“The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt and Making Costumes for the Crayons

Last week the kids and I made costumes for the Sheepy in “Creepy Sheepy” and this week we did the same with the crayon protagonists in “The Crayons Trick or Treat” by Drew Daywalt. After reading “The Crayons Trick or Treat” with the children in your care, set up a coloring and drawing station where […]

Autumn Scent Matching Game

As the air crispens and the leaves begin to turn, fall brings a whole new world of rich, cozy fragrances to explore. Put familiar autumn scents in jars and see if kids can identify the scents and match them to the cards I have created for this game. You Will Need: Small containers: Use opaque […]

Real Flower Brushes

Skip traditional paint brushes and head outside! Real flowers make wonderful, natural stamps and paint brushes to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork that kids will love. Choose sturdy flowers with strong stems, such as daisies. Try different flowers, colors, and amounts of paint to see how each one creates a unique design.  Don’t forget to read […]

Painted Flowers with Cardboard Roll Stamps

The children in my care adore flowers so I have been making flower themed activities and lesson plans all summer. See how I had them paint flowers with stamps made from cardboard rolls. It’s messy! Use craft mats and have paper towels close by! See other activities I have done with the children including: pressed […]

Pressed Dried Flower Sun Catchers

There’s something magical about turning nature into art! Making butterfly and circle sun catchers with pressed dried flowers is a beautiful way for nannies to encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and an appreciation for nature with kids. They are keepsakes they’ll be proud to display long after the craft is finished. Be sure to read […]

Pressed Flower Clay Decorations and Coasters

Looking for a wonderful nature craft for kids this summer? These DIY Dried Pressed Flower Ornaments, Magnets, and Coasters are made with air-dry clay are a fun, hands-on activity that encourages creativity, strengthens fine motor skills, and helps children explore the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a nanny, parent, teacher, or au pair, this simple […]

Salt Dough Nature Print Pendants

Bring a little bit of nature indoors with these simple salt dough keepsakes! Kids will love pressing real flowers and leaves into the dough to create beautiful textured prints. Once the pieces have dried, they can paint their one-of-a-kind creations, turning everyday treasures from a nature walk into colorful works of art they’ll be proud […]

Cupcake Liner Firework Craft for 4th of July

These cupcake liner fireworks are a simple, kid-friendly craft that lets little hands create their own colorful fireworks display. With a few patriotic cupcake liners, scissors, glue, and black paper, kids can make a festive decoration perfect for celebrating Independence Day. Check out how to make other firework crafts on my blog with paint and […]

Sidewalk Paint That Pops!

Looking for a colorful outdoor activity that keeps kids entertained and sparks creativity? Homemade sidewalk chalk paint is a simple, non-toxic craft that turns any driveway or sidewalk into a giant canvas! Kids love watching their bright creations come to life, and you’ll love how easy and inexpensive it is to make with just a […]

Paper Plate Butterflies

Kids love butterflies. This easy, hands-on activity encourages imagination, strengthens fine motor skills, and gives children a colorful creation they’re proud to display. Be sure to read children’s books about butterflies while making this project: “A Butterfly is Patient” by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long; “The Butterfly Alphabet Book” by Jerry Pallotta, Brian Cassie, and […]