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Sunday, June 30, 2013

How to Design a Hanging Accessory Organizer

If finding your favorite belt, tie or scarf has turned into a major expedition in your closet, perhaps its time to design an organizational system that will allow you to quickly spot and house items. You will need to be somewhat handy with woodshop but after a few turns of the jigsaw and a little sanding, you’ll have a wooden hanging system that you can keep for decades.

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Steps

Assess Your Needs and Purchase Supplies
1
Dig through your closet and identify every “hanging” item such as belts, scarfs and ties. Gather every single item as you will need to take the number of items into consideration when constructing your hanging organizational system.
2
Visit the home improvement store to purchase a 2x2 ft. piece of ½” plywood. You will also need a wooden hanger and the hook from the wooden hanger (you will remove the hook from the hanger to add to your organizational system).
3
Take inventory of your tools and pick up new items if necessary. You’ll need a jigsaw, electric drill with large drill bits (Forstner drill bit), paint or stain, poly (sealer) and epoxy glue.
Create the Hanging Organizer
1
Trace organizational design on the wood before you cut. Create your pattern so all you will need to do is follow the lines with your jigsaw. Use the wooden hanger as your guide to create the hanger-shaped design at the top.
Design round holes and notches for items. Use a template or a protractor to ensure you create symmetrical shapes.
Refer to your needs as you design your organizer. If you have more belts than scarves, create room on the hanger to hold more belts. Customize the organizer to your specifications.
2
Cut out the design using your jigsaw. Be sure you have protective clothing and eyewear in place when using the saw. Make sure board is fully clamped down when performing this action and consider using a 2” hole saw to create the holes.
Cut slots along the side using a 5/8” Forstner drill bit (or sharp spade bit) to avoid the wood from chipping.
3
Sand organizer and remove any hanging pieces. Use light sandpaper mainly to remove debris. Run a smooth, clean microfiber cloth over the sanded area to remove remaining debris, allowing you to see the wood and reveal any areas that still need attention.
4
Apply paint or stain to the hanger. Apply several coats and allow the hanger ample time to dry in a cool area.
5
Add several coats of sealer or poly in order to smooth the edges and seal the organizer. Also, the sealer will round out the edges, which could snag scarves or ties during the hanging process.
6
Drill a small hole at the top of the organizer where you will add the hanger hook.
7
Remove the hanger hook from the wooden hanger by carefully drilling around the sides and pulling it from the hanger.
8
Add a few drops of epoxy glue into the hole you drilled on top of the organizer and screw hanger hook in place. Hold in place for a few minutes and allow for ample time to dry.
Tips
Add small hooks along the bottom of the organizer to hold thin, small belts and other thin items.
Use the organizer to store purses or extra lightweight bags.
The organizer could also be used to display metals or awards.
Another material you could use is heavy cardboard instead of wood. It may not last as long but could work well for several months or if the organizer is gently used.

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