Home improvements: Upcycling tins, cans and books

Rather than throwing away unwanted items such as old cake tins, empty soup cans and worn-out books, upcycle them. They will form the basis of fun craft projects and help to reduce unnecessary waste.

To create a personalised light fixture, you will need an old cake tin, colourful fabric, glue or permanent markers, a drill and a light bulb. Decorate the tin’s outside – either cover it in fabric using glue or draw on it with the marker. Drill a hole into the middle of the tin’s base – the same circumference as your light socket. Stick the socket through the hole, and screw in your light bulb.

For a vase to hold short-stemmed flowers, remove the label from a soup can, and paint the outside in your favourite colour(s). Or attach thick pieces of rope or strips of wallpaper onto the outside. Leave to dry overnight.

Finally, if your hardcover books are worse for wear, use a craft knife to remove the fabric on the spine and create a bookmark. Punch a hole through the top, and thread through a piece of string or ribbon. For an extra bookish touch, write your favourite literary quote on the other side.