This is what I was talking about yesterday! We’ve finished our wall of frames! I think that it makes a nifty focal point for the foyer when you first step in our front door. And how did it happen? We used Martha Stewart’s method of hanging up a wall of pics. Her way actually makes it super easy. You basically:
- take any type of sturdy paper (I used what I had, which was a combo of kraft paper and Trader Joe’s paper bags) and lay out each of your frames on the paper, trace around the frame and cut it out.
- Then you measure the hanging hardware from the back of each frame and mark it in the exact same place on the corresponding picture frame that you cut out. Now you have exact templates of each of your picture frames!
- You can tape up your templates using painter’s tape or drafting tape and arrange and rearrange your pictures until it’s just the way you want it – without damaging your walls. I thought that that part was cool!
- When you’re ready to commit, then go ahead and hammer up the nails in the places you’ve marked on the templates. Last is the fun part – remove the templates and hang up your pics.
If you’d like to see a slightly different way of hanging up a wall of pics, check Isabella & Max Rooms.
For a while now, I’ve been on the hunt for a lot of old or antique frames – in any color, size or shape. Actually, to say I was ‘on the hunt’ is a tad much. I was honestly just hoping that these suckers would fall into my lap. Money is tight – so I couldn’t just bid for a whole bunch of random ones on eBay. The coolest part? I didn’t spend a DIME! Basically, I just went into our master bedroom closet (which is still being redone right now…we’ve had shelving collapsing issues) and pulled out several frames that I’d been saving. Some were given to me, some were from Hobby Lobby for CHEAP when they’d have a big sale and I’d also have a coupon…some of these frames were taken from other rooms in the house. They were pictures that I wasn’t fanatical about, so I decided to take them all outside and spray ‘em down black.
Places to Find Frames:
- Other rooms of your home,
- Someone else’s home (if they are changing out their decor, that is; I don’t recommend just taking their mess off the walls. Swap meet, anyone?),
- Goodwill,
- Salvation Army,
- Crappy Junk/Antique Stores (seriously, just keep checking the um, less fabulous ones because they will be cheaper there!),
- eBay,
- CraigsList, etc.
- Yard Sales
- Craft Stores (when they go on sale and when you have a coupon!)
I have seen really good deals at all of those places! So you can do it. Unless your budget is ZERO like me and then you have to get even more creative. Even still – it can be done~!
I am in love with this. And I either may or may not actually add photos or artwork in them in the future. And I plan on adding one more thing to this wall to give it a totally finished look. More on that later, though!
I also may or may not go back and paint one or three of them either turquoise or a very pale blue color.
Oh, and I also have very little framed art in the rest of the house now! =-D
So, see? We’re not done yet, but we’re on our way!
Do you have a wall of pics or artwork? What was your technique for hanging it all up?
P.S. This post was featured over on Laurie’s blog. You know, the TipJunkie! If you’re coming here from there, then please stick around awhile and subscribe to stay updated here. If you’ve never been to the TipJunkie, then go check it out!
I so love what you guys did with this!! Beautiful!! I do like the idea of painting a few as well. Kuddo’s to you Amber for a job well done!!! I know you must love walking down that hall now
Amber!!!!! I LOVE IT!!! I think I may do this going down the back hall of my house!
LOVE it Amber!!
Hi Amber, this looks fantastic!!!! Your right, it doesn’t even need art. It creates such a stiking focal point at the end of the hall…thanks for the mention as well! Janell
My middle daughter said “that’s cute” I have to agree. Very nice job.
He & Me + 3´s last blog ..We Had A Snow Day & Free 4 All Friday!
I LOVE it!!!
Wow… this is so beautiful and creative!! Love it!
Amanda´s last blog ..What’s That In My Underware Drawer?
Wow!! Thanks, my peoples!! <3 And YES, every time I walk down that hall now, I feel accomplished~!
That turned out great! I just saw that you joined up on my site so I came to visit yours. I love what you have going on here!
Oh my gosh – I love that! It seriously looks like it should be out of a page in a magazine!!! Great job!
Thanks so much for linking up to my party!!!
XOOX
Jen
This is an absolutely WONDERFUL idea! I love how you arranged the frames, and how it all fits so nicely with your decor!
I think I’m going to have to go frame hunting!!
Amanda´s last blog ..Snowed In…. And a Peacock Treasury!
Wow Amber, that looks amazing! Martha’s technique is the best. Great job!
These are gorgeous! I just clicked over from Tip Junkie. I love this idea.
Love your wall of frames! It looks so great.
I did something similar with framed pictures in our living room. I got all of my frames at Goodwill and spend $2.50 or less on each frame. I then painted them all black to make them coordinate.
That is FABULOUS! I put it on my tumblr, I just love it.
Thank you SO much for sharing on your site, too, Melissa! <3
Oh wow, that looks great! Just found your blog so I’m off to explore it. And I just subbed to your blog so I’ll be back often!
http://minivanlife.wordpress.com
YOU are sweet~! Thanks for hanging around! =-D I checked out your blog, too, and – are we long lost sisters or something? There’s a lot in common there!
First timer here! I freakin LOVE this idea. I have been wanting to redo my stairwell and I think I can do this easily. Thanks for the tip!
Debbie´s last blog ..Things Running Through My Mind
found you via The Inspired Room’s tumbler… LOVE this idea!!
i think a pale blue frame would make it even more intriguing.
your foyer is “awes”
Your wall of frames is absolutely amazing! I’m stunned!
This is wonderful!! I have a Goodwill-bound box of cheesy frames that I might just have to rummage through!
Amy at The Red Chair Blog´s last blog ..Dollar Tree…Literally!
I love it! It turned out beautifully!
Lorie´s last blog ..Spring from Martha
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