Rita Hill revamped a tired old iron and timber garden setting. This was a labour of love - it didn't cost much but plenty of elbow grease was required!

Revamping the garden setting

1. Give the setting a good hose down and a scrub, then leave it to dry.

2. Wearing rubber gloves, apply a thick coat of paint stripper, following the manufacturer's instructions. When the paint starts to bubble, scrape it off.

3. Give the setting another hose and scrub, to remove any excess paint stripper and loose flakes of paint.

4. When the setting has dried, give it a sand and then apply a fresh coat of paint (Rita chose Dulux Weathershield X10 white acrylic gloss, so it wasn't necessary to use a primer).

Making seat cushions

You'll need:

1 metre fabric (we chose a white damask)
5 metres ribbon
1 metre thick Dacron wadding

1. Measure the seat to find the size of the cushion and then cut 2 squares of fabric, making sure to leave a seam allowance. Cut out some squares of Dacron to fit inside the cushions.

2. Measure out 4 lengths of ribbon, 60cm long, and fold them in half. Pin the folded ribbon in the corners between the 2 layers of fabric, facing them inwards.

3. Sew the cushion down on 3 sides and then turn it inside out. You can insert the Dacron now and hand sew the opening.

4. Measure out 4 equal points on the cushion. Put a couple of stitches in these 4 points to secure the Dacron.

Further information

Dulux Weathershield X10 acrylic gloss costs about $60 for 4 litres.

Dacron wadding is available from craft and home furnishing stores for $5.99 metre.

This furniture makeover is in the September 2002 edition of the Burke's Backyard Magazine, available at newsagents for $5.20.

Copyright CTC Productions 2002