Youve probably got pictures of the family and friends scattered around your place - most of us do. Generally, people display pictures on mantles, walls and shelves. After awhile, pictures can start to take up quite a lot of room. Theres a real cute craft, though, you can make to hang lots of pictures in a small area. Itll only take a few minutes to make the unique display, and when youre finished, youll have the coolest picture gallery of anyone you know! Start the project by purchasing two ceiling hooks. The hooks are found in departments where artificial plants are sold. The hooks need to be heavy-duty ones that can hold several pounds. Mark an area of the ceiling, in a corner, where you will create the display. The hooks should be spaced to accommodate a certain size frame. For example, if you will be displaying all 5x7" frames, the ceiling hooks should be about 5 inches apart. If youll be featuring 8x10" frames the hooks should be spaced approximately 8 inches apart. If youll be turning the 5x7" or 8x10" frames sideways, allow for the extra spacing between the hooks.
The next step in the project will require you to simply hang chains from the hooks. Chains can be metal or plastic, colored or plain. The chains will be used to hang the frames from ceiling to floor. Purchase chains at a hardware store and they will cut them to the length needed. Have them cut two separate pieces. Frames dont have to go all the way to the ceiling and they dont have to reach all the way to the floor. Arrange the frames as far up and as low to the floor as you wish. The chains, whether the frames stop above the floor or not, can still be hung all the way to the ground.
Purchase two "s" hooks for each frame you will hang. The frames should all be exactly the same for the best look. Remove the backings from the frames but leave the glass and picture intact. If the frames have a place that will accommodate the hook, without having to remove the backing, you can leave the back in place. Put an "s" hook on each side of the back of the frame. Hook one "s" hook on one chain and the other "s" hook on the second chain, exactly opposite the link from the first chain. Leave a few links in between before hanging the next picture frame. Count how many links you leave between each frame so that you can be sure to leave exactly that many links between each and every frame. Hang as many or as few frames as you want but keep the backs of the pictures facing the corner. The hanging picture frames dont necessarily have to be hung in a corner; they can be hung up against any wall. Although the chains and hooks can hold quite a bit of weight its best not to choose overly bulky or heavy frames. You can display other things besides photos, too. Place postcards in frames, to show off all the places youve traveled, or display artwork the kids have made at school. There are no limits to the themes you can create by simply cutting pictures from magazines. For instance, if you love lighthouses, you can show off different ones youve cut from magazines or even calendars. A different way to make the hanging picture frames is by using magnets. Glue button magnets to the backs of the frames and stick them to metal chains. If youre using plastic chains you can glue a magnet to the back of the frame and another to each chain. The magnet technique allows you to change the theme at any given time. Create an entire set for a holiday displaying pieces cut from holiday cloth. Create a set to show off your travels, another to brag about your grand kids and another set that shows off your favorite Bible verses. Things you can use inside the frames include magazine clippings, maps, family birth certificates, menus from foreign places, stickers, doilies, decorative wrapping paper, recipes and much more. If its flat and fits in a picture frame you can display it in your hanging arrangement. Youll have fun with this project thats easy, unique and definitely a conversation piece!
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