Get ready! I'm jazzing up my Dine.n.Doodle chalk mats with new designer trims for an updated, fresh look. Not only will chalk mats continue to feature popular gingham prints, but swiss dots will be making their splashing debut in the coming weeks. Lot's o' options and lots 'o fun --- I can hardly stand it!

I love the beginning of the new year. I've just finished enjoying a 2-week siesta with family and friends, got to sleep in late (you can't put a price on that!), and am now re-energized to do what it is I love doing --- creating! I have several new designs for both chalk mats and roll.n.go crayons to roll out in the coming weeks. I am thrilled beyond words to finally get to THAT pile of goodies in the corner of my sewing nook. Two new chalk mats are already available in my Etsy shop - Little Red Riding Hood and My Forest Friends.

Stay tuned for more! 2009 is going to be a fun and fabulous year!

So here I was today, driving to pick up my daughter from preschool when I had an "AH HA!" moment. Related to sewing, of course! I thought why not create a special edition placemat for the holidays. 'Tis the season when we all want (and deserve) to enjoy the company of our family and friends around a dinner table topped with our favorite holiday delicacies! And, how do we enjoy such a meal with little ones at the table, too? Keep their minds and little fingers busy...whether scooping up their next spoonful of peas or doodling to their hearts content, this placemat is your ticket to a warm meal eaten in peace. For parents with young children, it is a sure holiday must-have!

Are you putting out a yummy plate of cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve? Write him a short note OR maybe he'll leave you a thank you note for the delicious treats! Use this placemat for your holiday treats, countdown the days until Christmas -- be creative!

The "O Christmas Tree" special edition Dine.n.Doodle chalk mat is available now in my Etsy shop. Happy Holidays!

C-U-T-E! Seriously, these are THE cutest cross-eyed sheep you'll ever see --- they make you smile. I was silly with anticipation for the arrival of this laminated cotton. No sooner had I taken it out of the package (after dashing 1/2 down my driveway to meet the post officer delivery lady!) I had a chalk mat in production.  Available now in my Etsy shop!

And for a bit more of sheep goodness, here are three adorably cute sheep products made by fellow EtsyKids members --- (l to r): "Match Made in Heaven" print by cicifactory; Vintage Storybook Lamb Print Pink-n-Blue with Snowy White Blanket by eblankies; Set of 3 Farm Patch Quilt Clips by LittleElephantCo. Enjoy!

I say, "Woo Hoo" for having my business in the age of the internet! How ever could I find so many adorable laminated cottons. They hail from the US, Finland, the UK, Japan, and places in between...then land on my doorstep where they are magically sewn into limited edition or one-of-a-kind chalk mats for your fun and enjoyment. I'm sure these four are the beginning of more to come. My eye is always on the lookout for more -- and you can find these at my Etsy shop -- Lil.B.Designs. Go...hurry...before they are gggone!

Just in time for this year's holiday season, I'm rolling out new Roll.n.Go Crayons designs. Here are the first three, with many more fun and colorful designs to come. I'm finally getting to my special stash of new ribbons! Stay tuned to see what's coming off of the sewing machine next...

New designs are now available for purchase in my Etsy store.

Cupcake Cuties

Vintage Airplanes

Where The Dinosaurs Roll

I love, love, love this time of year. October brings a welcomed reprieve from the heat and humidity of summer, and the trees treat us to their red, gold, and orange fall foliage. Dozens upon dozens of honking geese have been flying over our house as they head in their perfect "V" formations southward. Though we have had warmer weather than typical for this time of year, I placed a few mums on the porch to remind us that autumn is really here!

On Saturday, we took Lilly to Belmont Pumpkin Farm for an afternoon of favorite fall fun -- hay rides, petting farm animals, corn maze, and of course, choosing THE perfect pumpkin in a field full of every shape, size, and color pumpkin. Lilly even chose an itty bitty pumpkin for her puppy (a stuffed animal, btw!).

Next to the pumpkin patch was an amazing field of sunflowers. They were all standing tall at attention with their smiling faces glowing brilliant yellow toward the warmth of the sun. Lilly, being 4, loves to see how tall she is compared to just about anything. She searched and searched until she found a sunflower just as tall as her. I loved watching all of the bees busy with their days' work hitting up each and every one of them. Nature in action!

Where else are sunflowers found? Right in my shop and ready for the picking. What a bright and festive way to decorate your table at home or wherever you dine with your child this time of year. These sunflowers will continue to smile at you for years to come!

I can't help it. Honestly. I love fabric too much. If I see a piece that "speaks" to me, I just have to have it! Recently, I came across three remnant pieces of designer laminated cotton - Oh My Goodness! As I see it, it's a win-win -- I got to feed my fabric addiction, and you now get the chance to own a limited edition Dine.n.Doodle! Now available for purchase in my Etsy store. Hurry, only a handful (or less) are available!

Such an invasion has never been more welcomed! Arriving very soon is this out-of-this-world cute print featuring friendly robots. Finally, creatures that will be fun and entertaining to dine with....on your chalk mat, of course!

Stay tuned young earthlings...