Moxie Fab Paper Bargello

In the days before I discovered the vast online stamping community, my learning and inspiration came from my local stamp store, magazines … and Carol Duvall.  I would record her show (and several other HGTV crafting shows) on my VCR, and several nights each week, would sit down and watch each episode hungry for new techniques and ideas.  Even if the segments weren't about papercrafting, I would try to figure out if there was a design concept or idea that I could incorporate into my design.

I fell in love with Michael Strong, Mary O'Neil, Suze Weinberg, Dee Gruenig & my favorite Maryse Carrier of Magenta.  When I saw the Color Map Pillow that is this week's Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger, it immediately reminded me of an episode where Maryse demonstrated the technique Paper Bargello.  I remembered watching that episode multiple times and being fascinated by the effect, and also realized I had never actually tried to do it. 

I began by covering a sheet of white paper completely with adhesive (it is key that it be completely covered, because if it isn't, when you begin cutting your strips, your tiny pieces of paper will fall off … she says from experience).  Next I cut 1/2" strips using papers from K&Company's Citronella Designer Mat Pad and attached them side-by-side on the white cardstock (the key is that the strips are all equal size).

I moved from the lighter shades, to the more vibrant pinks, and back to softer blues.  Next I trimmed the edges and then began cutting strips across the stripes.  I started with two 1/2" strips and continued cutting slightly smaller strips in pairs of two.  The final strip is a single 1/8" piece (excuse my well-used paper cutter).

The next step is attaching the pieces to another scrap of cardstock.  I begin by centering the 1/8" strip to the center of the paper and move outward attaching the matching pairs on each side of the center strip.  As you attach each successive strip, move down one section & line up the 1/2" segments.

Next, cut off the strips that overlap the edge of the white cardstock and attach them to the other end of the strip (I used readjustable dotted adhesive for this step).

To finish this card, I trimmed the finished panel, attached it to a card base & added an SRM Sticker sentiment & layered punched circles from the same cardstock.

I'm so glad the Moxie Fab pillow inspired me to finally try this technique … I think it turned out Moxie Fab indeed.