  
Tea Infuser: A Synthesis of Art and Function
The tea infuser has been one of the most sought gadgets by tea
lovers. Being able to help in producing different types of tea, this simple yet little device makes infused flavors
and creates bold and distinct aroma for every tea you brew. Due to this functionality and prominence, the tea
infuser has been one of the things that it now being incorporated in the art society.
One of the few artisans who exclusively make tea infusers is the Texas artist known as Kevin Ard. He began
designing this little gadget since 1998. According to him, the challenges of creating beautiful tea infusers are that ones that drive him. From conceptualizing the
perfect art form, to creating it, and then maintaining its aesthetic till its wear and tear is the epitome of
creating functional art. Producing beautiful tea infusers not just includes basic knowledge in metal crafting,
but also engineering because one must know how to make water flow through these infusers without loose tea
leaves or even fruits escaping to the teacup or teapot.
According to Kevin Ard, most of his projects have personal taste. This is because he gathers
information first about his clients who contact him to make such an art form. From there, he takes his inspiration
from the different facts he has obtained from that person - their attitude, their personality, and even their likes
and dislikes. He interviews them thoroughly and makes sure that he has squeezed the data he needs in order to make
the perfect tea infuser for his client. Ard once said that anything is possible for him, “It’s only a matter
of determining what the client wants.”
After talking with the client, Ard begins conceptualizing and drawing the piece. He will then
present all of his drawings to his client. Once the perfect design has been agreed upon, Ard will now start
incorporating the engineering structure of the device. This includes the shut, the hinges, the different mechanisms
and even the number of metals to be used and cut for his masterpiece. This is a very tedious task, but once he has
completed the mechanic plan of the tea infuser, then he will begin producing it.
The production of the tea infuser starts by cutting some of the needed materials for it.
According to Ard, he doesn’t usually limit himself when he is in the zone of making his concept tangible. From
undetermined shapes of those materials, he then custom fits them all, and later assembles them - making his
just drawn imagination into a real, complex, yet beautiful and functional tea infuser. Truly, Kevin Ard belongs
to the modern arts society.
From the way he moves, to the way he produces his art involves a lot of tedious theories and
techniques that can eventually make any ideas into reality. Although his concepts and drawings are well based from
his clients and customers, he is still well attuned and on hand in making his masterpiece. He even goes to the
limit by infusing art and science in producing a very beautiful and functional piece. And he does it all in
the name of protecting the culture of the well known beverage, the tea.
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HIC Brands that Cook Snap Mesh Tea Ball Infuser
Sale Price: $0.99
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Most people use teabags, because they're convenient. But, most unique and distinguished teas come in loose leaf form. By using loose leaf tea you also get the freshest tea, without bleached bag packaging (the classic tea bag)...
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FORLIFE Brew-in-Mug Extra-Fine Tea Infuser with Lid
List Price: $16.10
Sale Price: $14.99
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The Brew-in-Mug Extra-fine Tea Infuser with Lid, is complete with an easy grip silicon rimmed stainless-steel lid. The infuser gives you a perfect even brew every time, and enables you to brew fine teas such as Rooibos tea to large whole-leaf teas like Oolong tea...
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Thermos Nissan 12-Ounce Stainless-Steel Tea Tumbler with Infuser
List Price: $35.00
Sale Price: $15.50
Used From: $13.15
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Virtually unbreakable, this lightweight, vacuum-insulated thermos travels to work or your favorite recreation spot. On arrival, and for hours afterward, coffee, tea, or soup will still be hot. Or lemonade, pasta salad, or a sports drink will still be chilled...
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Standard Tea Infuser Mesh Spoon
Sale Price: $0.01
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The RSVP Standard Tea Infuser Mesh Spoon features a spring closure that seals in the leaves while brewing.
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Dci Tea Rex Tea Infuser
List Price: $14.99
Sale Price: $6.50
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Have a wild cup of tea with this Tea Rex Tea Infuser! This prehistoric fellow is ready to eat your tea leaves and brew you the perfect cup of tea. Simply put loose tea inside Tea Rex, close and hang from your mug...
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RSVP Just Ducky Floating Tea Infuser
List Price: $15.35
Sale Price: $5.25
Used From: $7.12
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Enjoy preparing a delicious cup of tea with this fun floating ducky tea infuser from RSVP. Fill this little ducky's mesh infuser halfway with coarse tea leaves and place in your tea cup. Once the tea leaves are saturated the duck will float upright...
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FORLIFE Extra-fine Tea Infuser and Porcelain Dish Set
List Price: $12.65
Sale Price: $11.95
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The infuser that will fit a wide variety of teacups and teapots! The Extra-fine Tea Infuser with Porcelain Dish Set is complete with unique designed handles that allows you to steep all varieties of loose-leaf tea in your favorite teacup or teapot.
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Kikkerland Robot Tea Infuser and Drip Tray
Sale Price: $11.00
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Use this charming robot stainless steel tea infuser to prepare your favorite loose tea. His arms and hands move to create a custom fit to your favorite tea mug. Rest him on the included drip tray when your tea is steeped...
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