We've got some fun crafts for you to try at home
Brainwaves issue 17
1 of 6ACE of lace
I always carry a bootlace with me. Not only have you got a spare in case one of your laces snaps, but it can come in handy for other situations too. The other day, I used it to keep my rucksack off the floor of the bus, which was really wet. It kept my bag dry and secure all the way home.
Rose Janes, Monmouth
2 of 6Self-raising FLOWERS
I love tulips, but after a few days they start to droop. However, I’ve discovered a way to perk them up and keep them looking good for a few extra days. All you have to do is cut a small amount from the bottom of their stems, then carefully add a few drops of bleach.
Maggie Cobbett, Ripon, N Yorks
3 of 6Ea-zip-eezy
Zips can be fiddly things to use, but if your little one is struggling, I have found the perfect solution. Make it easier for them to learn how to zip up by themselves by attaching a small key ring — then they’ve got something to grab on to. It works a treat and adds a cute feature to their coat too!
Julia Plummer, South Molton, Devon
4 of 6I’ve got it covered!
I wanted to get a big, comfortable cushion, but I didn’t want to spend loads of money on it. Then I had an idea about how to make one myself. I had some old pillows that were destined for the bin and some curtain material lying around. I cut the material to size and, using the eyelets as a feature, stitched it together to create a cushion cover. Finally, I used the filling from the old pillows to stuff it. It’s exactly what I wanted — and it didn’t cost a penny!
Claire Brooks, Edinburgh
5 of 6Melting moment
I love having a wax melt on the go, filling my house with a pleasant scent. And now I’ve found a way to make them last longer. Once the scent has gone, I just add a few drops of my favourite essential oil and it’s like having a new one in there! It also means you can customise the melt to give off your favourite scents.
Anna Heslop, Dunfermline, Fife
6 of 6 **
Let’s hear it for THE TOY**
My dog is forever breaking the toys I buy, but when one has been destroyed, I always hang on to the squeaker. You can put them into another toy or even make your own toys. I made some bone-shaped ones out of scrap material, adding the old squeakers.
It means I have a very happy hound.
Teri Anderson, Waltham Abbey, Essex