DIY + Wood Plank Photo Display

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Happy Friday Y'all!  This week I put together a CRAZY easy DIY project.  Every time I would pass through my hallway, I would cringe.  I needed something on the long wall, but just didn't know what exactly.  I knew this though- it needed to be cheap and easy to make!  

My other half often tells me that we need more family pictures up, I have way more art hanging than I do family photos.  Don't get me wrong, I love seeing my babies beautiful faces- just not on every wall ;)  So, I decided this would be a good place to display some fun, random photos of the people we love!

First, I measured my wall length, and decided to go with 6'.  I purchased a piece of pine and had it cut to size.  
Next, I stained it, using my favorite stain- Minwax Dark Walnut .  The color is so rich!  This stain looks good in a modern, rustic, even a farmhouse setting.  I only applied one coat, and let it dry thoroughly.   
 

Finally, I screwed an eye hook at each end, and strung the copper string lights through.  I ordered a copper string light set that was 16' long, so I could double it, and have enough room to twist the ends.  Also, they needed to be battery operated, and I was able to hide the battery box behind a photo. 
 

The last thing, stain or paint tiny clothespins, and hang your photos.  I chose a variety of sizes and had them all printed in black and white.  I love the cohesive look of B&W photos! 

I attempted to hang this with command strips, but that didn't work so well, so we ended up just screwing the plank into place.  This DIY was so easy, I thought "why am I even posting this?"  But it's also versatile!  You could do several planks in different sizes for a full wall, could paint the planks a fun color, even add greenery and lose the lights! 

I hope you liked this super simple DIY idea!  How do you incorporate family photos in your decor? 

xoxo Christina