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DIY Paper Plate Easter Basket

DIY Paper Plate Easter Basket Olivia Foster NANNY SHECANDO

(Olivia here again with another super fun craft!) We’re pretty EGG-cited that the Easter Bunny is almost here, so we’ve created a paper plate basket, ready to collect everything he leaves behind!

I’m also sharing a list of non-chocolate things to fill your plastic eggs. We recommend you download and print to pop a copy up on the fridge, and even pass around to your nanny families!

To Make: DIY Paper Plate Easter Basket
You’ll Need:

2 Paper plates
Ribbon
Plastic eggs
Clear dry glue
Scissors
Stapler
+ all your favourite crafting materials to decorate eg – feathers, sequins, glitter, confetti, pom poms, wool, beads, buttons, felt pieces, cotton balls, stickers, foam shapes, tissue paper, jewels, etc.

DIY Easter Paper Plate Basket Olivia Foster for NANNY SHECANDO

Tip: Need crafting supplies? Here’s 10 Essentials for your Craft Box
To Make:

1. Cut 1/3rd off the top of 1 plate in a zig-zag line.

2. Cut the same off the other plate in a straight line.

3. Decorate the outer side (back) of your zig-zag paper plate by gluing your favourite crafting materials and allow to dry.

4. Staple the 2 plates together to form a basket.

5. Staple or tie ribbon to either side of the back plate to create a handle.

Now that you’ve got a basket – here’s a list of 30 non-chocolatey egg fillers; (free download)

Non-Chocolate Easter Ideas Printable NANNY SHECANDO

>>> Download your free printable here <<<

DIY Paper Plate Easter Baskets + non-chocolate easter ideas (easy kids crafts) #nannylife

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Wishing you an EGG-cellent Easter & long weekend! For more Easter themed activities, check out these great crafts: Washi Tape Easter Bunting, Easter Egg Hunt Carry Bag. Happy Crafting!

Easy Kids Crafts DIY Paper Plate Easter Basket

>>> What are your favourite non-chocolate(y) egg fillers?

________

Olivia is a career nanny of 5 years and craft extraordinaire. Having travelled Australia working with many families, Olivia now resides in Sydney and cares for 7 children aged 15 months to 1o years old. Craft + diy activities feature prominently in their daily schedule. You can follow Olivia on instagram  {@oliviasfoster} for crafty ideas and activities.

March 31, 2015 By Hope @ Nanny Shecando Filed Under: DIY, How To

St. Patrick’s Day Craft: Rainbow Pot Of Gold

St. Patrick's Day Craft DIY Rainbow and Pot of Gold NANNY SHECANDO

Christmas feels like it was just two weeks ago and yet here we are, crafting our way into March! St Patrick’s Day is just days away so my pre-schoolers got busy creating a keepsake rainbow. And you can’t have a rainbow without a big pot of gold, can you?

Celebrate the heritage and culture and chat about the luck of the irish with this fun easy kids craft. This rainbow painting and pot of gold is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day Craft and is a great activity to do with the kids in an afternoon, with lots of creativity, reflection and thinking, and laughter (of course).

>>> How To Make A Rainbow Pot Of Gold for St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick's Day DIY Craft: Rainbow & Pot of Gold, NANNY SHECANDO

You’ll Need:

Coloured paper & black card
Scissors
Glue
Markers
Gold paint
A cork, bottle lid or similar

St. Patrick's Day DIY Craft: Rainbow & Pot of Gold, NANNY SHECANDO

To Make The Rainbow:

1. If you’ve got a writer, have your child write on a pre-drawn and cut cloud: “If I found a pot of gold and a leprechaun gave me six wishes, I’d wish for a rainbow of things!”

2. Cut long strips of coloured paper and glue onto the back of the cloud.

3. Now comes the fun part – the wishes! Picking only 6 is hard but your kids are guaranteed to come up with some pretty cute (& strange) wishes.

4. Write one wish on each colour of the rainbow.

St. Patrick's Day DIY Craft: Rainbow & Pot of Gold, NANNY SHECANDO

To Make The Pot:

1. Draw or source a pot and stencil onto black card.

2. Use a cork, bottle lid or similar to stamp into gold paint and onto paper. Tip: If you don’t have gold paint, yellow paint with glitter works just as good!

3. Once dry, cut out the coins and glue onto the already cut pot.

Don’t have gold paint? Yellow paint with glitter works just as good! #StPatricksDay #craftsforkids

Click To Tweet

We had lots of fun imagining and wishing for everything we could only dream of whilst making this St. Patrick’s Day Craft! Happy crafting.

St. Patricks Day Easy Kids Crafts NANNY SHECANDO

>>> If a leprechaun gave YOU 6 wishes, what would you wish for?

__________

A Crafty Living | Olivia FosterOlivia is a career nanny & craft extraordinaire from Sydney, Australia. She shares her passion for children & creativity by providing simple arts, crafts & activities full of learning opportunities. Her aim is to encourage & inspire you to be creative with your babies, toddlers and preschoolers!
You can find more from Olivia at www.acraftyliving.com or follow her on Facebook & Instagram at @acraftyliving.

March 16, 2015 By Olivia Foster Filed Under: DIY, How To

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box, NANNY SHECANDO

Before we dive in, let me introduce Olivia Foster, our new crafts contributor here at NANNY SHECANDO. We are so excited to have her join the team and can’t wait to get busy with the diy supplies. Just go easy on the glitter action ok, my crafts studio is still sparkling from the Christmas craft!

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box (Nanny Approved)

As a nanny to 7 creative kids, art & crafts are programmed into our schedule every day. Not only are they a great leisure activity, but they also foster the children’s learning and development.

I don’t know about you, but I could go crazy buying supplies for my arts & craft stash; filling box after box ready for a crafty week with my nanny-kids! So I’ve put together a list of 10 essentials for your craft box.

1. Paint

Painting is a creative, somewhat messy, versatile activity.

It is a confidence booster and encourages thought & decision-making through choices of colours, designs, shapes and patterns. Whether you use poster paint or watercolours, the options are endless & it is a great form of stress relief or ‘quiet time’ activity.

2. Googly Eyes

Googly eyes are an easy way to bring drawings and paintings to life or an important addition to rock people and play-doh creations.

3. Bubble Wrap

Rainy days when you’re stuck inside is the best time to bring out bubble wrap! Whether your charge is 2 or 10, they’ll be entertained for hours… or at least till they’ve popped every one. My favourite bubble wrap activities are;

> Hopscotch – cut out squares of bubble wrap and tape to the floor like a hopscotch court.

> Boots – tape bubble wrap to your charges feet like boots – optional to add paint and a large piece of paper.

4. Cotton Tips

Cotton tips are a great substitute to paint brushes.

For a mess-free activity to build fine motor skills, pour some paint into a zip-lock bag and use cotton tips to draw and/or write letters and numbers. Alternatively, use shaving cream or rice. Cotton Tips can also be used as bones for a Halloween skeleton craft.

5. Balloons

Whether I’m planning an activity, craft or just need to buy some time, balloons are a must!

Games include volleyball, tennis (rackets made from paddle pop sticks and paper plates) or simply, “don’t let the balloon touch the ground.” Balloon games promote gross motor skills, hand/foot eye coordination as well as communication skills.

For craft, fill balloons with water and use as a stamp with paint and a large piece of paper. Use as gift wrap to add a personal touch to a present.

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box, NANNY SHECANDO

6. Glitter, Gems & Sequins

I have a love/hate relationship with glitter. It seems like a good idea to begin with, but it WILL go everywhere and you WILL still find it around the house 3 days later.

For a *relatively* mess-free glitter activity, make a snow globe or calming bottle. To make a calming bottle, combine glitter/gems, warm water and glitter glue to a plastic bottle. Follow the same step to make a snow globe, gluing a small figurine to the inside of the lid. Use a hot glue gun to glue the lids shut. Mason jars are perfect for older children.

7. Pipe Cleaners

Pipe cleaners are a great alternative to string or elastic when threading beads, particularly for children aged 2+. It is easy to thread, holds its shape and can be manipulated into shapes, letters, numbers, bracelets etc. Pipe cleaner craft actively encourages concentration, hand eye coordination and strengthens the pincer grip.

8. Scissors

Using scissors is a tricky skill my NK’s (nanny kids) are always eager to learn.

Once they’ve mastered how to hold the scissors, start by rolling play-doh into worms and cutting up into small pieces. Then move onto strips of coloured card, cutting along thick straight, curved and zigzag lines.

Collect toy catalogues for children to cut out toys and paste onto a drawn shopping trolley, a letter to Santa or a simple ‘I wish’ list.

9. Large Roll of Paper

Although it won’t fit in a craft box, a large roll of paper is a resourceful tool for any arts/craft collection.

Tracing my NK’s bodies with markers is one of my go-to activities. Let their creativity run wild to decorate – paint clothing and body parts and/or apply fabric squares, cellophane, paper, etc to complete. We also identify and label body parts & hang for all to see!

10. PVA Glue

Glue is essential for completing a creative masterpiece. Source clear dry glue with a spout tip opening for easy application. Plus, you can even add glitter to the bottle for a little extra sparkle.

I have a love/hate relationship with glitter. It’s a good idea until it goes everywhere. #nannylife #craft

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While I’ve only listed 10 essentials for your craft box, there are countless supplies you could add. Collect or invest in cotton buds, white and coloured paper and card stock, cellophane, crepe paper, wool, beads, buttons, popsicle sticks, feathers, pom-poms, wooden pegs, stickers, masking tape for easy kids crafts and activities.

Or recycle items from around the house such as toilet or paper towel rolls, yoghurt containers, envelopes, sponges, egg cartons, cereal and tissue boxes, newspaper and photographs to stock up your craft supplies. Happy Crafting!

10 Essentials For Your Craft Box, NANNY SHECANDO

>>> Do you have a craft box full of supplies at your house?

________

Olivia is a career nanny of 5 years and craft extraordinaire. Having travelled Australia working with many families, Olivia now resides in Sydney and cares for 7 children aged 15 months to 1o years old. Craft + diy activities feature prominently in their daily schedule. You can follow Olivia on instagram  {@oliviasfoster} for crafty ideas and activities.

February 10, 2015 By Hope @ Nanny Shecando Filed Under: DIY

About

About Nanny ShecandoAbout Nanny Shecando

Hi & welcome to the blog! Do you nanny or work with kids? Maybe you’re an occasional sitter looking for fresh ideas? In search of key information with lots of pretty pictures to help you rock it in the nanny life? I’m Hope – a professional nanny based in Sydney, Australia. You probably know me as @NannyShecando. And let me tell you, this is the place for you! 

NANNY SHECANDO is a popular childcare blog with an international audience. The blog features craft activities, kid friendly recipes, educational tips aligned with early childhood development, and essential career resources for the in-home childcare sector. We also work closely alongside key industry personnel to bring you a better connected nanny industry.

{Get all my business details + awesome nanny resources here.}

ABOUT ME

About Nanny ShecandoI’m Hope  – professional nanny, freelance writer, amateur crafter, gourmet baker, and founder of the HOPE FOR NANNIES program. Being a nanny, I’m a big fan of craft & play, pretty colours, giggling children and cuddly babies. Based by the water in Sydney, Australia, I try to lead a healthy lifestyle, am a green smoothie lover, dark chocolate addict, occasional runner, and spend way too much time shopping online. On this blog, I strive to foster a friendly community for nannies to connect. My purpose is to support women in the childcare industry to take control of their life, their careers, and ultimately their happiness, to achieve their dreams. You are not “just the nanny”. Be courageous.

When I’m not blogging, I enjoy reading, travelling, dreaming of a parisian lifestyle, baking indulgent treats and drinking lots of coffee. Oh, and I’m a total Pinterest addict. You can follow the NANNY SHECANDO Pinterest boards here.

Currently: running to this, listening to this, reading this | FAQ + Press

PRESS & COLLABORATIONS

NANNY SHECANDO has written for Nanny Magazine, Sitter Cycle (now Care Academy), Precious Peeps, Not Your Average Nanny Magazine, Nanny2u, Happy Nest, Kid Magazine, The Work Her and Care For Kids. Go to Press.

BEHIND THE SCENES

I go by the name of “Nanny Shecando” because I’m still waiting for my title as superwoman. Just kidding. Although I’m sure you know that having kids and looking after them can be a tough gig. The days can seem endless, the invasion of personal space seem intoxicating, and the endless nonsensical chatter seem draining. Then again, I’m sure you love the cuddles and the smiles and the high fives just as much as I do.

MEET THE TEAM + CONTRIBUTORS

Olivia Foster | A Crafty LIVing

Dana Sanchez | Da Poppins

____________

GET STARTED HERE

The Quick Reference Nanny Guide shares links to my top 5 favourite posts, blogs,
book recommendations & services to take with you into the nanny life.

Nanny Shecando Free Guide Download


Find Hope + NANNY SHECANDO elsewhere: Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | HFN

Glitter Spider Web Placemats for Halloween

Halloween Glitter Spider Web Placemats, Halloween Decorations, Trick or Treat, NANNY SHECANDO

Sticking to the spider theme (make sure you check out our DIY spider egg sacs here) this week we’re working on the last of the Halloween decorations. Our costumes and outdoor decorations are finished so we took to the kitchen, and got baking some special treats and of course, got crafty!

Add a bit of sparkle to your dining table with these glitter spider web placements for halloween, plus coasters! With 3 supplies & in 3 easy steps, your dining room will be ready for a creepy Halloween meal!

>>> How To Make: Glitter Spider Web Placemats for Halloween

Halloween Glitter Spider Web Placemats, Halloween Decorations, A Crafty Living, Olivia S Foster, Nanny Shecando, Trick or Treat

Ages: 4+
Time: 15mins + drying time

You’ll Need:

PVA Glue
Glitter
Baking Paper

To Make:

1 // On a piece of baking paper, pour the PVA glue into the shape of a spider web. This is easiest in a squeeze bottle with a nozzle.

2 // Cover in glitter and allow to dry.

3 // Shake off any extra glitter and carefully peel off the baking paper.

Add sparkle to your table with these #DIY Glitter Placemats & Coasters. #halloween @oliviasfoster

Click To Tweet

These placemats & coasters will definitely be the talk of the table! Happy Crafting!

Want more Halloween craft? See our ‘how to’ for these super spooky Halloween Yarn Spider Egg Sacs here.

Halloween Glitter Spider Web Placemats, Halloween Decorations, trick or treat, Olivia S Foster, NANNY SHECANDO

>>> Is your house showing off some spooky decorations?
Tag @oliviasfoster and #craftyliving or #nannyshecando in your photos!

__________

A Crafty LIVing, Olivia S Foster, NANNY SHECANDOOlivia is a full time career nanny based in Sydney, Australia. She is passionate about children and child development. She uses creative and fun activities to develop teachable moments. Olivia shares an insight into her ‘nanny life’ on her social media accounts. You’ll find Olivia on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest at @oliviasfoster, sharing Arts, Craft & Activities for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers. Up next for Olivia is the exciting launch of her website ‘A Crafty LIVing’, coming soon!

October 28, 2015 By Olivia Foster Filed Under: DIY, How To

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Oh, Hi There!

I'm Hope & I help nannies transform their approach to job search, and inspire those working with kids to maximise their potential within the international nanny industry. Plus, did I mention I like crafts + diy, baking & playing! Read More

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If you’re new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! We received this cute heart-shaped VELCRO ® NO SEW BANNER craft, project designed by Dunne with Style, to feature and review on the blog. Given we love all things craft and DIY, we jumped at the opportunity to review […]

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