Daddy Blogger Series: Made by Joel

By Jen Smith
June 9, 2011

Why should mommy bloggers have all the fun? In addition to the four million or so mom bloggers who regularly post about parenting, there are plenty of fathers out there putting virtual pen to paper, too. In honor of Father's Day on June 19th, we turned to a few of our favorite top daddy bloggers and inquired about putting it all out there for the world to see, their perfect Father's Day, and—as inspiration for all those Father's Day gift givers out there—their eBay-inspired Father's Day gift ideas. Read below for the first installment. Then check back over the next several days as more daddy bloggers answer our set of six questions and tell us what they want on eBay.—The Editors

Made by Joel

Made by Joel blogger Joel Henriques with his twins (left) and with one of his creations

When we caught sight of the fabulous modern dollhouse, we were smitten. Then we spied the marionette made from wooden scraps. And the walnut boats! And those adorable play squares for babies. These simple, homemade crafts and art projects provide endless opportunities for quality time with your kids. And they're all the original ideas of stay-at-home dad Joel Henriques, author of the fantastic parenting blog Made by Joel.

It is hard not be envious of the creative output of Joel Henriques, an artist and toy designer who lives with his wife, four-year-old twins and newborn baby girl in Portland, Oregon. Not only is this daddy blogger busy with his family and his parenting website, but Henriques also just finished writing a modern toy/craft book, Made to Play!, that will be published in October, 2011 by Trumpeter Books/Shambhala. Henriques is a painter too. And if that’s not enough for you, check out the new Made by Joel Facebook page, an interactive space where Henriques and his 7,200-plus fans share ideas for crafts and activities for kids.

“Once my kids were born, I started to make toys for them,” Joel Henriques tells us. “Then I created the Made by Joel blog as a way to share the toys and craft projects with family and friends. The response turned out to be quite amazing!”

Joel Henriques describes his parenting blog as being, “a place to find fun projects to do with kids. But more than that, it encourages everyone, regardless of economic means, skill level or age, to participate in the collective, creative process.”

1. The Inside Source: Why be a daddy blogger? What has been the most fulfilling part for you? The most surprising?

Joel Henriques: Well, the reason to blog, I think, is to share something with others. When I make something for my kids to do, whether it's a coloring sheet, craft, or a toy, it's great to be able to upload it to the blog and share them with everyone else. At night, I'll post a template for a paper toy, and then I'll wake up in the morning with photos of kids from France that are playing with the toy already. It's very fulfilling to see the excitement and pride that kids get when they make their own toys.

2. The Inside Source: How are daddy blogs different from mommy blogs (which get a lot more media attention)?

Joel Henriques: There are certainly a lot more mommy blogs out there. I'm not sure if there is a way to categorize the differences, but regardless of gender, it's nice to see parents having fun, playing, and creating with their kids.

3. The Inside Source: If we were to read five posts from your parenting blog, what would they be and why?

Joel Henriques: Sure!

Click through this gallery to see Henriques' response.

Previous Next

Paper City
Probably the most popular craft on my blog is the Paper City toy. Easy to print out and make with the kids. They can color it and create their own scenes and stories.

Photo Credit: all images via Made by Joel
Branch Trees
Fun and easy to make toy, that gets the kids outside, looking for twigs and branches. Kids love having the mission of finding things.
DIY Baby Socks
We're having a new baby! So I made some baby socks, using my old Paul Smith socks. They're pretty cute, and very fast to make.
Kid-Friendly Bird Mobile
Etsy flew out their film crew from New York, to my house in Portland to make this video. It was a really fun day. It's a how-to video for making a paper bird mobile.
Hanging Box Aquarium
Fun way to use a cardboard box. Many people have made great versions of this. Kids really go all out with the decorations in their cardboard aquariums, and I made slits in the top, so the fish can be moved around like puppets.

4. The Inside Source: Please describe your perfect Father's Day.

Joel Henriques: Maybe a drive to the beach with the family. Good food, lots of sun, and some time to relax, too!

5. The Inside Source: If you could go on a Father's Day shopping spree, what would you buy?

Joel Henriques: A closet full of new clothes! I always want more clothes.

6. The Inside Source: Do you shop on eBay? Any favorite eBay stories or frequently used search keywords?

Joel Henriques: Yes! We often buy Heath Ceramics' Mojave tableware on eBay, because the pottery is no longer produced in that color combination. Also, I love finding old art books, LEGOs, and other vintage designer toys, like the Enzo Mari Animali puzzle.

Made by Joel Blogger Joel Henriques' Father’s Day eBay Wish List

Roll over items for details

Paul Smith Stripe Socks

(buy it now price, $33)

Alexander Calder Moon Tapestry

(buy it now price, $18,500)

Latch Hook Rug Kit

LikeaBike Wooden Kid’s Balance Bike

(buy it now price, $315)

Paul Klee Coloring Book-Prestel

(buy it now price, $6.05)

Vintage Fender Rhodes 73 Electric Piano

(buy it now price, $1,789)

Rare Star Wars LEGO

(buy it now price, $34.99)

Xootr Kick Scooter with Fender Brakes

(buy it now price, $225)

1. Paul Smith Stripe Socks: "Paul Smith socks. I like my socks to be exciting."

2. Alexander Calder Moon Tapestry: "Alexander Calder is one of my all-time favorite artists."

3. Latch Hook Rug Kit: "Latch hooking is so cool, and simple. Very easy for kids to learn as well. This kit comes with everything you need!"

4. Vintage Fender Rhodes 73 Electric Piano: "I've always wanted a Rhodes. Such a beautiful sound."

5. Xootr Kick Scooter with Fender Brakes: "My kids just got scooters, and now I need one to keep up with them."

6. LikeaBike Wooden Kid’s Balance Bike: "My kids have balance bikes, and they are amazing. Much easier to learn on that pedal bikes. Great for kids two years and older."

8. Paul Klee Coloring Book-Prestel: "I just found this, and bought one for myself. I love Paul Klee's work. I probably should have bought one for my kids too, now that I think of it."

7. Rare Star Wars LEGO: "You can't beat eBay for finding old Star Wars LEGOs. My son and I love playing with them together."

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