Fabric scraps, an old sock, pieces of wood and a handful of stones can provide everything needed for simple handmade toys. These projects use familiar materials and leave plenty of room to personalise the finished result.

A hobby horse can be made from an old sock and a wooden stick. Fill the sock firmly with soft stuffing or fabric scraps to create the head, then secure it around the top of the stick with strong cord.

Buttons, felt or small pieces of fabric can be used for the eyes and ears, while wool or yarn works well for the mane. A simple cord attached on either side creates the reins. Different socks and materials naturally give every horse its own character.

Wood can be used for an entirely different kind of game. A thick slice from a branch or log provides a ready-made playing board for noughts and crosses. The grid can be drawn, painted or lightly carved into the surface.

Instead of conventional counters, collect two groups of small stones. Choosing contrasting colours or painting simple crosses and circles on them makes it easy to distinguish between the two players.

Keeping the bark around the edge gives the board a more natural finish, while the stones can be stored in a small fabric bag when the game is not being used.

Children can also take part in making both projects by choosing fabrics, adding details to the horse or painting the game pieces themselves.

The materials are basic, but the possibilities are broad. What begins as an old sock, a piece of wood or a few stones can become something made specifically for play.

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