Brainwaves weekly issue 03: fun crafts to try at home

It’s a SNIP
Instead of buying expensive stickers for children to play with, try cutting little images out of wrapping paper. You can choose a themed paper to suit the child’s interests, and they can make pictures using them or home-made greetings cards. I like to cut them out using craft scissors with patterned edges. It’s a great way to keep kids busy.
Alison Payne, Rugby, Warwicks

By the BOOK
My daughter Olivia needed somewhere to keep all her story books. I didn’t want to spend loads of money, so I upcycled a crate and personalised it for her using vinyl stickers that I bought cheaply from eBay. It matches her room decor and keeps her books neat and tidy. You could do the same to make a great personalised present for someone too. 
Justine Machin, Preston, Lancs

Do KNIT disturb
I was in a charity shop when I spotted some very unusual wool. I loved the texture and colours that were available, so I bought several large bags of it. Back at home, I got some chunky needles out and knitted a couple of doughnut beds for my cats Rosie and Aurora to snuggle up in. They’re perfect for keeping them warm in the winter months.
Teresa Lloyd, London SE1

She’s got it COVERED
I had a bad back and needed to use my hot-water bottle to help ease the pain, but it didn’t have a cover on it. Then I remembered the fleece bed linen I’d recently bought had come in a matching fluffy storage bag. It was a little too big, so once I’d dropped the hot-water bottle into it, I tied the top with an elastic band. But it worked a treat — back pain alleviated and one hottie-bottie cover for free!
Karen Jones, Billingham, Co Durham

 **
Tray CHIC**
I was looking for something to store some of my jewellery in, to stop my earrings getting lost. As I was about to throw away the tray from my apples, I realised that would 
be the perfect solution. I can see where everything is, and I’ve even been able to pierce my earrings through the cardboard so they’re fixed to it, ready for when I want to wear them.
Lucy Hodson, Hoylake, Merseyside

Tight FIT
I was recently in hospital for what I thought was a sprained ankle, but turned out to be a break. Instead of plaster, they fitted me with a Velcro boot, which was wonderful for allowing me to bathe. But at bedtime, the Velcro would stick to my bedding. Then my daughter came up with the perfect solution. She got an old pair of tights and trimmed off one of the legs. Pulling that carefully over the boot stopped it sticking perfectly.
Jennifer O’Neill, Helensburgh, Argyll & Bute