Magic Tap Phillip Bloom is an inventor who saw the idea of a ‘Frozen Moment’ tap while holidaying in the United States. In a shop window he saw taps gushing with water while apparently suspended in mid-air and not attached to any source of water. The taps...
A great addition to the backyard, particularly for summer, is a large shade umbrella (also known as a market umbrella). These large umbrellas provide protection from the sun and create an outdoor entertaining area. Replacing old umbrellas A major problem with these...
Gilding is a craft technique which allows you to introduce highlights of gold to objects in your home. To demonstrate this ancient craft, which uses real gold or a cheaper gold-like alternative, new Burke’s Backyard reporter craft expert Tracy Marsh...
Mosaics have long been admired for their intricate patterns and fantastic colours. Throughout the ages they have been used in many ways, including in Moorish architecture and in the buildings and sculptures of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi. While not everyone can...
Elaine Mitchell is a textile artist who loves scarecrows. She first began to create these quirky characters nearly ten years ago as props for a theatrical performance. After the play Elaine displayed the scarecrows around her home. When people started to drive by for...
Give new life to your decor with colourful and imaginative tassels, trims and braids. Make a ribbon tassel to dress a window or door. Ribbon tassel Quick and easy to make, this delicate ribbon tassel gives a stunning result. Choose a colour combination that...
Having cold feet in winter is not a modern phenomenon; it seems to have been a source of discomfort to human beings through the ages. Queen Elizabeth 1 found a hot brick wrapped in wool helpful, while Queen Victoria preferred a warming pan. If, like Jackie French,...
Cockroaches in Snot: The French Alternative Don’t worry it’s only bath gel – very special bath gel though, designed by Jackie French to trick kids into actually enjoying bath time! One of the great things about this recipe is that the ingredients are...
Do It Yourself Wall Fountain One of the most fashionable things to have in your garden is a wall fountain. The interest and movement a fountain provides can transform a boring, drab corner into an attractive, relaxing area, and when it comes to disguising unwanted...
Homemade Deodorant: The French Alternative The ancient Egyptians had what was possibly the world’s first underarm deodorant. Apparently they just picked a lettuce going to seed and rubbed the juice from the stem on to their armpits. Jackie French gave it a try,...