Bargello Technique

by Joan Ervin

Use a technique borrowed from needlepoint to create an interesting background with thin strips of paper.

Supplies

  • Paper cutter
  • Three or four sheets of different patterned papers at least six inches long
  • One 5" x 6" piece of thin white cardstock, or copy paper
  • Adhesive
  • Ink, stamps and embellishments to finish your card

Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1

    Cut several 3/4" strips of patterned paper, at least two from each pattern.

  2. Step 2

    Adhere the strips on the thin paper in a consistent design with sides touching and the edges even.

    Hint:
    Use at least one dark paper for a dramatic design look.

  3. Step 3

    Cut several strips in various widths.

  4. Step 4

    Play with the strips to create a design.

    They can be arranges in a zig zag pattern

  5. or a wave.

  6. Step 5

    Or create a pyramid design,

  7. or rick rack pattern.

  8. Step 6

    Adhere the strips in the pattern of your choice directly onto the card base or another sheet of thin paper to make a layer.

    The Bargello background can also be cut with a die for a shaped background layer,

  9. or trim the sides for a larger layer.

  10. Step 7

    Finish your project.

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Bargello Technique. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.

Questions and Comments

We'd love to get your feedback or questions. Leave your comment below.

Thanks for posting this! What a fun technique.

I'm in love with the papers that you used. Where to buy?
Amy Rae  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 9:25 AM
LOVE! Oh, I'm definitely going to try this one. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Carolyn V  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 9:30 AM
I loved this technique! Since I am a quilter, this really spoke to me. I will definitely make this design and use my Nestabilities to cut out a focal for my card. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us.
Phyllis  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 9:50 AM
I love you card, really a great technique fo using pattern paper scaraps.
One question did you use the xyron to create the adhesive paper for the back? is it any light weight paper, like printer paper? Thanks for teaching someting new every time.
Carla  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 10:44 AM
I cannot understand the name of the company she used for the stamps. Telet???
Margaret  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Hi Margaret - they are from Taylored Expressions - one of our Member Companies.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/taylored-expressions-f314/
lydia  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:04 AM
This is what Joan posted for the stamps:

"The fish stamp is from a Paper Smooches set called Birthday Buddies.
Joan Ervin | Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 4:25 AM"
Amy Rae  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Oh wow...imagine cutting the sheet into squares, then rotating 1/4 turn, every OTHER square! It would almost resemble a patchwork quilt!

Great tut! TFS.
Jannarama  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Such a beautiful pattern. I'm going to try this technique. Great way to use up small bits of scraps.
Mary Ann Huntington  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:17 AM
This technique would be great for a card for my sister who quilts. Very pretty!
Pam Crusberg  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:21 AM
What a great way to use scrap paper. I want to try it in lighter colors for girls also.
Billie  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:34 AM
I love this technique, I'll be giving it a go during my webcast show this Friday. Brilliant card Joan !
Fabrizio Martellucci  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Very cool! Now I have a reason to use all of my patterned paper instead of just hoarding it grin
Kathy  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Cool! I totally LOVE it smile
Josie
Josie  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 12:01 PM
First time I tried it, it looked horrid :(
But, I tried again, and it's beautiful :D
Pamala
Pamala  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 12:03 PM
ohh, devine!
Olga  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Love it! smile
You ladies always have Awesome ideas!
Jody Lee  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 12:05 PM
Teanna
Each to their own opinion!
Anyway, I love it, its beautiful smile
Helen  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 12:10 PM
this would be great with various laungage papers.. of which I collect. Way cool. Japenese, German, French. besides English...
Oh how fun...
mrssmith  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 12:38 PM
I can just see making Easter Eggs with this pattern and oval nestabilities for cards, place cards and all kinds f things. Thank you for sharing
Dottie Watson  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 2:30 PM

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