Drink Dispenser and free laser engraving at Wayne College in Orrville

I asked my dad to make me a drink dispenser for my tea parties.

I saw them on amazon for around $50-$60.  I thought that was steep and I knew dad could make something for me...all he needed was the measurement.

I also gave him the wine bag I bought to put in the dispenser, so he would know where to put the spout.  disposable wine dispensers can be bought on amazon for less than $10 a piece.

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After I received the dispenser for a gift for Christmas, I headed to Orrville's Wayne College.

Wayne College as a lab that allows you to use their laser engraver for free!

Wayne College 3D Lab – The University of Akron Wayne College

They also have printers, 3D makers, vinyl cutters, and more.

I have been here so many times that I have a file saved on the desktop with my logo stuff, lol.

This took only about 10 minutes to set up.  I had to measure how big I wanted the logo to be and where the center of the dispenser was.

Then I just laid it in the machine and hit start.

The first pass was light.  So I did it again.  As long as you don't move your project you can engrave it basically as many times as you like.

I engraved it 3 times.  Each time took less than 3 minutes.

So, loving how it turned out!!    I then wiped it off, because there were black smudges and soot.

I am so pleased and can not wait to use it at my next tea event!

They can laser engrave almost anything...here were some ornaments that someone was having engraved.  Which gives me a great idea for next year.

Examples of things from the 3D maker.

Here you can do stickers, posters, vinyl, Etc. 

They even have free items for you to use.

some of the free items.

Go to Wayne College and check them out!!!  Think of the fun personalized gifts you can make.

1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

Shreve Christmas Tea at the Gathering Place

 Ready for a Christmas Tea???

I had an idea... I wanted to work with Patty at He Brews.  I loved what they do in Shreve and I wanted to partner with them for an event.  I took a deep breath and reached out to her.  She said yes!!  Then I said what about the store next door, think Brick and Velvet would want to partner and do a craft with it?

That lead to the three of us sitting down one afternoon and brain storming!

It was full of God moments for me. 

We collaborated and came up with this Christmas tea.  Tea by Kerrie's Cup of Tea, tea treats by He Brews, and craft by Brick and Velvet....all for just $30.

We had so much fun planning that we have another one scheduled in February.  Galentines on February 1st from 11am-1pm.

I brought my family down the week before for them to see the area.  We got to take place in some of the Shreve Christmas activities.  Sort of felt like a Hallmark movie.  Lots of fun and the entire town seemed to be in on it!

         

The tea was in the Gathering Room at He Brews.  I love love love this room!!!  This is so my vibe!!  This is my feel!  Brick walls, rustic, homey, and welcoming.

He Brews did a fantastic job decorating.  You can even rent this room out if you want too.

I always try to have  tea menu for my teas.  Since I don't sell tea, I want people to know where they can get tea that they like.  I also want people to know if they have any allegories, what is in the tea.

I made 5 teas.

Simpson & Vail, White Chocolate Peppermint (Rooibos) Organic green rooibos, organic cacao nibs, white chocolate peppermint flavoring and organic white cornflower petals. (no caffeine)

Harney & Sons, White Christmas (White) White tea, cardamom, white chamomile, almond flavor, vanilla flavor, and cardamom flavor. Contains natural flavors.

Smith Tea, Ho-Ho-Hoki Chai (Green) Japanese roasted green tea, black peppercorns, cardamom, ginger root, cassia bark, cloves, cacao nibs

Ohio Tea Company, Vanilla Mint Chai (Black) Black tea, natural vanilla flavor, peppermint, cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, cloves, peppercorn 

Kerrie’s Wassail Blend, WASSAIL (Black) Kericho Kenyan Black Tea, apple cider, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemons, cinnamon, and cloves.

The base of my Wassail was this Kericho Gold black tea.  I really liked it.  I also did not add any extra sugar.  I thought it has enough sweetness.

I did two chai teas.  One green and one black, so that they could taste the difference between the two.  The green was lighter and I would not add milk or sugar to it.  The black was darker and hearty- I would add milk and sugar to it.

The fun toppings I had for the chai lattes.

Elf marshmallows, cinnamon candy canes, peppermint candy canes, sprinkles, crushed peppermint candy canes, and sugar crystals.

 

I had a white tea for everyone to try and then they could also take home the white iced tea in an ornament too.

My set up.

We also had water for palate cleansing. 

He Brews provided great tea treats!!  They had a pecan bar that was amazing and tasted like pumpkin pie without the piecrust.  Then there were delicious chocolate chip cookies, and their incredible scones.

My good friend and her sister came, which was a lot of fun.



The ladies would try the teas and then we talked about them.  We talked about the tea notes and flavors they were tasting.

I also did a latte demonstration.  Showing how to make a chai latte.  I showed how to froth milk and put a design on the froth.

Noel, from Brick and Velvet provided the fun craft for us.  We got to make one or two ornaments.  It was a lot of fun and super easy- as she had paint markers...a lot less mess!

We were able to select our ornaments. 

I think we all enjoyed this craft....I know I did.

Everyone got to go home with a tea ornament and one or two ornaments. 

We gave away two door prizes, this was one of them.  A mug full of goodies.

The three of us really enjoyed putting on this Christmas tea.  We are now putting on a Galentines Tea in February!  Save the date and join us again!!

These ladies were so incredible to work with.  What a blessing to know them.

1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.