Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
Scott Cam demonstrated how easy it is to change the washer on a leaky household tap. (Note: In some parts of Australia it is illegal to change tap washers – you must call in a licensed plumber to do the job. Check with the water supply authority in your own...
Mosaic Stepping Stones Rita Hill showed how to turn a boring concrete paver into a beautiful piece of garden artwork. You will need: ready made concrete stepping stones Bondcrete (1/2 litre does one stepping stone) old plates, tiles, glass tiles or mosaic tiles old...
Noticeboard The telephone area in Rita Hill’s home was a disaster. Whenever her friends rang she couldn’t find a pen that worked or any notepaper! Rita solved the problem by making a noticeboard to hang on the wall next to the phone. The noticeboard is...
We’re right in the middle of a pebble revolution! Pebbles and gravels are still used in the traditional way on driveways and in Japanese gardens, but they’re also being used as paving, garden mulch, and even as feature walls. Now Rita Hill has taken these...
Peppermint Foot Rejuvenator – The French Alternative If you’re a no-shoes person at heart, you may need Jackie’s Peppermint Foot Rejuvenator to keep your feet in tip-top condition. Ingredients 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp full cream powdered milk 2 tbsp...
Pool Room Makeover Several weeks ago on Burke’s Backyard we completed one of our best makeovers ever. A weed-infested site was cleared and then planted with fabulous tropical fruit trees and colourful foliage plants. An aviary resembling a Thai temple was built...
Rocking Horse Restoration Christopher Woolcock is a professional toy maker who specialises in rocking horses. He both restores old rocking horses and makes new ones. He also makes carousel horses, hobby horses, walkers, tricycles and other toys with a horse motif....
Solid Perfume – The French Alternative Most perfumes are made from alcohol, and they evaporate quickly. Jackie French’s recipe for solid perfume is a combination of essential oils and beeswax, and so the fragrance lingers for hours. Homemade solid perfume...
Stylish Photo Albums Use these step by step instructions from Rita Hill to jazz up your old photo albums. You’ll be surprised how stylish they can look! You will need fabric cardboard (Rita used cardboard with a decorative, marbled pattern) spray adhesive strong...
Tile and Bathroom Cleanser – The French Alternative Jackie French recommends this tile and bathroom cleanser. It is simple to make, works a treat and smells divine. Ingredients 6 tablespoons crushed white chalk 1/2 cup Lux soap flakes 6 tablespoons bicarbonate...