Designing for More Space!

The world of sewing whether for clothing, accessories or quilts and even the arts and crafts world does require that we have a fantastic work surface. Some of us are fortunate and don't mind plopping ourselves onto the floor though ensuring we don't lose our 'tools of the trade' amidst the mess we make, may become somewhat problematic.

A search around the web and we will find many idea's for creating our own DIY tables and desks. Most consist of using existing pieces of furniture and attaching a piece of plywood, counter top or a door as the work surface We can shop around at garage sales to pick up pieces of furniture or visit a nearby store. Some pieces of furniture that's popular to use are cubby hole shelves, 3 shelf units, small office machine stands or small 3 drawer dressers. These work great for adding extra storage and keeping our supplies near at hand.

The use of plywood can be easily cut to size, to fit across the width of which ever piece of furniture you choose as a base. Other idea's include buying a collapsible buffet table, the ones where the legs will fold or another popular idea, the ping pong table. One can even pick up parts to make their own version of a collapsible table with buying the 'legs' and a piano hinge. We can have fun with 're-covering' the surface of a plywood board with a layer or two of batting and fabric or vinyl covering. A few people have converted a closet or armoire into a compact 'sewing' corner. We just have to make sure they are sturdy.

Storage and organization of our supplies is important. It helps us with sticking to the task at hand, working on finishing our project. A few extra idea's are as follows:

• curtain rod with S hooks to hang a container
• decorative plant hangers
• pant hangers
• make a wall hanging with pockets
• hanging shoe/closet organizer
• magazine holders as brackets to hold a shelf
• toilet paper/paper towel bar

The idea's for storage are endless for the four walls and ceiling in our 'work' room. Take a look around and check for area's you can create extra storage space or to enlarge your floor area. Go online and explore the many idea's available to us which we may be able to apply or modify to our own needs. It's an area that can be quite fun, decorating our sewing/craft/work room.

I am a fan of Peter Fallico and watched his 'Home to Go' series whenever possible. One idea he presented was using five doors and attaching them to make a unique little 'office' area which we can morph into our own little 'work' corner. Refer to my 'rough' (very rough!) drawing of how he had put it together using hinges. It was designed to be portable and functional. One can add all sorts of storage design idea's to the available space around it.  

One last item I recommend that I noticed one day receiving a visitor. I had nowhere for my guest to sit and she was forced to stand! How rude of me! I would suggest maybe adding one of those little ottomans with 'storage' space or a comfy bench (with storage) in your 'work' room for such situations as they may arise unexpectedly. It's always nice to share 'shop talk' with others.

Extra Reading

Do It Yourself Craft Desk

Pinterest – Sewing/Craft Room

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Holiday Cheer and Safety

Christmas has gone by and the New Year is next. Gifts, family, friends and food is shared and even contributions, to the less advantaged have been donated. A few of us crafty artists have even scooped sales and/or been busy with creations to fill orders.

Holidays is a wonderful time for all of us. I hope your Christmas went well! A few traditions for bringing in the New Year are practiced and one of them is 'Count downs' and of course, parties. A glass of bubbly Champagne is a tradition to make toasts for the New Year and sharing of resolutions. Did we even make or accomplish our last years resolutions? It's never too late to begin anew so don't feel too guilty.

 One of the major tips for holidays is keeping our safety in mind especially when alcohol is involved. Preventing accidents or endangering our life or lives of others, is of utmost importance to many, including our own family.

Let's keep this tradition alive and well and some suggestions:
- don't drink and drive
- hire a Designated Driver (advertise at local AA meeting place)
- hire a Body guard
- pool your monies together for a cab
- make sure all candles are out
- make sure all lit fires are out
- respect when somebody says 'No'
- dress warmly

It is always best to be safe than sorry. Preparing ahead of time shows great common sense and care for self and others. Let's continue this tradition and pass along the tips so our New Year is safe and fun. I hope your New Year brings prosperity and joy for you, friends, family and Peace for our world. Let our children slumber without a care knowing we are safe. Let's keep our resolutions realistic and within reach next to fun. Stay safe and God Bless!



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 Article(C)2012, all rights reserved. Gin G. creates and posts articles online about business development, second income idea's, health, science, technology and society.

Value of Records in Sales and Shipping

Keeping Track of Transactions

The operations of a small home business requires detailed records be kept for protection of self and your customer. Setting up your business presence online will generate sales by mail via the internet therefore ensuring evidence of your product, is on it's way, is a priority.

A few options are available for us to use, that will be quite beneficial for the business owner, no matter your size. A few services are as follows:

Insured Mail

The customer must provide a signature for the item delivered. This signature provides proof of delivery and will withstand any court of law and is acceptable by business regulators or government group(s). A 'Certificate of Mailing' form is provided and available free at your postal office.

Recorded Delivery for Overseas

A service provided also by your post office. A numbered yellow ticket (USA) is available for free and again requires a signature from the customer and records are also kept by the Overseas post office department. Evidence is provided with your own ticket and records in the post office.

Express Mail

Use of next or second day delivery with express mail. You are provided with a $500.00 insurance coverage for each item shipped, as part of the standard fee you will pay. A signature is required from the customer to receive the delivery.

Courier Services

The use of courier services such as FedEx, UPS, Airborner, etc. Each service offers a minimum insurance coverage and again, requires a signature upon delivery UNLESS you, as the shipper chose to not require a signature.

Personal Delivery

Keep a receipt book (with carbon copy) on hand, and again, request their signature. This provides proof that delivery was completed.

Keeping a record of sales and deliveries, will provide you with 'physical' documented evidence, that your customer did receive their goods. This practice ensures that a customer cannot make claims, that they did not receive their order.

A few benefits of the service you choose to use, will provide a 'date stamp' to show when you sent the order to your customer. Compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the USA, requires that orders be delivered within their '30 days' rule. Another good service that's available, is access to 'tracking' where your product is en route via online, which you can share with your customers.

Providing detailed evidence, to government regulators or groups (FTC, Better Business Bureau, FBI, IRS) will show that you care about your business and your customers. Orders placed by customers can be forgotten and a record of the order helps dispel any misgivings and legitimizes you, as a serious business owner.

One last note to pay attention while doing business online. Do not ship orders until cheques or money orders have cleared. Talk to your bank and make certain the monies have been drawn and inform your customers that their order will ship, as soon as the monies are recieved. This practice will ensure you do not recieve fraudulent cheques or money orders. I'm sure we've all experienced 'bounced' cheques at one time or another.

Operating a business requires attention to details and especially transactions. Staying legal and safe with laws, ensures maintaining a good business reputation. Good record keeping of documents are valuable for all businesses and owners.

Read related --> here.

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Article(C)2011 GG9909, all rights reserved.