Rachelle Doorley

pronounced “Raquel”

Artist, Educator & Founder of TinkerLab

I’m an artist, early childhood art educator, and bestselling author known for teaching process-based creativity that builds confidence in kids ages 3-8. I help early childhood teachers lead art lessons where kids make their own creative decisions, so teachers can step back from managing chaos and actually enjoy teaching art again.

Experience

Founder of TinkerLab, a worldwide community dedicated to creative exploration
Author of three best-selling creativity books
Former film and television costumer
Extensive experience in classroom and museum education
Creator of online courses and community programs reaching hundreds of thousands of families

My Approach to Creativity

I believe in the power of process over product. When we focus on the creative journey rather than the final result, we discover joy in making art for art’s sake. My approach emphasizes:

Open-ended exploration: I provide prompts that exercise creative muscles and encourage unique problem-solving rather than step-by-step instructions
Sustainability through repurposing: Turning “trash into treasure” by finding creative uses for everyday materials
Child-led creativity: I see kids as brilliant creators and innovative thinkers. My role is to create inviting spaces that spark their natural curiosity and imagination

Education

Harvard University – EdM in Arts in Education
UCLA – BA in Theater

Books

TinkerLab: A Hands-on Guide for Little Inventors

Art Starts: 52 Projects for Open-Ended Exploration

Creative Adventures in Cursive

Recognitions and Features

Best-selling author
Top 25 Creative Moms at Circle of Moms
Best Local Blog: Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Award
“9 Kids Craft Websites You’ve Got to Know” on Make and Takes
KTVU Bay Area People Craft Feature
Authored “Process over Product: Building Creative Thinkers in Art” at Americans for the Arts
Content partner with Disney and PBS
Guest speaker at Google Children’s Center
Keynote speaker at the Cilker Art Education Conference

Workshops and Classes

TinkerLab workshops are hands-on and exploratory. Rather than following strict step-by-step instructions, you’ll be encouraged to experiment with materials and develop your own creative ideas. Our experienced facilitators provide guidance while encouraging individual expression.

What to expect:

All materials provided – just bring your curiosity!
Most workshops run 1-3 hours
I hold cozy craft workshops for smaller groups in my Palo Alto Studio. Join my mailing list to get notifications.
Professional Development programs for educators range from 1-hour sessions to multi-day experiences: Learn More
Team-building workshops range from 1-2 hours and include all materials: Learn More

We serve locations within 30 miles of Palo Alto at standard rates and are available worldwide with covered travel expenses.

Enroll in the Online Schoolhouse Kids Art Studio: Learn More

What People Are Saying

“I love everything about Schoolhouse. You never cease to amaze me with what you come up with. I just love that I have a place to go that is just creative activities. I have always liked process art, because I am not artistic and anyone can make beautiful art. The site motivates me to try new things.” – Joanie

“TinkerLab has filled such a special niche in our family culture! The TinkerLab site enabled me to create a Yes Space with a few well-curated supplies where my kids can easily engage in creative activities of their own design. They are in the driver’s seat – not me – and that’s just how they like it! They have so much confidence in their own ability to create and I think they will carry it with them forever. Love the site, love the book.” – Cathy C.

“We love TinkerLab! Rachelle is an engaging teacher and invites the kids into their next project with enthusiasm. My kids are asking more questions about their projects and thinking about what they can do next! They are tinkering, experimenting, and creating in new ways.” – Charissa

“I am an art teacher at a Nature Preschool, ages 2-Kindergarten. I love the inspiration and creative ideas that Rachelle uses to connect art making to an educational experience for young learners. I love process over product, so the Schoolhouse membership has helped me to continue to create engaging, meaningful and process oriented lessons for students.” – Tracy

A Few of My Favorite Things

Antique stores, paint markers, old books for reading and repurposing into art, coffee shops, collecting random bits of paper, watching kids discover their creative superpowers, seashell collecting, puppy cuddles, card games with my kids, rainy days, long walks in nature, lingering conversations with friends, tea with oat milk, college campuses

Connect With Me

Contact

Have questions or want to work together? Reach out through our Contact Form or email support@tinkerlab.com.