Easy art hanging

FARGO -- My apartment walls are sprinkled with holes that signify failed attempts at hanging art.

I'd enthusiastically get my hammer out without planning the layout of the collage wall or the distance between two frames. It almost always resulted in ugly holes because I'd rehang and rehang.

I found a tip on Better Homes and Gardens magazine's website that eliminates goof-ups and keeps my walls (mostly) free of extra holes.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Large pieces of scrap paper (Kraft paper works well)

Painter's tape

Hammer

Nails and/or picture hooks

Level

Tape measure

DIRECTIONS

1. Trace the outline on paper of each frame you want to hang. Cut out the shapes.

2. Tape the outlines to the wall using painter's tape.

3. Move the paper frames around until you find an eye-pleasing arrangement.

4. Hang your framed art and tear the paper away after the nails are in. Be sure to use a level so the art hangs straight.

This trick also works for hanging mirrors, wall clocks and sconces.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens