I have wanted a photo wall since forever. This is my very very first. I felt it was my time. Especially with the lovely new paint in the living room. The photo wall is my reward to me for doing a good job. Sometimes you have to treat yourself you know. The last 4 days or so I’ve spent treating myself to a photo wall. But heavens to Betsy, it is a lot of work. I can’t believe how much time I spent on this thing.
Fortunately, very little money was coughed up. As I’ve been collecting picture frames for years, I had all the frames I needed. Goodie for me for being clairvoyant. Of course, I still had to sort through the frames, choose some winners and decide on placement. I started by setting up all the frames on the floor. Then I shuffled them around until I was satisfied with the look of them as a group.
Once that was done, we did the cut-out-paper-thing. As in, you cut out bits of paper in the sizes of your various frames and tape those pieces of paper up on the wall to ensure your photo wall is hunky-dory, and looking balanced and fabulous. I followed Sherry and John’s gorgeous photo wall method on Young House Love. Lo and I worked on this paper-frame placement together. It was nice to have that second pair of eyes. We started by placing the frames as I’d had them on the floor. But we ended up getting rid of a few and then playing around with the remaining paper frames and, in the fullness of time, finding a slightly different configuration we could both live with.
Next, Lo and I spent gobs of time sifting through our many thousands of digital and actual photo albums searching for just the right photographic gems. But life being what it is, there was some debate over which photos were wall-worthy… We realized after a time that since it is our wall, and we’re in control of our own destinies, we can change the photos whenever we like so it isn’t absolutely critical that we absolutely adore every single photo on the wall right now. Gee.
A few more things had to get done as well. For instance, there was the matter of sizing the chosen photos and deciding which frame each would go into. And I did end up purchasing several new white mats. We also had to have 4 of the 12 photos printed over the weekend. And then all photos had to be mounted in the frames, and the frames mounted on the wall. Phewfff!… Thank goodness for the paper cutouts. They made the wall-mounting a breeze and we completed that task within minutes. I highly recommend going that route if you ever do a photo wall.
In the end, I had to work darn hard for my reward for working hard. Brilliant. I think I need an extra reward, don’t you?
Needing some additional photo wall inspiration? Here are a few good links:
Well, you have yourself a fine Monday, and I’ll see you again soon!
What a great project! Evoking memories every time you look at the wall!
Ohhhh, I love your photo wall! It was worth every minute of work to make this!
Funny to see the paper experiment wall absorbes light and the real photo wall reflects light!
Oh really this is an amazing wall..a wall full of memories 🙂 i like your frames selection & shapes..cooool idea for everyone specially for those who have interest in wall decore..thanks for sharing
Looks beautiful! The first "page" of your family memory. You must be very proud with what you've done. I suppose everyone enjoys this special wall and is thankful to you… Has the atmosphere at your home changed?:)
Now you really deserve a good rest and… a special gift!:)
What a wonderful way to reward yourself. I have never heard of the paper method. Thank you for the info.
It's fabulous! I have wanted to make a photo wall too. Perhaps this will give me the needed push. I like the idea of using the paper cutouts. I will definitely do that. I think that your reward should be some lovely newly refurbish pillows! Or maybe you should go get an icecream cone with Lo and the little guy.
Of course you own another reward! 🙂
It turned out great! And I love your use of the mirror and the tree between the pictures
(and also… pscht.. I am jealous that you had soooooo many beautiful picture frames in your stash! 😉 )
Your wall turned out sweet! I have a wall of frames too – I love it. Recently my FIL gave me a digital photo frame they weren't using!! I love it – I switched out with one of the frames in the middle of the wall and I love how I don't have to update photos now!!
I think all your hard work has definitely paid off. It looks fabulous and I like the idea of changing the photos once in while too. I agree with Saraccino that the use of the decorative mirror and tree adds a bit of interest and keeps your eye moving around the display. Now where could I put one of these…
Nice one! Your photowall looks amazing. I wish I had more wall space…
This came together so well! Enjoy!
Your wall looks fantastic Michelle….. I love the idea of paper prints first to plan the setting…
Hugz
I am exhausted just reading this post. What a sweet husband to participate in the madness! Your wall looks totes amazeballs, Michele!
Your photo wall looks great. I can imagine it must have been hard to choose just the right photos to put up. Enjoy Nat
Michelle L snagged the word right out of my mouth –AMAZEBALLS. So very cool. I can tell it took a lot of time but the end result is so worth it 🙂
Impressive. It looks so good. Like you said, you call change the pictures whenever you want-it's your wall!
It looks fantastic, Michele. I love that you took the time to do the paper cut outs. Great job!
Michele, great job. I can't believe all the labor that went into this (well, I guess when I think of it, I can). : )
Did you cut the mats yourself? I've been procrastinating getting a print I have matted and framed.
Your wall turned out amazing. I love how you mixed up the frames. I have a photo wall going up my staircase which I keep adding to. When I started it I only used black frames, but now I wish I had mixed it up like yours.
Great well thought out project and love the templates for designing! Looks fantastic.