10 Cheap But Chic Craft Tips

Want to know how to create stylish vintage craft pieces without spending a fortune? Mary Jane Baxter, author of Chic On A Shoestring, tells you how.

1 Spread The Word

If your friends and family know you're in the market for their cast-offs and craft left-overs, you'll soon have people knocking at your door! Spare balls of wool, pretty trims, a holdall full of Grandma's old hankies, all these things have the potential to be turned into lovely makes.

2 Start A Stash

If you see a pretty trim that you could use on a cushion cover or a cardigan and it's not too expensive, then snap it up. Even if you don't use it straightaway, you'll find the perfect way to use it sometime soon. Commandeer a vintage hat-box or a beaten-up old chest of drawers for all your finds, so you can delve in whenever you need something.

3 Make Markets Your Mission

Markets are full of interesting finds. My local flea market is in Deptford - south east London. Whenever I have a Saturday free I'll head down there and rummage amongst the junk. I always come back with something fantastic. My last find was a knitted patchwork blanket for £3. Markets always cheer me up too. The banter banishes the blues!

4 Don't Dismiss Dull Stuff

It's easy to miss the potential in something. My brogues makeover project from my book (main picture, above) turns dull lace ups into fashionable footwear. Sometimes it's the plain Janes in your wardrobe that can provide the blank canvas you need for your customising projects.

5 Pompom Power

Pompoms are a speedy way of adding a flash of fun to your clothes and homewares. Use ready-made pompom trim on everything from umbrellas to lampshades. Make your own pompoms to add to hats and shoes (left). Kids love having a go. too - and you can even make them out of glittery wool and hang them on the Christmas tree!

6 Learn To Sew

If you can't already - then learn to sew. There are dozens of inspiring courses all over the country. It's a skill that will stand you in good stead - and with time you'll be creating couture clothes for a fraction of the price that will be the envy of all your friends.

7 Bag Those Buttons

Every good craft diva should have their own button tin. Store vintage beauties found in markets or haberdasheies and replace dull buttons with your bobby dazzlers. Even the most boring outfit will get a new lease of life, and you can make necklaces out of them too!

8 Change Your Laces

Simply replacing the laces on your shoes can lift your look. Use ripped up strips of cotton fabric or sparkly ribbon for a change. You'll have a new spring in your step!

9 Save Your Cereal Packets

The Emergency Hat project from my book is made out of a Cornflakes packet! You need never fear a surprise social engagement again once you know how to turn your breakfast cereal into a stunning titfer (left)!

10 Go Glitter!

Sew or stick sparkly trims onto a plain black top for instant party sparkle!

More From Mary Jane Baxter

Mary Jane's book, Chic On A Shoestring (£14.99, www.kylebooks.com), is in all good bookshops and at John Lewis now. Mary Jane writes monthly columns for Homes & Antiques and Sew magazines. For more information, go to her website, www.maryjanemakes.com.