Brainwaves weekly: outdoor crafts

Whenever I used my sewing machine, I kept losing my small scissors under piles of fabric. To keep them safe while I worked, I attached a sticky- backed hook on to the side of my sewing machine to hang my scissors on. Now I know exactly where they are when I need to use them.Gill Thumwood, Wandsworth, London

I always struggled to juggle my bag and umbrella when I was on the move. To help keep my hands free, I attached two small eye hooks on to either end of the brolly. Then, I threaded a piece of long lace through the eye hooks and secured it at both ends to create a strap. Now, I can keep my hands free whenever I'm out and about. Ann Cooper, Rugby, Warwicks

When I was a child, my dad always used his metal watering can to water the garden. I kept it when he passed away, but it sat in my shed gathering dust. Then I decided to turn it into a light feature for my garden. I attached it to my fence, then threaded LED lights through the spout to create the effect of water. It's the perfect tribute to my garden-loving dad.Lorraine Mercer, Solihull, W Mids

After I pruned an old branch from a tree, I was reluctant to throw it away. So I found an old wooden planter, filled it with cement and then stuck the branch into the middle. Once it had dried, I hung some bird feeders off the branches. Now, the birds visiting my garden love it!Sandra Boulter, Bolsover, Derbys

When my hubby David bought me a new bike, it needed a basket, but they were all too expensive. So, I found an old wicker box in the bathroom that I no longer needed and attached it to my bike using cable ties. Now, I have the perfect place to store bits and bobs when I go on a bike ride. Beryl McWhan, Runcorn, Cheshire

I needed a new cover for my hot-water bottle, but I didn't have any spare fabric to make myself one. As I rummaged through my cupboards, I found a lovely old checked bag that my quilt set came in. When I popped my hot water bottle into the bag, it was a perfect fit! Dawn Stephenson, Ashington, Northumberland