Brainwaves weekly: simple crafting projects

My dogs Toby and Tosca needed some cool treats during the summer months. First, I chopped and fried small pieces of chicken. Once the chicken had cooled down, I popped the pieces in an ice cube tray and added some low-salt stock. Then I placed the tray in the freezer and waited for the cubes to freeze. My dogs loved their tasty summer snacks. Christopher Prothero, Telford, Shrops

When the shops sold out of garden parasols, I decided to have a go at making my own. I grabbed an empty toilet roll tube and taped it securely to the side of my sunlounger. Then, I grabbed a large umbrella from the cupboard and put the handle through the tube to keep it in place. Now, I'm protected against the sun and the rain, which is handy for a typical British summer! Becky Jacobs, Erdington, Birmingham

I wanted somewhere safe for my seven-month-old son William to play in our garden. I blew up a portable paddling pool. Then once it was inflated, I filled it with William's favourite toys and popped him into it. Now, he can play safely in the garden this summer. Helen Goodall, Nuneaton, Warwicks

I was always losing my TV remote and it would drive me crackers trying to find it. Then, after finishing my last nectarine, I noticed the shape of the container they'd come in. With the help of my niece, I wrapped kitchen foil around it, added some colourful sequins for decoration — and ended up with the perfect holder for my remote. It was great fun to make and will save hours hunting for it!Serena Lomas, Milton Keynes, Bucks