Making Waldorf Dolls

Children treasure handmade dolls. Making a simple doll for a child is a gift for life, that encourages the magic of creative play. Kinder Dolls shows how to create handcrafted dolls from natural materials. A range of simple, colourful designs will inspire both beginners and experienced doll makers alike. These dolls are old favourites, originating in Waldorf Steiner kindergartens where parents make dolls together for their children, and for the school. This is the first English handbook on Waldorf dolls. It is accessible to beginners, arises from British doll-making traditions and is specially geared toward helping children learn to play actively with dolls of integrity made from natural materials. Waldorf schools affirm the importance of simple playthings for children made from natural materials. Such dolls are characterised by simple expressions and designs. These leave children's imaginations free, rather than working towards 'perfect', overly finished dolls which are made of artificial materials. You can start with easy to make baby dolls, and then use the general sewing techniques to tackle the limbed dolls and clothes. Here are: ten different designs including soft, baggy, pouch, angel, sack and limbed dolls: colourful and pretty ways of making dolls' hair: twelve basic clothes patterns and ethnic variations: help with tools, techniques and materials: safety guidelines and sewing methods: recycling tips and where to get materials. These dolls are gifts which show children that they themselves can be 'makers'. Maricristin Sealey is a professional doll maker who also runs doll-making classes. She draws on a variety of rich traditions for inspiration. Kinder Dolls is illustrated by her daughter Isabel. 'A comprehensive guide to doll-making. The best instructions for doing hair styles that I have seen.' --- Judy Quick, Handwork Teacher 'Maricristin's book is a fine source for the beginner doll maker. It is a valuable primer, full of practical tips, simple designs and clear, easy to follow instructions.' --- Sara McDonald, Magic Cabin Dolls