Do the lights in your house flicker? Does the toilet flush when nobody is there or have you had an encounter with doors shutting themselves? If so, this is ‘no seasonal attraction for those who delight in fright: It’s your own home,’ writes Roy Berendsohn for Popular Mechanics.

Throwing a pot in this case does not refer to a chef having a tantrum in the kitchen. It is a pottery technique that allows one to create a round pot on a spinning wheel.

Natural wood is one of the most versatile materials. Not only is it easily shaped but it is also available in many different textures, grains and colours. Add to this that every piece of wood is unique, even if it is from the same tree.

There’s something rather addictive about collecting and restoring old trunks, whether they’re made of wood, canvas or metal. Not only are old trunks useful in a modern context, but each one that you come across has a colourful story to tell.

Replacing missing spindles on old wooden chairs.

How to patch up missing veneer.

Removing white rings and black marks from wooden furniture.

Old mirrors – what to do about damaged mirror silver.

Old picture and mirror frames tend to lose their pristine condition over time, especially if they are moved around a lot. If you’ve found a beautiful piece that needs some refinishing, give it a thorough cleaning before you start working on it.

How to recognise and refinish antiques.