Create striking placemats in just minutes by gathering masking tape, fabric paint and hessian – all very affordable.

Add soft illumination to a bedroom or dining area with a papier-mâché shade. Delicate layers of wafer-thin tissue paper are glued together over a plastic bowl mould, then dried and hung on a standard light fitting.

Dressing up a tablecloth with a supersized Granny Smith is as easy as patchworking green fabrics in varying shades and designs, then cutting out the apple and appliquéing it onto a simple linen cloth. How do you like them apples!

Add some flower power when you offer guests a drink. Give a basic glass carafe a lovely makeover using hessian, glue and a handful of small blooms.

In under an hour, you can bring a handful of assorted handkerchiefs and doilies to life with just a sachet of green dye and a bucket of water. Once finished, the verdant patches are colourfast and ready to be stitched onto cushions.

Transform offcuts of fabric and felt into sweet apple pillows, perfect for catching stray pins and needles. Simply hand stitch – no sewing machine needed!

Whip up a centrepiece using a wide hurricane vase, an assortment of grasses and flowers, and a length of thick rope. Finish with a candle and your table is ready.

Beautiful embroidery never goes out of style! The stitching details make these napkins look almost too good to use, but who could resist bringing out such beauties? Stitch up your own napkins from fabric or save time and embroider onto store-bought napkins

How to knit a cosy scarf in eye-catching colours.

How to add a barista-style finishing touch to your coffee and wow your guests.

Give your home an ocean outlook with a canvas seascape, painted by you! Just brush and blend soothing, sea-inspired colours with horizontal strokes. Centre it above your sofa, then balance your scheme with comfy cushions in nautical blues, sunshine-yellow stripes and coral prints. A scattering of ceramic drums adds to the theme, and they can double as side tables or seats.

Step out in style with these fun and flirty crochet earrings

Whether you want to jazz up your existing curtains because they’re a bit tatty on the ends or customise plain white store-bought drapes, adding a panel of decorative fabric is a fairly simple exercise. Select a fabric that blends in with your existing decor or something striking like a bold black and white floral and they’ll look spot on.

Want beautifully printed cushion covers without the hefty price tag? Paint your own – it’s easy! By adding Textile Medium to regular acrylic paint, the covers are still washable. So clever.

Make this gorgeous felt flower brooch to spruce up a plain outfit. A great way to use up felt and beads from your craft stash, it also makes a lovely gift.