I did it. I finally did it! I gave in to the Pinterest-mania ‘must-do’ and found myself absolutely in love with a zillion Instagram brag posts on Facebook… and found within myself the desperate need for a Gallery Wall. My only opposition? Money. So, my husband and I teamed up and in one afternoon put together the most amazing gallery wall I could dream up! And the best part? It cost less than $5.

So this is where I give you the magic formula to go bibbidi-bobidi-boo and there you go, an instant Pinterest success… or not. But there are some good tips and tricks you may find helpful in your journey to your own perfect addition to your home.

1. Keep Watch
   If you’re anything like me you can’t walk into a store without skewering the clearance aisles looking for steals and deals. Especially when you know you’re going to be working on a big project, take a trip to your local second hand shops, Salvation Army, and even the WalMart clearance section for super cheap random gems that could come in handy.
2. Take Stock
   Go through your closets, boxes, under the bed – anywhere you could possibly have stashed old junk – looking for items you could re-purpose. Don’t have any junk? Call your grandma, mom or bestie and ask to look through their junk! It might take a little time, but in the end you get free stuff and they get a clean closet. Win win! 
3. Think Outside the Frame
   Try to look at the items you have from an unbiased point of view. If a TLC star were sitting at your kitchen counter looking through your stuff, what miraculous use would he find for that old canvas painting? Torn fabric? Shabby frames?
4. Boundaries
   Decide what space you are going to use for your gallery wall. Measure and write down the dimensions, then decide how many pieces you need to fill it. (Hint: It usually takes at least 4 pieces to create a gallery wall look. Depending on the size, most gallery walls are between 6-12 pieces.) Next, spend some time pinning your favorite layouts. Need some Pinsperation? Check out my board, Gallery Wall.
5. Face-Lift
   Once you’ve determined what you’re working with and how many pieces you need, start working on your items. Make a list of the supplies you need to complete your project, then go shopping… in your garage. Scrap wood, broken frames, left-over paint – you name it. The goal here is to NOT spend money on things you already have, so get creative! Once you’ve exhausted your free resources, decide what you absolutely have to buy. For me this was a few pictures ($2 at Walmart). Maybe you’re out of chalk-board paint (a staple in my house), need a picture-hanging kit, or just don’t have any ‘wow’ pieces (check out Hobby Lobby and use the 40% coupon in their app for some great, cheap options!). Gather your supplies and paint, distress, re-purpose, re-frame, and upgrade you’re little heart out.
6. Lay it out
   Now that you’re absolutely sure what pieces you’re working with, take some newspaper or old wrapping paper and trace out each item then cut it to size. Use these pieces as your guinea pig to arrange and rearrange your life away on your living room floor until you find just the right fit.
7. Pin it up
   When you have a pretty good idea of where you want your pieces, start taping it to your wall (Warning! You may want to use painters’ tape).
8. Seal the Deal
   Are you absolutely sure this is what you want? Are you ready to commit to this relationship? Then nail it in! Use this nifty little trick my husband picked up on how to hang pictures (or anything, really), the first time, every time.
9. Brag About It
   Now it’s your turn! Get some Instagram love and share your success! Be sure to leave a comment and let us know how it turns out!

Here’s to your new Gallery Wall! Enjoy!

❤ Jasmine