Picture Hangers

If you've been putting off hanging pictures because you're not sure what hanger you need or the best way to do it, I have some suggestions for you.

1. Try a gummed picture hanger for very lightweight pictures in plastic frames. You won't even have to make a nail hole.

2. To hang something on cinderblock, brick or concrete, use a hardwall hanger. All you have to do is put the flat part against the wall and drive the pins in with a hammer.

3. Traditional hangers and nails come in lots of sizes to support different weights. You just tap them into the wall at an angle and they're ready to use.

4. Even if your hanger is rated for the weight of the picture, two hooks are always safer than one. A little suggestion: triple the length of your picture wire and loop it through the eyes on the back of the frame. Make sure that you twist the wire around itself enough times so it won't slip and will hold securely. Then criss cross the wire. This way the picture's weight will be distributed evenly when you hang it.

Off the Wall

For various reasons, sometimes you can't hang your artwork, what do you do? Live without? Absolutely not, I can show you some ideas for displaying artwork and mirrors that are off the wall!

1. Small easels or plate holders are great for displaying artwork, they lift it up and give your pieces an important look while allowing you to place them in areas where you might need a burst of color. I like to put a piece of art under a decorative table to fill an otherwise empty space.

2. Another fun way to display artwork is to lean several pieces against a wall along a mantel or table. Vary the sizes and shapes of the frames for a more dramatic look; this also works with various mirrors to really give some impact! Try this on a bookshelf to fill in an otherwise flat display.

3. Looking for a different way to display photos? Try a mobile. These neat displays hold a bunch of pictures. Hang it from the ceiling so they don't take up table space and it fills an empty spot with some fun snapshots.