Grouping Pictures

Grouping pictures together on a wall can really make a statement, but it can be intimidating.

1. Lay a large sheet of paper out on the floor. Play with arranging the pictures on the paper. Remember that the top line of an arrangement should be level to guide the eye in the right direction.

2. When you're finished, trace around each picture frame to make a template.

3. Number each picture with a sticky note and write that number on the template.

4. Remove the pictures. As you do, flip each over and use a ruler to measure how far down you will need the nail and mark that on your template.

5. Attach the template to the wall with some tape, and gently tap an awl at each spot you've marked for your nails.

6. Take down the paper and put in the nails. Then you can hang the pictures according to the numbers on your map.

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.