Latest news with #stencils
The Sun
16-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I never liked our boring patio but couldn't afford to replace it – I transformed it with Amazon hacks & saved thousands
Fed up with a dull, uninspiring patio but worried about the cost of replacing it? One homeowner has revealed their clever solution, turning their "boring grey" outdoor space into something they're "really pleased with" using an affordable Amazon trick - and saving thousands in the process. 3 3 Rather than spending a fortune on brand-new paving, they discovered a savvy buy on Amazon. The gardening enthusiasts came across stencils, offering a budget-friendly and creative way to breathe new life into their existing patio. By adding a decorative pattern, they managed to give their outdoor area a stylish makeover without the hefty price tag or hassle of a full renovation. Taking to the Facebook group On A Budget, the homeowners shared impressive before-and-after photos of their transformed garden. While a new patio installation can cost anywhere from £3,000 to £6,000 or more, these creative DIYers used stencils priced between £10 and £15 to achieve a stunning result-all by themselves. Transforming your patio has never been easier with custom-made stencils like the Stencil for Garden Patio Paving Slabs set. This set includes two stencils featuring the Zarzis pattern, measuring 45x45cm. Using two stencils not only saves time but also offers flexibility for your project-you can even cut one stencil down to fit those tricky, awkward spaces, ensuring a seamless and professional finish. Whether you want to refresh your patio or add a decorative touch, these stencils are the perfect solution for an affordable, stylish transformation. My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent This clever idea proves that a bit of creativity and accessible products can completely transform a space without breaking the bank. Many people rushed to the comments section of the post which showed off before and after pictures of the patio. One wrote: "That looks amazing." A second added: "Fab. Makes such a difference." And a third commented: "Wow. Amazing." June gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month. Stake out leggy perennials With all the dramatic weather we've been having, it's definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop. Picking out the slugs and snails Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them. Pick elderflower heads You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter. Get on top of weeds It's around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing - or just the traditional 'on your knees with a hand fork'. Try and avoid chemicals - remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place. Up the mowing You'll need to mow your lawn weekly now - if you've got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them. Check on your tomatoes Your tomato plants will need attention - water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots. Chelsea Chop There's still time for the Chelsea Chop - plants like Rudbeckia's, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period. Sort out your tulips If you can be bothered and have space - lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring. Deadheading your roses Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves - which will ensure more flowers for longer. Enjoy your space Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space - it's great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I helped my mum transform her boring beige front path with DIY – but her neighbour war is now more blatant than ever
A WOMAN has shared how her mum transformed the bland front of her house using some pretty stencils on the tiles. However, it was the petty act with the neighbours which has really turned heads. 3 A clip shared to TikTok showed how she had added the stencils to the front steps of her home, and also to the passageway leading to her neighbours' houses either side. She had abruptly stopped when she reached one of the neighbour's boundaries due to a dispute. The woman explained on her @__bambamx account: 'When you help your mum paint her slabs, and she has two neighbours - but she doesn't like one. 'Neighbours at war - Don't get any blatant than that.' While one side had the full tile effect, the other was left completely bare. People were amused by the act, with the video racking up over 2,400 likes. Many were also impressed with the DIY hack and asked how it was achieved. One user explained: 'Cream masonry paint full slab then brown for stencil, then top coat of slab sealant.' She's not the only person to have transformed their outdoor space using a stencil with amazing results. We previously shared how one savvy homeowner managed to transform her dull patio on a budget - all by herself. I transformed my grubby garden patio for less than £50 - it was so easy to do, all you need is some paint & a stencil 3 She used nothing but a stencil and a lick of paint. The DIY whizz named Maddy Mcgrail took to Facebook group Gardening On A Budget Official and posted a before snap of her patio, which was plain and in desperate need of some TLC. Speaking to Fabulous, she then explained how she simply purchased two stencils from Dizzy Duck, which cost her around £40, and some paint which she had leftover. To achieve the finished look, she painted the patio black and, once dry, she then stuck the affordable stencil on one pavement slab at a time. Next, she slowly brushed the white paint over it and after painting over all the gaps, she carefully removed the stencil. 3 She was then left with a stunning geometric print which gives her outdoor haven a total new lease of life. Proudly posting a photo of her efforts online, she penned: "Well I think the hard work as paid off!" And it seems she isn't the only one to think so, with super impressed social media users quick to flock to the comments section to praise her very handy DIY skills. 'Well done!! Looks amazing," enthused one person. A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40%
