Hook-and-Loop Fasteners

Pamela Hastings, a home-economics expert, cleans out clutter and organizes a home with the help of hook-and-loop fasteners. They are easy to work with and there are many varieties from which to choose.

Figure A

Figure A--Hook-and-loop straps can be hung on the wall and wrapped around an object to avoid putting screws or nails into the wall--in this case a beach chair. Allow the adhesive to set for at least five minutes before using the straps. These straps help get items off the floor, especially during months when they are not in use.

Figure B

Figure B--Heavy-duty hook-and-loop tape adheres to the walls and is very helpful if the wall isn't conducive to hooks or nails, such as cinder block. Wrap one part of the tape around a garden accessory, such as a shovel, and other items you want to hang and the other tape piece to the wall. It has an extraordinary grip.

Figure C

Figure C--These fasteners that have the hook on one side and loop on the other are perfect for items that need to be wrapped, such as a garden hose or extension cord. Lightweight versions of this tape are available that are invaluable in training plants to a trellis without having to tie knots or tie the plants up.

Figure D

Figure D--Small hook-and-loop patches are perfect for the garden. In this case, one piece of tape is attached to a plant description, while the other is fastened to a tongue depressor next to the plant. You'll never forget what the plant requires or what it is you are growing. The three-paneled felt screen is perfect for a child's room. There are two pieces of felt, cut to size and sewn together. The felt surrounds foam-core board, which is available at art-supply and hardware stores. Simply insert the foam into the felt panels and flip the screen over. Not only can you hide toys and junk behind the screen, but the felt enables you to attach hook-and-loop tape to stuffed animals, plastic dinosaurs or anything the child would want to attach.

Figure E

Figure E--Never lose the remote control again. Hook-and-loop tape comes in black and other colors, so it won't appear intrusive attached to the television and remote.

Resources
Velcro hook-and-loop tape
Available at local sewing and fabric outlets.
Velcro USA Inc.
Manchester, NH
Toll-free: 800-225-0180
Website: www.velcro.com
Guests
Pamela (Pam) Hastings
Home-Economics Expert
E-mail: hastpam@optonline.net
Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-450
•	Daily Smart Solutions
•	Hook-and-Loop Fasteners
•	Men's Accessories
•	A Wall's Best Friend