Welcome to The Big Idea Page. Here you'll find ideas and helpful tips
that have been submitted to us here at Minutes Matter. Check back often
to see new ideas as they are added.
Make
Your Own Drapery Hangers...
We've been doing something that works great for us. I haven't read anywhere
that anyone else does this, so I thought I would share my idea with you:
I keep seeing resources of companies that offer hangers as well as tubes
to go on them (to keep products from creasing) – of, course the tubes
cost extra. At the same time, I continually get bolts of fabric on cardboard
tubes that I can't seem to get rid of! So, we came up with a solution
for both. I purchased a box of 18" drapery hangers from a local dry
cleaner's supply house, and then my husband takes the tubes and cuts them
into 18" pieces. Then he slits one side open lengthwise with a utility
knife; it slides right over the hanger and works like a charm!
Annie Davis
Artisan Designs
Organizing
Leftover Wood Cuts... 
After cutting a dust cap board to size, measure length
of remaining piece and label the number of inches at one end of the board
so that it is visible when looking down on the board as it is laying flat
of the floor. Store boards on the floor under your workroom table according
to width of board and have the board measurements facing upward for easy
referral. My table has about 4" from the floor to the bottom of the
last shelf. This space is perfect for board storage; I can stack as many
as three boards high. It is very handy for checking to see which sizes
and lengths of boards are already on hand. Sometimes the exact length
of board I need can be found in seconds by the markings of the end of
the boards.
I enjoy your web site very much. It has a lot of valuable information.
Diane Preston
Diane's Interior Creations
Installing
Dust Ruffles with a Tag Gun...
I love my tagging gun (Quil Tak-They are not all created
equal) — it has so many workroom applications! I now use it on dust
ruffle installations — and leave a gun and refill package with the
customer as my "gift". A twin dust ruffle installs in one minute.
The customer gets a lesson on removal and reinstallation for cleaning
purposes, and a handy household tool for their personal applications.
They can call me for more refills. Of course, the tag gun is priced into
the dust ruffle quote.
All Around the House
A
Bias Template...
This is a simple idea but saves lots of time. In order
to quickly place my swag patterns and any other items that need to be
cut on a true bias, I have cut a whole piece of poster board into a large
triangle — 45 degree angle. I line it up on the edge of the fabric
and butt the top of my swag pattern up against the 45 degree angle. It's
easier than reading through my plastic ruler- trying to find the correct
angle and it's large enough to reach a good distance into the fabric.
I also use it to mark my first line for bias cording.
I just hang the triangle on the wall next to my cutting table until I'm
ready for it.
p.s. It’s also bright yellow so I can't miss it!
Sandy Gardner
Fabrications by Sandy
...now submit your own ideas!
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