This project was EASY and INEXPENSIVE.
I loved how I got a big bang for my buck.
It’s one of my favorite details of our IKEA Basement Makeover.
I used engineer prints from staples and NYTTJA frames from IKEA to make my
gallery wall. In my post I’ll show you how I ordered them and then how I easily
cut and hung them! This project comes together FAST and you will get lots
of comments on your pretty pictures!
First things first. I threw clothes on my children and snapped some photos in the
backyard with my canon rebel t1i camera. When turning your photos black and white,
it’s easier to make your kids’ outfits “coordinate!” I then uploaded to my computer and,
in photoshop, turned them black and white using one of my favorite pioneer
woman photoshop actions. You can use any photo editing software you like!
Don’t have photoshop?
I know a lot of people who use picmonkey.
Then I hopped onto Staples.com to upload and order my Engineer Prints!
I needed them THAT DAY. So I called my staples first to make sure they could
get them to me in time. I highly suggest calling your staples to make sure they have
the right printer. Where we used to live, the closest staples didn’t have the right
printer so I had to order from a different staples.
I ordered the middle size – 24″ x 36″
I have ordered the larger prints before, but they were a little blurry and
I also didn’t have a frame that size..and didn’t like the
mod podge to foam board look in the end.
I was REALLY happy with the quality of this size.
When you go to upload your photos you’ll have to do them
in black and white to get the cheap price.
That’s why I already had mine ready to go. Just upload and choose the orientation.
You can order multiple copies of the same or just get one of each like I did.
then add to cart and order for pickup at your local staples!
The engineer prints come like this…
I learned that higher the contrast in the photo you upload, the better the print.
This is a phone photo.. but if you watch the video HERE you’ll
be able to see the images really popped!
You’ll need scissors and tape to trim the photos to fit your IKEA frames.
SAXNAS Frame – 19 3/4″ x 27 1/2″
This trick is brought to you by my husband.
he’s so smart.
Unwrap your frame and place the filler paper on top of your engineer print.
Unwrap your frame and place the filler paper on top of your engineer print.
Tape a few places (4) so that the papers don’t wiggle around.
then just cut around and get your perfect fit!
ta daa! It now will fit PERFECTLY into your frame. no eyeballing…
no trimming too much or too little! easy and fast.
This frame from IKEA is not only inexpensive, but it’s so easy to put together.
I also love how the front is plastic and not glass. It looks good but is safe for
my little ones to run wild underneath (neverrr happens)
and accidently bump them. (nevver will happen.)
and accidently bump them. (nevver will happen.)
Sophia and Sienna actually helped me put together the backs of the frames.
They thought it was the coolest thing ever.
I’m so happy with how the gallery wall turned out in our Basement space.
To see the full basement reveal (a fun video included!)
checkout our IKEA Basement Makeover Post.
If you have any questions comment below!
Jodi
November 26, 2013 at 7:33 amLove it!!
Ruthie Hart
November 26, 2013 at 6:06 pmThis is awesome girl! I pinned it for future use!
Amanda
November 30, 2013 at 11:14 amThis is such a great idea!
Michal
June 8, 2014 at 7:39 pmI found your $40 gallery wall project on Pinterest and it totally inspired me to do it! Only I created a scripture gallery wall for my staircase. Same frames, same print method. BTW thanks for the awesome tip for printing these using Staples! Saved me so much money. Can’t wait to pick up my prints tomorrow and get them hung! Love your blog. Keep it up!
Rachael
August 31, 2015 at 11:08 amHi Natalie, I’ve followed you religiously on IG for some time now. I just saw your daughters princess and knight party post today and was wondering if you had any tips or where to buy supply ideas for a similar party coming this December for my soon to be 4 year old. My middle baby has had a rough year and we worry so much that since both her big and little sister have birthdays that fall before hers she feels left out of much of the bigger celebrations because her birthday falls so close to Christmas. I want very much to make a special birthday for her this year and I know she would absolutely adore a princess party. All things pink and princess are on her mind 24/7
natalie
September 1, 2015 at 8:02 amhey! Oh of course! I’ll be sharing all the sources and diy details this week in a blog post! Happy to help with party planning fun. :)