The set of four stencils released this month is very versatile. Each stencil is 15cm x 30cm, so two can be used on the 30 x 30 scrapping page allowing for a multitude of layout options. They are also designed to be used with the AZZA XL Accordion leaves allowing for more photos on a scrapping page, or to create a mini album.

The first layout I created was to show how one of the options allowed for landscape photos to be kept almost full size. I used Stencil 2 & 3 as shown below.

Remember when using two stencils on the AZZA Scrapping page, overlap the 5mm borders, so that you create a 5mm gap and not a 1cm gap. This is easily done with the re-positional tape.

As you can see I kept the page relatively simple. I did not need a heading or title as I had the image of the menu. I will often take photos of where I have been to use for this purpose.

As with any of the AZZA stencils a single enlargement can also be easily used with these stencils. What I wanted to show below is the importance of the colour papers you use. The colour paper will bring out specific colours in the photos used. Always place them on the page with your photos to see they enhance the photo and pop the colour of your choice. (Not cut as below, just the sheet of paper)

I also used the set of stencils to create two, very different, mini albums. This is the first time I have used an AZZA XL Accordion leaf to create an album. I was very happy with the result and will certainly create a few more. These make for beautiful, priceless gifts and can be sent through the post easily. I used the AZZA Imitation leather sheets for the cover, this gives a very classic look. The sheets come in various colours: blue, cream, black, biscuit and Dolphin.

I used stencil 4 for both panes on the shorter side, just flipping it over. This always gives matching layouts. I did not crop the two photos at the top. For the decorations I used the beautiful Shadows patterned paper and the Australiana stamp and die set, colouring the image with my Aqua brush and inks.

Note how I have torn the paper on various sides to give a white edge, this is the core of the paper showing through. On the longer side I began with the sample below, but as we all know, best laid plans… I got ink on the very lefthand pane so had to add a few more photos. You always make your stencils suit your photos. Often a customer will say, I couldn’t use that stencil with my photos – I have to say, most stencils can be used with any set of photos, you have to just keep turning and flipping the stencils until you find the layout that suits the photos you have. I do admit, sometimes I have to walk away or leave it overnight before I get the result I am looking for.

I always put my photos onto the page then decide what decoration I am going to work with. Here, as the photos and patterned paper are quite busy, I kept the plain paper I used almost the same colour as the Accordion sheet. This I used both plain and embossed. I embossed the patterned paper that is in the same section as the plain paper as this brought the two sections together. Note how I used the lovely Shadows Micro stamp – I did not ink it all one colour, I used different tones of blue. The set of AZZA Foam brushes (ACC 110) I showed you in a recent blog are perfect for this.

AZZA have the XL Accordion leaves in three colours: mist, Kraft and burgundy.

I created a second mini album with the set of stencils, this one was punched and bound with the AZZA Binding discs. Both the punch and Binding discs can be found in the online shop: azzaworld.com.au.

With this album you cut each page ensuring the following page sticks out behind it thereby showing part of the photos or decoration. I created 5 pages but more could be added. I only had a certain amount of photos to work with so added decoration to complete the look. The horizontal strip at the top of the mini album connects the pages together although not used on every page. I used a 2cm gap between inking and used the AZZA Stamp set Lace TAM 599, but the Lace die DIE 260 or Washi tape can be used for this too. I used the AZZA Shadows texture stencil and the Pretty Birds die for the feathers.

On this first page I used the die to create a decoration template. I used the feathers I had cut out of a square of card, then used the card to ink the two images in the centre of the page so that the full decoration was not too heavy. You can do this with any die, I use a transparency sheet with a good border around the edge of the image so you do not get ink on the page where you do not want it.

Jennie Banks in Queensland used the idea of the mini album above but attached it to a scrapping page adding a little fun and a lot more photos to her album.

The Pretty Glassware products look so lovely on the page and can be used in so many ways. I love these two bright layouts by Valerie Guioc and Valerie Le Gros. Both Ladies used the Murano set of stencils for their layouts.

Brigitte also shows how beautiful they look on a card. The images can be coloured with an Aqua brush, chalks or inks. The AZZA sand would also work well with them.

Ramona in Germany shows the products used in various ways in the image above. The bundle and save option is available in the online show until the end of the month.

We had a few queries as to what AZZA stencil this was. This layout is featured in the Pretty Glassware Decor book on page 15. The AZZA Springfield stencil is used together with the AZZA Tool stencils – Circles (GAB 716). A lovely Mood board with the pretty Glassware products from AZZA Europe.

And a few tag ideas from Alice Roux in Europe:

Barb Rae in Western Australia created the layout below with the Murano set using the AZZA Shadows decoration themed products. Note how she has used the Shadows embossing folder with velum as a background for her decorations.

The weather in Western Australia is very miserable so a perfect weekend to stay home and scrap. I do hope this gives you plenty of inspiration.

Happy Scrappin’

Lyn