DIY - Art Hanging!

I have really wanted to do a fun art hanging above my fire place.  I have been putting it off forever and ever but I finally did it :).  When you hang pieces of art together not in a straight line but by grouping them it's called hanging art work salon style.  I think the best part of hanging artwork salon style is that you can add artwork to it after it's been hung and it also can be a really dramatic piece.

Supplies:
1.  Tape Measure
2.  Painters Tape
3.  Scissors
4.  Picture Hanging Laser- I got mine for 10 bucks at Home Depot but it isn't a requirement but I suggest it if you want a even look. You can also use a tape measure, level, and painters tape.
5.  Nails
6.  Hammer

Step 1. Pick Out the artwork.  Don't be afraid to take chances.  Pick out the artwork you love.  Some of the artwork is mine and the some are things I have bought from art shows or fairs.
Step 2.  Take out your handy tape measure and measure where you want to hang you art.  I measured the length of the mantle and the height to the ceiling.  I wanted the art to be hung about 10 inches from the mantle.

Step 3.  Lay out the artwork on the ground.  If you have a real specific area that you want to place the artwork.  Tape the exact space on the floor with painters tape.  I knew I didn't want enough art to completely fill the space but if you do- just tape the ground with painters tape. 

Step 4.  Try different arrangements.
Step 5.  Once you pick out how you want the art work hung.  It's time to start hanging.   I measured the width of the bottom level of the artwork and wanted to them to be an inch apart.  Time for a little math :)- the width of the mantle and subtract the width of the bottom layer of artwork.  Since I want the artwork to be an inch apart- I subtract by one.  Then divide that number by 2.  So I will have 6 inches on each side of the bottom layer of art.
Step 6. If you don't have a laser pointer you can use painters tape and measure out lines.  Take your first part of art.  Since I decided I wanted the art to be 6 inches from the end of the mantle and 10 inches above the mantle.  I mark the wall with painters tape- to guide the laser pointer. I set up the laser pointer in a level spot and make the cross in that corner.  I go back to the wall and double check the measurements.  This can be time consuming to make it just right- but it's worth it! because the more time you spend preparing the space- the better it will turn out.
Step 7.  Take your first piece of art and since you have your laser with a cross point of the bottom outside corner of the artwork.   Time to measure for your nail.  Measure the height of the artwork.  Flip the artwork over and measure the distance from the top of the art to the hanging point- (like a nail hole or wire or maybe the frame of the art work.)  Subtract the height of your artwork and your hanging point and that is the distance where you want to put your nail.  I know this can be a little tricky but its easier with small work and you will get the hang of it.
Step 8.  Hang your first piece of art on the nail.  Take your laser pointer and switch the vertical line to the other side of the painting. Cut a couple pieces of painters tape so they are an inch wide. Place the painters tape on the right hand side of the art. Remember I wanted to have the artwork to be an inch apart- if you want more room or less room inbetween the art- then this is an easy tip take make it exact.

Step 9.  Take the laser pointer and move it one inch over.  Use the painting you just hung and the painters tape to guide. Once you have the laser in the exact spot.  Double check with a tape measure.  Then repeat Step 8- to hang your art work.

Step 10.  Take your premeasured inch long painters top and put it on the wall on top of one of the paintings.
Step 11. Move the laser pointer so that it runs on the edge of the painting.
Step 12. Hang you art!  See I told you it gets easier once you place a couple of pieces.

Step 13.  Now Repeat until all your art work is hung.   I did one side of the artwork first.  Then repeat on the other side.

 Step 14.  Admire your work.  You worked hard :) and you are awesome!