Here are some quotes from the book The Silmarillion about the Vala Aulë. The master crafter, equaled only by Melkor, spent his time building things for the love of building them, teaching others, and taking pleasure in seeing other people use his creations. Here are some direct quotes:
“He is a smith and a master of all crafts, and he delights in works of skill, however small, as much as in the mighty building of old.” — Valaquenta
“Of the fabric of Earth had Aulë thought, to whom Ilúvatar had given skill and knowledge scarce less than to Melkor; but the delight and pride of Aulë is in the deed of making, and in the thing made, and neither in possession nor in his own mastery; wherefore he gives and hoards not, and is free from care, passing ever on to some new work.” — Valaquenta
“Melkor was jealous of him, for Aulë was most like himself in thought and in powers; and there was long strife between them, in which Melkor ever marred or undid the works of Aulë, and Aulë grew weary in repairing the tumults and disorders of Melkor.” — Valaquenta
“But Aulë remained faithful to Eru and submitted all that he did to his will; and he did not envy the works of others, but sought and gave counsel.” — Valaquenta
“I did not desire such lordship. I desired things other than I am, to love and to teach them, so that they too might perceive the beauty of Eä, which thou hast caused to be.” — Chapter 2: Of Aulë and Yavanna
“Yet the making of things is in my heart from my own making by thee; and the child of little understanding that makes a play of the deeds of his father may do so without thought of mockery, but because he is the son of his father.” — Chapter 2: Of Aulë and Yavanna
“Then Aulë took up a great hammer to smite the Dwarves; and he wept. But Ilúvatar had compassion upon Aulë and his desire, because of his humility…” — Chapter 2: Of Aulë and Yavanna
“Then Aulë cast down his hammer and was glad, and he gave thanks to Ilúvatar, saying: ‘May Eru bless my work and amend it!’” — Chapter 2: Of Aulë and Yavanna