Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
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...
Floor cushions can complement or contrast with the furniture and really add some spark to a room, as well as being very practical if you need extra seating. In our segment Rita Hill made a luxurious, walled floor cushion, but you can vary the style and fabric to suit...
Furry Furnishings If you’re looking for something warm to cuddle up to this winter, Rita Hill’s furry throws are easy to make and cost a fraction of the price of ready-made, shop bought ones. With the right fabric they can look spectacular, and they feel...
Garden Flags Decorative flags look great in the garden on windy days, and they are easy and cheap to make. Rita Hill made long flags or pennants about 3m long x 50cm wide using bright cotton fabric and poles made from bamboo or other suitable materials. You’ll...
Glass Painting Rita Hill gave some old glassware a fresh new look by painting it, then baking it in the oven! You will need glass jars, tumblers, pitchers or vases porcelain glass paints (45ml) porcelain outliner pens (20ml) stencils felt-tipped pen Step by step...
How to Hang A Door Backyard Blitz builder, Scott Cam, demonstrated how to hang a door when the doorframe is not square. In a perfect world, hanging a door would be a simple matter. You’d buy a door the right size from a hardware store or building supplier, take...
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...