making
Joel is an overall creative person and is able to put that creativity to use, constantly problem solving and creating new products in his job as an engineer. But his passion is bringing his own ideas to life. He enjoys working with many materials, such as wood, metal and leather, and is in the middle of a large shed renovation on their property. He's turning it into a workshop for himself, as well as an art room for Alex and the kids. Joel envisions many cozy nights in the shed as a family, working on projects together.
Alex got him interested in selling at local art shows together before they were married, and it became a tradition. He currently runs his own Etsy shop where he sells leather journals, exotic hardwood pencils, and wood and metal jewelry. And while they owned their business, he supplied the store with unique, wooden plant holders.
Creativity is in Joel's blood, and he hopes to pass that love onto his children.
learning
Joel follows many interesting makers on YouTube, and introduced Alex to their videos when they first started dating. Now, they often scroll through and watch on Joel’s iPad before bed. When they were first married, they would settle down on the couch after Alex’s Sunday afternoon nap, with a cup of tea to wake her up and the newest Diresta vlog to inspire them. Then they’d head to their maker room to create something themselves. Joel really enjoys learning new processes and getting ideas from other makers, and YouTube is an easy and inspiring way for him to do that. Often, Quill asks to sit on Joel's lap and watch with him, and it gives them a shared interest to bond over, as well as a great foundation for future creativity.
food
Joel makes a simple breakfast for our family every morning before he goes to work, but on Saturdays it’s a tradition for him to make a big brunch with fluffy pancakes or waffles, eggs and bacon. He loves experimenting with different flavors and techniques and often comes up with fun ideas like miniature pancakes with a fried apple on top. His newest pumpkin spice pancakes are the current favorite!
Joel enjoys many different cuisines and likes mixing foods together to create something new. In his single days, he was known for the various, delicious cheesecakes he took to events, and ways he customized sandwiches and pizzas at work to make them better. Now Quill enjoys helping Daddy in the kitchen on Saturday mornings, as Joel helps him measure, dump and stir ingredients.