Brainwaves weekly issue 11: fun crafts to try at home

Perfect pom-poms
I had been knitting hats, but making the pom-poms for the top could be a nightmare. I’d always done it by cutting out two doughnut shapes from cardboard to wind the wool around. But then I discovered a much easier process. I used a drinks mat and wrapped the yarn around that. Once it was thick enough, I secured both sides by running a piece of wool on a large needle through the front and back of the mat, catching the wool in the middle. I eased it off the mat, secured a tie around both sections, then cut the loops to create the pom-pom. It’s so simple, but works a treat.
Anne Blondel, St Martin, Guernsey

GOOD call!
My sister Jean and I talk on the phone for hours as I live in Manchester and she lives in Northern Ireland. So she came up with this great idea to be hands-free and get things done around the house while we chatted. She wears a stretchy headband around her head and slots the phone under it, pressed against her ear. When she sent me a photo of herself with it on, it made me chuckle. But it’s a brilliant idea.
Carol Crompton, Manchester

Flushed with success
My hubby is self-employed and he recently fitted a new bathroom for someone. When it came to disposing of the old loo, instead of taking it to the tip, he decided to get creative. He cleaned it up, put it in the garden and potted some plants in the bowl and the cistern. It makes an unusual feature, but I love it. 
Josie Bates, Astley, Gtr Manchester

Wrappers’ DELIGHT
I decided spending money on expensive wrapping paper for gifts was a bit of a waste, but I still wanted to make presents look special. When I spotted all the different bags for life you could get at the supermarket, it gave me an idea. Whenever I had a birthday gift for someone, I bought a stylish bag for life and popped the pressie and card inside, then tied the handles together. Not only does it look nice, but they also get a reusable bag, so there’s no wrapping paper waste.
Wendy Pownall, Swansea

Bubble trouble
When I was cooking pasta or rice, the pot would boil over. But then I learnt a trick to stop it happening. I put a wooden spoon across the pan as I watched it bubble away. I’m not sure of the science behind it, but it definitely stops the water frothing up. But be careful as the wet spoon can be hot.
Angela Garvin, Romford, Gtr London

Shabby to chic
A friend was having a spring clean and asked if I had any use for an old chest of drawers she was throwing out. I wasn’t keen on the colour, but I liked the design, so I thought I’d give it a revamp. First, I gave it a light sanding, then I washed it down with sugar soap. I gave it two coats of black furniture paint, then a finishing coat of beeswax to seal it. I found some funky drawer knobs at 
a market and added those on too. I think it looks fab.
Linda Guiney, Drimnagh, Dublin