Make A Difference

Morning all!  Today's card features a fun technique called Bargello squares.  I did this technique on my DVD a few years ago and always find it interesting to use to create a unique background.  I picked out several pieces of backing papers that I had in my leftover stash bin.  You know, that pile of stuff you just can't throw away because you are sure you will need it for something down the line! (We all have them, so don't pretend you don't!)LOL   This technique is great for that because you don't need too much and can actually use up those bits and pieces that are leftover!  I picked three designs that had greys and pale yellow in them.  I cut them into strips (1/2" wide) and then taped them to a piece of copy paper so they were all butted up in a row next to each other. Next you cut them in 1/2" strip across all the rows so you will end up with strips of paper that all have 1/2" squares of each of the different papers on them.  Then you do the same process, but creating new patterns by offsetting them.  Ordinarily, I go for an up down type of pattern, but I decided to see what it would look like with a purely random patterning of the strips.  I rather liked it this way.  Next I covered the entire piece with a sticky self adhesive sheet, peeled the backing paper off and covered it with micro beads for a textural look.  On the bottom of the page, I ran a piece of redline tape across it and then ruched some silver vintage ribbon.  I tied a messy bow and added a medium square Dazzler and crystal stick pins.  For the focal element, I used the Opulent Ovals to cut a frame out of custard card.  I used the Radiant Rectangles to cut a lacy die out of grey card to seat my sentiment on.  I stamped my sentiment in black Archival ink on custard card and used the oval die from the Radiant Rectangle set to cut it out.  I inked it very lightly with Antique Linen distress ink to highlight it and mounted it on foam in the centre.  I added some cream 5mm flatback pearls to the outer frame as accents and a pearl swirl to the upper and lower opposite corners.  Finally, I added a thin mat of custard card before my double mat of grey card with the usual inner pierced layer to finish it off.  It's a really fun technique if you have never tried it, I hope you will give it a go!  Finished dimensions are 6 1/2" x 8 1/4" in size.  All for now, Sue x