It's a rainy dreary day here but I'm definitely making the most of it. I've pulled the car out of the garage for a truly 'organic' car wash, in process of multiple loads of laundry and creating decor pieces I've had laying around for some time.

Over the winter hubby and I have been 'settling into our home' despite living in it for more than five years. By 'settling in' I'm talking about adding those details that tell the story of your family.

It's the special oil painting you've found to tie a room together with the warmth you were looking for or the little something you've had sitting around but never had the inspiration to add it to your room.

One item I always have stacks of around the house are old plates. There's no real rhyme or reason to the plate madness; when I see a design I like I'll pick it up and tuck it away for future use.

So when I started noticing all the plate collages in decor stores I knew I had everything needed to create a designer plate piece for dirt cheap.

If you do not have plates around the house head to a local thrift store or the clearance section of a local decor store. I'm not sure it matters how many plates you need because in the end it's what you like and think looks great for your space.

Don't forget to pick up plate hangers for each plate ~ again I have a stock of these hidden away from past purchases.

Next lay the plates out on a table in the design you find appealing then trace them onto a opened paper shopping bag or newspaper, cut them out and label each with the plate design or color.

Add the plate hangers to your plates. I like to use 8 inch to 12 inch plate holders because they are easier to work with. Just imagine trying to stretch a too small rubber band over something ~ it's just not fun.

Measure for the nail spacing on the back of each plate (typically down a inch from the rim of the plate) and mark the paper cut out with a small 'x' or dot.

Using painters tape affix the paper plates to the wall, nail spots to the top, in the same layout you've created on the table.

With the paper cut outs taped to the wall place a nail in each pre-marked spot with your trusty hammer.

It's now time to replace each paper template with it's matching plate one by one until finished.

As you go along don't worry about taking out the nail and replacing it back into the hole, just go ahead and tear the paper from the nail and toss it in the garbage.

Now sit back and enjoy your smart sense. Not only have you created a great plate collage you've also just saved your walls from multiple nail hole mistakes. Easy peasy right?!


I'm off to tackle my next project ~ hanging this lovely custom created outdoor wall planter in the dining room. I just love when all the silk flowers are 50% off!

What are you doing for motivation on these dreary spring days?