SNEAK PEEK WEEK, PROJECT #2...

For Sneak Peek #2, I thought I would show you the bargello technique.  Unless you are a needlepoint fan, you may not have heard of Bargello, but you will probably recognize it when you see it.  Bargello is a long, straight stitch in needlepoint, arranged so as to produce interesting patterns - often a zigzag or flame-like pattern.  While it is traditionally done with wool on canvas, papercrafters use bargello to create unique and fascinating patterns for cards and projects.  They really add the WOW factor!

The bargello technique works best with striped papers.  However, when I saw the zigzag pattern in the new Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper, I knew I had to try it out with this technique just to see how it would work.  Not as nice as stripes and definitely more challenging, but it is a fun, modern look.  With the zigzags you are constantly dealing with the optical illusion that the strips are crooked or not aligned right.  Stampin' Up Grid Paper to the rescue - I never stamp without it!  It made it much easier to get it right.  It is definitely all even now, but it sure doesn't look that way!  With that crazy pattern, I thought it best to keep the rest of the card pretty simple.  So I just added the ribbon and the stamped medallion featuring the upcoming Perfect Punches stamp set.  I always love stamp sets that coordinate with our punches!  Can't wait to share more of them with you.  Enjoy!

BARGELLO BIRTHDAY SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Perfect Punches ( W #117022 $24.95, C #120516 $17.95 beginning July 1)
• Card stock –  Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Baja Breeze, Greenhouse Gala DSP (#117167, $9.95)
• Ink – Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Baja Breeze and Real Red Markers
• Ribbon  – Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon (#117286, $8.95)
• Punches – Wide Oval (#112082 $15.95, new flat-style beginning July 1 #119859 $16.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Grid Paper (#102787, $9.95)

BARGELLO TECHNIQUE:

1. Cut Designer Series paper into strips of varying widths.  For this project, I cut 1/2" strips .  Tip:  When cutting pieces this narrow, it is easier to measure the cut by moving your paper down by the width you are trying to achieve each time.  For example, for my 1/2" strips, I began with a 12" wide piece of paper.  I then lined it up at 11-1/2" mark and cut resulting in a 1/2" strip.  Then I moved the paper down to 11" and cut, etc.
2. The papers should be longer than your desired finished length to allow for the strips to be moved up and down for the pattern.
3. Align colors into desired pattern. Adhere to Whisper White card stock.
4. Using tabletop paper cutter, cut card stock into desired size.  For my project, that was 3.75" x 5".
5. Adhere bargello piece to card (or other project).
6. Step back, admire your work and then start planning your next bargello project!

This is one version of the bargello technique.  There are other ways of doing it as well.