DIY

September 13, 2019 by Kim Tran

Connect + Craft: An Event for Moms

Calling all DIY and craft lovers! Trusting Connections Nanny Agency and Creative Kind would like to invite you all out to a Connect + Craft: An Event for Moms!

Fun-Filled Event For Moms + Kids

Join us for a beautiful fall morning and connect with other moms in the lovely Creative Kind crafting space at La Encantada to create a gorgeous fall wreath that you will be able to take home with you.

Enjoy complimentary hors d’ oeuveres, mimosas, and exciting giveaways while your children are fully entertained by Trusting Connections nannies. We have a special craft planned out just for them!

Space for this exclusive event is very limited. Purchase your ticket today! See more detail on our Facebook Event Page.

Who is Creative Kind

Creative Kind is a studio and space for people to get together and create arts and crafts. Founded in 2015, they are focused on helping people foster deeper connections through creativity. It’s a place to experience face-to-face interactions, celebrate common interests, and grow as individuals.

Workshops are built around a creative topic, and often led by a local expert. Their events are “a place to make friends, try something new and do a hands-on project. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, stay at home parent, artist, or corporate professional – all are welcome!”

Creative Kind Facebook Page

Creative Kind Website

May 10, 2019 by Kim Tran

8 DIY Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s day is here and with that comes hallmark cards, bouquets of roses, and breakfast in bed. But finding a last-minute gift for mom this weekend might be a challenge, so opt out on going to your local department store and create a hand-made gift. Make it more special and personal by having the kids help out. We did some digging on Pinterest and found eight easy, cute, memorable and creative DIY project the kids can do or help create with dad or childcare provider. Most of these DIY Mother’s Day Gifts are easy to make and affordable!

Picture Collage

Suprise mom with a collage of pictures collected throughout the years. Nothing beats reminiscing all the memories from the time mom was pregnant to celebrating the children’s first, second, or third birthday party.

Click here to see all the different ways to create a picture collage!

Customized Flower Pots

Bouquet of roses are beautiful but personalizing a flower pot for mom will make it more special. Go to your local nursery or garden market to purchase mom’s favorite flower. Have the kids paint or write loving messages for mom.

Click here to see 40+ unique ways to make your flower pots stand out!

Mom Snack Kit (also known as Mom’s Emergency Stash)

Moms are always busy driving the kids to places which means a lot of meal prepping. Why not switch it around and make a snack kit for mom. Include a healthy go-to snack bar but also add some of mom’s favorite chocolates in there too!

Click here for neat ways to assemble the snack kits.

MOM String Art

Gather some wood, yarn, and nails dad and let the kids go crazy with string art! There’s so many different designs and layouts that can be done. It’s tediously creative and will be a great home decor piece!

Here are some great designs to use or get inspired by!

Pebble Art

Who knew rocks and pebbles could become a sentimental picture?! And you can get them from your backyard. Gather some pebbles and a small picture frame to create a picture. Complete it with a short poem for mom and have the kids sign it at the end!

Click here to get some pebble art ideas!

DIY Soap and Body Scrub

Let’s all be honest and say that moms are superheroes, but superheroes should take a day off…or two. Moms spend so much time taking care of the family; she forgets to take care of herself sometimes. Give mom the gift of relaxation this year with customized soaps, body scrubs, and bath bombs!

Explore easy DIY body scrubs and soaps here.

Floral Monogram Door Hanger

We found this cute Monogram door hanger project the kids can help make! It’s simple, creative, beautiful, and super affordable. All you need is a monogram (like ‘M’ for mom or the first letter of mom’s name), fake flower, X-Acto knife, and a glue gun. All materials can be found at your local craft store or online retailers like Amazon.

Click for steps to make Floral Monogram Door Hanger here.

Mother’s Day Lunch/Dinner

You hear Mother’s day breakfast in bed, but how about Mother’s day lunch or dinner? Switch things around this year and have the kids help make mom a delicious meal for lunch. If dad’s up for the challenge, try dinner!

Click here for recipe ideas!

Running to the store to purchase a gift is quicker and more convenient. However, taking the time and putting thought and work into a home-made and hand-made gift for mom, especially with the kids, will sure make a day for mom to remember. We hope the kids enjoyed these DIY Mother’s day gifts as much as we did blogging about them!

To see other DIY crafts and recipes, visit our blog.

March 15, 2019 by Kim Tran

Family-Friendly Activities For St. Patrick’s Day

While most can argue that the popular Irish holiday is a holiday celebrated mainly by adults, there are many family-friendly activities that kids can enjoy as well. Whether you want to stay in this weekend or take the family out to celebrate, here are a few suggestions you can do.

Local St. Patrick’s Day Parades

Check your city’s website or Facebook page to see local events that are happening. There should be parades, block parties, live shows, and much more. Live entertainment, music, good food, and games for parents and kids? That’s a full day of jam-packed fun!

Join A Family Run

Get active with the kids and participate in a marathon. It can be simple as a 3K, 5K, or if you’re up for a challenge, 10K. Typically these local runs are themed, so get creative and dress up! Have fun with it. This is also a great way to incorporate exercise for you and the kiddos. Whether it’s walking the whole way or running, you’re going to have lots of fun, together. Oh, and don’t forget to wear something green!

Volunteer

Do a good deed on St. Patrick’s Day and volunteer at your local non-profit organization. Clean up the park, water the community garden, deliver food to the homeless, or help paint a house. There are always volunteer events happening around your local community. Take this time to teach the kids about compassion, kindness, and the meaning of giving back.

DIY Crafts

We gathered some fun, easy DIY crafts the kids will surely enjoy. Make the activity an educational one by incorporating math, critical thinking, and problem-solving aspects.

Fun in the Kitchen

Gather the whole family to the kitchen to bake some delicious sweets! Check out these cute, easy recipes you can do with the kids to celebrate!

So even though the possibility of finding a four-leaf clover, a gold pot at the end of the rainbow, or the leprechaun to grant you wishes is slim, Trusting Connections hope these family-friendly suggestions help make your St. Patty’s Day a memorable one. For you and the kids.

October 19, 2018 by Kim Tran

Fun Halloween Projects With The Kids!

Halloween is in two weeks, but your kids might already be celebrating in jubilant spirit. Even though trick-or-treating is weeks away, engage in fun Halloween-themed projects nannies and sitters can do with the kids to make their wait more fun.

These projects are designed to be interactive and engaging so kids will enjoy it from beginning to end. Parents can do these projects on the weekend or have their nannies and sitters do them with their kids during the week. These projects can help fine-tuned the kids’ senses and fine motor skills all the while having fun!

Here are two projects Trusting Connections know not only the kids will love but also will the nannies and sitters. One project will have the kids get messy as they will have to use their senses to touch and feel the ‘wormy’ objects. The other project will challenge kids to dig into their web of creativity. These projects are so easy to do, and most of the supplies needed are common household items.

Jelly Worms – A slimy, yet delicious treat for the kiddos!

Yields: 50 worms

Ingredients:

– 50 flexible straws
– 7 oz. package strawberry Jell-O mix
– 3 packages unflavored gelatin
– 3 c. boiling water
– 3/4 c. heavy cream
– A tall glass or container
– A bowl or plate
– (Optional) Crushed Oreos, for serving

Directions:

Combine Strawberry Jell-O mix and all the unflavored gelatin packages into a tall glass or container. Add boiling water. Whisk until dissolved. Refrigerate until lukewarm.
Stretch and extend the straws out to full length. Stand them upright in a tall glass. Make sure the ends are firmly pressed up against the bottom of the glass. This will add length to the jelly worms.
Take out the Jell-O mixture and whisk in heavy cream.
Slowly pour the JELL-O mixture into the straws until it reaches the tops.
Refrigerate for about 1-2 hours.
Run the straws through warm water. Grab one end of the straw and push the jelly worms out onto a plate or bowl. Add crush Oreos to the plate to mimic dirt if desired.
Make this activity more educational for the kids by having them use their sense of touch to feel the worms and the texture of the straws and crushed dirt.

Spider Balloon Web – A sticky activity kids will love!

Supplies:

– White wool/yarn (1 bundle)
– Bowl
– Balloons
– Glue
– Water
– Fake plastic spiders
– Hot glue gun

Directions:

Inflate some balloons. Make different sizes to create more dimension to your webs.
Attached a piece of string to the end of the balloon so you can tie them up to dry later.
In a bowl, add glue and water. Mix into a paste. Keep it at a 2:1 ratio.
Add the yarn/wool into the bowl until it’s fully coated with the paste.
Grab the end of the coated yarn and start wrapping it around the balloon. Grab the end of the balloon to use as a guide. Continue to wrap the yarn/wool around until you form a spider web.
Hung the spider webs onto a tree outside to dry. Use the string you attached at the end of the balloon.
Once it’s dry, the spider web should have hardened. Pop the balloon and remove it from the spider web.
Hot glue some fake plastic spiders to complete the look.
Hang them in front of your door or on your tree. The different sizes of spider webs will have kids running over to look in awe!

Parents, nannies and sitters, and other childcare providers can find more creative Halloween crafts on Pinterest. Check out our blog to see more DIY crafts, activities and ideas for kids!

June 15, 2018 by Kim Tran

Easy DIY Father’s Day Crafts For Kids

Father’s day is this Sunday and nothing beats getting hand-made gifts from the little ones on your special day. Follow these easy and adorable DIY crafts your kids can make for their special superhero. Please note all these projects will need an adult’s supervision and help.

Rock Handprint

Supplies:
Aquarium Pebbles
White Cardstock Paper
Hot Glue Gun
Markers

Steps:

1. Trace the kid’s hands on the cardstock paper with a marker.
2. Let the kids pick out the pebbles and help them glue it down to the shape of their hands.
3. Let it dry.
4. Using markers, help write “Dad, you rock!” on the paper.

Handprint Daddy’s Grilling Partner Keepsake

Supplies:
Free Template Printable (download template here)
White Cardstock
Color Printer
Paint (a variety so the kids can freely pick!)
Paper Plate
Paint Brush
Baby Wipes

Steps:

1. First download and print the free template printable on white cardstock.
2. Squirt some paint on a paper plate.
3. Paint one of your child’s hands and press it on the printable to create flames. Repeat if desired.
4. Add other designs and drawings as you see fit with markers. This can make a great gift!

Superhero Hand Cards

Supplies:
Googly Eyes
Colored Glitter Foam Paper
Sharpie
Glue
Cardstock paper (green, red, black, or any color that fits the superhero)

Steps:

1. Fold your green/red/black or any desired cardstock in half.
2. Trace your handprint with the wrist portion over your folded cardstock.
3. Cut out the handprint and be sure to round the top part of the card (head of the Ninja Turtle or Spiderman) or make two triangle points to create Batman’s ears when cutting them.
4. Once you have your handprint cut out, trace the foam glitter paper for the bandana. Place your foam glitter paper under your handprint to mark on your paper the size you’ll need.
5. Cute out the bandana and glue it to the card.
6. Glue on your googly eyes and draw a smile. Cut out two triangles to create Batman’s and semi circles for Spiderman’s eyes.
7. Let the kids write their message inside the card for your special hero!

Father’s Day Coffee Mug Art

Supplies:
Blank ceramic mugs
Painter’s Paint
Painter’s Tape or Alphabet stickers

Steps:

1. Figure out what words the kids would like to use.
2. Carefully form the painter’s tape into letters or place the letter stickers by hand.
3. Pour some paint onto a paper plate.
4. Let the kids start doodling, painting, or draw using their hands or paintbrush.
5. Let the colors dry between layers.
6. Carefully remove the tape or letter stickers.
7. Let the mugs dry for 24 hours before baking them at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Hand Print Hand-made Cards

Supplies:
Cardstock paper – White and Red
Paint
Markers
Scissors
Paper Plates
Frame (optional)

Steps:

1. Pour a safe amount on a paper plate.
2. Have the kids dip their hands or feet in the paint on the cardstock paper.
3. Cut out little hearts from the red construction paper.
4. Let the paint dry.
5. With a marker have the kids list the reasons why they love their dad.
6. (Optional) You can frame the cards and add any final touches for the special gift!

These easy, crafty, and super cute DIY ideas can make any dad smile!

Check out other easy DIY crafts from our blog!

May 4, 2018 by Rosalind Prather

Easy DIY Mother’s Day Crafts Kids Can Do

I remember making things for my friends and family when I was a kid and being able to put something together from scratch really made the gift more personal and sentimental. What’s better to gift moms this Mother’s Day than something that was hand-made by their precious little ones? Here are some fun, creative, and easy DIY ideas toddlers can make, with the help of an extra pair of hands of course (caregiver or parent), to celebrate this special Mother’s Day!

Paper Cup Flower Pot

Supplies:

Color Markers
White Paper Cups
A batch of fresh flowers
Some water (optional)

Instructions

Grab some white paper cups and markers and let the kids doodle and draw as they please.
Fill the cups with their (or Mom’s) favorite flowers and add a small amount of water to keep them from wilting.

Dandelion Painting

Supplies:

Thick Stock white paper
Non-toxic paint
Paper plate(s)
Dandelion template
Baby wipes or cloth for cleanup
Picture frames

Instructions

Print out a dandelion template. Click here to download one.
Pour out the paint on paper plates for the kids.
Have the kids gently dip their thumb or fingertip into the paint and press it onto each dandelion seedhead. Let the kids’ imagination soar as they create the rainbow dandelion of their dreams!
Wait for the painting to dry completely before putting it into the picture frames!

Mother’s Day Dyed Carnations

Supplies:

White carnations
Food coloring
Vases or clear cups
Water
Sharp knife or scissors (adult use only!)

Instructions

Add 10 drops of the toddler’s choice of food coloring into a small clear vase.
Fill 2/3 of the cup or vase up with water. Add more drop if a darker color is desired or mix it up and create different colors!
Have the adult cut each stem of the carnations at an angle and place it in the vase/cup.
Let the kids enjoy as they slowly wait and see the color of the flower change!

Hand and Foot Print Apron

Supplies:

White Apron
Non-toxic paint
Paper plates
Markers
Baby wipes or cloth for cleanup

Instructions

Set the Apron on a floor. Ensure the apron is on a flat surface.
Pour the paint out on paper plates, one color on each plate.
Have the kids dip their palms or foot into the paint.
To make butterflies, have the kids stamp their opposite foot for each side. The left footprint will be on the right, and the right footprint will be stamped on the left.
Handprints can be made into bumblebees and flowers.
Fill in the details with a black marker after the paint dries. Let the kids fill up the apron with other drawings like grass, trees, sun, clouds, or rainbows!

These easy DIY crafts will surely keep the kiddos busy and entertained for a few hours and will definitely be great keepsake gifts for moms!

Written by: Kim Tran, Marketing Assistant at Trusting Connections

Source: https://www.romper.com/p/10-easy-mothers-day-crafts-for-toddlers-that-youll-want-to-save-forever-8954396

Connect + Craft: An Event for Moms

Fun-Filled Event For Moms + Kids

Who is Creative Kind