I often read the features seller articles on Etsy for inspiration. Leah Duncan has a wonderful outlook on life and motto that I not only find fitting for my love of tea but also something that I think I'll use from time to time. "I want sugar in my tea" the idea that living life in the pursuit of sugar ones goals,dreams and happiness will bring a sweetness to life. How lovely is that? 

Leah's shop on etsy is located here: www.leahduncan.etsy.com

May is bicycle Awareness Month. One of my favorite activities that begins in may and continues through the summer is Bicycle Sunday. Lake Washington Blvd is closed off to cars from Mt. Baker beach all the way to Seward park to allow cyclist of all ages and abilities to travel along the scenic stretch of roadway without fear of cars. May 8th is the first of 12 Sundays this even will take place.  Even though I haven't owned a bike since the 1990's this event is fun for walkers strollers. To learn more about the event see the Seattle Parks and Recreation website at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/bicyclesunday/

Spring weather and the beginning of the outdoor season inspired a new bike item in my shop. The Bike Beanie. While a fleece hat may not seem like spring attire in Seattle its the perfect accessory.

Stitch Duchess has a mascot. This garden gnome has been hanging around my apartment for years, as I’ve never had a garden. Randomly showing up in my fabric closet, amongst my shoes and frequently in my kitchen watching me cook.

I wanted to get a head start on a personal new years resolution to find easy and fun ways to be green and lighten my footprint in my personal life and in my business.  To start I’ve decided stop using plastic bags for lunches at work and school.  These bags are so much fun to sew that I thought I'd share a set for giveaway day.  Very little fabric is required to make a snack bags  which means these are a great way to use scraps from larger sewing project.

The set of two snack bags pictured is what up for grabs to one lucky winner.  To win these bags simply leave a comment here any time before 9pm on December 17, 2010 sharing the ways in which you are green.  I will use a random number generator to select the winner and mail your snack bags on Monday December 20th.  I do ship internationally.

Details: Both bags are made from African cotton and feature dark blue teardrop shapes on a yellow background. Each bag closes with Velcro and is lined with rip-stop nylon and has a gusseted bottom so they stand up on their own. Each bag is 4 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide.

 Back in August I attended the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs in Seattle (CCE). The weekend was packed full of workshops, inspiring presentations and lots of opportunity for discussion and networking.  I met wonderful artists and learned a great deal about running a creative business and staying inspired.

One of those artists Blogged about her experience at the conference here www.waxypin.typepad.com.