Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
Jackie French has always found Christmas crackers very disappointing: they’re expensive, they contain trinkets no-one wants, and the jokes aren’t funny. So why not follow Jackie’s instructions and make your own crackers? It’s easy, it’s...
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,...
Hot Potpourri: The French Alternative In winter heaters can dry out a room, as well as your skin and lips. A sachet of hot potpourri simmering on the stove puts moisture back into the air and perfumes the whole house. Ingredients 2 tablespoons whole cloves 1 whole...
How to Make an Egghead: The French Alternative When the kids are bored and looking for something to do, why not show them how to make a living egghead! It’s easy, it’s lots of fun and you might just light a spark that will turn your children on to...
Lemon Lime Cleanser: The French Alternative Lemon juice has been used for centuries to help keep skin looking good, and lemon oil is an excellent stain remover. In this simple recipe Jackie French combines the cleaning properties of lemons and limes with Sorbolene...
Pressed Flower Cards: The French Alternative Flowers of all kinds are easy to press and they can be used to make note paper, greeting cards, bookmarks or even more complicated arrangements suitable for framing. Jackie French used pressed flowers from her garden to...
Wool Mix: The French Alternative If you use Jackie’s wool mix recipe and follow her tips, your winter woollies will smell of sunlight and soap with just a dash of eucalyptus. To make wool mix: 1/2 glass soap flakes or grated soap 1 glass hot water 1/2 glass...
Pot Pourri: The French Alternative Jackie French has a pot pourri recipe that she says will help concentration and memory. So if you’re having trouble remembering where you left your keys, handbag, or even the kids, perhaps you could try this idea. What you will...