Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
On cold winter days or nights outdoor entertaining can be difficult. A good way to warm up outside, is sitting beside a Mexican fireplace. It is a round, ceramic fireplace, with a chimney which radiates heat in an area of about 20 square metres. Simply build...
An extra dimension can be added both to your garden and home by the introduction of interesting artefacts. However in the past the traditional garden gnomes, columns and Greek statues have not always suited the Australian garden. Now there is a range of newer...
Fridge magnets are a cheap, cheerful gift idea even children can make them with a little help. We showed two different types: a timber shape with photos glued on and sealed with gloss, and a stamped, embossed photo frame. Heart fridge magnet Materials Small wooden...
Our hands are our tools and often become ingrained with dirt and grime, sometimes impregnated with stubborn stains which are hard to remove. As an avid gardener, Jackie French knows all too well that dirty hands need a fresh and effective hand cleanser, so she...
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...
The word Mexico conjures up images of vibrant, warm colours, long stretches of desert and exotic fruit, birds and flowers. Passed down from generation to generation, the rich and colourful craft traditions of Mexico are perfectly suited to our warm and...
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...
Due to the fact that viewers have been sending in some very strange (as well as large) entries, Don has decided to divide the ‘Mine’s Bigger Than Yours’ competition into two categories. There will be one prize for ‘weird’ and one for ‘big’. Huge vegies Robyn Klaus...
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,...
Bath time again, and in case you haven’t realised it yet, Jackie French regards bathing as an activity to be treasured. To be done properly, with time and dedication. Here’s another favourite from her selection of homemade bathing treats – bath...