Summer is here and what better way to celebrate than by giving household items a new lease of life?

What you need...

• Poplin, white
  Fabric: polka dot, pink; gingham, pink; checked, pink; poplin, white
  Sewing machine and thread
  Interfacing, iron-on
  Iron
  Cloth, damp
  Ruler
  Pencil
  Scissors
  Paint, porcelain: ruby red, ivory, citrine yellow
  Paintbrush, fine
  Dots, self-adhesive
  Sponge
  Cotton buds
  Baby wipes
  Cling film
  Hair dryer

instructions

1. Napkin - 1 Using the template provided, transfer each one to the paper side of the iron-on interfacing as follows: one of pattern A, two pairs of B, two pairs of C
   then two pairs of pattern D. Trim out each piece so that a border remains around every one. Place the first piece on the wrong side of the polka dot fabric with the adhesive layer facing down.
   
   2 Dry iron for five seconds to apply the sticky web from the interfacing. Repeat this process with pieces B and C, using the gingham fabric, then with D on a small checked design. Cut out all these shapes using sharp scissors, then carefully peel off the backing paper.
   
   3 Create a poplin rectangle, 27cm x 36cm, then lay the polka dot cross onto the centre. Cover this design with a damp cloth and iron for 15 seconds, pressing down firmly across the motif. Leave this to cool.
   
   4 Arrange all the remaining pieces, using the picture as a guide. Ensure the motif is straight by measuring the gaps with a ruler. Lay the damp cloth over the pieces then iron on to adhere the design to the white fabric. Fold in and press 1cm around the edge of the white rectangle. Make a hem around the napkin using machine stitch to finish.

2. Tin Plate - 1 Stick a self-adhesive dot to the centre of a dish, then add two either side. Repeat this process to make a cross. Mix together red and ivory paint on a separate white plate. Gradually blend in a little yellow to make a soft pink. Cover this with a sheet of cling film to prevent it from drying out.
   
   2 Use a small sponge to dab the pink paint onto the surface of the tin plate. Once applied, immediately touch the area with a dry piece of sponge. This reduces bubbles and leaves a flatter colour. Remove any excess using baby wipes.
   
   3 When the paint is touch dry, carefully peel off the dots. Heating the plate with a hair dryer will make them easier to take off. Remove any stains where the paint has bled under the dots using baby wipes. Leave the finished design to dry for a day before baking theplate according to the paint
   manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Cutlery - 1 Mix pink paint with a little white to create a paler shade. Apply this to the handle using a piece of sponge. Create straight finished lines by carefully removing any excess around the edges using a baby wipe.
   
   2 Complete the design by adding an ivory dot to the top of each piece of cutlery. Leave to completely dry for 24 hours, allowing the paint to fully adhere to the cutlery handle. Once set, the pieces will be suitable for sponge cleaning after use. They will not be dishwasher safe.