Turn an empty jam jar into a candle holder

Old jam jars can make fabulous little candle holders and these are so easy to make but look very "interior designy" because you can match them to your paintwork - or use any vibrant, funky or muted colours you like.

All you need are some empty jam jars and leftover paint. First, use baby oil or lighter fluid to remove any sticky residue left behind after you've scrubbed off the label. Then, pour a little paint into each jar and swill it around so that it completely covers the inside of the jar. Pour out any excess. Wipe carefully around the rim of the jar with a baby wipe or damp cloth. The paint should come right up to the top but the lip and the outside should be clear. Leave to dry. The shiny glass exterior suddenly looks like beautiful porcelain.

Here's another tip: you can turn cheap tea lights into scented candles by putting a couple of drops of essential oil or spraying a little perfume onto the wax before lighting the candle. Don't worry about the alcohol in the perfume - it will burn off in about a second.

Joanna Gosling, from Simply Wonderwoman (Dh110, www.amazon.com)