Etsy just posted their How-Tuesday video recently filmed in my studio! We made a Paper Bird Mobile that works nicely as a Mother’s Day present. I’ll attach the template below, but you can view the entire Etsy post and more info here. Thanks, Etsy! [vimeo 23216545 640 360] “This week’s Etsy how-to unfolds in the...Continue Reading
Thank you to The Oregonian newspaper here in Portland, OR USA for the nice write-up on my work and my blog! Photo credit: Brent Wojahn/The Oregonian “It’s hard not to touch things in Joel Henriques’ studio. The tiny wire chaise lounge in a simple dollhouse. The colorful bird cutouts floating from the ceiling. The wood...Continue Reading
Someone asked me if I could please make a fairy doll craft, so here is my attempt! I also had some requests for ways to repurpose plastic cups and containers, so this is really efficient! My daughter really enjoyed taking these outside and playing with them in the yard, too. So if you have any...Continue Reading
My sister Lori has a new album of original songs entitled “Outside My Door – Songs For Children Of all Ages.” I did the artwork for it, which some of you might recognize since I used the Paper City and added some color and a few extra details relating to her lyrics. The design layout...Continue Reading
As you know, I love handmade and recyclable activities. In honor of Earth Day, I’ve created this quick coloring sheet. You can print it out on both front and back of the page or why not print it on the backside of existing paper bound for recycling? Show us you creations and other great ideas for Earth Day...Continue Reading
First off, I’m very excited to to announce that we will be having a new baby girl in six weeks! Our four year old twins have been having a great time helping us get ready. We’ve been wanting to make some baby booties for weeks now, but haven’t gotten around to it. Then today, I...Continue Reading
Here is a project I did for Junior Magazine, and I thought it would make a fun craft or gift for Mother’s Day. They are standing paper flowers. The idea was inspired by a paper ornament from Ann Wiseman’s book, Making Things (One of my favorite kids craft books.) The paper pedal circles slide on...Continue Reading
This was a very exciting week for me. Etsy sent their video crew from New York to my studio on Monday to shoot a video craft tutorial for their “How-Tuesday” series. The video will be posted on May 3, but here’s a behind the scenes teaser image. Also, below are a couple of recent How-Tuesday...Continue Reading
Here is a simple toy that I just made for LMNOP Magazine. It’s a no-sew, fleece version of my Play Squares for Babies. Making them takes only minutes, and an older child could even make them as a gift for a baby. All you need is some fleece (felt would also work) and some scissors, then...Continue Reading
I recently got to collaborate with 20 kids to create this toy bench for a school auction. I painted designs on the bench with black outline, then they got to paint on it like a big coloring book. The kids were 3-6 years old, so I did a little touching up at the end, but...Continue Reading
I’ve been busy during spring break, working on some new big projects for the blog. I think it will be worth the wait! Meanwhile, there is a lot of fun going on over at the Made by Joel Facebook Page. So many people are sharing photos and great ideas for kids crafts. Here are a...Continue Reading
Here is the music video for Mnemonic Sounds! I decided to go with an abstract art theme for the video. It ended up working quite well I think. The band came to my studio last week, and we had a great time shooting it. Everyone got to be involved, which made for a lovely variety of puppeteering...Continue Reading
I made a sketch for this idea awhile ago, and just came across it in my drawer this morning, so I thought we should give it a try. All you do is make the fish (using the template and the directions on the sketch below), thread the string through the straw that’s inside the fish,...Continue Reading
Nido Magazine featured my box pull toys in their March issue. I just received my copy in the mail yesterday. I love the lead photo they got of the toys! So great. Even though I can’t read German, I love looking through this stylish magazine. Lots of great design. Thanks Nido!Continue Reading
I’ve been given the exciting honor of creating a music video for the amazing Portland band, Mnemonic Sounds. It’s going to be a ballet of puppets and toys, which I think will go perfectly with the band’s enchanting electronic pop sound. We’re going to shoot the video next week, and I can’t wait! Until then, here’s...Continue Reading
My paintings are in the Daily Cafe through March if any of you in the Portland area want to swing by! Bring the kids too, they still have my coloring sheets at the cafe. I’ll post them again below if anyone’s in the mood for coloring now. (More info on the paintings at my art...Continue Reading
I was asked to create a Paper City addition for Art Month Sydney. To launch the festival this year, Sydney’s National Art School hosted an ‘Art Month Art Adventure’ event for kids. The project (named Itty Bitty City) was driven by LMNOP magazine, and was based on my Paper City, but also included many other decorations...Continue Reading
My book is now available. I’m really excited! “Made to Play” has 35 craft and toy projects, using wood, fabric, and paper, that promote imaginative and creative play. Here are just a few links for ordering. It’s available world-wide, so if your country is not listed below, you may search the ISBN# 159030912X, or ask your...Continue Reading
