November 10, 2011

Gallery Wall + Tutes & Tips


It's done!!! Was this the longest gallery wall transformation in the history of all gallery walls or what? How did I do the wall, you might ask? Well, thanks for the inquiry. Let's see, first I purchased the frames in 1 fowl {fowl or foul? I can never tell} swoop, from Ikea. They're mostly the famous Ribba with a few dark brown Fjallsta frames thrown in for contrast. Total, they cost less than $80.

Gallery walls are super popular  now {or maybe they always were?}-but the whole reason I did mine was this annoying thermostat. There it is, right in the middle of the wall. One big eye sore right there at eye level. I mean right smack dab in the middle of the wall, right where you may want to hang a large mirror with a wreath on it. Hmmf. No getting around that sucker. So instead of being angry at thermie, I embraced my thermie. I became one with it. You hear that? Embrace your thermies, people!
Planning the layout was rather arduous. First, I had to lay out all the frames on the sales floor at Ikea. Couldn't really tell which ones would work so I convinced my handsome husband we "needed them all". With a shrug and a hug, the frames were in the car {snug}!

Next I used this fantastic wall tutorial on Pinterest? Have you any of you checked this out? If you haven't, you should! It uses wax paper to help line up the frames and keep track of where the nails should be placed. So, I used that.

Well, no that's a lie- I saw the tip way after I started my wall. But I would use that, if I did one again! And you guys probably should!
I used the butcher paper you get free from Ikea -you know, the paper they let you take to protect your  breakables? Yeah? So I used that stuff to cut out out squares correlating with the frame sizes.
 Next, I hung those cutout papers on my wall. This makes it super easy to mark where the nail hole should be right on the paper. Go ahead and hammer the nail right through the paper, it's easy.
I don't know about you- but trying to hang a bunch of frames straight & level horizontal lines is one of my least favorite things to do. So the papers are worth the extra effort.



 Once I'm all hung up, I use a level and some mounting putty to make sure none of the frames will shift when people walk by or if when you dust, hee, hee. Mounting putty is like 2 bucks, a little goes a long way, and it's reusable.



Ta da! All the "art' was handmade and I blogged tutorials for each of them. So if you are curious, feel free to check out my many, many projects. I was able to incorporate personal details for the hubs and for me, that makes all the difference. One of the many reasons I love DIY! Plus, I find that when I DIY, I AMSWM {Appreciate My Stuff Way More};-)


So here's the tally:
Apiary Sign made from salvaged wood, using a transfer technique-$0

Wood Grain Initial Blocks-$0  
 Typography Photo Art-$3.10 @Costco
Of course a frame for my arch nemesis new friend, Thermie.



 Ampersand-$3 @Hobby Lobby
Rhino Map Art- $0
Happy Therm-y - Priceless 


I love how the frames are mostly white, but the infusion of dark frames keeps your eye moving.
I hate to say it, but just as I finished the wall I began thinking of switching out a piece or two and making some new art! {Don 't tell Zack!}  



Grand total for the project- $90.
If I had used frames I already owned, then the total would have been less than 10 bucks!!!
 Great totals for my frugal friends who're planning the same projects. Right?


Have you guys been working on a gallery wall, lately? Has anyone used any of these art ideas? I wanna see'em!!


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81 comments:

  1. It is wonderful, a lot work but it turnout perfect. I need one of those diy eye charts, I have been meaning to do one of those for awhile, thanks for the reminder!

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  2. I love this wall! It is so inspiring! I wish I could do something like this. It definitely takes planning! You did a fabulous job!

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  3. Wow it looks fabulous!! I love that you made all the art, it does make it personal and fun. I am inspired to make a gallery wall around our thermie now ;)

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  4. SO SO SO AWESOME!!! Congratso n finishing her, she's gorgeous (not sure why, but I think it's a she - ha ha).

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  5. It looks great!! Mine in my craft room is still in progress. I need to get on it soon or I may beat you for the longest gallery wall project ever ;)

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  6. Really nice job--creates a wall that is very interesting. Love it!

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  7. Love your gallery wall, I have a few walls I would like to try this on. Thanks for sharing found you on the Whipper Berry link party.

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  8. WOW! I love this. Pinned!

    Jenny
    www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com

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  9. Your wall is gorgeous! I've had gallery walls all my life, but NEVER had one come out as beautiful. It's all in the planning. And I think the phrase is One Fell Swoop. Out of curiosity, I just googled it and found this...

    Shakespeare used the imagery of a hunting bird's 'fell swoop' to indicate the ruthless and deadly attack by Macbeth's agents.

    In the intervening years we have rather lost the original meaning and use it now to convey suddenness rather than savagery.

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  10. I love your gallery! I'm currently working on creating one to go above my bed, seeing yours has definitely helped! Be sure to check out my blog as well, and I'll share my finished gallery wall with you also!

    http://untamed-elegance.blogspot.com/2011/11/candy-box-to-craft-box.html

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  11. Great gallery wall! The few touches of black are perfect. (And I'm loving the fan...)

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  12. Awesome JOB!

    I would love for you to visit and share your wall at my link party...

    I hope to see you there!

    http://www.the36thavenue.com/2011/11/super-easy-pumpkin-cookies-party-time.html

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  13. I love it! I am going to do this, I just need to figure out which wall :)

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  14. That looks amazing!;)
    I`m planning a gallery wall myself and your`s is a great inspiration!
    Thank you for sharing!

    Lovely greetings...

    http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/

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  15. It is beautiful. We are working on one in our own home right now, so this is lovely inspiration. BTW- it's "one fell swoop". That might have been why it was hard to remember. Glad I'm not the only one to make up phrases...:)

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  16. you really did a great job! Most gallery walls outside the pottery barn catalog end up looking a little blah on people's blogs, but yours looks like it just came out of that catalog too!

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  17. Love the gallery wall. You did a great job. Also love that turq lamp. Thanks for sharing. Karie

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  18. So fantastic! I never even thought about framing my thermy. Wonderful mix of artwork and all so creative. Beautiful job. Love those globes I spy as well.

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  19. I didn't even realize there was a thermostat there until you mentioned it! Great idea ~ instead of trying to hide it, just incorporate it! I think it worked out great and I love all the pieces you framed.

    Visiting from BNOTP! : )

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  20. Turned out amazing! I love the mixture of items in your gallery, and of course your new friend Thermie :)

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  21. It looks FABULOUS!!! Love it...off to share it on my facebook page.
    :-)
    shaunna

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  22. look really good! great job.
    i have the same frames lying on the floor in a spare room b/c I don't know how to hang them. There is not hook or wire. Did you just hang yours on a nail then put the putty on the bottom corners?

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  23. It looks great, I love it! I would love to have a fan like that too!
    Debbie

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  24. This looks super gorgeous...very well done.
    Nayana@CherishDreamLive

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  25. I love this! We weren't intending to do anything on our stair walls (can you imagine that!) but the more of these I see ......
    This one is a particular favourite, thanks for sharing!

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  26. Your gallery wall is gorgeous; I appreciated all your tips as I will be making one going up my stairway. I can envision it. Now I just have to do it!

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  27. GRRReat! I love all the different photos and artwork. Very clever to hide that thermy too!

    Natalie

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  28. apart from the great gallery wall...I love that vintage fan!

    I would love you to share your wishes for Christmas here: http://fun.kyti.me/index.php/cant-wait-for-christmas/

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  29. This was worth the wait! I love it! Thank you for sharing and linking up!
    XO
    Kristin

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  30. Visiting from Knick of Time - love your gallery wall and have to pin it! Awesome mix of DIY art! -Jill

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  31. It looks great! I love the fact that most of your art was free!

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  32. I love, love, LOVE your gallery wall! And you know, I didn't even notice your thermostat till you mentioned that you framed it :-) We had the same problem with the thermostat in the middle of our hallway wall, but used a more drastic method to deal with it - hubby actually moved it to the end of the wall!

    Thanks for all the great gallery wall tips and inspiration. I'm creating a gallery wall for our family room, and I'll be referring back to this post a lot!

    Happy Thanksgiving :-)

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  33. Love! Saw you featured at Uncommon Slice of Suburbia (my dining room was featured too)! Great job on gallery wall. Funny, I have a globe collection too. Will be following you now.
    Kelly

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  34. Love it!! I'm working on a gallery wall myself and still have to buy some frames. Love yours!

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  35. OMFG this wall is AMAZING! can't wait to look through your blog for the tutorials - this will be the first decor project i do in my new place next summer! <3

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  36. I love this ! It is so beautiful. I want to have a Gallery Wall like this one day ...

    I hope you will share your wall at my new link party, Some Good Stuff: http://some-good-times.blogspot.com/2012/01/some-good-stuff-1.html

    Megan

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  37. I love your gallery. You were featured http://decoratingcents.blogspot.com/2012/01/trends-gallery-walls.html. Come by and grab a button.

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  38. Your gallery wall looks beautiful Becca! Well worth all that effort!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  39. Love your gallery wall! The black and white really make it pop.

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  40. I love this! What size frames did you use exactly (frame openings)? If you don't want to list them all, can you at least tell me what the size of the big middle one is (the square one)?

    Thanks!

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  41. Love it!!! I am working on something similar for a room in my house. I hope my turns out as awesome as yours did!

    Your newest follower,
    Sarah @
    www.dottedlinecrafts.blogspot.com

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  42. What a great wall! Love the white frames.

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  43. Gorgeous!! I love how you used the white with the dark as well. Doesn't it make it so much better when it is personal to you?? Great job...nice tutorial!
    Maggie
    www.thehellonheelshousewife.blogspot.com

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  44. I love your gallery wall! You have such great style and love how you incorporate the old with the new.
    I'm a new follower! Found your blog from Knock off decor:)

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  45. You rocked it as always! What a beautiful wall and I love all of your cute globes on your plant shelf!

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  46. I love that you framed thermie too! It really conceals it. Pinning :)

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  47. Absolutely love this! Thanks for sharing!!

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  48. Love those IKEA frames! Looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!

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  49. AMAZING JOB. I ADORE IT. Love the colors too. FABULOUS! I shared this on my COM-FB page. winks, jen

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  50. Wow this looks amazing! I love the frame around the thermostat - what a great idea. Visiting from DIY by Design.

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  51. Saw this on 36th Ave and had to stop by to say, again, I love this! I am finally getting more diy in my art-on-the-walls, and we just went crazy in my daughter's room. 4 year olds are very specific "pink" but very forgiving of hanging erros:)

    Jessica
    stayathomeista.com

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  52. YAY! Congratulations on finishing the wall; it looks fanTAStic, and I can't believe you made ALL the art! Wow!! And I have to tell you my very favorite part of the whole thing is that you framed "thermie." You make me smile. Thanks for linkin' up!

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  53. Your gallery wall is beautiful!! Love all the pops of turquoise!! Where did you find that fan?! I'm looking for something similar right now! Great job!

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  54. This turned out so good! I love all the DIY artwork. I think I'll have to incorporate some of these in mine as well!

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  55. Becca, your gallery wall looks wonderful! That's such a great idea to use the Ikea paper to map out the placement. Love the personal touches you included!

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  56. Great gallery wall! I didn't notice the thermostat either... with all those pretties how could I!

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  57. Featuring YOU today! Thank you so much for linking up to {wow me} wednesday last week. :)

    Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com

    http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/04/take-look-at-you-top-5-few-of-my-faves.html

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  58. Your gallery wall is just lovely! All that artwork that you created--wow! Thanks for including links to all the tutorials. Your work is gorgeous.

    BTW, the phrase is "one fell swoop." And I think you were very clever to buy all those frames in one fell swoop! My nearest IKEA is more than two hours away; I need to remember to shop like you did.

    Thanks so much for joining Grace at Home! I really appreciate it!

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  59. Love your gallery wall! I would love for you to link up to my Linky Party via: www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  60. What a fabulous gallery wall! I so envy those who can pull it off so well. One day I will tackle this project!

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  61. Oh My!!! I love it :) It was worth the wait. The colors are beautiful!

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  62. This is one of the best gallery walls that I've seen! I love the colors and the cohesive look that you created. It was well worth the wait!

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  63. This is my fav wall o' frames EVER!!!! Please come over and help me with my big old empty wall!!! xoxo

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  64. Love, love, love, love (LOVE) your gallery wall, Becca!

    Seriously, one of my faves ever!

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  65. Thanks so much for the inspiration to complete my own gallery wall! I love your projects and want to do so many of them myself! I have linked to your site on my gallery wall tutorial!
    http://threechicksoneegg.blogspot.ca/2012/04/gallery-wall.html

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  66. Beautiful wall design!LOVE it! And I'm your newest follower!

    Hugs from Turkey,
    Monica.

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  67. I love it! Very inspiring and great colors!

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  68. See, your thermostat is now hidden in plain sight, you can't beat that. The gallery wall is beautiful. And it's one fell swoop, nothing foul about buying the frames all at once!

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  69. I don't remember how exactly I found your blog, but I'm so glad I did! I have found tons of inspiration for my living room makeover. Love your gallery wall. I followed your link for the name letters collage, and WOW! Totally loving that. Have made one already and can't wait to make it part of my own gallery. Who knew what cool things a person could do using Microsoft Publisher?! Also, I'm using MS Publisher to create a "mock up" of my gallery picture arrangement, can even change border colors to give you an idea of what frames will look best! I created all of my art digitally so this has worked fantastically. One last note, I will also be framing my thermostat, since it's right in the middle of the wall where my gallery will go! Fun stuff! Your blog is definitely a "keeper". :)
    Best,
    Suzanne
    Las Vegas, NV

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  70. Such an awesome gallery! I love it! And that little fan is adorable! Where did you get it! (I came over from the pinterest challenge!)

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  71. Nice wall and great links ot all the DIY art.

    Bernadette from www.b3hd.blogspot.com

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  72. Wonderful, thanks for sharing!

    And it's "one FELL swoop" :)

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  73. I love what you've done with your gallery wall. I am thinking of doing a gallery wall in my living room. What a fantastic way to hide your thermie, I have one in an awkward place too ;) I wish it was on the wall I want to do the gallery wall on!!

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  74. Thanks for sharing this. Such an awesome look and very relaxing view! I want to take a rest here :) very nice.

    Mirror TV

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  75. I use my left over t p rolls and paper towels rolls to make free fire starters.I just save the lint from my dryer and stuff the rolls. Put 1 or 2 in when i start a fire they work great.

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  76. I love love this! I'm working on getting things to do a wall right now~I can't wait til it's done. And I'm for sure gonna use your idea of cutting paper the size of the frames and hanging them. I'm pretty good at eyeballing things and I hate using a level, so knowing where the nails need to be is really gonna help.
    Just a question~I noticed you didn't have any personal pictures blended in and I was curious why? That's what most of mine is going to be so I can use my shelves for knick-knacks.

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  77. I love love this! I'm working on getting things to do a wall right now~I can't wait til it's done. And I'm for sure gonna use your idea of cutting paper the size of the frames and hanging them. I'm pretty good at eyeballing things and I hate using a level, so knowing where the nails need to be is really gonna help.
    Just a question~I noticed you didn't have any personal pictures blended in and I was curious why? That's what most of mine is going to be so I can use my shelves for knick-knacks.

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Thoughts? Questions? Opinions? Let's talk about it!