April  10 - 23, 2022: Issue 534

 

Fun Project Ideas for Youngsters for Autumn School Holidays: wooden cars, blackboards, bright painted herb pots, grow your own food, make a chessboard

 A J Guesdon photo
The Autumn School Holidays present a wealth of options for DIY Projects for youngsters - it's still warm enough to do some planting in the garden, you can get some lovely breezy days, great for building and then flying a kite, and they often coincide with the Youth Week annually, which offers events like skateboarding and music and art to inspire the next generation to look back at where these came from. 

You can get out your phone or digital camera and take some great photos and then decide how to build frames to showcase what you captured, build your younger brother or sister a wooden toy car, paint flower pots in bright colours, make a fairy garden, build a toy box or even a swing chair for a garden.

Depending on your age and interests, the sky really is the limit in what you can do - ah, that's another - some wind chimes to capture the breeze.

This Issue we'd like to share some ideas new Readers may have not seen before and which you may be able to earn some pocket money with if you don't want to keep them or give them away - lots of Market Days coming up and people looking for something special. There's more listed at the base of this page for you to explore.

Simple Wooden Toy Car

If you have a little man who likes to play ‘stacks’ with his toy cars making a wooden alternative may ensure the junior Brabham or Brock in your family can play car racing for a little longer. This is also one of those DIY School Holiday activities you can do together – construction and decoration (or ‘paint work’) can be shared equally.

We include a simple model and links to free plans for more complex for those who like a challenge – either way you could build your own fleet of cars for your youngster and these are so hard wearing he, or she, may be able to pass them on in time to the next generation of in-family racers.

Tools and Materials

  • 20.32 centimetres of 1X4 (19mm x 90mm) pine board – or timber of your choice – hardwoods will lat longer and look nicer of you’re going to do a simple sand/stain or varnish finish
  • 15.24 centimetres of 3/16 dowel rod
  • Coping Saw
  • 1.2500 drill bit
  • 0.875  flat wood bit
  • 1.5000 hole saw with .47625 cm guide bit
  • Drill 
  • Clamp
  • Non- Toxic Paints (art)
  • Varnish – optional
  • Wear Protective gear when cutting out wood – goggles and mask

Cut out the pattern and trace it onto one corner of the pine board. Be sure to also mark the holes for the axles and the window. Then, clamping the wood firmly in place, cut along the traced edge with the coping saw.

Drill the two holes for the axles using the drill bit, and then drill out the window using the flat wood bit.

Using the remainder of the 1X4 board, cut out the wheels using the 1.5 hole saw. Then cut the dowel rod in half, so that you have two 7.62 axle pieces.

Sand all the rough edges. Then, insert the dowel rods into the wheels and tamp lightly with a hammer until they slightly protrude from the other side. After that, you can put the axles on the car and tap on the remaining wheels from the other side. Varnish or help your youngster to paint on some numbers and colour prior to varnishing.

Car stencil courtesy of Instructables - click on and 'save as' on your PC.

Toy Wooden Cars – Free Plans, courtesy Woodworking Downunder

1930’s Roadster: www.woodworkingdownunder.com/wooden_toy_car_plans.html 

1920’s Racer: www.woodworkingdownunder.com/toy_car_plans.html

Batmobile: www.woodworkingdownunder.com/batmobile-toy-car.html 

All are PDF’s at 25 kb per plan

Personalising Your Flowerpots and Herb Trays

This is one for young and old alike, and definitely one that can be done together. Choose some small to medium to large plain terracotta pots and decorate them with more flowers or scenes from around your home of Pittwater, or anything else that takes your fancy and inspires. 

The only time an adult need step in here, unless they are doing this themselves, is when the pots need to be finished with a protective coat of a clear acrylic or varnish. Make sure you use pots with base drainage as sealing the exterior will prevent moisture being able to soak into the soil, and feed what plants you place in these pots, or for it to evaporate out. Good drainage means healthy plants.

Materials and Tools

  • Clean terra-cotta pots - sizes to suit yourself
  • Acrylic paints in assorted colours – good way to use up all those bits of paints in tins at home – or use non-toxic craft paints
  • Small or medium foam brushes
  • Plastic plates
  • Cotton swabs
  • Small artist’s paint brush
  • Wire brush 
  • Clear spray acrylic
  • Protector mask when spraying acrylic sealer - ask an adult to help with this part of this project 

To begin, remove price tags and stickers from the pot by soaking it in a tub of warm water for up to an hour, then scrubbing it with a stiff brush. Allow the pot to dry completely before painting.

Apply your base coat first and allow to dry on newspaper so you don’t have a nice ring if paint runs.  Apply the paint with a foam brush, working around the pot in broad strokes and make sure you don’t coat the base so water may drain. Extend the paint an inch or so down into the top of the pot. Terracotta  pots will absorb a lot of paint. Apply additional coats if you’d like, allowing the pot to dry between coats, until the desired colour depth is achieved.

Now for some decoration – you can trace some stencils or just do a free form version of whatever you like – flowers – leaves, or even do a range of pots which are painted with what’s in them for seasons when they are not flowering or fruiting – great for herbs or balcony gardens where chilies or herbs that die off during cold weather are grown, such as sage. 

These make a great gift idea too and a row of various sizes inside along the kitchen sink window, or outside, will brighten up your garden and get youngsters more interested in what to plant in them.

DIY Blackboard

One way to keep a bit of school at home, and keep it fun for when it is holidays, is to make a blackboard. A range of coloured chalks to go with this will see some great creations appear and disappear when a new one is begun. Simple, personal and even decorated around the rim to suit a young girl or boy, this will make a gift worth giving that will provide enjoyment to whom it is given for years to come.

You don’t have to restrict this to children either; simple objects such as old tin plates or enamelled dishes or even the tops of old tables can be adapted for adults and make quirky and original gifts. Simply choose what size you want, what kind you want and begin. Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 has a wide range of timbers at their Mona Vale store should you want to build one yourself using a simple easel design.
Three do-it-yourself skills are needed for this simple chalkboard project: making straight cuts with a saw, hammering, and rolling on paint.

Materials Required:
 
2 panels of MDF board: 600mm x 600mm x 10mm
4 lengths of untreated pine: 1metre x 40mm x 25 mm (for the legs)
30mm panel pins
2 x 40mm Back flap hinges and screws
Blackboard paint
Rope (approx. 400mms)

How to put it together
Lay the MDF panels on a flat surface, place the lengths of timber (for the legs) with the 40mm side onto the panel sides and glue and pin them in place.
Do this for both panels.
Now join these two panels together with the hinges.
Use a piece of coloured rope or a piece of lightweight brass chain to keep the boards from collapsing.
Now all you have to do is sand back and paint the panel surfaces with a blackboard paint. Ask in the paint department of your local JBH Mitre 10 store for the blackboard paints available.

Blackboard Paint
Prep the surface by lightly sanding it to help the chalkboard paint go on smoothly. Paint will not adhere to glossy or dirty surfaces.  Use painter's tape along the edges to ensure the paint goes only where you want it to. In Australia White Knight Chalkboard Paint easily transforms surfaces into a chalkboard an is sold in spray or paint versions. DULUX Design Chalkboard is also a great product and a quick convenient way of turning most surfaces into an instant chalkboard. Apply two coats of paint using a small sponge applicator or roller, as the fibres in regular paintbrushes tend to leave behind streaks. If you try the spray, be sure to cover the surrounding area carefully to prevent spatter. When spraying, spray across object, starting and finishing off to the side. It is better to spray a few light coats than one heavy coat.

Chalkboard Paint is a great way to add fun to children's bedrooms and play areas. It is also great for use in kitchens, offices, schools, cafes and on table tennis table tops. For more tips on DIY Blackboards as gifts pop into your Johnson Brothers Hardware and Mitre 10 stores at either Mona Vale or Avalon and ask one of their friendly trained staff for a few tips.

Scootering and Skateboarding: Make your own Fun

 An orange crate scooter New York 1947 - photo by Ralph-Morse


For those who wonder what a skateboard looked like before some bright spark decided to remove the upright handle of a scooter and go ‘sidewalk surfing’ - well here it is. It was a fruit or tomato crate, a plank of wood and some roller skate wheels.

After a few tests versions, or adjusting just one model, you may find you prefer something you've made and adapted to your own scooting wants better than something already made - with this version you can also shape the design of the wood, paint it all different colours  or stain it with some decking finish or oils and create an original - just like you!

Definition of ‘scoot’; to move swiftly, Mid 18th century: of unknown origin, possibly from ‘scout’, of 'Scooter'; a child's toy consisting of a footboard mounted on two wheels and a long steering handle, propelled by resting one foot on the footboard and pushing the other against the ground. 1800-10; scoot + -er

Some 'historical' background for you from when this popular pastime began to be reported here in Australia:

New Mechanical Scooter. (1917, August 18). The World's News(Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 1955), p. 11. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130587806

MY SCOOTER.
To grown-ups, -of course, it seems "but a scooter, 
A thing on two wheels without bell or ''hooter," 
But to me, it is sometimes a horse, such a dear, 
Or a tine motor-car of the highest speed gear.
A motor-bus, full on the top and inside, 
Or sometimes I just take a friend for a ride.
There is all sorts, of fun for a person who "scoots," 
Though mother will tell you it's hard on our boots.

MY SCOOTER. (1918, May 4). The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 - 1946), p. 44. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140205552

MY SCOOTER.
You should see me on my scooter!..
You should hear me sound my hooter! - -
You should see the people- flying 'from my track!
Down the hill the rush is splendid^
But when the- slope, is ended
I've all the way to push the scooter back!
Mother says there is no ending
To the shoes I'm needing mending, 
And that scooters are such very-'spensive toys.
Daddy says I’ll earn more money,- '
For we can't stop little sonny
Scooting up and down like all the other  boys.'
Oh, I am a lucky laddie
To belong. to such a Daddy! -
There's no one has a Father just like me !
And as-for little Mother,
Well, 'there isn't such' another.
I am sorry for the other boys  you see.
— C. E. Thonger

MY SCOOTER. (1928, March 21). The Northern Herald (Cairns, Qld. : 1913 - 1939), p. 36. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article149600963

Scooter Nuisance

The N.R.M.A. recently brought before the notice of the Police Department the menace to motorists and to the children themselves, by the presence of scooter parties on many of the heavy-traffic road Way, around Sydney. The Association's effort In having the nuisance and danger reduced to a minimum has been endorsed by the North Sydney Council. The Acting Mayor of which (Alderman  E. M.  Clark) has prepared special minute on the subject for transmission to the Inspector General of Police. Scooter Nuisance. (1926, November 5). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate (Parramatta, NSW : 1888 - 1950), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104950567 

Scooter Champion

Ross Christensen, winning the scooter championship of Manly, during Manly Shopping Week. Scooter Champion. (1933, September 12). The Newcastle Sun(NSW : 1918 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165347831 

SCOOTER SEASON

The trend of seasonal games amongst boys has once again brought the scooter into prominence. During the next five or six weeks boys will be seen in ever increasing numbers in every suburb, gaily riding their scooters wherever a slight decline In the road can be found, quite regardless of the danger from traffic.

The R.'A.C.Q. appeals to motorists to keep a sharp look-out for these youthful "speed merchants," and to parents in every part of the city to warn their children of the danger at every street corner. SCOOTER SEASON. (1936, March 17). The Telegraph(Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), p. 20 Edition: SECOND EDITION. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article182661064 

How to do it: Two Versions

An Original "Scooter" 
Every boy is 'familiar with the ordinary kind of scooter, which is propelled by "one -foot" power, but how many have seen the one illustrated in the accompanying sketches.
It has been called the weight mobile, because the driver’s weight exerted on a platform attached to springs is the sole method of propulsion. With one of these scooters a boy may have a great deal of fun, and he may, too, secure a lot of healthy exercise. An ingenious boy may convert an ordinary scooter into a weight mobile, for the handle, body and wheels are the same as those ordinarily used.
The additions required are to provide the hub of the rear wheel with one of the discs at each end of the hub. The disc of Figs. 3 and 4 consists of a central aperture which permits it to be placed over the end of the hub, to which it is secured by bolts through holes. The perimeter of the disc has a wide rim into which are cut four cross-grooves or slots, each of which is provided with a metal roller (see Fig. .4).Mounted on the frame in Figs. 1 and 2 is an oscillating platform. This is secured to the frame by means of two U-shaped springs, -enabling its rear end to move up and down a limited- distance:
A pair of flat springs is secured to the lower side of the platform, and their rear ends project back to points directly above, the arms of the respective discs on the rear hub. The arm of one disc projects to the front, whilst the arm of the other points to the rear. Links between the ends of the tint springs and the two disc-arms -provide' a means for 1 !imparting the oscillating motion of the \ platform to the arms of the discs. The tendency of' bouncing up and down produces an motion which is applied to the discs in such a manner that the vehicle is propelled whether the |platform moves up or down. The discs and the springs can be made by any blacksmith or engineering workshop, and any boy with a mechanical turn of mind should be able to put the scooter together.  An Original "Scooter.". (1930, January 3). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 2 Supplement: SUPPLEMENT. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203100039 

Feet to Centimetres conversion for Scooter below
1/4 Inch = 0.635 cm
Five-eighths of an inch + 1.5875cm
2 inches = 5.08 cm
2 ½ inches = 6.35 cm
3 ½ inches = 8.89 cm
3 ¾ inch = 9.525 cm
4 inches = 10.16 cm
4 ½ inches = 11.43cm
5 ½ inches = 13.97 cm
6 inches = 15.24
8 inches = 20.32 cm
12 inches = 30.48 cm
21 inches = 53.34 cm
24 inches = 60.96 cm

"REQUEST" SCOOTER.
This week, by special request, I am giving instructions for making a strong scooter. Hardwood, such as beech or oak, should be used throughout.
Cut the footboard, A, which is three inches, wide, from a piece of wood half an inch thick, and screw it to two horizontal pieces five-eighths of an inch thick, cut to the sizes given in diagram B. Round one .end of each, as shown, and bore the three holes to take three-eighth inch bolts. Leave a space one inch wide between the horizontal pieces when screwing on the footboard. Cut the front part, C, to the shape and size given in the top right hand diagram, from a piece of wood one inch thick. When this has been cut to shape, fix it in position between the front ends of the horizontal parts with two three-eighths inch bolts. 
Now make the steering post, D. Two pieces of one and a half inches by five-eighth inch wood, "24 inches long, will be required. Through one end of each piece bore a 3in. hole to take the handle, and through the other ends bore three-eighths inch holes for the front wheel axle. Two blocks of wood, E and F, each one inch thick, must be screwed or bolted between the sides of the steering post, in the positions indicated. 
For the handle, use a piece of ¾ in. dowel rod, eight' inches long. Push this through the holes in the top ends of the steeling post and fix with two screws. The steering post is pivoted to the front part.. C, by means of two – ¼ in. eye-bolts, three inches long. The bolts should be screwed through holes made in part F, and then clamped with nuts, as shown at G. 
The centres of the holes for these bolts must be 3in. apart, so that the eyes of the bolts, when screwed in place, just allow the front part of the piece C to slip between. Each-eye-bolt is pivoted in place with a stout round-headed screw and a thick washer, as indicated in the .first diagram. Now obtain a pair, of hardwood scooter wheels, five inches in diameter, from a toy shop, and fix them in place with three-eighths inch, bolts, which can be pushed through' the holes made to receive them in, the ends of the steering post and behind the footboard. Give the finished scooter a good rub with glasspaper, then apply two coat of varnish stain.
You can easily make a scooter like this from any hardwood. "REQUEST" SCOOTER. (1936, October 15). Daily Examiner(Grafton, NSW : 1915 - 1954), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article193597730 

And a few last Historical Notes:
Clint Eastwood - Skateboarding in Rome - circa 1964-1965

Alright - now some ideas for those who love being in the garden or great outdoors.

Salad or Vegetable Garden for Children 

Do you have youngsters who love to play in the dirt or love to help out in the kitchen making all kinds of good things to eat?

Younger people love raw carrots and sticks of celery or little tomatoes (cherry tomatoes) or lettuces that can continue to provide leaves over the whole of these seasons simply by picking the outer leaves and allowing the others to continue to grow. Cucumbers are great to eat and can be made into a yoghurt raita too – great for carrot and celery stick dipping.

There’s beetroot for burgers and onions to go with sausage sandwiches, or garlic for salad dressings – everything they like to eat they can grow and have fun and gain a sense of great achievement bringing to the table the best food in the neighbourhood.

Do your children like herbs? How about growing some parsley or thyme, rosemary and basil. These scrumptious aromatics can add yumminess to roast chicken stuffing or a basil based pesto for pasta.

To begin some preparations and decisions need to be made

1. Garden Plot or Garden in Pots?

If you have a lot of possums and bandicoots in your yards, or limited space, you may want to think about planting your salad garden in a series of pots that can be covered over at night so these little munchers don’t have the pick of all growing before it’s big enough to eat. Small just sprouting plants taste great to these local furry residents. We grow our herbs in pots and just put a big bucket over them at dusk as we have found our resident possums just love our parsley.

If you think a garden plot will be alright for what you want to do then choose a spot in the yard where it will get enough sunlight to promote good growth but not so much that it will be too hot for your salad plants once Summer’s sun rises.

2. Soil Preparation 

Once you have decided on pots or a plot you need to make sure the soil itself will be healthy enough to feed all those growing youngster plants. A good compost bin works well here to mix in with the dirt and also some fertilisers – mum or dad or grandma and grandpa will have to do this bit for you – gloves and a mask are required. It’s also a good idea to let this new mixture sit in the soil for a day or two, watering and turning it over a few times prior to planting any seedlings or seeds. That way tender roots won’t come in contact with fertilisers that may burn them.

You can also apply pellets of plant boosting food to pots, if that is what you have chosen to do. An adult to help is a good idea there too – you don’t want to put in too much and you need to work out what fertilisers will work best for what kinds of salad ingredients you want to grow.

You can probably help with the mulching – mulching is a layer over the top of the soil, in either some hay or some bark, that will protect the soil from blowing, feed it as well as it changes into compost itself, and keep water you spray, when watering your garden, in the soil a lot longer – very beneficial to your garden!

3. What to plant and How to plant it

Once you have prepared your soil make a list of what you want to grow and perhaps do a diagram as to how you will plant out your salad garden. Things that grow tall and on a trellis or supported by stakes, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and capsicums, would look great at the back of the garden, where they will still get lots of sun. 

Smaller closer to the ground plants, like the herbs, will make an attractive and easy to reach border. 

Lettuces in a row will grow best in the centre of your plot, as will celery, and under the ground root vegetables with light green fluffy tops on either side of these will benefit from the sun overhead, while beetroots could go towards the back too, just before your capsicum/cucumber wall of green eatables. 

Corn would grow best in a row by itself too - and could be used as a bit of a windbreak as it grows if you have a yard that gets a strong sea breeze like those that run in November.

If you make your list, and do a drawing, you will not only do what’s best for ensuring you get a good crop, you will also have a garden plot that looks good – or ‘good enough to eat’ if you will pardon the pun.

4. How to look after

Once everything is planted you need to keep an eye on your babies. Watering them well in the morning, and if it has been a hot day, an hour before dusk too, will stop them from wilting or not growing – plants get very thirsty too! Aim the hose towards the roots of the plant, not their leaves so much as water sitting on leaves under sun can scorch them – the roots is where they drink anyway – they don’t need too much elsewhere unless it has been dusty and you want to clean dirt off the leaves so they can get more sunlight to help them grow.

When and as they begin to grow, some plants will need some help standing up – this is where staking for tomato plants or a simple trellis or frame to help vine like plants such as capsicum and cucumbers stand or grow upright will need to be done.

If you have chosen pots to grow your salad garden in, you can still do this, just with smaller versions.

The other thing you need to do as your plants grow is keep and eye on their leaves – this is where the health of your salad vegetables shows – discolouration means something is growing wrong and you may need adjust their food. Perhaps too much fertiliser has been added by mistake and something else is needed to balance this out – or they may not be getting enough food from the soil, and something else needs to be added. 

The other part about leaves is when they have gone brown and finished to gently pluck away those leaves.  That stops the plant sending everything needed to keep growing a leaf that has finished to that part of it and allows the plant to send, instead, all that good stuff to the parts still growing.

As your garden grows there may be a few weeds that pop up here and there, blown by the wind as seeds into this wonderful soil – these too will needed to be pulled out so they don’t take the food your salad vegetables need. It’s a good idea to pull these out soon after you have done the watering – the soil will be soft and it will make it easier to get the whole weed, roots and all, and that will stop them growing back.

These weeds and discarded leaves can go into your compost bin to become more food for future gardens!

5. The feast!

After around six to eight weeks the first of your salad and barbecue and pasta ingredients will be ready to pick. It’s Yummo Time! You may even be able to put a whole meal together – some pesto spaghetti, with a nice salad on the side, or some mushrooms stuffed with your own herb seasoning. How cool is that?!

For Big Kids: DIY Recycled Coffee Table With Inbuilt Chessboard 

A few years ago I found a discarded table with old cracked tiles atop it and was inspired into refurbishing it with a built-in chessboard. With similar items costing between $1000.00 and $1800.00, for those who like chess or checkers and who don’t like waste, this may be a good little project.

If you have a coffee table that may need shallow sides installed to allow for the installation of a built-in chess set it’s a matter of measuring your width and length and adding the lengths of wood required to create an area below the whole surface. The one shown here has a width of 50cm and a length of 75cm.

If you don’t have a coffee table like this you can easily construct one or find one secondhand to ‘renovate’ yourself.

We also installed two inner strips of wood to make a uniform size for the chessboard square. The extra materials set us back just over $100.00 – a lot less than a neat one thousand for starters and now we have something that will last for years.

A chess board is divided into sixty-four alternating dark and light squares (conventionally called ‘black’ and ‘white’). You can see we set the ends of the coffee table with additional white and black tiles, 24 of each colour in total. There is a PDF of a chess board plan at the base of this page for you to download (22kb), print out, and use while setting out your chessboard inlay.

As you cannot buy the size tile singly we ordered:

Materials
Charcoal Tiles 58x58 0.2787 MTRS – 56 tiles will be needed in total
Chalk Tiles 58x58 0.2787 MTRS – 56 tiles
Tiles Total - around $44.00

Grout for tile bed $15.00
Black Grout $35.00
French polish resin $10.00
Wood strips $5.00
Wood glue $5.00

Tools
Orbital Sander 
Grout trowel
Level 
Tiling Sponge or old cloth/rag for cleaning

The first job is to strip off any old tiles and the grout/cement they may have been laid in. Sanding back the old wood to remove scuffed edges or old resin/wood stain and preparing it for staining/polish – you can use a wood stain if you like, we had French polish resin left from restoring older furniture so this was used.




After you have done your initial two layers of staining insert the wood strips, staining these prior to installation, and glue so they are set. Check with your level they fit flush with the outer frame of the coffee table.

Lay bed of grout for tiles to be set into. Make sure you use a grout trowel to get a flat even surface.



Working fairly quickly is required when using grout so do one section at a time.



The tiles this size will come attached to a surface. To make your job easier when laying these ready to grout for the chessboard square, remove alternate ones from each sheet and place ready to lift onto the base layer. We kept one strip of wood handy just to ensure the tiles were flush with the edge of the table’s frames.





You can also use the grout trowel to ensure the tiles are straight once you have placed them. 



Once all the tiles have been placed and the grout has set you are ready to fill in the grout between each tile. We chose black in keeping with a traditional chess board colours and to place this throughout the end sections as well to keep the piece looking uniform.
While doing this do one section at a time, wiping away any excess that goes onto the tiles carefully.



Once you have filled in the grout you can, as we did, do another two layers of the French resin to deepen the colour of the wood and protect it from liquids. 
Now you have something sturdy, useful as well as something for playing games on and have given new life to an old piece.

Ok: a few ideas to 'toy' with these Autumn school holidays; more below, and as always, if you need any advice on what will be best to help you with your projects, just pop into your local Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 store and talk to the trained friendly staff.
Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 at Avalon Parade, Avalon Beach

Tools And Products From Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 To Help You Get The Jobs Done:


Accent Small Projects Water Based Gloss Really Pink 100mL: $11.99

Water Based Gloss Rally Pink 100mL. Accent Small Projects, perfect for craft projects and home accessories. Fast drying, low odour, durable gloss finish. Suitable for interior and exterior projects. Easy water clean up. Australian made for Australian homes. Comes in a range of sizes and colours including: Vibrant Leaf, Bold Red, Grey Haven, Gentle Sea, Matt Black, Metallic Silver, Orange Burst, Matt White, Ink Blue.


Gorilla Wood Glue 236ml: $14.95

Unique airtight nozzle design self-cleans and provides an easier, wider application. Specifically formulated for wood projects. Dries a natural wood colour. Type II formula makes it suitable for indoor & outdoor applications.


Dunlop Ready-to-Go Grout Ultra White 800g: $14.40
A ready to use grout (no mixing required). Easy to use with less mess. Contains Grout Shield – Anti Mould & Bacteria Technology. Rejuvenates old grout.


Northcote Pottery Italian Squat Pot Terracotta 150mm: $3.50 (210mm $5.50)


Vegtrug Raised Garden Bed Classic Natural 1m: $327.00
Easy working height. No more bending or kneeling. Supplied flat packed in one box - easy to build. Grow your own healthy vegetables. Dimensions: W1036 x D780 x H800mm.


Greenleaf Kids Watering Can Kit Green - 3 Piece: $15.00
3 piece kit; Includes 1.6L watering can, garden fork & garden trowel. Fun frog head design


Built Outdoor Blackboard 600mm: $20.00
Blackboard size: 600 x 320 x 15mm. Hanging rope. Timber frame. Ideal to use for lists or for Kid's drawings.

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10: Serving Our Community Since 1955

The Independent Hardware Group has awarded Johnson Bros Mona Vale the best in state at the IHG state awards and heads to the national finals on the Gold Coast in February 2022. 

Congratulations to the store in Avalon Beach as well, which won best in village.

Johnson Brothers say; ''Thank you to all of our amazing staff and customers for being awesome!''

IHG is Australia’s largest home improvement wholesaler supplying more than 1,500 stores nationwide. These stores cater to a broad range of Trade and DIY customers and range from large format warehouses to convenience operations and Trade centres, as well as frame and truss sites in two States. 

Under the IHG network, there is a clear mandate to support the growth of Independents within the hardware sector in Australia by helping them to be ‘The Best Store in Town’.

The culture of IHG is built on being a low cost and transparent business partner to members, with an unwavering commitment to protect and grow a sustainable independent hardware sector for the long term.

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Is Open 

We understand that this is a tough situation for everybody and implore the community to be supportive of each other.

Following the recent NSW Health advice, as a provider of hardware, garden supplies and building supplies, we're pleased to say that all Johnson Bros Mitre 10 stores, Harper Timber and Narrabeen Trade Centre are operating as per our usual hours. 

We count ourselves fortunate to be considered essential and will work responsibly to serve the community to the best of our ability. 

FREE Retail Deliveries.

Shop online 24/7 through mitre10.com.au and receive FREE delivery for all online retail orders over $100 and under $40kg or pick up in store with our Click 'n' Collect service.  

We do remind customers that when instore to please adhere to the following: wear a mask, use the hand sanitiser provided, maintain social distancing, check in with the QR code.



Johnson Brothers Mitre 10: Shop Online Options

Intending to keep our customers and staff safe, we present some additional ways for both our retail and trade customers to do business with us.

Trade and Retail Pick Up

Express Pick up Mona Vale

- Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)

- Drive into our undercover Trade Drive-Thru area at 73 Bassett St Mona Vale, and your order will be ready for pick-up.

- Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Express Pick up Avalon

- Call Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Avalon, and we will pick & pack your order and have it ready for you to pick up in 2 hours. (Stocked Lines Only)

- Drive into our back lane off Bellevue Avenue, and your order will be ready for pick-up.

- Our team members will help you with your load and finalise payment/paperwork

Online Retail Stores Go Live

We’ve launched two eCommerce sites offering 2hr pick up in-store and flat rate delivery options on the northern beaches*.

Jbhmv.com.au (Mona Vale)

Jbhav.com.au (Avalon)

With the ability to leave the product on your doorstep, this provides an option of an entirely contactless transaction.

*Flat rate delivery is not available to trade sales, building supplies and trade quantities

** The stock availability is updated nightly, which may mean the stock is unavailable when the order is placed

Trade Delivery to Site

Maybe not new, but certainly worth a mention again!

We can get almost anything delivered quickly onto site!

As always ring the trade desk direct on 9999 0333 and let them know what you need!

Final Thought

Like everyone, we have found ourselves in a new and uncertain environment, but we’re setting up (and digging in) for the long haul!

We want to acknowledge that the decision to retain over 120 staff and meet any future challenges head-on, could not have happened without the continued support you provide us as customers.

Thank you and stay safe,

The Johnson Family


JBH Design Centre 

JBH Design Centre is a tool for builders and DIY'ers to assist in the fit out of houses. It has displays of kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors and Storage as well as knowledgeable staff to assist in making house fit out painless.

Visit: http://jbhdc.com.au/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/design.centre.jbh/


Green Life Garden Centre at Johnson Brothers Mona Vale has a great stock of seedlings, native and other plants and all you need to get gardening in brilliant Autumn weather

Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 Trade Centre at Mona Vale - everything you need under one roof.


Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 New Store
73 Bassett Street
Mona Vale - Online Store: Jbhmv.Com.Au

Products advice is available from the trained friendly staff at Narrabeen, Mona Vale and Avalon Johnson Brothers Mitre 10. 

Click on logo to visit Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 website

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 - Avalon            (02) 9918 3315

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 - Mona Vale     (02) 9999 3340

JBH Timber & Building Supplies          (02) 9999 0333

JBH Fencing & Landscape Supplies    (02) 9970 6333

www.johnsonbros.com.au Online store: jbhmv.com.au

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______________________

John and Bob Johnson - The Johnson Brothers Profile  John William Alfred Johnson - The Eulogies for those who could not attend Mass

Australia's Prime Minister Visits Mackellar - Informal Afternoon Tea with Hon. Malcolm Turnbull October 2016

JBH Win Awards August 2018 Trifecta - 2018 Free Trade Day supporters, Mitre 10 Heritage Advert features JBH Mona Vale Store, Hardware Australia’s 2018 NSW Hardware Store of the Year over 2500sqm.

Front Page Issue 294: 2018 Winners Of National Hardware Store Of The Year - Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale !!!

National Garden Week's 2019 Focus Is On Children(Oct 13-19): School Holiday Garden Ideas (to get started on) & Congratulations Award Winning Johnson Brothers Mitre10 At Mona Vale - 2019 NSW Store Of the Year2019 NSW Trade Centre Of the Year and 2019 Village Garden Centre of the Year

Johnson Bros Mitre 10 were awarded as the best Trade Store in the country: February 2020

Family Hardware Store Wins Best In Australia: Johnson Bros Mitre 10 Mona Vale Crowned ‘National Trade Store Of The Year’ - Celebrating 65th Year in 2020

Anzac Day In Pittwater 2020: Candles, Crosses and Online Commemorative Services: Johnson Brothers Family Donates 20 Thousand Candles to Community Light Up The Dawn Initiativ

Front Page Issue 447ANZAC DAY 2020

Front Page Issue 478: Johnson Brothers Avalon Store Renovations & Mona Vale Store: Everything You Need This Summer In Stock

Front Page Issue 492:  JBH Celebrates Upgrade Of Avalon Beach Store


John, Bob and Robert Johnson, 2013 - photo by A J G.
Important 
All information and tips in this publication are of a general nature only and neither Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 or Pittwater Online News does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information and tips in this publication. This publication is not intended to be a substitute for expert advice. Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 advises you to always consult an experienced and qualified person when undertaking jobs of this kind (including consulting a qualified tradesperson such as an electrician or plumber where relevant expert services are required). 

You should also consider any safety precautions that may be necessary when undertaking the work described in this publication (including wearing any necessary safety equipment such as safety glasses, goggles or ear protectors or hard hats). The information and tips in this publication are provided on the basis that Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 and Pittwater Online News excludes all liability for any loss or damage which is suffered or incurred (including, but not limited to, indirect and consequential loss or damage and whether or not such loss or damage could have been foreseen) for any personal injury or damage to property whatsoever resulting from the use of the information and tips in this publication. 

Pittwater Online News and Johnson Brothers Mitre 10 also advises there may be laws, regulations or by-laws with which you must comply when undertaking the work described in this publication. You should obtain all necessary permissions and permits from council and/or any other relevant statutory body or authority before carrying out any work. Major projects published in this publication always list these and/orlinks to where you may research what your own project requires to meet regulations.