I have a tendency to complicate projects. For me, there needs to be enough conceptual intrigue to grab my attention. So when my wife asked if we could have a picture wall, she was thinking it would take a weekend.

 

I collected enough American walnut for the entire 50+ frame collection, all sourced from the same tree. Then, on a trip to Beirut, we purchased a bundle of hand-made wooden inlays. I wanted the build to blend America and Lebanon, my culture and hers, into frames that would hold the photos and memories of our life together. 

 

We completed the project over a couple months, nights and weekends. Each frame is held on the wall with a small French cleat, with an adjustment mechanism I’m quite proud of. Each photo can be instantly removed from the wall to get a closer look or to show a guest.