Well, I have been on a mission lately. I have been wanting to create my own display wall. I've done this for myself before and I help clients plan their displays all the time. But it's been a while since I have done it for myself.
I decided to give myself an added challenge...to do it on a REALLY tight budget. I will say that most of our clients have no interest in going on a hunt for frames, mats and try to decide on colors and so on and so on. Most people are either too intimidated or just too darn busy to tackle such a project.
But, there are those who need to create a photo display on a budget or, like me, just LOVE the thrill of the hunt. So, my mission is to create an awesome display on a budget. I haven't set myself a dollar amount yet. I just thought I would go out there and see what I could find. I have already found 5 frames that I love. Bill is unconvinced, and you'll see why when I post the photos. But, I told him to trust me and let's just see how it turns out.
I'll wait to tell you more when I get Bill to shoot everything. I'll give a step-by-step on how I did it. I want you to see just how fun, easy and inexpensive it can be.
I will give you a money-saving tip today, though. So here goes. If you are on a budget and need to buy ready-made frames off the shelf start with buying frames larger than you prints. If I know someone is planning a display and they aren't aiming for a symmetrical layout, then I advise them to purchase their prints in a variety of sizes. I usually say to start with your favorite image and make that your largest. Then, work your way down from there. It is a pretty safe bet you will have a display that is visually appealing if you choose an odd number of images. So, go for 3, 5, 7 and so on.
Okay, back to the frames. At this point, you would already have your prints. This will give you a guideline to help you choose frames that will work best with your art. And, if you listened to my advice, you will have a variety of print sizes to work with. So, get frames in larger sizes than your prints. For instance, if you have a 5x7 print, then you might choose an 8x10, 11x14 or even a 16x20 frame. This works particularly well if you choose a print that is an odd size, like a 6x9, as you can usually never find that size frame right off the shelf.
So, now you have your prints and your larger frames. All you need now are mats. So, head on over to your local art store (like Jerry's Artarama, Michael's, Hobby Lobby or Joanne Fabrics) with prints in hand. You may even choose to take your frames too. You will, at least, need to know your frame sizes. And, don't hesitate to take your frames in to these places, even if you didn't buy them there. It's not like you are walking in to a gallery. They don't care where your frames come from. They are mass retailers. As long as you buy something from them, they are happy. (I know this first-hand because I had some mats cut for my project at Hobby Lobby. I brought the frames with me and they didn't even give it a second thought. They just gladly cut the mats of my choice and I was on my way.)
Where was I...
Oh, so, take your prints and your frames and dig around in their pre-cut mats first. You just might get lucky and find exactly what you need. As a matter of fact, Jerry's Artarama has Nielsen Bainbridge, museum-quality, 8-ply cotton rag mats in a variety of sizes from about $10-$15 dollars each. I price-compared this to Jerry's 8-ply mats that I had them cut. HUGE difference in price. It was $42 and if I wanted to leave with it that day, you up that price to the mid-$50's. So, if you can find a pre-cut mat you like, go for it. As always, just make certain you choose archival quality.
If you have exhausted the pre-cut mats and have to get one cut, don't worry. If you are okay with a simple 4-ply mat, it will cost you a lot less that the 6 or 8 ply. So, consider that.
Now you're finished. All you have to do is go home and put it all together. Well, you may want to pick up a few other supplies. Like, backing paper to keep the dust out. Hanging hardware to hang it all with. (I HIGHLY suggest you check out the Hercules Hooks I have suggested in the past. You can pick up a pack of 20 at Linens N Things, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Target for about $10.00. And you don't even need a hammer! Super easy!) You may need to dig through hubby's tool box (though I have my very own as I LOVE doing stuff like this) for a tape measure, level and even a good old hammer and nails.
If you need any ideas on where to get ready-made frames in a variety of sizes and colors try these places.
Target
Hobby Lobby (they have 50% frequently so you can get frames for a song)
Pottery Barn
Jerry's Artarama (located in the Bearden area of Knoxville)
Michael's
So, I will now give you a couple of shots of displays that inspire me and are currently the inspiration for my "frame-it-on-a-budget" project. I love these!
Photographed by Annie Schlechter for Domino Magazine, May, 2006
Photographed by Francesco Lagnese for Domino Magazine, Aug. 2007
Photographed by Simon Upton for Domino Magazine, June 2006
I think the first display is my favorite. I adore the mixed frames, the fact that some pieces are matted and others aren't and the relationship the display has with the desk and it's accessories. It's very eclectic and I LOVE it!
The second display is a little cleaner and neater than the first and third. I think I like it because they mixed the frames and they mixed the colors of the photos. Also, notice how a large mat makes even small images feel more important.
The third image has some large pieces. I love that it goes floor to ceiling. I, of course, love the mixed frames. This display reminds me of a New York city apartment. It is an organized clutter that looks well-traveled and eclectic. I have a friend in NYC who has a fabulous apartment at 93rd and Riverside. She was a ballet dancer with the American Ballet Company and she has such a mix of prints on her walls. It reminds me of this. Her photos of her on stage and her ballet company performing in all these other countries...well...it's just wonderful. I found myself studying even her "snap shots" that were simply tacked up with pins. It was like she was sharing bits of her life through her pictures.
So, give your guests a "sneak peek" into your life and put those photos out and on the walls. You'll love looking at them every day and they can be a great conversation starter at your next gathering.
Don't forget to check out the link, Photography Display Ideas for more ideas on displaying your family photos.
Today's picture is of another little baby. It seems we've had a lot of those lately. And I love it! And I love this little guy! He was so laid back. Can't you tell?!
Thanks so much for stopping by. More later!
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