Home-made decorating ideas

How to make your own wall plates

If you have a plain wall, this simple decorating idea is a great way to add character. These wall plates look fantastic and can be customised to suit any room.

They're also a brilliant gift to celebrate any occasion, including landmark birthdays, the arrival of a new baby or a new home. What's more, these personalised gifts are completely original.

Find this project and many others in Made By Yourself by Peter Fehrentz, £18 (hardback), available from allaboutyoubookshop.co.uk

We love the idea of using old wooden crates as shelving. Simply nail them to the wall, pile them high or put them on chests or dressing tables.

Wine crates and wooden apple crates often have interesting labels, or you can add vintage-style labels yourself to enhance the recycled theme. Find them at eBay.co.uk and amazon.co.uk. Alternatively, wine shops may have old crates they may be willing to part with for a small price.

Inspired by George Home.

How to make your own paperweight

These customised paperweights will help you stay organised and look fantastic, too! This simple project is sure to impress friends and colleagues.

Play around with different lace, fabric and textures to create your own personal style, and experiment with colours to complement your theme or brighten up your desk.

Find this project and many others in Made By Yourself by Peter Fehrentz, £18 (hardback), available from allaboutyoubookshop.co.uk

How to make your own cake stand

Next time you have friends over for afternoon tea, why not present treats on a home-made cake stand? This simple project is ideal for a few stunning plates that are not being put to use, or if you’re looking for an excuse to purchase that vintage set from your local antique shop!

The cake stand fittings are available from eBay.co.uk in a variety of colours, styles and shapes to match your chosen plates.

How to make your own teacup and saucer candle

These gorgeous little candles are a brilliant way to put decorative cup and saucer sets to good use. They are easy to create, and most antique shops will be brimming with original and unique china.

These candles make fantastic gifts and would also look great as vintage decorations for a wedding table.