Brainwaves weekly: easy crafting projects

Rather than getting rid of some old cork mats that looked a bit worn out, I decided to give them a new lease of life. I used some Sellotape to divide them into sections. Then I painted each section a different colour. Now, I've got bright, fresh-looking mats that can be used for any occasion. Andy Goldie, Gloucester

I had some spare wool that needed using up, so I decided to create a pom-pom rug. I bought a piece of rug-making canvas and a set of pom-pom makers. Once I'd finished one pom-pom, I tied it to the canvas and secured it with a knot. Then I carried on until the canvas was full. Now, I've got a unique rug that put some spare wool to good use. Alison Balch, Strensall, N Yorks

When I was learning to play guitar, my music books would never stay open on my stand. From the wardrobe, I fished out an old trouser hanger and clipped it to the top of my book, holding the pages I needed in place. Now, my moaning has been replaced by the sound of my dreadful guitar-playing — I'm not sure which is worse!James Harvey, Poynton, Cheshire

We recently took in a rescue dog called Dafni. She needed a few toys to play with, so I decided to make my own. I bought a bathmat for a couple of quid, then cut some of the kids' old fleece blankets into strips and tied them around the holes in the mat. I packed them in tightly to create a lovely soft toy Dafni can chew and drag around. She loves it.Gail Walters, Alton, Hants

I wanted to entertain my daughters Robyn and Georgia. So I gave them each a piece of cardboard and helped them to draw a vase on the bottom half and decorate it. Then I made small holes above their drawings. When we went for a walk, we collected flowers and grasses to thread through the holes. Their cardboard vases were lovely and can be used again and again. Karen Hobson, Gleadless, Sheffield