This weeks crafty brainwaves are as colourful as they are brilliant, from reusing and recycling to making the most out of unused space at home. Check out our gallery for all the creative inspiration you need!
Brainwaves weekly: summer crafts and tips
1 of 6Chilling in the garden
I wanted to keep my drinks cool in the garden. So, I got an old plant trough from the shed and gave it a clean. Then, I filled it with ice cubes. Finally, I popped bottles and cans inside the trough. It kept the drinks cool all afternoon and meant I didn't have to keep popping indoors to the fridge.Andrea Illingworth, Runcorn, Cheshire
2 of 6Saved by the lapel
I had a lovely pair of earrings, but I lost one of them and couldn't find it anywhere. Rather than throw the odd one away, I thought it would make a pretty brooch for my coat. So I just used the fastening to pin it to my lapel. I think it looks really stylish.Gloria Law, Hillam, N Yorks
3 of 6Magical MAKEOVER
I wanted to transform the cupboard under my stairs for my grandsons. I painted on a house shape, with windows and a tree growing outside. Then I printed pictures of children's book characters, like the Cheshire Cat, and added them to the scene. Now, it looks magical and my grandsons absolutely love it! Mandy Rayner, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs
4 of 6Recycle PATH
I've always liked being eco-friendly and reusing glass jars. After filling one with a batch of home-made lime marmalade, I used electrical tape for the label, which is waterproof and can go into the dishwasher. I also wrote my label using a whiteboard marker which can be scrubbed clean and reused for next time. Emma Ryan, Wirral, Merseyside
5 of 6Strap HAPPY
After years of use, my espadrilles had become a bit slack and were slipping off my feet. So, I fished an old black bra out of my drawer, cut off the straps, then sewed them on to the insides of my shoes. Now, my espadrilles stay put when I put them on, which means I'll get another few years' use out of them.Valerie Bowler, Derby
6 of 6Making a MEAL OF IT
When I couldn't find a mealworm bird feeder in the shops, I decided to make my own. I cut holes into the bottom of a plastic bottle. Then, I glued the base to a plant pot tray. After using a funnel to fill the bottle with mealworms, I tied string around the top and hung it from a metal hook. Now, I'm waiting for the robins to enjoy their tasty treat. Kathryn Thurgood, Worcester