Brainwaves week 33: fun crafts to try at home

Seeds not weeds
I love having birds in my garden. But I noticed when the bigger birds used the feeder they’d scatter the seeds all over the ground. So, I decided to put a bucket underneath it so that the seeds fall into that instead. Then I can reuse them, so less goes to waste, and also the fallen seeds don’t sprout into weeds on my lawn!
Sophie Tick, Kingsbridge, Devon

Pad Protector
Sitting out in my garden in the summer is a real treat. But with the changeable weather, I got fed up with having to get the waterproof cover over my new patio set every time it rained. Instead, I attached metal rings to the cushion zip pulls and put hooks underneath the tabletop. Now, if the weather looks iffy, I can hang the pads under the table.
Jackie Gilbert, Sleaford, Lincs

Pole position
When I moved into my new house, I spotted a random wooden pole in the garden. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. But when I saw a pretty green glass plate in a charity shop, I had an idea. At home, I had a salt and pepper pot set in the shape of birds, so I decorated them with acrylic pens and stuck them to the inside of the glass plate. Then I stuck it to the top of the post and filled it with water to create a unique birdbath.
Aimee Karen, Langley Marsh, Somerset

Perfect palette
After many times painting with the kids and spending ages washing out little pots covered in poster paints, I’ve discovered a much easier option. I cover a tray with tinfoil and put blobs of paint on to that. They can dip their brushes in and mix up colours and all you have to do is put the tinfoil in the bin when they’ve finished.
Rachel Wilson, Hull, E Yorks

Can it!
I needed a watering can and I was surprised to discover how pricey they are, considering they’re just a water container with holes. Rather than splash out, I decided to make one myself. I took an empty pop bottle and carefully punched holes in the lid with a metal skewer. I filled the bottle with water, screwed the top back on and hey presto! A simple watering can.
Laura Bailey, Leeds

Eggs to go
If you’re going camping, avoid broken eggs on arrival by preparing your omelette or scrambled egg mix in advance. Just crack them into a jug, whisk them up and then decant it into a bottle. It’s quick and easy to pack.
Linda McDonald, Selby, N Yorks