Brainwaves weekly: fun crafts

I was fed up with my Christmas lights getting tangled up in storage. So, when I packed them away for another year, I had an idea. I cut the side off a cereal box and wrapped the lights around the cardboard before storing them away. Now when I get them out again this Christmas, they'll be tangle-free. Andrew Murley, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear

I had lots of empty toilet roll tubes and instead of recycling them, I decided to get creative. After cutting them into strips, I moulded them into shape to form lots of little flowers, which I stuck together to make a heart. Once the glue had dried, I hung my heart on the wall. I think it looks fab and I'm planning to make another. Sandra Brown, St Andrews, Fife

After a major operation, I had to rest, but I needed something to keep me occupied. My friend Val gave me lots of felt squares and I got my daughter Peta to draw the outline of a donkey. Using this as a template, I cut out two donkey shapes from the felt, sewed them together, stuffing as I went to create a little toy. It was so much fun I made a whole batch of them and gave them to my local donkey sanctuary to sell in their gift shop. Jane Page, Shanklin, Isle of Wight

My mum's partner wanted a funnel to pour his bird feed into his bird feeder, so I made him one. I cleaned out an old washing liquid bottle and cut off the top half to make a funnel. And to top it off we've used an old yogurt pot to scoop, carry and pour the bird feed into the funnel. They've both worked a tweet! Liz Goulds, Chesterfield, Derbys

When I bought a new pillow, it came in a sturdy plastic bag with a zip. I realised it was perfect for storing my leftover Christmas wrapping paper. I popped the tubes, gift tags, gift bags, some scissors and tape inside the bag. Now, I know where everything is when the time comes to wrap all my pressies. Beryl Haynes, Twyford, Bucks

While redecorating my bedroom on a budget, my friend Louise gave me one of her old chairs to upcycle. After sanding it down, I painted it white. Then another pal, David, stencilled on an intricate floral design. Finally, I found some matching fabric and made a cushion for the chair. I'm made up with my new furniture and can't thank my friends enough for all their help. Winifred Swinburn, Dungarvan, Co Waterford