Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
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...
Jackie French has a recipe for a rose aftershave for men that doesn’t smell like roses but which should make their presence more acceptable on a hot summer’s day. What you will need 1 cup of white wine vinegar (not malt vinegar) 12 bay leaves (fresh or...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...