Brainwaves weekly: home crafts

I bought a coconut, which contained fat food for the garden birds. After the birds had eaten all the fat, I decided not to throw the coconut away. Instead, I drilled a hole it, screwed it to the garden shed and filled it with more treats for the birds. They love it!Mel Griffiths, Llanfairpwll, Anglesey

As I became older, I found it harder to change the bed cover. I bought some large pegs and pulled the sealed end of the bedsheet over the duvet. Then I used the pegs to fix the end of the duvet in place. Finally I pulled the rest of my cover down and closed it at the bottom. Now I can change my bedsheets easily. John Dowty, Truro, Cornwall

After I sorted through my wardrobe, I noticed a pair of cosy tracksuit bottoms that I'd hardly worn. I liked the pattern on the fabric, so instead of getting rid of them, I carefully cut them into pieces to create a hat, a snood and last but not least some fingerless gloves that are perfect for crisp autumnal walks through the park.Gina Shaw, Raynes Park, London

When my mum Pam and I spotted an old dolls' house in a skip, we rescued it. We took it home and gave it a good clean. Then we painted it purple and added some furniture and dolls. Now the children at the school where Mum works can play with it.Jade Mckenna, Coventry, W Mids

My husband Mike found the perfect solution to increase the seating and storage in our garden cabin. First, he built an L-shaped bench with planks of wood. Then he dismantled three old dining chairs and attached the padded seats from them to the bench. After varnishing the bench, he attached the backs of the chairs on to the wall. Now we have comfy seats — and stylish storage too! Sarah Morris, Rayleigh, Essex

I'd decided to get a new cushion for my dog, but I didn't want to spend too much money. So I bought a pillow from the supermarket, then covered it using one of my old T-shirts. I sewed the neck of the T-shirt together, cut off the arms and sewed up the holes. Finally, after tucking the pillow inside, I sewed up the bottom of the T-shirt. Now I have a lovely bright cushion for my pampered pooch. Shona Williams, Oxford