The Upcycling Nanny: FAQs

Follow me for more on upcycling with arts and crafts with your child.

Questions about Upcycling

What is upcycling?

Upcycling is a form of diy-arts and crafts turning waste into something more valuable and aesthetic. Read more about upcycling on in the upcycling glossary.

What is your favorite upcycle?

My absolute favorite upcycle is making beads. I love to make beads with any skill I can learn. I also enjoy using beads of any variety to make jewelry. I love to crochet and macrame. Learn to roll your own paper beads.

Do you only use recyclable materials?

No, I do not use only recyclable materials or organic materials. More often I use materials we have around the house to help limit my usage of landfills. Read more about my experience and the skills and materials i use here.

Follow me for more on Upcycling materials.

Do you only use arts and crafts for upcycling?

No, I do not only upcycle materials. I enjoy crafting in general and often use my crafting time as a stress reliever.

What materials do you need?

Upcycling uses a variety of materials. The materials needed for each upcycle are project specific.

Do I have to buy anything to get started?

What you need to get started will depend on the project you plan to do. If you are already a crafter using a skill common for upcyclers you will most likely have all the tools and supplies necessary to begin right away.

Visit my supply store to purchase materials, supplies, tools and books for upcycling.

Don’t you need to be a professional for working with that?

I do not use tools or materials you have to be certified to work with. Most of my supplies and tools are available for anyone to purchase in stores or online. A common misconception is that upcycling is taking recycling one step further, making upcyclers have to work with chemicals, heavy equipment and machinery and specialized tools.

Can my child upcycle?

YES! Since upcycling utilizes a variety of arts and crafts, children quickly learn new upcycles and begin thinking up their own ways to upcycle.

Follow me for more on upcycling with children. Read more about arts and crafts with children here.

How is upcycling educational?

Upcycling combines the education of arts and crafts with science and community.

What kind of supplies do you recommend?

I am not a specific skill upcycler, so I use a variety of supplies, materials and tools. For a list of supplies I use regularly click here.

Do I have to know how to perform a specific skill?

You do not necessarily have to learn a new skill. If you already have a hobby or make a living off a particular skill set you can find ways to incorporate upcycled materials or use non-traditional materials in your skill to turn your projects into an Upcycle.

Read Upcycling Skills for more information. Follow me for more on upcycling materials.

Will you upcycle something for me?

I do offer upcycled products and services. You can purchase my hand-made products and tools in My Shop or book an upcycling party or my services.

What is an upcycling party?

An upcycling party is a gathering of adults, children or mixutre of both that completes a specific project guided by an experienced upcycler.

You can book your upcycling party in the Las Vegas, NV area with me!

Questions from parents

How do I hire a nanny on a web-based nanny agency? How did you find your previous family?

Alot of families do not know how the process of hiring a nanny/caregiver through a web-based agency differs from traditional hiring processes.

Read my guide for hiring a nanny through a web-based agency here.

How do you handle unruly children?

I use positive guidance to discipline children in my care. With clear limits and expectations children are more inclined to follow rules and behave appropriately.

What is positive guidance?

Tell your child what they can do rather than what not to do.
Make directions a positive, respectful request
Clearly state rules with an explanation and demonstration
Use effective praise, social reinforcers, activity reinforcers rather than tangible reinforcers
Validate your child's feelings
Get on your child's eye level when speaking to them.

How are arts & crafts and upcycling educational and what skills do they help my child develop?

Arts and crafts are educational because they reinforce lessons your child is learning in math, language arts, reading, social studies and science. Arts and crafts each help your child to develop cognitive skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social and emotional skills and language skills. Arts and crafts teach your child life lessons.

To learn more about the skills deveoped when completing arts and crafts click here.

Visit our supply store to purchase any supplies or tools you need to put your skills to work Upcycling with your child.

I hope you enjoy looking around and thank you for taking the time to read. I look forward to your comments and be sure to email me at jennifer@theupcyclingnanny.com any pictures of items you decide to upcycle!!