A welcome reminder brings back sands of time

They transport us, if only for a few seconds, to somewhere else and paint pictures in our mind's eye.

It's little wonder that some of the most popular mementoes feature the seaside and that designers have latched on to the saleability of these products.

For those who want to splash out, there are exquisite vintage linen cushions from Angel Lifestyle featuring beach huts. These cost 70 from www.angel-lifestyle.com

Jan Constantine also has a range of nautical cushions costing 62 from www.janconstantine.com

For those who love a sing-a-long and can bear visitors humming the tune, the Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside print, from Hunky Dory Home, is fun and inexpensive at 18 from www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk

Team it with a frame from Ikea. But if you are on a really tight budget then consider making your own.

Pebbles can be painted with simple designs. Choose a smooth, flat pebble, wash and allow it to dry before painting. Try a simple design such as a star fish or sail boat. When the paint is dry give a coat of clear varnish.

Or you can give the pebbles several coats of blackboard paint, then use white paint to write a message or a someone's name. If you have three you can put one word on each pebble, eg "I Love You".

Alternatively, make a collage of small pebbles and shells stuck to card. Heart shapes always work well and are easy to achieve if you draw the outline first. You can frame your masterpiece in budget-priced photo or picture frames from Ikea or Wilkinsons.

Another good idea is to take some holiday snaps you know will look good in a frame – sea views, your favourite fish and chip shop, whatever is most evocative for you will work well, especially when used small

in a series of three.

If you aren't arty then simply buy a postcard and stick it to the fridge. Even on the bleakest day, it will make you wish you were there.