Hi Teresa,
I can't tell you how excited I was to get your bag in the mail. Thank you. The print was just perfect to take to the beach the following day. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera that day. Since then it has become a grocery bag, diaper bag & the latest, a library bag for my toddlers. I am sure our beautiful Earth thanks you as much as we do.
With thanks, Abby
Bag 5770 reporting from Singapore
Green Bag Lady
The bag is a gift, use it well! Click on the image to read about this project.
Green Bag Lady bags in use: 5824
Bag #5770 Reporting from Singapore!
Texas Bag!
Teresa -
Attached is a photo of our daughter, Elizabeth Grace, with our two bags, following a trip to our local library. Enjoy!
Amy Crawford
Plano, Texas
2 emails today. . .
I just had to share these 2 emails I just got:
I found your site yesterday morning. It inspired me to get out my HUGE fabric stash and yesterday alone I churned out a dozen "Green Bag Lady" bags. I'm hosting a giveaway on my own blog today!
I did link to your blog, hope that's okay!
Tara
(Everyone, go win a bag from TARA!!!) Teresa
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Morning... well it's afternoon now... so...Afternoon,
I just wanted to tell you that you have inspired me to make greenbags... :) I'll be taking that stash of recycled fabric I have and make some bags to give out to friends and family. I hope to be able to give out some at the local farmer's market... perhaps one day we can take over the world with greenbags...
I'd like to have tags like yours with numbers... how do you do those nifty tags?
:)
carol
Thanks Carol! Look at the NameMaker post here to get 20% off through midnight tonight! Hurry! Teresa
Amy Butler!
Those of you who love fabric know and love Amy Butler for her gorgeous designs and patterns. Do you need another reason to admire her? How about generosity?
Look at what she sent for us to make bags out of. . . 
What lovely yumminess. I am so excited to use this for bags. I may just have to stare at it for a while first though! :)
So, the reason that we were lucky enough to get fabric from the Amy Butler warehouse is that Harmony is friends with her, told her about the project and even gave her a bag for me. This is Amy with the bag she picked out.
This is Diane, Amy's assistant, and her Green Bag Lady bags that she picked out for herself and her daughter.
And, finally, this is Mallory, who I do believe was the one kind enough to pack and ship the box of loveliness!
Thank you to everyone at Amy Butler. We truly appreciate your generosity and will be happy to take fabric off your hands anytime!
All the Best--Teresa and the Bagettes
Australia Bag #5168!
Hi Teresa,
thanks so much for the lovely bag you sent me quite a few weeks ago now. Sorry I haven't sent any pics, I'm not the best photographer around and even worse, I'm the best photographer in my family! Anyway, here's a picture of the bag after I went on a quick grocery trip yesterday.
Thanks again,
Deb
P.S. Forgot to mention that my girls like using the bag as a library bag too! My oldest is big enough to carry the bag for me when we're just buying a few small items - and she loves to do this.
4 Generations of Bags!
Hi Teresa:
Here is the slightly scary picture (taken at the end of a long day.) It is Anna Pond, Lucy Musante, Sue Heflin, Madeline Pond and Caroline Pond all with our bags. Madeline (the two year old) insists on using her bag to cart her belongings around, so even though she does not shop yet she is getting in the habit of proper bag use!
Lucy is my mom, I’m Anna’s mom, and Anna is Caroline and Madeline’s mom.
Thanks again,
Sue
Bags in Jamaica!
We took our bags to Jamaica!
Alice Sullivan (author of the Her Magazine article), Karen Holman, and Heidi Moseley
Her Magazine Article
There is a nice article about Green Bag Lady in the July issue of the local Nashville HER magazine. Copies are FREE all over town. Pick one up. You know how much I like FREE things!
Or, if you don't live in Nashville, you can read the article here.
Happy almost Friday! Teresa
New Jersey Bag!
Teresa,
I won a bag in the Sew, Mama, Sew contest, bag number 5821. I finally had a chance to take a picture. Although I have used the bag several times, I didn't have anyone with me to take a picture! Finally got one yesterday (also the first sunny day in 2 weeks).
Love the bag, and the idea of using them instead of plastic. It is a great way to show some personality!
I also blogged about it on my site, to spread the word.
Good Luck and thanks!
Barbara Kelly
Slovakia Bag!
I love my new bag! Here's a picture of me and the ingredients to make a chocolate pie from my husband's grandmother's recipe. He took the photo that is why I am blurry and the curtains and fly strip are in focus:)
Anastasia Henry
India Bag!
Hi Green Bag Lady,
Greetings from India!
Attached is a picture of me using the bag on a recent trip to buy some fabric.
Many thanks.
Curry
Georgia Bag #5173!
Hi Teresa!
Thanks so much to you and the Bagettes and Bagette Dad for the bag I recently won during the Sew Mama Sew giveaway. I love the lightweight fabric - I can just wad it up and throw it in my purse!
I have been so inspired by your hard work and your mission, that I sewed several fabric bags to give away to my friends. I have one (maybe two if I sew some more handles!) left over and am giving it away on my blog. I'd love it if you would post my blog address on your blog so your readers can have a chance to win a bag from me. Spread the reusable bag love as it were. The giveaway starts tomorrow Tuesday June 29th and runs through Wednesday July 8th.
You are a true inspiration. Just sewing these few bags, I don't know how you keep up - even with the help of the Bagettes.
Some photos attached. The one above shows my daughter with your bag full of my bags for delivery to friends, and the one below shows the bag(s) I am giving away.
Click here for my blog.
Grace (from Georgia)
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Ok, you heard Grace, head on over to her blog for a chance to win a pretty blue bag! Thanks for the pics and kind words. Keep up the good work. Make bags and keep giving them away. That's what it's all about! Teresa
Belcourt Event Yesterday. . .
Wow, it was a hot one outside at the Belcourt Theater yesterday. The event was in conjunction with the screening of the movie, Food, Inc.
In the almost 100 degree heat, we gave out almost 100 bags. If you couldn't make it yesterday, please join us at our next event on July 11 at Fido Coffee Shop from 10-1 or until the bags are gone.
Here are some photos from the event. . . Teresa
Indonesia Bag!
Hi Teresa & Bagette Dad,
Thanks for the bag. I received it well and it's lovely.
Looks like I'm the first person from Indonesia who won your bag ;)
Well, as requested, here I attached pic of me and my bag. My mom had even asked me to borrow it for her next grocery shopping.
Big hug for you from Indonesia :)
Ira
Event Today!
Please join us here in Nashville at the Belcourt Theater for the Green Event in conjunction with the screening of Food Inc.
Green Bag Lady will be there handing out bags from 11-2 or until the bags are gone.
We would love to see you there! Teresa
OH, don't forget to leave a comment on the last post to win a gift bag! Bagette Dad tells me we still have some left to give away!
Bagette Kathleen. . .FREEBIE!
This is the wonderful Bagette Kathleen. She recently started making these cute little gift bags out of our scrap fabric and fabric samples. Isn't that a wonderful use of scraps? They are adorable and we have some to give away for FREE!
ANYONE, even if you have previously won a gift bag or other bag , is eligible to enter!!!!
To be entered for this FREEBIE, follow these instructions:
1. Leave a comment
2. In your comment, tell us what your favorite post is on the Green Bag Lady Blog and why
3. Leave your email address in the comment spelling out AT and DOT so you don't get spam.
4. Last day to leave a comment will be midnight Saturday, June 27, 2009.
Bagette Dad will pick the winners and contact you. Good luck, we look forward to reading your comments!
Teresa and the Bagettes
Saturday help?
The weekends are when I get most of my sewing done. The Bagettes and I meet on Sunday afternoon so I try to get as many bags serged as I can before we get together. I try to do between 100-150+ per week. The bags are then matched with handles (a favorite activity of yours truly AND little girl). I bring the bag sets to the Bagette meeting and the sets get a label ironed in them and markings for handles. They are then handed off to the handle sewers to work their magic.
The first 800+ bags I made myself and then all these lovely people (Bagettes) came out of the woodwork to help. Aren't they wonderful? If you are new to the blog, you can read about them here, here, here and here and here too!
Here are little man and little girl "helping" me sew this afternoon. . .
Here is little girl as she is sorting the serged handles to be cut tomorrow. . . 
Check in tomorrow as I will be posting a FREEBIE!!! Teresa
Wisconsin Bag!
Thank you so much for the bag. I have gotten a ton of use from her already. I have only taken a few pictures though. Here are a couple. - I posted them on my blog as well. :)
Desiree Thompson
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Ok, just have to say that we here at Green Bag Lady LOVE that Desiree calls her bag "her" and that Miriam from Australia called us "Green bag lovelies." Thanks everyone, glad you are enjoying and USING your bags! Spread the word. Teresa
What is summer without. . .
. . . lightning bugs in a jar? This is little man and little girl in the yard once again finding (torturing) the crawling creatures they happen upon. They caught two "lighting bugs" (according to little man) and promptly named them Sunny and Midnight. Little girl asked if they had a battery in them to light them up. It is a good question. . . 
You may wonder why I post so much about my kids and bugs on a site dedicated to eradicating paper and plastic bags. Well, I am a little paranoid about my kids suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder as we live in a large city. I have the book, Last Child in the Woods that I found about a year ago. Ever since I have been encouraging my kids to spend as much time outside as possible. I want them to appreciate and fight for this gorgeous planet. If we don't instill this environmental awareness now. . . ok, enough preaching, have a great day! Teresa
Australia Bag!
Hi Green bag lovlies,
I am proud to announce that I have received and am already making good use of my green bag number 5142. I love the way I went thrift shop hopping the other day and used it for all my purchases, It's bigger than it looks too and fit heaps in it.
I tell everyone about the bag ( whether they ask or not !) I'm thinking you should franchise to Australia!!!
Thanks again so much.
Miriam in Australia
Mississippi Bag!
Hi! I just got your bag I won from the Sew Mama Sew giveaway in the mail yesterday. I was so excited that I used it on my trip to Wal-mart. It confused the cashier when I told her I wanted to use my own bags since she said that she had never seen anyone bring their own grocery bags before. Thank you so much, I'm so excited about being green. :)
P.S. Attached is my photo. Excuse the mess everywhere.
Jessica Wong aka JWo
Sew Mama Sew Bag!
Hi, Teresa - Thank you for the wonderful tote bag! Here is a picture of me using it. I'm headed to the library.
Thanks!
Stephanie Wilson
ENGLAND Bag!!!
Hiya!
I am the happy winner of green bag # 5119!
Thank you so very much. Attached is a picture of me enjoying my lovely bag... I'm going to mention it on my blog too and would be grateful if you could attach my url to the photo if you post it on yours... My site is http://skippedydoodah.wordpress.com
Thanks again! Love what ya do...
Skip
Nashville Bag #5658!
I love my new bag. I have attached a pic of it in use here in good old Music City. Thanks again. Very fun bag, and glad to be a Sew Mama Sew Freebie winner.
Kristi Smith
Good Gracious Green!
This is my bounty from my CSA today. Minus the zucchini. . .
The zucchini missed the photo shoot, this is why. . .
This is the first stage of "yummy muffins" in my favorite muffins liners (they NEVER stick!). . .
Can you smell them? They are amazing. The recipe is from my Aunt Frances. She is amazing. . .
Close up of the green veggie goodness that my kids love. Don't tell them they are healthy. . .
Here is the recipe. . .
Yummy Muffins--Aunt Frances
3 eggs
1/4 c. butter, melted
oil
2 c. sugar
3 c. zucchini, grated
3 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
3 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. baking powder
Beat eggs. Add oil to melted butter to measure 1 cup. Add eggs. Add sugar, nuts, zucchini, and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and baking powder. Mix well. Pour into muffin liners in a muffin pan. Sprinkle a little cinnamon/sugar on the top. Bake 325 degrees for about 45 minutes or until top is golden brown and tooth pick comes out clean. ENJOY!
Thanks Frances. I hope you all make yummy muffins and gobble them up! Teresa
California Bag!
Hi Teresa!
I'm SOOOO sorry it's taken me so long to get a picture to you, but here it is......finally! Thanks again for the bag, we get TONS of use from it, it's awesome! Take care!
Kimberly
Memphis Bag!
Teresa--
Sorry about the dark image but we do all our grocery shopping at night at the 24 hour grocery store!
Jonathan
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Jonathan is a sculptor I met at a conference in LA in February, check out his site by clicking on his name. Thanks for the photo Jonathan, keep using that bag! Teresa
Little Nashville Bag Lady!
Teresa,
The girls and I each received a free fabric shopping bag from you at the local "green" event last weekend (Green Wagon). We usually use fabric bags for grocery shopping anyway (when mommy remembers to bring them), but we think these are really cute. Grace even slept with hers the first night. So we thought we'd spread the word and encourage all of our friends and family to lose the plastic and paper...and go fabric!
This is a picture of my youngest, Lila Rose, modeling the bags.
Sarah
Too good not to share. . .
Scroll half way down the page and watch an excerpt from the latest series from Mike Judge (King of the Hill) called 'The Goode Family.' The link is here.
Don't let this happen to you! Remember your Green Bag Lady bag wherever you go. NOT made in a sweatshop. Lovingly made by hand by me and the Bagettes!! Teresa
Sew, Mama, Sew Freebie UPDATE. . .
If you have read through the blog, you will know that my father is one of the main helpers with this project. His name is David and he goes by Bagette Dad. I have many other helpers as well who sew, cut and iron, they are the Bagettes.
My father is contacting all the winners for the Sew, Mama, Sew Freebie. There are MANY of you! Thanks for the great response. You may want to check your junk mail to see if Bagette Dad's email is in there.
All winners have been notified by their email address. Names of winners will NOT be posted here except for:
1) FIRST REPLY: Erica from Michigan
2) FIRST INTERNATIONAL REPLY: Lexa from AUSTRALIA
3) NEW COUNTRY: Kavling from INDONESIA
4) NEW COUNTRY: Anastasia from SLOVAKIA
5) CLOSEST REPLY: Laura and Kristi from Nashville
So far, the Green Bag Lady project has given away 5426 FREE handmade fabric bags. You can read the names of all the recipients and their bag numbers if you scroll down the RIGHT column. You can see a list of all the cities and countries the bags are in if you scroll down the LEFT column.
Thanks! Congrats to all the many winners, enjoy your bags! Also, join the Green Bag Lady initiative for a greener life and start sewing your own bags and giving them away too! The pattern and how to video are in the RIGHT column.
Don't forget to email me a photo of you using your bag! My email address will be on the tag inside your bag.
Green Bag Lady Teresa
Canada Bag TEAM, Mother and SON!
Hi, Teresa
Sorry it's taken so long, but in all honesty, I don't know where the time goes! And so quickly! We did receive the bags you sent, and my son, Ian, was thrilled with his, as was I. I show them off all the time.
Here's a pic of my son sewing one of his bags. Between the two of us we have made about twenty bags. And following your lead, I've given a few of them to my friends (but I've kept Ian's bags for myself!!!)
I recently remembered some fabric I had bought for pillowcases ages ago, that never got made. It has Veggie Tales on it! Guess what I'm turning it into!!!
Thanks again, you really are an inspiration.
Jen and Ian in Canada
Sew, Mama, Sew Freebie!
Sew, Mama, Sew is having a May Giveaway Day and Green Bag Lady is joining in!
Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win one of many FREE shopping bags we have on hand. Only those who have not gotten a shopping bag in the past are eligible to win. We will ship internationally.
Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in your comment, spelling out DOT and AT so you don't get spam. If you do not leave your email address, you will lose your chance to win, Bagette Dad will not go to your blog to try and hunt you down. Thanks!
The last day to leave a comment is midnight CST June 2, 2009. Good luck! Green Bag Lady Teresa
Green Wagon Event!
We had a wonderful time at the Green Wagon giving out over 100 bags. Bongo Java provided delicious coffee and cookies, yum! If you live in Nashville and haven't been to the Green Wagon yet, you have to stop in, it is adorable!
Jen Casale, owner of Green Wagon and I. . .
Thanks to Jen, Kate from Bongo Java, Bagette Dad, Bagette Kathleen and Bagette Connie, it was fun! Have a great holiday tomorrow! Teresa
Don't forget to join us!
Green Wagon, Saturday May 23, 10am-1pm, come get a free bag! Enter a drawing to win one of four pet beds too!
Click here for Green Wagon info and directions.
Teresa
Nashville Bag! Lover of bag #3453!
Hello Teresa,
It was good to hear you speak at "Tennessee Women in Green" last meeting, really enjoyed hearing about your project, vision and bringing it into reality. Also, it is so exciting the way it has expanded and is replicating in other cities around the world!!! This is a truly generative project, one that is contributing to change that makes a big difference.
My first purchase with my bag was some organic lemons, yummy.
Thank you again,
Nancy McMorrow
The only way. . .
This is the only way that we will get EVERYONE To switch to fabric.
Click here.
Thanks for the information Harmony!
I hope all of you are having a good week. I haven't been posting much because I am enjoying digging in the dirt planting stuff in my yard! I'll take some photos soon. . .Teresa
Texas Bag Lady!
Hi Teresa,
My husband and I just recently attended the Green Expo in Plano, Texas and I have to tell you...."You motivated me!" :) I own a photography business and it is as 'green' as it can get....and then I visited your website and realized that I could make bags to put my clients prints in rather then a 'cute' bag w/ lots of fluff. :)
I sent an email out to all of my contacts for fabric remnants and I got a few responses....enough responses to keep me very busy! One of the donations was from an interior designer so I have some really nice heavy duty bags! (silks, upholstery, etc....)
I have given out 2 bags now that I made from that material and my clients have been THRILLED!
So, thank you for giving me the idea and motivation to 'green' my business even more! :)
Thank you,
--
Andrea
Andrea Pender Photography
Milan Bag!
Hi Teresa!
I've just received your FANTASTIC bag!! Thanks soooo much! This is me, my wonderful bag and the Milan's Cathedral! I hope you like this photo :D
Thanks again!!!
Anna
Bagette April's Mom. . .
Teresa,
This is my mom, Edith. When I was little, she sewed all my and my 2 sisters’ dresses. And although I never picked up the skill until I began sewing bags with you, she is the reason I wasn’t afraid to try. That’s pretty much true of everything in my life. I’m not afraid to try because my mom has always been so capable and matter-of-fact about everything. Or to quote the shoe company – Just do it. This could be Mama’s motto. I think it’s a German thing and I’m glad I (sort of) inherited it.
When I started making bags, my mom just jumped right in with me. She’s been making bags for her friends, church ladies, and random people at Wal-Mart for several months now. We decided to call her the Green Bag Frau. She’s got labels in the bags and everything – just like you. I know it warms your heart. What’s that about imitation and flattery?
Thanks for sharing your inspiring idea with me and my mom, and the rest of the world!
Bagette April
Part 3 of 3--The Gorgeous Gualala. . .
You don't need many words from me for this post. . .
It was a little windy on our beach hike on Friday. . .
Mommy and baby seals on the beach. . .
My treasures from the beach against some lovely Harmony fabric. . .
Our hike in the woods on Saturday. I let Harmony climb the tree. I am accident prone and decided that tiny Harmony could not drag me out of the woods if I fell. . .
Banana slug. . .
A tree growing out of a stump. . .
After the opening Saturday night, we went to Pizzas & Cream, yum. . .
I bought a lovely necklace from Ling-Yen Jones. She is a great jewelry designer who lives in Gualala, you can visit her site here. . .
Here is the group from the opening, jazz hands make all photos better. . .
Thanks Harmony, for everything! I had a blast. Happy Friday to all of you--Teresa
Gualala Part 2 of 3--The Amazing Harmony. . .
Ok, so you have heard me prattle on in past posts about Harmony Susalla and Harmony Art organic fabric, but last weekend I finally got to meet Harmony! She is amazing, I heart her!
This is Harmony in her office/creative space holding up a Green Bag Lady bag made from Harmony Art seconds fabric. . .
This is the refrigerator that was in Harmony's house growing up as a kid. It now holds samples of all the design items she has made. What a great use for an old appliance. I love it. . .
Finally, this is my FAVORITE part of Harmony's house. This is the fabric studio in the basement. How cool is this? This would be dangerous for me. I would never leave home. I would spend my days wandering around feeling fabric and making stuff. I should also mention that Harmony sent me home with an armload of this gorgeous stuff. Thanks Harmony!
There is still more to come from Gualala. I will do the third and final post tomorrow. I will also post some upcoming events for the summer. I hope all of you are having a great week! Teresa
Gualala Part 1 of 3--Exhibit Opening
I had so much fun in Gualala and took so many photos that it is going to take 3 posts to show/tell you all about it! Here is Part 1 which is the opening of the Paper nOr Plastic exhibit and was the reason I was in California.
The highlights of the exhibition were 2 pieces by artist Chris Jordan from his running numbers series. Jordan's paper bag piece and plastic bag piece were wonderful to see in person. Check out all the work in this series. It's phenomenal!
We gave out about 100 bags and had a wonderful time. Here are some of the bags in the exhibit. . .
Giving out bags in the gallery. . .
People with their new bags. . .
Artist Jon Handel's great bag in the exhibit. . .
Harmony and the last 2 bags. Ironically, they were made out of Harmony Art fabric. Don't worry, they found good homes. . .
Thanks for reading. More on Gualala to come! Teresa
Our new friend. . .
I have been in Gualala, California having a fabulous time with Harmony and didn't have a chance to post about the new friend the kids found on the patio last week. Take a look. They named him Jaguar.
Can you guess what it is?
Does this help?
How about now?
Look at that face!
P.S. I promise to tell you all about my trip to California after I get the photos downloaded! Teresa
California Bag!
Ms.Teresa
Sorry for the delay. I have attached a picture of my daughter to show you how serious we are in using your bag. Your bag is always in my purse and always in use. And for some reason, my daughter likes your bag more than others as well. These pictures come from our trip to Albertsons to buy diapers for my daughter (small package). In one hand she holds the Pamper coupon and in the other she holds your bag with diapers in it. Thank you very much and have a good day.
Lynn
Sacramento Produce bag!
Produce Bag in Use
I "won" a produce bag from the apples contest and have been meaning to send a picture. Obviously the grocery store bagger thought more than produce was meant for this bag. It's fabulous -- thanks!
Less Waste In Sacramento & Co-hort in Green Bagging-It,
Heather
My green girls. . .
My girls have been affected by this project as you can see from the artwork they have made for me recently.
This one is from my Big Girl, an image from the printmaking press at the Frist Center. . .
The first picture from my Little Girl. . .
Picture 2 from Little Girl (note the sewing machine and the people picking out bags). . .
This is the last one from Little Girl, it is starring animals carrying bags!
I'm off to Gualala, California tomorrow for the exhibit opening of Paper nOr Plastic. I'm excited to see the show and do a talk. See you soon Harmony! Teresa
Teaching a kid to sew. . .
Over the weekend my little girl wanted to "sew with mom." I got out a pattern that is actually a pin cushion but we are pretending that it is a stuffed animal. She chose all the fabric from the scrap bin and we cut them out. I did the machine sewing and then she did the final hand sewing. Not bad for a first attempt. The turtle now graces a pillow with the happy little girl. We are still very rainy here. Sewing is such a great rain activity. Teresa
Green Fleet Messengers
Hey Teresa -
Great to meet you on Saturday. I think your bags are the coolest idea. I loaded my bag up at the store this weekend, and it fits perfectly inside my messenger bag. So it will get good use!
Ride on!
Austin
http://www.greenfleetmessengers.com
--
Austin Bauman
Owner / Messenger
Green Fleet Messengers
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I met Austin this past Saturday at the Frist Center. What a great guy! He has started a bicycle messenger business right here in Nashville. How cool is that? Think of him the next time you need to send something and don't want to get in your car!
It has been raining here a lot. I love a good rain. Teresa
Frist Event!
We had a great time at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts today in Nashville. The "Love Your Mother" event was great and we had over 200 people join us for food, fashion and green tips!
I had 5 bagette helpers today (Bagette Kathleen, Bagette Alicia, Bagette April, Bagette Connie below, Bagette Dad not pictured). . .
Some lovely bags. . .
Picking out bags. . .
Bagette Connie records names, cities and bag numbers. . .
My lovely Belmont University students who were volunteer models for the eco fashion show. . .
Much appreciation goes to:
Frist Center for the beautiful space
Whole Foods Green Hills for the brunch
Whole Body Green Hills for the fashion show
Bongo Java for the coffee
The Nashville Scene for advertising
Food Security Partners for sharing green tips
THANKS! Teresa
Day 4 continued. . .
After school on day 4. Not sure which one is Jeff. I'll have to get back to you on that. :) Teresa
4 days of fascination. . .
The following are a series of photographs from the last 4 days that involve a boy, a coffee can and hundreds of caterpillars in the backyard.
Day 1: Little Man, "Mom, come outside, there is a caterpillar." I was dragged outside to see said caterpillar. This one crawler is a drastic understatement because every spring our backyard becomes the favorite hot spot of HUNDREDS of this same type of caterpillar. The kids have always been fascinated by this. None more than Little Man. However, I would like to mention that on this day, there was NO WAY that he was going to touch them.
Day 2: I was coerced to be the official caterpillar grabber. None of the kids would touch them. Even after I told them that they tickled and were really nice. Nope. No way.
Day 3: Little Man got over his fear and would now not only pluck them for the can himself, but he would allow them to crawl all over him with as many as 7-8 on his arms and shirt. I did make the kids let them go every night as some of them were already spinning cocoons (or racoons as Little Man says) in the coffee can.
Day 4: We cannot let a moment of daylight go by without looking for new friends. This is Little Man this morning on the hunt before he went to pre-school. He brought 5 specimens to school in the infamous can to share with his friends. I would also like to share that his favorite caterpillar from day to day always got the name that he considers the most wonderful these days. . .Jeff.
Happy Spring to all of you out there. I hope your children are enjoying it as much as mine are. Best--Teresa
Mexico Bag!
Dear Teresa,
Thank you so very much for the pretty handmade shopping bag you gave me. I get so many compliments on it and I am going to load it up with food to take to my local food bank.
You are great,
Thanks again,
Becky
New York Bag!
Dear Teresa,
Thank you so much for the fabric bag #3166. My reply comes late with a reason. I've been using the bag all this time and attached is a picture to prove that. I made it a habit to make sure my fabric bag is in my purse. Because of the light material it's made of, it's so easy to fold it and to keep it in my purse. The size of the fabric bag it's just perfect and it's very durable. No more plastic or paper! And guess what, I'm recycling every plastic package that might come with some products. There are two types and it's easy to notice the sign printed on the bags. Plastic bags Type 2 (high-density polyethylene film - HDPE) and Type 4 (low density or linear-low density polyethylene film - LDPE/LLDPE) can be recycled at your local supermarket and other locations. Once the bags are recycled, they are made into lumber, trashcan liners or plastic bags.
Here's a link that might help someone to recycle the plastic bags and to switch to fabric.
Thank you so much!
Cristina, New York
Update on Snookie. . .
You might remember that Snookie is Bagette Jennifer's Mom's dog and is an avid Green Bag Lady helper. She is very good at sitting on the bags to make sure they don't blow away. Somewhat of a glorified paperweight. . . Well, I decided that since Snookie is so good at helping and at sitting that she should have an official Green Bag Lady Dog Bed of her own. She appears to like it. I think she might even be posing. . .
Have a great day. Teresa
Wednesday, April 22, EARTH DAY!
Do something great for the planet today!
If you don't have a Green Bag Lady bag, you can still leave a comment on the Easter Freebie below to get one! Teresa
LIVE GREEN EXPO!
Wow, we had a great time in Texas at the Live Green Expo in Plano. We gave out 1500 bags in less than 6 hours. That is about 5 bags per minute. As you can imagine, it was absolutely crazy in our little booth. If you couldn't make it to Texas or we ran out of bags before you got there, you can still leave a comment on the Easter Freebie post below to get a bag.
Here are some photos from Texas. . .
Bagette Alicia, me, Bagette April and Bagette Anna. . . 
Some bags that found good homes. . .
Some of the MANY people who got a bags for promising to use them instead of paper or plastic. . .
And the highlight for me, I got to meet actor Ed Begley Jr. who is a green activist, wrote a great book, Living Like Ed and has an environmental website you can visit here. He and his wife now have Green Bag Lady bags. I hope they both enjoy them. . .
Thank you to the Live Green Expo for inviting us to be at the event! It was wonderful! Teresa
Indiana Bag!
Teresa,
I'm sorry it has taken me so long to send a picture of me with my Green Bag Lady bag. My bag is always with me in my purse, so I have no excuses when I go shopping. I love the design--it's amazing how much stuff it will hold! I feel very smart when I walk out of stores carrying "Bag #2806," filled to the brim. :)
Thank you again.
Donna Propp--Warsaw, IN
Come Join Us in TEXAS!
Please come visit us at the Live Green Expo this Saturday 9am to 5pm in Texas at the Plano Centre. It is FREE and there will be tons of things to do for you and your family!
Green Bag Lady will be giving away 1500 bags! Come and get one! We would love to meet you!
If you can't come to the Expo, then leave a comment on the "Easter Freebie" post below for a free bag.
Hope to see you in Texas--Teresa
Easter Freebie!
How was your day? I hope it was delightful and spent with good friends and family just like mine!
Bagette Dad has been a busy beaver this past week packing boxes for the Live Green Expo in Texas this coming Saturday. If you live anywhere near Plano, TX, make sure you come and see us. The Expo is free and there will be plenty of information on going/being green and fun activities for kids too!
We have some extra shopping bags and Bagette Dad is all ready to ship them out to folks who don't already have a bag that leave a nice comment here. Tell us your favorite thing about being green! Leave your email address and make sure you spell out AT and DOT so you don't get spam. You have until midnight April 22 to leave your comment here! Happy spring! Teresa
Beautiful Bagettes!
Due to the fact that we have been making close to 2000 bags in the last 4 months I put out a call for a few more bagettes. Some truly amazing ladies responded. Amber, Ann, Barbara, Glenda, and Margaret are these wonderful individuals. I don't have photos of all of them, but hope to soon!
Aren't they great? Happy Easter--Teresa
The fabulous Bagette Barbara. . .
The marvelous Bagette Margaret. . .
Nashville Bag!
Hello,
I received a bag at the Belmont Animal Hospital opening.Here is a picture of my Jeep after a recent grocery shopping trip. 5 Harris Teeter canvas bags, 1 Trader Joe bag, and my bag that you gave me. I could not figure out how to post this on your blog or I would have!
Also, I used the bag again today on another grocery trip. Thanks, and good luck with the revolution.
Melissa Hilmes
Nashville TN
Bag number 3401
Almost forgot. . .
Ok, so, I meant to do the last post OVER the weekend.
Today, there was an article in the Tennessean about the Belmont Animal Hospital and the dog beds that Green Bag Lady is making for them. Check it out here. There is a little video as well. Teresa
Weekend Loves. . .
What I love on the weekend. . .
Homemade Lemon/Blueberry/Cranberry muffins.
Small slippered Saturday feet.
Saturday morning cartoons.
And, of course, seeing all the Bagettes on Sunday afternoons. :)
I hope you had a good weekend. Is Monday almost over already? 4 more days. . . Teresa
Amsterdam Bag!
Hey Teresa,
It's been a long time (since September) ago that you gave me one of your Green Bag Lady bags. But, I'm proud to say it's gets a lot of use here with grocery shopping, etc. I've finally had a photo taken today to prove your bag is actually here in Holland. :-)
I hope all is well with you and your family.
Love,
Linda
Earth Hour
What did you do last night during Earth Hour?
I made bags. I allowed myself only the light on my serger. :)
The Amazing Aunt Frances!
Teresa,
Here are the 50 bags I said I would make. I'm really looking forward to seeing all of you in May. Will keep in touch with David (Bagette Dad). All's well here.
Love, Frances
This was part of the letter that was included in a box of 50 wonderful bags that my Aunt Frances made to help the Green Bag Lady project along. Frances is my Dad's older sister and a wonderful lady. She made the bags with some of her stash of fabric. They are perfect, vintage and simply wonderful. Most of them will go to Texas with us! I hope to see some of you readers there! Have a great weekend! Teresa
Ireland Bag!
I just wanted to email you and say thank you SO much for the fabric bag. It arrived yesterday and was used for the first time today. You're a star for doing what what you've been doing.
Lisa Maguire (bag #3322)
Ohio Bag Lady!
Ok, I finally got some reusable bags sewn! I had a busy week last week, sewing curtains and getting the house cleaned up and company ready for my sis and her family. But I finally got to my bags so here is a pic of the 3 I have made so far. And I must say, I am hooked! They are so easy to make and I keep finding myself looking for any scraps of fabric large enough to make a bag out of.
Ali
Check out Ali's blog here. Ali did a great post a couple of weeks ago about reusable bags here.
Tennessee Bag!
I'm very sorry that it has taken us this long to get you a picture, but we never seemed to have our camera with us when we were using it. I attached a pic of my son (Ethan, 2 years old in the pic) using it to bring home his library books. He loves using his bag! We very rarely use anything but fabric bags now!
Thanks again!
Christina Farless
Speaking of dogs. . .Bagette Snookie?
Teresa--
Mom and I worked on the bags last night and Snookie helped us out by walking on them!! ;o)
See you Sunday!
Bagette Jennifer
100% No Waste!
If haste makes waste, what does waste make? DOG BEDS of course! Green Bag Lady is proud to announce that we are 100% waste free. Yep, all the fabric that is too thick to be a bag becomes a bed. The stuffing inside the beds is all of our clippings and scraps. How cool is that? You can't get more green than using fabric that had no other purpose, and then using the waste from that fabric!
We are donating the dog beds to a new animal hospital that is just down the road. It is called Belmont Animal Hospital and will be opening soon. We were honored to be invited to a friends and family preview recently. We gave out 52 bags to many wonderful folks. Thanks Dr. Eadie and Dr. Sewell for inviting us! Teresa
Bagette April in front of the new hospital. . .
Me and the dog beds. . .
Dog beds on location. . .
On location #2. . .
The crowd at the friends and family preview. . .
Baby Henry gets a bag at the preview. . .
Bagette Connie giving out bags. . .
Josh Womack of Verde Goh, check out his site! He's green too!
South Carolina Bag Lady!
Wow, Teresa You are really being blessed. I knew that your call for help of fabric would bring you a flow of fabric for your upcoming events. Congratulations. I see you have many sponsors now. I am still steady making the bags and also making little Easter bags for the children at our church for the Easter egg hunt. They can later use them for shopping with mom.
Keep up the good work
Connie from SC
Lovely Les Indiennes. . .
Thank you Les Indiennes for the lovely fabric! We love sewing it and can't seem to stop talking about it. The first box you sent for the Green Bag Lady project in the fall was gorgeous. We didn't think it could get any better, and look at this. . .
To read about how they make this unique fabric and to drool over the flip book go here. It is true beauty. With much gratitude for sharing your art with us so we can continue this art, Teresa
The Wonderful Harmony. . .
The fabulous Harmony of Harmony Art sent these three delicious bolts for the Green Bag Lady project. Not only are they lovely, they are also certified organic cotton. They feel so soft and wonderful. We are excited to make bags from them!
Here is a taste of Harmony's prints. Check out all her fabric here.
Thanks Harmony! We appreciate you so much! xo, Teresa
Feast Your Eyes. . .
How about this yummy fabric? It is from my friend Shannon and her husband Chris who are the owners of Pixel Organics in California. They carry the cutest bedding and baby clothes you have ever seen! Check them out here. AND, Shannon is the daughter of Rich from this post, see how great they are??? Who wouldn't love this family?
Thanks Shannon for 2 boxes of fabric fun, you are fabulous! xo, Teresa
Bongo Java Green
Bongo World recently teamed up with the Green Bag Lady to complete the greening of our employee holiday party. The theme of this year’s annual blow out was “Going Green,” and featured biodegradeable cutlery, recycled napkins, green prizes (cash) and an award for the greenest outfit. The fabric we used for our table cloths was turned over to the Green Bag Lady who turned them into bags.
Bongo World is committed to becoming a greener company. All our coffee is Certified 100% organic and 100% Fair Trade; all our stores have recycle programs; and our coffee bags are biodegradeable (which is very unique in the industry).
Bongo World is made up of Bongo Java (near Belmont University), Fido (Hillsboro Village) Bongo Java Roasting Co. (East Nashville), Bongo Java East (East Nashville) and Grins Vegetarian Café (Vanderbilt University campus).
The photo is of some of the Bagettes "modeling" the bags made from the table cloth fabric! Watch this site for upcoming Green Bag Lady events at a Bongo World location near you!
Signs of Spring. . .
Color. . .
Bare toes. . .
Dirty toes. . .
Play house inhabitants return. . .
Breakfast in the playhouse. . .
Lunch. . .
Dinner. . .
Wishing you warm weather. Happy early spring! Teresa
Fabulous Guy! Fabulous family!
Hi Teresa,
Hope this finds you and your family well and enjoying life in the great city of Nashville.
Jan and I spent the Christmas Holidays in Onalaska, WI with Melissa and her family where I learned of the Green Bag Lady. Your to be commended for all of your major effort to convert the world to do away with all the "paper or plastics" of the world.
After returning home I conceived of the idea that I would like to do my part and try to help. I called Shannon and asked her if there was any objection if I used some fabric that I still had on hand from some projects that Jan and I helped her with in the past couple of years. No objection so in some of my spare time, with encouragement from Melissa and Jan and I put together (from your website directions) 100 bags that I hope you can use in your quest to convince the world of a much needed change.
I am absolutely amazed at the amount of work and effort that you have put into this project and the success that has come of it.
All the best to you and your family. Sincerely, Rich
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To explain about this note. Melissa is one of my good friends. She used to live here in Nashville and now lives in Wisconsin. I got to know her father, Rich and her mother, Jan, on their frequent visits to Nashville. Shannon is Melissa's sister and the owner of Pixel Organics. Shannon now designs organic baby clothes and bedding but used to make children's clothing so the great fabric is left over.
I truly can not believe the generosity of this family. The fabric, the time, the effort. It is so wonderful! Thanks to all of you, I think the world of you!
Green Bag Lady Teresa
Worker bees. . .I mean, Bagettes!
Here is a typical Sunday at the Green Bag Lady "quilting bee." These are literally hundreds of handles. See how nicely they are color organized? This is one of the many things we do together. This and cut fabric, iron on labels, gab, eat chocolate and have a great time. How about starting your own quilting bee, rather Green Bag Lady bee? It's really fun!
BTW, pictured are the ever lovely, Bagette April, Bagette Jennifer and Bagette Connie!
Have a good week--Green Bag Lady Teresa
Argentina Bag!
I received my green bag lady bag. It is beautiful! And my free apple bags. Thank you very much for your care for the planet.
Carla
La Plata, Argentina
WE NEED FABRIC!
Everyone--
Green Bag Lady is in need of fabric. If you have some sitting around that you would like to donate, please leave a comment here and give me a way to get in contact with you. We are trying to make many bags for the events in Texas and here in Nashville.
Please let me know! Thanks for all your support!
Green Bag Lady Teresa
New Sponsor--Name Maker!
The labels that are in all the Green Bag Lady bags have come from the fabulous company, Name Maker. Name Maker has just donated additional labels to the project. I couldn't be more thrilled with their kindness!
Check them out here. Along with a variety of labels, they have personalized ribbon, and iron on name tags so your kids don't lose their clothes!
Thanks Name Maker for your generosity! Green Bag Lady Teresa
Birthday. . .FREEBIE!
Guess how old I am today? Can you guess? Hmmm. . .this is what a couple of friends did to my yard today.
My whole intention on this post was to make some really cute birthday gift wrap bags and do a freebie with them. So, pretend that there is a great photo of some wonderful birthday gift wrap bags for you to win.
Leave a nice comment on this post for your chance to win a birthday gift wrap bag (I promise they are cut out, just not sewn. . .yet). Since I have never done this FREEBIE, any and all of you are eligible to win. Remember to leave your email address spelling out AT and DOT to not get overspammed!
Last day/time to leave a comment is March 1, 2009 midnight CST.
Maybe it is one of your birthdays today too?? If so, best wishes to you. Thanks for reading. Teresa
In the Tennessean today. . .
There is an article in the Tennessean Life section today called, "Slumbering economy awakens human spirit." One of the things about this economic downturn is that people are being more green. This is not intentional for many, but it is still good for the environment.
If you are here in Tennessee, check it out. If you would like to read the story on line, go here. The article includes an interview about the Green Bag Lady project. The Green Bag Lady portion begins on page 3. I hope you will take some time to check it out.
Have a wonderful day! Oh, did I mention it might be a certain someone's birthday today too? I will post a birthday FREEBIE later on today after I can get some photos taken.
The best to all of you--Teresa
Massachusetts Bags!
Hi Teresa,
Thank you for Your great bags! My daughters and I took them with us everywhere: to the stores, the mall, and the library!
Audrey
Tennessee Bag Lady!
Hi. My name is Mary Reneau, I'm from Byrdstown, TN. My mom is Connie
Colley from South Carolina. She has told me about your site and I have
started making a few bags. I have made 5 large bags and 5 smaller bags. My
daughter claimed the first one and my husband and mother-in-law claimed
the 2nd and 3rd. But I'm waitiong for a machine my mom bought me and I
will get busy. Attached is a picture of a few I have done.
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