Does just saying the words “collage wall” make you shutter and immediately stress out? I feel like it always SEEMS like a good idea and then quickly turns into an overwhelming and nerve racking process. The frames, the pictures, the artwork, the hammering, the organizing. I realize now this sounds like a post about NOT doing collage walls which isn’t really the purpose here. Lets get back on track. Maybe some advice from someone, not an expert, that attempted one might help. I.E. me! So let me just share some tips that worked for me and we can all become fans of collage walls again. P.S. yes I subbed some Halloween decor in case you didn’t notice.
Imperfect is Perfect
If you are planning on measuring and lining and spacing everything then go right ahead. I admire your dedication. I’m sure it will turn out beautiful. Buuuuuuut my brain doesn’t work that way. If you are like me, go with the philosophy to stager, stager, stager. Again, no rules. Don’t line them up. Don’t measure. Think organically. Mix small pictures with bigger pieces. Landscapes and portraits. Try laying them on the ground first like a rough draft and rearrange as much as you want. Also don’t feel pressure to fill the whole wall. You don’t have to use every nook and cranny. Sometimes less is more as they say. I just don’t always like to listen to what “they say.” Just remember to have fun and try not to over think it. Take your time and incorporate your own taste and personality. Thought of the Day: Instead of “collage” wall I think it should be called a “mood” wall. It should be something that lifts you up and makes you happy when you look at it.
Start From The Center
Maybe these seems obvious or maybe it doesn’t to some of you. I know when I start a collage often times I try to line the top or bottom first but then get stuck. I found it is so much easier and smoother if you start with 4 or 5 in the middle then build out. I just gives you a good base to come back to and readjust around when you change your mind on what goes where. Because you will….change your mind….many times.
Take Your Time
Do. Not. Feel. Rushed. I know many of you feel like when you start something, you need to finish something right then and there. Not the case with this project. This will teach you that it’s ok to start hanging a little at a time and let it sit for a few days to see how you like it. Maybe add a new frame each day or every other day, or longer. Sometimes the contemplating and decision making while your arm looses blood flow from holding up all pictures is frustrating. Take a few weeks and let it breathe. Kind of weird but it took me a good two months before I finished filling my wall and I was A-OK with it.
Let the Wall Speak For Itself
Totally easier said then done right? I’m just saying the types of things that I would hang on my wall might be totally different than what you would hang. It should be an expression of your personality or people in your home. A printed quote that you live by, things your believe in, pieces that portray your style, and favorite photos. Just remember to think outside the box. Somethings that might not have been designed originally for hanging, but do it anyway. You REBEL! A favorite scarf, pretty plant, unique plate. There are no rules.
Picking Out The Frames
I definitely collected many different frames from different places so I wanted to share some of my favorites. Maybe you have heard this before but if your looking for unique frames at affordable prices TJMaxx is your best bet. Not only that but if you take a step further and check out the clearance section you could find some real goodies. But they don’t have any of the big size frames so keep that in mind. Etsy is my other favorite place for handmade one of a kind wall hangings which is where I found a couple of my woven pieces and artwork. Anthropolgie has such great dinnerware plates and tea towels with gorgeous designs that would so cute to hang. Ikea has some of your basic solid white frames at cheap prices. Just beware some are fragile so be careful transporting or hanging them. Lastly, Michaels or Hobby Lobby have TONS of options, often on sale, but if not then they always have coupons online.
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