2018 Calendar - August

December 15, 2017

Back to school

When I was a kid school started the day after Labor Day which was always in September. But now days school starts in August. Even when I lived on the east coast and we had "Snow Days" we still started in September. I am sure we got out a little later in June but that just helped our parents know that we were staying out of trouble because we were still in school. I am sure someone complained that summer was too short but that was the way it was. We thought we were lucky to not have school in summer, but were always ready to go back by September!

A cute story to go along with that is when my daughter graduated from school and got her first job. Summer came and she said, "Don't I get the summer off?" I told her no this is real life. Welcome to the adult world. My husband is a school teacher so summers were always fun and laid back for my children. Getting up late and staying up late. Swimming and playing all day. They enjoyed having their daddy home all summer long. So life was very different for us in the summer.

The base cardstock for all the pages is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 Whisper White
All the calendars were created by me in Publisher and are cut at 3 1/4 x 4 1/2

The stamp set used is Bike Ride
Next layer is 5 1/4 x 7 7/8 Smoky Slate
Cut Bermuda Bay at 5 x 3 7/8 (top) and 3 3/8 x 4 5/8 (bottom)
Cut Whisper White @ 3 3/4 x 4 7/8. Punch out Pretty Label (It makes a great cloud) and using Soft Sky and a sponge make your clouds.

Then using a Sponge Dauber and Crumb Cake create the ground

Stamp the bike tires in Smoky Slate with Bermuda Bay Rims on Whisper White
Stamp the bike in Bermuda Bay and the seat, handlebars and pedals in Real Red
TIP: Before you mount your stamp on the block for the bike lay it in the die and then place the block on top to pick it up. This way your die will match your bike when cutting.
Stamp the Books in Basic Black then use the other two stamps to color the books in Bermuda Bay and Real Red.
Cut all the parts out with the coordinating dies.
Cut the book rack for the back of the bike in Smoky Slate.
After putting the bike together put the little circles from the Metallic Enamel Shapes on the centers of the tires.

Are you about to hit that $100 mark on your order (before shipping and tax)? If so, why not consider joining my team? As a member, you’ll enjoy $125 worth of products of your choice for only $100 Plus, you’ll snag a fantastic 15% discount on all your future purchases and a variety of exclusive perks from me and Stampin' Up! Dive into this exciting journey of paper crafting with us! For more information, check out my Join My Team page


We now have 3 catalogs each year, January - April, May - August, September - December.  We no longer have an annual catalog.  You will find all of the products in the catalogs online as well as Last Chance and Online Exclusive Products. If you want to check out the May - August Catalog click on that catalog below. If you want a paper copy, please contact me to get yours!

Check out:

Online Exclusives
September - December Catalog - Contact me to get yours!

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By Debbie Chronister • September 30, 2026
This cheerful fall fun fold card combines pretty plaid, textured layers and a trio of colorful pumpkins! I used Calypso Coral and Basic White cardstock with Painted Patch Designer Series Paper for a fresh, welcoming autumn look. The Basic White panels are embossed with the Stone & Leaves embossing folder, adding a lovely leafy texture that complements the pumpkin patch theme. The diagonal cut give the card extra interest while allowing the layered focal point to take center stage. For the centerpiece, I layered a plaid panel over a Calypso Coral arch, creating a frame for pumpkins die cut from Calypso Coral, Timid Tiger and Crisp Cantaloupe. I love how these three shades work together, giving each pumpkin its own personality! Old Olive leaves and curling vines weave around the pumpkins and extend up the arch, bringing a touch of greenery to the design. A Basic White label with the “Warm wishes” greeting finishes the card beautifully, making it a sweet way to send a little autumn happiness to someone special.
By Debbie Chronister • September 23, 2026
This card is such a fun way to say “Oh, Happy Day!” It could be used for a retirement, birthday or any special occasion. I started with Basic Black Cardstock, which creates a bold frame and really makes the softer colors stand out. The beautiful watercolor background comes from the Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper, with a little black-and-white pattern peeking out for added interest. The balloons from Balloon Festoon add the perfect touch of whimsy and dimension, while the greeting from the Greetings for All Mix & Match Ephemera Pack makes creating the focal point quick and easy. I love how all of these elements come together for a cheerful card that could be used for a birthday or just about any happy occasion!
By Debbie Chronister • September 16, 2026
This cheerful Stampin’ Up! card features a soft, monochromatic color palette with Crisp Cantaloupe from Painted Pattern Designer Series Paper, using the playful polka dots and coordinating horizontal strips. The oversized “Thinking of You” greeting that is die cut in Crisp Cantaloupe using the "Thinking of You" dies takes center stage, layered over Basic White for added dimension. Adding Crisp Cantaloupe Bordered Ribbon, a delicate White Baker's Twine bow, and 2026-28 In Color Gems provide the perfect finishing touches to this sweet card that is sure to brighten someone’s day.
By Debbie Chronister • September 16, 2026
Have you been waiting for the perfect opportunity to add the latest stamp sets to your collection? Well, we’ve got some great news! From September 16–18, you can get select stamp sets at 15% off! Grab stamps that have been on your wish list or use this opportunity to explore new stamp styles. Act fast—this stamp-tacular sale only lasts for three days!
By Debbie Chronister • September 9, 2026
This fun easel card features a beautiful mix of warm, earthy colors. The flowers from the Lovely Arrangements Bundle were created using the no-line coloring technique with Pecan Pie, Basic Beige, and Golden Glow, then layered with leaves from Nature's Symphony Dies against a rich Peaceful Pine background. Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake cardstock add softness, while a striped piece of Brushed With Beauty Designer Series Paper brings extra pattern and interest. Peaceful Pine Bordered Ribbon, tied in a simple bow, and coordinating embellishments complete the card front. The birthday greeting inside serves as the stopper that holds the easel open, making this card as fun to display as it is to receive!
By Debbie Chronister • August 26, 2026
If you love interactive cards, you're going to enjoy this elegant Peek-A-Boo Slider Card! At first glance, the rich botanical pattern from the Moonlit Flora Designer Series Paper takes center stage with its deep greens, delicate ferns, and warm golden blossoms. But with one simple pull, a hidden surprise is revealed, making this card as fun to open as it is beautiful to display. For this design, I paired the gorgeous Moonlit Flora Designer Series Paper with Mossy Meadow and Golden Glow cardstock to bring out the rich colors in the paper. The layered circular slider creates the perfect focal point, revealing the "Thinking of You" at first glance
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