Brainwaves issue 15: fun crafts to try at home

Gonk CRAZY
As it was Easter I wanted to make some seasonal gifts and had an idea for a gonk with surprises hidden inside. I took a paper cup and covered it with sock material, gluing it to the bottom of the cup and inside to secure it. I popped in a little glass heart and a message. Then I used more sock material to make a hat, added a fake fur beard and squishy nose. I popped a chocolate egg inside the hat and tied it with a bow. Then added some other Easter decorations. I think it makes the perfect, heartfelt gift.
Michelle Haywood, Colchester, Essex

EGG-static
I have a lantern that normally sits on the deck, but during the winter it just gathers dust. So I decided to turn it into an Easter decoration. I cleaned it up, filled it with loads of colourful plastic eggs and added a set of LED fairy lights. It looks cute on the fireplace, but works outside too.
Jill Ferran, Belfast

Tanks for the veg
When we replaced the water tank in our home, I wondered if I could put the old one to good use, rather than throw it away. I took it out into the garden and gave it a clean before filling it with compost. It was lovely and deep, so I decided it would be perfect for growing potatoes and carrots. I planted them and got the most brilliant harvest. 
Sylvia Monk, Hayling Island, Hants

Creative COOKIES
Last Easter, I made paint-your-own cookies for my two daughters. I baked the biscuits, cutting them into seasonal shapes such as eggs, chicks and bunnies. Then I iced them. I added chocolate beans to one of the biscuits to create the paint pallet. All they had to do was dip their brush in water and use the colouring from the chocolate beans to paint their biccies. They had fun colouring them before scoffing them! 
Karen Jackson, Gleadless, Sheffield

Hop to it
I had a pair of jeans that were beyond repair, but rather than throw them away, I decided to use the material to create some Easter decorations. I cut out two matching rabbit shapes and stitched them together using a simple running stitch, leaving a gap for stuffing before closing. Finally I added a little bow around the bunny’s neck. 
Teri Anderson, Waltham Abbey, Essex

Sweet SURPRISE
If you’re planning an Easter egg hunt, I’ve found a great way to keep the fun going. I save the plastic containers that come with Kinder Surprise eggs and fill them with little chocolates. Then I hide those for the children to find. It makes them easier to spot during the hunt and if they’re outside, it stops the chocolates melting in the spring sunshine. 
Natalie Ahmed, Nottingham