Brainwaves weekly: fun crafts to brighten your home

Picture THIS
I had an old frame that needed some TLC. I used wood filler to patch-up some holes before painting it with two coats of white chalk paint, then a coat of grey. Finally, I added four wooden carved corners on to the frame and sealed the lot with finishing wax. 
Aileen Allardyce, Alford, Aberdeenshire

Little GEMS
My daughter Erin, six, would get embarrassed at school because she didn’t know which way round to put her shoes on. She didn’t want me to write the words right or left on them. Instead, I glued some jewelled stickers on to the outside of each shoe. Now, she knows which shoe goes on which foot.
Nikki Richardson, Hartfield, E Sussex

 
Bed and BREAKFAST
I like to keep my cat Ernie’s food organised. I kept his cat food in a box, but it was looking a bit drab. In the bottom of my chest of drawers, I found an old T-shirt. I slipped it over the box and folded the remaining material down the sides of the box. I added some cosy material to the top too and stuck a cute sign on the front. Now the box is most definitely Ernie’s!
Carol Stone, March, Cambs

Stairway to HEAVEN
When I couldn’t afford to carpet my stairs, I thought of another way to give them a revamp. I took a tin of white paint and painted the top of each stair. Once the paint had dried, I wallpapered the steps with brick-effect wallpaper. I think it looks great and cost 
a lot less than getting a carpet fitted. 
Ellie Collins, Sea Mills, Bristol

Style ICON
My dad Philip lives in a Thirties bungalow, so we decided to create an art deco-style house number for his gate. We looked up some designs from that period for inspiration. Then we used some spare wood to create the sign, which we painted white. Finally, we added a black trim and the numbers before popping it on top of his gate. We think it looks really stylish and fits perfectly.
Rosie Rayner, Romford, Gtr London

Spring CLEAN
My old shower caddy had seen better days, so I decided to put it to good use in the garden. I used cable ties to attach the caddy to my garden trellis. Then, I decorated it with fabric ivy before arranging some plants and candles on the shelves. I love my new garden feature, and I’m so glad I decided not to throw my old rubbish away! 
Pam Waters, Droitwich, Worcs