
Happy Hour
The time is right for colour! To get the look, mark 24 evenly spaced positions on the back of a MDF clock kit, then paint the face grey. Saw 6mm dowel into 24 x 6cm lengths and glue a 25mm wooden bead to each length. Set aside a few to leave raw, then paint the rest in assorted colours, painting a little of the dowel as well. When dry, seal with gloss varnish. Glue each piece to a marking on clock’s back, protruding beads as shown. When dry, screw on the hands and mechanism.

Small Home Swoon
Here’s a mini idea! Use a finetooth hacksaw or utility knife to cut a ‘roof’ into a balsa block ‘house’. Paint each face, then seal with gloss or matte lacquer. Repeat to make a tiny timber neighbourhood.

Kitchen quirk
Bash out colourful meal prep with a painted mortar and pestle. Use a 2H pencil and flexible ruler to mark out the design, then fill in each shape, using a fine paintbrush for the corners. Seal with a coat of lacquer.