill up two cups and the vessel is in “easy” mode because it has a spout, handles and a built in strainer. Effortless Tea!

If you’re interested in grabbing one of these sets, I have a few left in the shop.

February Shop Update

Near the end of the month I will be having a shop update! I may break the update into two sections as Cat teaware will arrive today! Remember those cat tea cups I had in December? Well I will be restocking those + matching gaiwans and pitchers and have around 20 of each depending on if any broke during shipping.

I also will be releasing TWO boxes this month. I know there has been some disappointment in the past about the countdown boxes selling out. It is truly a struggle because I want to offer more and I have been gradually increasing the amount I offer but I guess it’s time to up the boxes again! I will be offering more countdown boxes this time. Since I am the only person working on these from curation to wrapping and shipping I will need to start simplifying the process.

Changes:

This time I will be using kraft boxes with a nice design but writing name directly on the box. That last part of wrapping the box in kraft paper takes a lot of time and was meant to protect the white box. I’m giving in and doing kraft boxes with one color print to save time!
I will likely be making the envelopes and paper shred inside more uniform like kraft color so that I can save and use them with more than one box instead of having leftover items that I have to find a place for.
I finally bought a wax seal gun which will make sealing the envelopes way easier!
I’m contemplating creating a QR code that you can scan for the box info instead of including so much paper in the box. Do you like having the fortune tellers/cootie catchers? Let me know your thoughts!

Nowruz Box

I will also be offering one other box so that there are options and more opportunities for fun tea experiences. I have in the past done a small Nowruz box or shared about Nowruz but I plan on providing more information about the traditions around Nowruz and some fun items to help you celebrate that are also items that are nice to have. While I don’t want to give away everything in the box I will share some hints:

Explanations of traditions around Nowruz and what they represent
2 Small Books
1 Oz of a Persian Tea Blend
Nowruz themed goods designed by me
1-2 other items that relate to Nowruz that will help you celebrate
Dependent on shipping: A glass tea cup- one that is similar to glass tea cups I used growing up

There are a few other items in transit that I may include in the shop this month but it’s a little too early to make a decision on those!