Brainwaves week 6: fun crafts to try at home

THROW your own
During the COVID-19 lockdown when we were only allowed to leave home for some exercise each day, I needed something to help me keep busy the rest of the time. One day, I was tidying up when I came across some odds and ends of wool. So, I began knitting lots of little squares and, once I had enough, I stitched them together to create a throw. It’s really come into its own this winter when I’ve been trying to put the heating on less._
Hazel O’Donnell, Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone_

A HANG-bag?
I had a nice handbag but the zips had broken. Instead of throwing it away, I had an idea about how to use it. I filled it with compost and planted some lovely plants inside. Then I hung my funky new planter on my fence. I think you’ll agree, it looks really bright and beautiful!
Ann Aspinall, Nantwich, Cheshire

The right to CHEWS
I wanted to make gifts for mine and my friends’ pets, so I got some cone-shaped sweet bags and filled them with tasty pet treats. I used some brown ribbon to tie them at the top, then added a label with a paw print on. My friends were really touched by the effort, and their pets loved tucking into the yummy treats inside.
Sue Beaumont, Hinckley, Leics

First-class GLASS
Cleaning glass shower doors can be a real pain, and a lot of the cleaners available in the shops are expensive too. But I’ve discovered the perfect way to get them sparkling without breaking the bank. When I clean them, I simply mix up some bicarbonate of soda with some white wine vinegar, then apply it by rubbing the paste on to the glass doors. I leave it there for five minutes before rinsing it off, and the doors come up gleaming every time! 
Debra Stapley, Dover, Kent

Non-stick CHICKEN
When my chicken got stuck to the bottom of my slow cooker, I had an idea. The next time I cooked one, I balled up some foil and popped it on the base of my slow cooker, then I rested the chicken on the foil balls. Not only did it stop my chicken sticking, but it also helped it to cook evenly and kept it nice and juicy too.
Lorraine Pilkington, by email

Oven READY
I love baking, but it can sometimes take time to whip up tasty treats. So when I put my apron on to bake a pie one day, I had an idea. I made a little extra sweet pastry, which I rolled out and cut into circles. Then I layered these up in a tub, with greaseproof paper in between each layer, and popped them into the freezer. Next time I need to create something quick and delicious, I’ll be able to get them out and turn them into jam tarts.
Patricia Forsyth, Flint, Clwyd