DIY Picture Hanging

I have looked and looked at picture hanging systems and just could not bear the cost for our home.  So I have come up with something that looks great, at a pinch of the cost for the home user.  And if you are a little handy and willing to do the cutting and drilling yourself it is worth the dollars saved.

Firstly I purchased some lengths of aluminium from a local aluminium supplier 16mtrs cost me about $20.  Then it was off to the fishing shop for some clear trace and crimps to spend another $20-$40

To buy:
Aluminium J-TRIM 23.8X12.7 4mtr lengths (enough for the wall and DIY hooks)
Supple Trace 200lb 1.4mm diameter
Crimps 1.6mm diameter
Wall plugs & screws suitable for my wall 

I chose the above trace as it was clear and has the ability to fit an adjustable hook that comes with picture hanging systems so that I can hang pictures directly below each other.  I have seen friends use a lighter fishing line, but if your pictures are larger I would choose the stronger material.

Tools needed:
Something to cut aluminium (hack saw)
drill and bits
pliers (or the fishing crimper you have in the tackle box)
a ladder
file

Step 1. Measure your wall, cut and pre-drill your lengths of aluminium at 300mm intervals plus 50mm from each end

Step 2. Place your aluminium on the top of your walls using the suitable plugs and screw for your wall

Step 3. Cut hooks from your left over aluminium (about 10mm - 15mm width) at equal widths

Step 3. Pre-drill your hook at the flat end not too far from the edge, file down any sharp surfaces

Step 5. Organise where your pictures are to go

Step 6. Measure and cut lengths of the trace to suit your picture.  Some picture's may need two hooks pending on their size and weight

Step 7. Thread one side of the crimp with your trace, insert the trace through what will be the top hook and then thread back into the crimp.  Squash your crimp firmly with the pliers.

Step 8. Hang your pictures!  And be proud of your work.

Frame Children's Art

Children make one off masterpieces. So I think why not frame the odd piece. It'll lighten up the home, add a splash of kid's colour, as well as inspire your kid's in knowing that you appreciate what they do.

You can keep the frame and mat board in simple colours to suit your decor or for the picture to be placed in another room from time to time. Here's one my daughter and I put together.

The picture is special to me, as she detailed the faces and totally coloured one of the dresses...it wasn't something she had done before. I then tested the mat board bounderies opting not to stay in the lines for my work just like my daughter hadn't, then threw in a few of the coloured pencils she used. And whula, I love it. She is very proud to tell her friends that they are in the picture.

Canvas Fun - Bed Head ideas

Recently my daughter celebrated her 4^th birthday. Her only request was a butterfly bedroom. So with my framing skills I put together a few pieces to make the change. Essentially I found a few pieces of fabric I loved and stretched these as you would a canvas.