Photo Wall

I've always wanted to do this.  In fact, I've tried before and failed.  Actually, I've tried twice and failed.

That explains why I have an abundance of black frames and lots of holes left behind in the walls of apartments past.

This is the before...  

 

Here's the during...

 

Trace your selected frames on brown paper bags, cut out, and tape to the wall.  This will allow you to find just the right arrangement without pounding in a zillion holes in your wall. 

I taped off the corners and started hanging.  In hind sight I realized that I should have left the paper ones up, removed one at a time, and replaced it with the frame.  Oh well, my way worked too. 

 

I left some frames picture-less so that I would have a little flexibility in their arrangement, and just  filled them in afterwards. 

This is the after...

 

"K" Tutorial to come

 

 

Now I'm a far cry from a professional, but I've had enough flops to compile a list of tips for creating your own photo wall.  

1.  Plan ahead.  Do you want your arrangement to have a defined shape or a more organic one?   

2.    Only use photos that you adore. Good quality photos that you adore!  

3.  Find a common element for all the items you plan to hang.  I used all black frames.  All different shapes and sizes, but all black. I also used our last name as a theme.  One picture has Little Miss holding a Koenig sign.  One frame features a "K." The long frame on the bottom spells our name in those letter photos that you see absolutely everywhere.   

4.  Mat (or is it matte??) your photos.  It costs a little bit but makes a HUGE difference.  Don't worry about the smaller frames.  I chose to mat all 5x7's and larger, using the same mat for all.  

5.  Use a level!!!! Don't try to eyeball it.  If your frames are cheap like most of mine are, they don't come with any awesome hooks on the back, and therefore shift from time to time.  I bought this stuff called Candle Fast.  It's a wax that is typically used to hold candles upright in candle sticks.  I used a teeny tiny bit behind each frame and now I don't feel compelled to adjust them each time I walk in the room.  

If you create a photo wall of your own I'd love to see your finished product!