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.

Amy Rae asked where she can find the papers. I really can't remember where I bought the 6x6 pad of Basic Grey's Lime Rickey papers but I'm sure most online scrapbook and stamping stores will carry it....sorry, I'm not much help.
Joan Ervin  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 4:02 PM
Great way to use scrap paper too! Thanks!
Constance  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 4:29 PM
Love this technique and can't wait to try it. Nice job and good explanation. Edna
Edna Burgess  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 5:24 PM
Another project to put on my "Try this soon" list!
Tanja Souter  |  Wed Mar 30, 2011 at 9:26 PM
I love this technique and have found a new way to use up a huge stash of DSP scraps!Thanks for a fun tutorial!!
Missro  |  Thu Mar 31, 2011 at 6:11 AM
Bless you! I had an idea months ago to make some note cards for a quilting friend (I am not a quilter) but had a lot of trouble turning the concept into reality. This pattern was actually used by her to make me a quilted wall hanging so it is absolutely perfect for making her note cards!! Thank you so much for sharing the how-to do it.
Lura  |  Thu Mar 31, 2011 at 9:46 AM
Hey roomie! This is fabulous. I want to play along! love!!
Michelle Woerner  |  Thu Mar 31, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Oh goodness me....I want to try this. Wow. Joan this is fantastic. Thank you for the inspiration.
Lisa Lara  |  Thu Mar 31, 2011 at 1:50 PM
This is great, i would never have thought of doing the same thing if i hadn't seen this video clip. thank you for your time and expertise
Enchaning Beauty  |  Thu Mar 31, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Gonna be trying this later!
Delia Knapman  |  Fri Apr 1, 2011 at 7:43 AM
Love your card, Joan! Great way to use up some dp scraps.
Cy  |  Fri Apr 1, 2011 at 9:35 AM
WOW, I remember doing bargello when I did needle-crafting so many years ago. Now I can do it in my papercrafting. Thanks Joan. It is a gorgeous card and I can't wait to try it.
Cindy Littler  |  Fri Apr 1, 2011 at 9:47 AM
This technique is beautiful. I have to try this. It sure adds to the background of the image you use.
tfs
hugs
bobbi
BOBBI ISERI  |  Sun Apr 3, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Oh SO glad to see this tutorial from Ms. Joan!!
~Woooooooooooohooooooooooooo!!
TexasGrammy  |  Tue Apr 5, 2011 at 9:33 AM
Sooooo AWSOME wink
Zara smile
Zara  |  Tue Apr 12, 2011 at 4:58 PM
Outstanding!!! With SU DSP pkg's, color choices (my most difficult task in card-making) are a "no-brainer". Thanks for making a difficult task a breeze!!
Pam Roundy  |  Sat May 7, 2011 at 2:35 AM
I just tried this using Avery full sheet labels. After cutting them into smaller sizes I noticed that the segments want to lift off. Any suggestions to prevent this?
Julie Heitz  |  Thu Nov 17, 2011 at 1:49 PM
This was a great idea, now I can get rid of some of my extra strips from al the recipe cards I make. Thanks for sharing...
Sheri Lehman  |  Sun Feb 19, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Thanks Joan! This worked great on cards but also on a full sized scrapbook page too! What a fun technique.
Nancy Stislow  |  Sun May 13, 2012 at 9:54 PM
I absolutely love the papers used in this sample. My favorites!
Shannon  |  Mon Oct 6, 2014 at 11:23 AM

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