The Martha Stewart Show, September 2008
Whether your work space is an office or a garden shed, this wall-mounted wire organizer can help maintain order.
Wire Organizer How-To
1) Wrap 14-gauge wire tightly around a 1/2-inch wooden dowel 3 times to create a loop; measure 5 inches along wire, and repeat, continuing to wrap and measure until you have 5 loops along 20 inches of wire. Snip off excess at first and last loops.
2) Form a diamond shape: Bend wire at loops, overlapping first and last. Using flat-nose pliers, twist 28-gauge wire around overlapped loops to secure. Repeat to make 3 more diamonds. Using nails, hang diamonds on wall in a larger diamond configuration. Slip in business cards, photographs, seed packets, and anything else you want to have handy.
Too hard for me to bend the wire and have it look good.
It looks like they're using dark annealed steel wire, which is much stronger/harder than copper and aluminum, and will hold its shape. You can usually find it at hardware stores or farm supply stores...I think they use it for baling. Here's a link (wrong gauge, though): http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/productdetails.aspx?sku=50601
What type of wire are people using? I used 14-gauge aluminum wire and had a hard time getting the wire to stay straight like it shows in the picture -- it's too soft. Other suggestions from those who got a nice finished product?
TootyFoody, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your website. I've added it as a Favorite Place.
It's on there now. I had to copy/paste. I have 2 blogs sorry!!
TootyFoody, where on your blog is your project? I couldn't find it.
I would think wire coathangers would be a lot harder for some people to bend... I've used them to make hooks and a "Scrunchie" holder though...
Being the 'cheap' kind of person, how about using wire hangers? I don't know what gauge they are, tho. There are different gauges I know. Anyway, you can probably find them at a garage sale or perhaps you have a bunch hiding in your closet.
love this project. i did something similar on my site sagegoingongreen.blogspot.com with candles
Southern Living Home has a similar hanging set and it is MUCH more expensive. Take a look at that website to see an additional arrangement.
that is such a neat and simple idea, thanks! :-)