Arranging and Hanging Pictures
Group the pictures on the wall. Trace the outline of each frame on paper. Cut out the shapes, place masking tape loops on the backs, and experiment with grouping the pictures. For the security of anchoring heavy works and mirrors into wall studs, First locate the studs with a stud finder; that is sold in hardware store. To support really large objects, drive hangers into adjacent studs.
Install eyes and picture-frame wire. Screw eyes and braided wire are sold to handle different weights. To position the eye, measure the height of the frame, and mark pilot holes 1/3 of the way down the frame. Drill a hole a bit smaller than the diameter of the threaded portion of the eye. Do not bore through the frame. Twist the eyes. Determine the length of the wire by measuring the picture width and adding 50 percent. Wrap each end around a screw eye and then around itself. The frame should not drop below the hanger.
Nail a hanger to he wall. To determine the exact position for the hanger, poke a pencil point through the paper cutout at the spot where the picture wire will be when fully stretched by the picture weight. When you find the best location for the picture, tap a nail through the hole just enough to mark the wall. Choose a picture hanger that will hold up the weight. To help prevent plaster from chipping, apply a small cross of tape to the wall at the point where you are driving the nail in.
