In my excitement about the new Star Wars film, I got the bug to re-record this Star Wars inspired funk rap I wrote 20 years ago in my band days. Here is a quick music video I created with the help of some drawings from my 8 year old son. Also, you can download the...Continue Reading
We’ve just moved to another house here in Portland, so it’s been a busy and exciting month. Moving is huge task on its own, but when you add kids into the mix, of course, it’s an even greater challenge. We still have a ton of unpacking to do, but so far, we’re really loving our...Continue Reading
I’m having a super fun time “pinning” all of my favorite images on the web that I find inspiring. I’m brand new at Pinterest, and really underestimated how brilliant it is. I’d love to see what you all are collecting on Pinterest, too. So far, I’ve started pin boards with things like my favorite toy...Continue Reading
Just a quick note to say that I created a new site page for my book, Made to Play, where you can find info, download actual-size templates for the projects in the book, or ask questions. Here’s the link: https://madebyjoel.com/madetoplay Thanks everyone! JoelContinue Reading
If anyone wants to see how the Martha Stewart show went, here’s a video. It was a blast making dollhouses together! If you’d like, here is a behind the scenes look at the Martha Stewart TV Show. Here are the dollhouses I brought to New York for the show.Continue Reading
And the winners, according to the random generator are Denise, and Kirsty! Thanks so much everyone for the enthusiastic response! I’ll definitely try to do another giveaway before the winter holidays. Also, so everyone can get a little something, below is a new coloring sheet that I just made this morning. Thanks again for playing!...Continue Reading
This morning I was on the news show, “More Good Day Oregon” here in Portland. It was pretty fun! Here is a video stream if you want to watch it.Continue Reading
Now that my book is out, I thought it would be fun to do a little giveaway. I signed two copies, so I’ll randomly pick two winners. If you want to be entered to win, then simply leave a comment on this post. On Friday morning (October 28) I will randomly pick the winner from...Continue Reading
Got back late last night from the whirlwind trip to NYC. In case you’re as curious as I was about what it would be like at the Martha Stewart Show, here are a few photos from yesterday. My Editor for Made to Play, Jennifer Urban-Brown, and my publicist, Jennifer Campaniolo, came in from Boston. Here...Continue Reading
Just got done filming the Martha Stewart TV Show! Here’s a photo that my mom took on her phone of the monitor. I’ll post better photos later. I’m in the airport right now getting ready to fly home. It sure was a fantastic trip! Oh, and the show is schedules to air on November 29.Continue Reading
I’m really excited (and a little nervous) to say that I’m flying to New York on Monday to be a guest on the Martha Stewart TV show! I’m going to be making dollhouses and dollhouse furniture with Martha. I’ll be in the studio for two days. The first to set up and practice, the second...Continue Reading
Wow, I’m so excited for my sister Lori. Today her album, “Outside My Door – Songs For Children Of all Ages” got a Parents’ Choice Gold Award! Nice work Lori! See the Parents’ Choice review of Lori’s album here if you’d like! Listen or get Lori’s album at her site, or on iTunes. “We are excited to...Continue Reading
I just had the most wonderful experience… Artist/author/teacher Ann Sayre Wiseman came to my house on Monday with her son Kiko Denzer, also an artist. Her phenomenal book, Making Things: The Handbook for Creative Discovery, is one of my all time favorites. You might recall I mentioned her in my interview with Bloesem Kids last...Continue Reading
We’ve had a great week of family time with our new baby. I’ll be posting some more crafts and coloring sheets very soon! Until then, some of you requested to see the DIY baby socks in action. So here you go!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
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
