Inside: Make these easy picture hangers from scrap wood and display your favorite photo, art or poster.
If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to add some wall decor then you are in the right place. I made these picture hangers from scrap laths I had laying in my garage.
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*Before you get started make sure you have your Safety Gear. For this project, I recommend safety goggles, ear protection and a P100 mask.
Here is what you need to make two picture hangers.
TOOLS FOR SCRAP WOOD PICTURE HANGER
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Miter saw
- Paper cutter
- Sander or sandpaper
- Old T-shirt, rag or brush for applying stain
- Mini clamps
- Staple gun
SUPPLIES FOR SCRAP WOOD PICTURE HANGER
I used a couple of wood lath scrap pieces to make the picture hanger.
You can use these laths or a piece of plywood of various widths (1/2″ or 3/4″), 1 x 2s or wood dowels. The amount of wood needed depends on the size of your project.
- Wood laths, plywood, 1 x 2 or wood dowel (enough to make your desired size and fit your picture)
- Photo, picture, art, fabric, etc
- Matte photo paper
- Wood glue
- Wood stain – I used Minwax Dark Walnut and Varathane Briarsmoke
- 1/4 inch staples
- Jute – I used 4 ply
CUTS FOR SCRAP WOOD PICTURE HANGER
The wood on my picture hangers measured 7 1/8 x 1 3/8 inches. Due to the laths being thin, I used two pieces each for the top and bottom. Cut your wood to your sizing preferences or with what scrap wood you have available.
- 4 – laths at 7 1/8 inches
STEPS TO MAKE SCRAP WOOD PICTURE HANGER
Step 1) Print your photo, picture, art, etc. I used a couple of pictures I shot from our recent trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone. I edited them to give them a rustic, sephia look. Then I printed them on 8 1/2 x 11-inch matte photo paper.
Trim your picture as needed choosing to have a border or not. The matte photo paper felt similar to card stock, so printing on card stock may work just as well if you don’t have any photo paper.
Step 2) Once you determine the size of your picture then make your woodcuts. Sand your pieces and stain them. I used Minwax Dark Walnut then layered it with Varathane Briarsmoke.
Once the stain dried I lightly sanded the tops and edges of the wood piece to give a worn look.
Step 3) Measure and mark the back of the paper to determine where to attach the frame pieces. If you are doing two pictures that will be side by side, keep in mind to measure so they will be equal lengths. I measured, marked, and drew a line using a ruler. Add wood glue to both wood pieces. Lay your picture face down and apply the back wood piece meeting the line you marked.
Next, flip it over and glue the front piece sandwiching the picture between the two front and back wood pieces. Clamp the wood pieces together and let it dry for at least an hour. Repeat as needed.
Step 4) Attach your jute, string or hanging hardware. Mark your spot then attach your hanging hardware. I used a square to mark my spot then stapled 4 ply jute to the back of the top of the picture hanger.
Hang your new wall art in its special place.
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