This is probably a very non-helpful reply, since I couldn't name a manufacturer or supplier for you, but would there be any food grade biodegradable plastics (I think they may be corn based? I've only seen them in eco friendly and compost garbage-bag format, so there may be all kinds of food-unfriendly toxicity involved.)  The biodegradable factor is obviously a problem for the re usable bag idea, but maybe as a lining that could be replaced? 
It's a great idea you have, I hope that you can source some material!     

Thanks for the explanation here- I know this is an older post, but it is the exact issue I'm worried about.
I'm trying to think of some quicker/cheaper knitted items for my not-yet-active etsy shop, and I read about a knitting stitch usually used in the 1970s. (this was a one-sentence text only description.)   I worked out a really basic scarf pattern for myself with the materials I plan on using and made some samples.  After doing an image search on google,   I realised that there were some similar copyrighted patterns online.  The three or so I could find are all super simple:   Cast on.  Knit until it is a certain length long/you run out of wool.  Cast off.   Since I'm using a slightly different technique, wool type, etc., and was in no way influenced by an individual pattern, only by  a one-sentence description of a commonly-used stitch, I think I'm ok as far as not violating copyright infringement, but I'm not an experienced craft businessperson.
If anyone with more experience who thinks I'm wrong, please let me know! 

I hate how they would choose to say 'do you consider this finished' when "I personally would like to see more embroidery/less canvas' gets the same point across but isn't bitchy.  I was in an artsy fartsy program back in the day, and my own pov is that the profs spend so much time in their insular little world that they have to slam everyone else to feel like they're still artists and they haven't sold out for tenure and a swanky house.  I say Do that voodoo that you do, this piece is lovely.   

I am rocking my Norfolk Island pine for its second Christmas.

I am a gardener, but I am a houseplant serial-killer, so if I can keep this baby alive, anybody can!   

Anyway, obviously it depends on your climate, but you may be able to do what I do:  put it outside over the summer, somewhere relatively shady so that it doesn't become too used to full sun and then suffer when it comes inside. Then bring it in before first frost.

I found a lot of my existing ornaments are too heavy for the branches, but if you're making your own this weekend, then you can keep them lightweight.
Yay norfolk island christmas tree! 

  I like the lucky charms around the hem!
I hear you on the rabbit foot- I've only ever tried to buy one once, can't remember why- no luck! 

This reminds me of the solar paper we used in grade school, where you put leaves on the paper, left it in the sun, and it would make a stencil over time... love the squid and eyes and definitely the placement of the image side/bottom vs center front.  also,  I didn't notice the tentacle-problem you mentioned.  Now I'm inspired to snag some of my housemate's bleach and give this a go!  Thanks!

Thanks!  I ended up taking a black sharpie to the worst of the sloppy edge bits, then called it a day.
I'll try Jacquard next time... I was unimpressed with the quality vs price of the paint I went with this time. 
(can't remember the brand name)

Hi- I tried searching the board but couldn't find specific info for my problem-
http://www.craftster.org/pictures/data/500/medium/help_.jpg
Here is my wee Lon Chaney stencil (modelled here by my husband) - It has some blotchy, uneven spots in the paint, and the edges aren't great.  
Should I just leave it as is ?  
I corrected some of the edges with a black sharpie, but I'm worried that if I try to reapply the stencil and apply more paint layers, I will just make a huge mess.
Advice and opinions would be appreciated- I really have no idea what I'm doing.  
Thanks so much!
PS I think the image is public domain, so I didn't post the link to the original image... I just found it via google and simplified it via photoshop.  Let me know if you think I'm being a bad-copyright-person.

This is fantastic!  I am Canadian, and a couple of my US/European friends always make fun of me, imply I am a moose/live with moose/eat moose/am in love with moose... you get the idea.  Guess what they're gettin' for Christmas pressies?

I especially like the hand stitching and button details, for 'old fashioned made by hand goodness' look- I agree I prefer it to the machine stitch. (corduroy machine stitch moose is still pretty damn cute, tho')

Aaaaaw.  What a sweet idea.  by dominoes you mean teeny-tiny dominoes, right?  I think that's a great size for the subject matter, if that makes sense.  And I actually like the one without the bead.