Saturday, September 19, 2015

Michaelmas Celebrations

Michaelmas is the first celebration in the Waldorf school year.  Named for St Michael, whose feast day it is in the Christian calendar, it celebrated the archetypal story of light over darkness or good over evil.

Waldorf second graders put on a play re-enacting Saint/Archangel Michael overcoming the dragon. Six grader make a large dragon costume that many of the m fit into.  First graders are gnomes in the play.  So the images for the season are angels, dragons, gnomes- especially gnome hats, swords, fire or any light source.

Weekly posts showcase handmade items crafted from varied materials. I also share the post on my Pinterest, Tumbler, Twitter, Google +, Instagram and Facebook page. Where possible I have included social media links for the artist/crafter. We appreciate you commenting and sharing on social media.



Taleworld, Ukraine, Yulia Rybchenko


"My way like a master of handmade toys started with the my son borned and I wanted him to play toys from living materials (fabric, wood, stone) that will be made by me. Then I can put a toy all my love to the child and this toy will be his true friend.

As a result, I have over 8 years of doing handmade. The last 6 years has created Waldorf toys. The last 5 years I am making Waldorf toys to order.

All of my work - this author's works. Each image is original and thought out. Before creating a new toy it takes me some time to think through and its implementation. As if toys images themselves want to be born, and I help them do it.
I embody all of these images to life, and now one of them can be a good friend to your child."



Saint Michael - waldorf doll (13 - 15 cm)

Saint Michael - Waldorf doll

"Saint Michael is about 13-15 cm tall.

Materials:
** Figure wire.
** Sheep wool.
** Interlock tricot.
** Wings have a figure wire inside, so they can take different positions.
** All clothing of 100% wool felt. His cloak is from silk.

 Clothing are not removable.

This doll is for children from 4 years.
This toy is good for role-playing games."



CloudBerry Crafts, Australia, Mia


"Magical Woolly creations, made by a girl who grew up in the Arctic.
Having always been a crafter, sewer, knitter, crocheter, artist...I had often thought about having a store, where to showcase my products.

However, not having had a clear feeling of what I loved doing the most, I kept creating with different mediums. At some point losing my mojo, being swallowed up by life; where time to create was a rare occasion. I longed for my creative days.

On the day I laid my hands into beautiful Merino Wool for the first time; It felt like something had been missing from my life up until that moment. I could see so many different things I could and wanted to create with this Natural material.

My head was filling up with ideas, my frequency was rising, I felt so excited and happy all the time...and I still do. It's such a blissful state of mind, a great place to create from.

I have been very honoured to have had many lovely customers and visitor's to the Cloudberry Crafts store, I am incredibly grateful. You are all blessings. With your support and belief in my skills, you are making my dreams come true,Thank you!

I hope to incorporate even more of my artistic skills into a possible new product line in the near future, so please stay on the ride with me..."
Woodland Prince, Waldorf Crown, Birthday Crown, Felt,Wool, Hand Felted, Boy,Girl,Princess, Prince, Queen, King,Green, Gift,Traditional


Woodland Prince, Waldorf Crown

"A beautiful handmade Crown, for a child's special day. Traditionally worn in Waldorf birthday celebrations. Will be a treasured crown for any occasion...

It has been felted by hand, and ties with a ribbon at the back. Made by using the best quality Merino Wool- cooling in the summer heat- warming in the winter's cold.

It has gorgeous deep colours; green ribbons and a leaf motif in the front, suitable for both a boy and girl. Will last for generations, and fit even an older child.

If you would like a crown like this; in a different colour- convo me, I have most colours under the sun, and will happily make one to order.

Size:
Height: 3"
Length: 15" + ribbons

An original design by CloudberryCrafts"



Folk of the Wood, Indiana, USA, Amy and Lisa


"Bringing history alive....
Folk of the Wood' is a small business, based in central Indiana. We are Lisa & Amy - the artistic mother & daughter team behind it all! We are happiest when creating - whether it be a dress, a piece of leather armor, or a custom order. We have shipped all over the world; our favorite part is seeing the pictures and hearing the stories of where our work ends up. Much of what we do is inspired by our deep fascination with history.

Our work has been seen in the following:
Stores:
'Olives & Grace' - Boston, MA
Movies/TV series:
'The Originals'
Websites & blogs:
Barnes & Noble"

Folk of the Wood on Facebook


Leather Sword Holder, Belt Hanger, Frog, Medieval Renaissance Accessory - Choose Color


Leather Sword Holder

"Allow approx. 1 week to be made, plus shipping time. Depends on our waiting list, it could take slightly more or less time. If you need it by a certain date, contact us!

** Sword not included **

Go hands free and keep your sword at your side at the next Renaissance Fair! Made with high quality sturdy leather, dyed & weatherproofed. These fit average sized swords, adjust the laces to fit. If you have an extra small or large sword, contact us for a custom size. Fits up to a 3" wide belt. Metal hardware, nickel in color. All leather laces are black."




Wild Child Clayworks, Tennessee, USA, Dwain and Lisa Dixon


"Lisa is the daughter of a woodworker father and a mother who taught her not only to sew but how to craft her own patterns out of brown grocery bags. She learned knitting, crocheting, tatting lace & quilting from her grandmother as a young girl. Though she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics (and too many graduate courses to count) it is the learning along the way, that has meant the most....the hikes, gardening, natural dyeing with friends, spinning & felting, swimming in the river & the children. "My three...our four. It is the seizing of the moment." says Lisa.

A true native descendant of the original settlers of Gatlinburg, Dwain is a wild son of Appalachia. He has worn many hats along the way. Ex-Coast Guard, Real Estate Broker, hiker, snow skier, pit boss, river swimmer, organic gardener & rescue diver. His abiding love of nature took another route when he met Lisa, newly transplanted in his own Tennessee back yard.

Together, they have created works that honor the beauty of their mountain woodlands. Wild Child Clayworks will always provide craftsmanship of heirloom quality while offering something just a little off the beaten path. We love the wildness in all that we do!!!"

Wild Child Clayworks on Facebook
Wild Child Clayworks on Twitter


Waldorf Michaelmas Dragon - Autumn Fire - Made To Order


Waldorf Michaelmas Dragon - Autumn Fire

"Whether you are buying as a toy or using it for Michaelmas. This beautiful hand dyed Waldorf Toy Dragon is reminiscent of the green plants of our Smoky Mountain home.

***Limited Edition*** This beautiful hand made Waldorf Dragon is a rich tapestry of warm Autumn colored leaves. These lovely fiery colors are produced by hand painting the colors onto the wool felt.

Maple leaves from our farm are used as the templates for the beautiful dragon wings. The veining pattern on the wings are done in a metallic thread.

No two are ever identical, making these a truly unique one of a kind gift.

Her ample measurements are 11" long x 4 1/2" tall. She's beautiful!!!"





Beneath the Rowan Tree. Canada, Lori Campbell


"BTRT was a surprise.
That is... I never meant to start a business.

As the mother of a 2 year old, I was committed to sharing a wonder full childhood with my daughter~ for our family this meant avoiding commercialism, providing natural toys and nature experiences, and allowing our child to grow up slowly in a small town in Northern Ontario.

I started making clothing and toys for our daughter when I was unable to find these items to fit our family values and lifestyle in our own area. And given my tendency to really commit to the things I love~ I just couldn't stop... we were on to something that is GOOD for children that had been forgotten by so many... open ended, imaginative play, natural and simple childhood.... and I wanted to share it!

(This is where I should share that I am also an ordained minister (20 years),currently taking a break to homeschool and make stuff, and so I *might* have a natural (or professional) inclination to share good news ...ideas and resources that lend themselves to whole and grounded living.)

In the past 8 years I have grown into my own skin as an artist and artisan, even as I have grown into motherhood in all of its fullness. (And I am even starting to feel, at 42, like I might be a teeny tiny bit of a grownup once in a while).

What an amazing journey... to find within one's self, deep wells of possibility awaiting creative expression! I highly recommend it!

So it is that BTRT is the means for our family to share our commitment to the value of children and childhood. More than any product, our purpose is what drives the business... and more than ever, I am a believer in the power of play to open up worlds of wonder for our children~ much needed in an age where imagination, art and the questing soul are given so little regard.

Our toys are made with wool, silk and wood. Natural, renewable resources that will last for generations, and if not... they easily return to the earth. ♥
They are made by my hands .
Always.
And they are always COLOURFUL (spelled the Canadian way!).

Everything is made in our home, amidst the general chaos of daily life which includes homeschooling, dogs, the arrivals and departures of my truck driver husband, my ministry and lots and lots of craft supplies, music, colour and joy.

{{And I am so grateful to my husband for his support, and to our delightful and amazing daughter, Rowan, who started it all}}"

Beneath the Rowan Tree on Facebook
Beneath the Rowan Tree Blog
Beneath the Rowan Tree on Instagram
Beneath the Rowan Tree on Pinterest


Pretend Fire Waldorf Playsilk : Heart of the Fire (35 x 35 inch Open Ended Toy)


Pretend Fire Waldorf Playsilk : Heart of the Fire

"Endless possibilities... just like a child’s imagination.
Add a little Bunny to any silk for Easter and Spring giving!

••This listing is for one 35" square "Heart of the Fire" playsilk.••

Our “Heart of...” Collection features gorgeous silk, flowing with multiple colours layered in our signature technique to create works of art for children to enjoy in their imaginative play and in their play spaces.

Playsilks are open-ended.
As your child grows, their silks grow with them, becoming capes and landscapes, blankets and tightropes~ soft, warm, colorful~ lead by the child’s imagination into worlds of wonder.
Playsilks make wonderful decor~ canopies, sheers, nature table backdrops...
Perfect for dress up, too

Beneath the Rowan Tree is Etsy’s leading creator of natural silk toys, with years of experience and silk sent out around the world to children’s museums, Waldorf classrooms, homeschoolers, preschools and best of all, families just like yours.

"Even more beautiful than pictured" is one of our most common feedback comments!"




The Felted Gnome Knows, Vermont, USA, Suzanne Ryan


"I use local wool from farmer friends in Vermont and try to stay in New England for special wools. These days I am dyeing my own wool that I purchased or processing raw wool . which means I skirt, clean, wash and drum card. Hand dyeing is always a surprise of varying colors and shades so I drum card it to better blend colors.When you buy from The Felted Gnome you not only support a Vermont Artist but you also support Vermont Farms. All that you see in my shop is designed and made by my own two hands in my studio. I have no helpers, factory or off site company shipping . It is truly hand made by the artist.

Needle Felting is a unique art. It is not an old technique, it started in the 1980s when some artists found that by using a machine felting needle they could shape wool by stabbing it . It takes many stabs over time to sculpt wool into a solid figurine but the results as you can see are terrific. There is something magical about wool felt creatures and paintings. It emanates warmth, strength and evokes a time when play was innocent. I hope you enjoy my little beings and my functional art as much as I love making them.
What is Wet Felting?
Wool fibers are stimulated by friction and lubricated by hot water and soap to force the scales of the wool to interlock and compress thereby creating a wool felt cloth.
I layer local Vermont unspun wool roving, add soap and water and then rub, roll, slam, and beat in to submission to shape the hat, slippers or mittens you see here. Then it is air dried, a design is needle felted onto the item and it is wet felted a second time to lock in the fibers.
All my wearable art and accessories are made by wet felting. Much of the wool either has been processed by me after being sourced from local farmers or has been processed by a local (next town over) fiber mill."


The Felted Gnome Knows Blog
The Felted Gnome Knows on Facebook
The Felted Gnome Knows on Twitter



Gnome Hat, Winter Hat, Fantasy Hat, Wool Hat, Wet Felted Hat Orange Hat


Gnome Hat

"A wonderful autumn gnome hat to make you giggle!

My friend Bradie is wearing a wet felted gnome hat while her little one keeps her company in her own favorite hat.

Orange, browns and yellows make this merino whimsical hat perfect to wear Fall and Winter. A one of kind design it sports a wonderful stone button to fasten to keep you ears and neck warm.

Sized for an adult woman: Medium to Large.

Note: the hat for sale is the orange/brown gnome hat. The other hat has already been sold.

"Wet felting is one of several methods which can produce felt from wool and other animal fibres. Warm soapy water is applied to layers of animal hairs placed at 90 degree angles to one another. Repeated agitation and compression causes the fibres to hook together into a single piece of fabric. After the wet felting process is complete, the felted material may be finished by fulling." (definition from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felt)."




Fairyshadow, California, USA, Tania Prosser


"If you have read the story Stone Soup you are familiar with idea of making something from nothing. When travelers enter a village and ask for hospitality they are rebuffed by villagers who have fallen on hard times. At each door our travelers are told that there is nothing to eat, please go away. Our heroes decide to make the magical stone soup, a meal created from only a stone and water. The villagers are curious but cautious and come out of their homes to watch the cooks work. So sad, say the cooks, if only we had a little salt it would make the soup so much tastier and lo and behold one person has a bit of salt at home and races off to get it. Ah, but wouldn’t a bit of pepper be so nice? Why yes there is a smidgeon of pepper at another villager’s home. And so it goes, with an onion and a carrot and some potato until there is a rich delicious soup for all to share. A village with nothing to eat finds all the ingredients for a meal in their own cupboards.

I started making my flowers when our family found itself in a hard place. When my teenage daughter was diagnosed with cancer (and successfully treated) we found our insurance did not cover all the expenses of treatment. I wanted to create a product using what we had on hand, to make something from nothing. Using little loved garments from our closets I began designing hair accessories and marketing them at local shows and farmers markets. People loved the bright cheery blossoms and I was encouraged by my community to grow my business. This is the origin story of my Fairyshadow shop.

But wait, what about all the dolls? Well, I have been making dolls since my girls were little. My sister and I had a mail order catalog ( yep, back before the internet marketplace was around ) featuring natural fiber dolls and children’s costume wear that we made in our homes. After three years and our final printing of 8,000 catalogs we came to realize it was more than we wanted to do so we closed shop. I had a spell producing for Magic Cabin Dolls but also let that fall by the wayside to paint, garden and tend to my daughters as they made their way through school."



Star ornament pocket doll hand embroidered waldorf decor advent calendar Christmas

Star ornament pocket doll hand embroidered Waldorf decor

"A hand embroidered golden yellow star ornament with a pocket for a little removable 1-1/2" red doll. The star is 3", it is made from reclaimed wool harvested from a felted blanket. A sweet gift for baby's first Christmas or tuck the doll into an advent calendar and add the star to the tree."





Apple N Amos, Connecticut, USA, Mama T and Papa Joe


"Back in 2007 our little man Henry was born. With a strong desire to be a stay at home mama, I decided to cash out my 401k and leave my job. We got by for awhile but soon the money was dwindling and I decided to get a job, that's then the economy tanked and I could not find work.

While I was home, in an effort to save money, I learned to sew, bake, can and make wood toys for Henry.
With a need to create and put food on the table as well as still stay at home to raise my boy- a tiny seed started to take root and Apple n Amos was born.
We have never looked back since.

Now fast forward a few years, Henry is now in school and we find ourselves taking care of our newest member, Baby Amelia. It is so much fun creating all new toys for her and then to have them take fruit on our store.

I can tell you that this is a busy life- the house is never clean, the laundry piles up and the kitchen table is always covered in paint. The " to do " list grows longer everyday but when the busy day comes to an end, I am glad I am home to be with them, to watch them grow and so we do it. ...not to be rich but to live a simple happy life.

Its fun to still be writing this story of ours."



Wooden Waldorf Playscape*Baby Puzzle*Toddler Toy* MOUNTAIN *Stacking Nesting Puzzle*Montessori Materials*Pretend Play* Kids Birthday Gift*


Wooden Waldorf Playscape*

(Note from the blog author-I included this as a dragon cave.)

"The MOUNTAIN Stacking and Nesting Puzzle is a simple yet wonderful open ended toy that will lend itself to hours of creative play for years to come.

Our MOUNTAIN puzzle was intended for small hands and your wee one will stack it, knock it down, step over it and of course learn!

Jungle Animals can hide behind it, climb it and jump from it, cars and trucks can drive through the tunnels, Trains can pass right under it, boats can sail until they reach the sunset, gnomes and fairies can dance around...endless possibilities are at your child's fingertips!

The MOUNTAIN Stacking Puzzle measures 8 inches across, 5 inches high and inch thick and cut from a beautiful piece of poplar.

Each puzzle is hand drawn, hand cut, hand sanded smooth and hand painted it with natural non toxic soy paint.

Once dried the MOUNTAIN is then sealed with apple n amos' own home made beeswax polish. This helps to keep the colors vibrant and the pieces durable

I would like to take a moment to mention that every purchase from Apple n Amos also helps other USA local business and home based Etsy shops.
THANK YOU for your support to by Hand Made!

Beeswax comes from Etsy's own Honey Run Farms
http://www.etsy.com/people/honeyrunfarm

Apple n Amos toys were created with little ones in mind. Toys should not only be played with, but should also help foster a life long love of learning.

Apple n Amos was Voted #5 for Best Toy Shop on Etsy by Babble.com"





Michaelmas Treasury

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Autumn Part Two

Wow, where does the time go!?  It's September, children are back to school and we look forward to the long Holiday season that begins with Michaelmas and goes through to New Years.  This week's post continues the beauties of autumn from the Waldorf on Etsy Team shops around the world.


Weekly posts showcase handmade items crafted from varied materials. I also share the post on my Pinterest, TumblerTwitterGoogle +Instagram and Facebook page. Where possible I have included social media links for the artist/crafter. We appreciate you commenting and sharing on social media.




Here Comes Brother Sun, Florida, USA, Tashina and Nathan Monk


"My partner, human rights activist Nathan Monk, and I, have many opinions about big issues like the treatment of others and the environment. We often find ourselves daydreaming about a better world for all people, especially children.

In our home, we have tried to create an atmosphere of being conscious and loving toward all living things, which obviously includes people and animals, but we also acknowledge how important it is to keep the planet safe and healthy. We strive to teach our kids the realities of issues like sexism and homelessness, while also taking the time to remember how important things like organic gardening and upcycling are. A few years ago, we discovered open ended toys, and our lives were changed forever. Before natural, free play toys, our kids seemed to lack imagination in their play. We reminisced about our own childhoods and realized that modern toys take away the magic of pretend. As soon as we began to exchange their toys for a few silks and a handful of peg dolls, their play transformed into thousands of new stories. We hand-craft Waldorf inspired toys, in between standing up for homeless rights and fighting for the equality of all people. Our three beautiful children, who's ages range from 1-10 have tested all of the first drafts and they have been kid-approved for all of their varying ages and personalities.

We envision a world of thinkers and believers and daydreamers, where children will grow into adults who will want to make the world a better place. I believe that free play allows that development in a very special way."


Autumn Pumpkin patch gnome - Autumn Storytelling and Nature Table

Autumn Pumpkin Patch Queen Gnome


"This little pumpkin gnome proudly wears her pumpkin crown and Autumn leaf colored dress and cape. She is excited and ready for Fall! 

Several years ago, someone told me about natural Waldorf inspired toys and our lives have never been the same. My kids wouldn't play for more than a few minutes at a time, and I didn't feel as though they played with their imaginations in the same way that I did as a child. I bought a few free-play toys and it changed everything. Now, my kids will play for hours with a few silks and a handful of peg dolls.

Each of these gnomes has a unfinished wood peg body, wrapped in felt with thread details. The little hats and capes are stitched on and meant to be worn permanently.

They are not meant for children who are still mouthing toys, as they prefer not to be eaten (and have small parts!) They measure about 4.5 inches tall from their bottom to the tips of their hats.

If you see something you like, that isn't quite the perfect little gnome you're looking for, send me a message, and we can brainstorm for the perfect design idea."





The Blissful Teacher, Connecticut, USA, Beth Wrobel


Beth has been an elementary teacher for the past 20 years. The Blissful Teacher was inspired by her two favorite passions - essential healing oils and helping teachers navigate their way through the everyday stresses today's teachers now face.

Therapeutic grade essential earth oils are natures medicine. These homeopathic sprays are available in a variety of blends and can help with a variety of ailments. Trouble sleeping? Anxious? Joint or muscle pain? Stuffy and congested? There is an oil for everyone. Throw in some clever teacher inspired names like Field Trip Fantasia or Lesson Plan Luxury along with a humorous description of a teacher's everyday stresses and you have a great product line that can be enjoyed by anyone, you don't even have to be a teacher. There is even a spray designed for the furry members of your family. Give one a try, you won't be disappointed!

Blissful Teacher on Facebook
Blissful Teacher on Twitter


Field Trip Fantasia - Balance Blend


Field Trip Fantasia Aromatherapy Spray


"We offer a full line of Teacher Inspired essential oil sprays using therapeutic grade essential oils. These homeopathic sprays are available in a variety of blends and can help with a variety of ailments. Trouble sleeping? Anxious? Joint or muscle pain? Stuffy and congested? There is a spray for everyone, you don't even have to be a teacher. Choose from lemongrass, lavender, clove, ginger, peppermint and more! "






Sunflower Wool Art, Finland, Evgenia Kulikova

"My mother-in-law Olga creates beautiful wool paintings, using pure natural wool fiber. Olga lives in Bulgaria. My role is helping to sell her works. The pictures are "painted" with wool fiber, which makes them look magically soft and beautiful, a mixture of the artist's talent and wonderful natural beauty of the material. Olga has Waldorf education background, and some of her paintings are influenced by anthroposophy. The topic of many paintings is related to flowers, because Olga really loves and understands them, but there are other interesting subjects too. 

Besides buying of ready works, you could also try ordering some new painting to Olga, if you get an idea about the subject. E.g. a small photo or just a picture of some flower or landscape or anything else could be used as a basis for a larger wool painting. If the subject is suitable, the order could be implemented in about 2 weeks. The price depends on the order's complexity, but there is no extra charge for custom orders."

Sunflower Wool on Twitter
Yellow-red-brown needle felted tablecloth coaster doily, two-sided


Yellow-red-brown needle felted tablecloth coaster doily, two-sided


"This kind of tablecloth can be put under a candle, vase or teapot or just by itself - it is beautiful enough to bring warmth and magic into your home. In addition, it is two sided, so it can be fun to change the sides sometimes, thus creating a mood change to your day.

This table cloth was made to match the tea cosy that you can see in the picture:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/229273307/tea-cozy-tea-cosy-teapot-cozy-teapot?ref=shop_home_active_2

We will be happy to sell both at the price of 110 USD, please, convo if interested. Bargaining is also possible.

The joyful earthly colors make it a great decoration for any time of the year. Also you can use it as a part of Waldorf nature table.

Wool fiber is incredibly warm and naturally beautiful material.  Diameter of the tablecloth is about 33 cm."





Mama Judes, Georgia, USA, Judy Forester


"I'm a fiber artist, teacher with students of all ages, and an indie dyer who specializes in using natural plant dyes. I'm a member of Phatfiber (www.phatfiber.com), and a Waldorf trained Handwork teacher. For over 20 years, I have worked in the textile arts, and I have taught children and adults for over 19 years. I have had the pleasure to teach at two different Waldorf schools and for several homeschool groups as well. My husband and I have a son in graduate school and a daughter who is in grade school. Currently, I am working out of my home, teaching homeschoolers and adults, running my on-line shop, and best of all, having a wonderful time with my daughter--who loves to stir things in the dye pots. Being at home gives me more time to play with my colors and my gal. We love plant dyes so much and hope you will too!

When it comes to natural dyes, I prefer to use the raw materials--nut hulls, wood chips, flowers, roots--whenever possible. It's kind of like making soup from scratch. The results are never the same, and I am constantly amazed by the results every time. These gifts from the plants are wondrous, and I am so grateful to Nature for sharing them with us. Thank you for letting me share them with you!"

MamaJude on Ravelry
Mama Jude on Twitter(Plant Dyed Stuff)


Dragon Friend Hand Sewing Pattern--PDF


Dragon Friend Hand Sewing Pattern--PDF

"I first made this dragon pattern when my son was in kindergarten (he's in college now). It has served me well over the years, and I've decided it's time to share.

This is a pattern for someone who has at least a little bit of sewing experience. You need to use blanket stitch and running stitch. This pattern is best made from wool felt and stuffed with stuffing wool. If you are interested in a kit, please contact me. I'll see what colors of plant dyed felt and embroidery thread I have on hand. The pattern has many pictures and explanations. It is four pages long. The finished size of the dragon is about 6 1/2 inches long and 4 1/2 inches tall.

This pattern comes in a PDF. I can also send it in Microsoft Word. If you would like a hard copy printed on cardstock, let me know and I can make a listing that would include the cost of the cardstock ($1 for the 4 pages) and shipping. Once you purchase the pattern, if you haven't received the PDF within 24 hours, please contact me so we can figure out where the pattern may have gone in cyberspace.

I have had some folks make this pattern and leave off the wings so that it is a dinosaur. This is a really fun pattern to make. I never tire of it. Please keep in mind that this is a pattern for your personal use only. Thanks so much for lookin'! Happy Handwork!

ABOUT THESE PLANT DYED ITEMS...

Plant dyes provide rich, vibrant colors that come directly from nature. Like natural fibers (such as wool, cotton, silk, or linen), they are a sustainable, renewable resource. Many of these plant dyes last a long time. (Think of a tapestry you might see in a museum.) Over the years, some of these colors may gently mellow. I feel that these shades are equally beautiful. (Please keep in mind that any item, even commercially dyed items like T-shirts, will fade from continued exposure to direct sunlight.)

Plant dyed items last best with a bit of special care. In the case of dolls, hats, and other toys, I suggest surface washing when necessary. Silk scarves or items knitted, crocheted or woven from plant dyed yarns can be washed separately by hand. Cold water is best. I use a mild dish soap or mild detergent to wash my own items and avoid soaps with enzymes. Sometimes soaps with enzymes can alter the ph of a plant dyed item and change the color.

I thoroughly wash items after the dying process and usually use Ecover fabric softener to smooth down the fibers of plant dyed yarns. I hope you enjoy the colors. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments."







Noble Dolls, Eastern United States, Cyd Gerling-Knoble


"I made my first doll when my 22 year old son was in Waldorf kindergarten. After over 15 years of doll making, I still love the process of making dolls, especially knowing that I am creating someone’s new little friend. Noble Dolls is my home-based business that has grown up around this love.

In addition to doll making, I love homeschooling, hiking with my family, and playing the viola (not at the same time!). I love this journey that is life!"



Custom Waldorf Doll 12- 14 inch Waldorf inspired Noble Doll


Custom Waldorf Doll 12- 14 inch Waldorf inspired Noble Doll


"Noble Dolls are hand made in the Waldorf tradition using organic cotton skin fabric and stuffed with 100% clean, carded wool. The embroidered features are kept quite simple to inspired your child's imagination. The hair is either wool yarn or a wool/mohair blend. Free highlights upon request. Long doll hair is crocheted and sewn on. It's multi-style, so your little one can work her style magic (ponytail, pigtails, long and flowing, etc). Boy hair can be multi-style if long, or choose tossled or crocheted close to the head and fuzzy.

The clothing is made of cotton and wool. I make for girl dolls a dress, pinafore, pantaloon and wool felt slippers set Boy dolls wear pants, shirt, and vest and wool felt slippers. Contact me if you have other ideas and I'll see what I can come up with!

For my most up to date gallery, copy and paste this: http:www.nobledolls.com (but come back to my Etsy shop to order!) The dolls shown are examples of custom dolls I have made for other children. The doll you order will vary based on your specifications. You will need to tell me skin, eye and hair color, clothing color preferences (though it must match the doll), whether or not you want a nose. A picture of the child is extremely helpful, but not necessary. I do my best work when I not only know hair, eye and skin color, but what makes this child's heart sing!

Because I make all my doll individually, there will be some variation in the sizing. I start with a 12 inch pattern, but it can be anywhere from 12-14 inches. Sometimes the project calls for more presence than can be contained in 12 inches! You can request that the doll be on the large side or petite side. You may also request that the doll be stuffed thin, chubby, extra firm or soft or anything in between.

The best possible doll for a child is one made with love for him or her. If you are not able to make a doll for the wee one you love, I would love to make that doll for you!"




Felt and Grain, Australia, Camila


"Felt and Grain was created as my little creative space. I was born in Colombia and now live in a very special town in Australia called Castlemaine, a town of many talents.

I have always make things with my hands from crocheting, wood working, jewellery making, etc but since I became a mother making toys for my children centre most of my attention, specially since we started our journey with waldorf education.

Now Felt and Grain is my own pursuit in life, Needle Felting is the technique of my art. I love it and I found it very relaxing and therapeutical and making pieces that are going to be enjoy by others, feels very special.

I am so grateful with life, appreciative of what hands can do and with my beautiful customers that had been like the stepping stone in every market I have done, thank you so much and thanks for people that appreciate things made by hand.

Thanks to Maria for teaching me Needle Felting."


  Needle felted Pumpkins- Little  Pumpkins- Ecofriendly decor- Thanksgiving- Fall- Table Ornament- Halloween

Needle felted Pumpkins- Little Pumpkins- Ecofriendly decor- Thanksgiving- Fall- Table Ornament- Halloween


"They are little pumpkins that would decorate any thanksgiving table, fall or Halloween festival, They are sold separately for more convenience. They are handmade with 100% wool using needle felting technique.

THIS LISTING IS ONLY FOR ONE PUMPKIN, please contact me if you want to add more in your order.

They measure approximate 1 1/8 " x 2 "





AlkeldaDolls, Wahington, USA, Farida Dowler


"Alkelda Dolls is a shop devoted to dolls for storytelling, display, and creative play.

Like Goldie in M.B. Goffstein's Goldie the Dollmaker, I devote time and care with each doll. Every doll I send out into the world has its own personal story. In keeping with the diversity of the Earth's population, my dolls display a range of skin-tones, hair hues and eye colors.

Here is the Indie Artist Spotlight of Alkelda Dolls that Jama's Alphabet Soup featured in June 2013:
http://jamarattigan.com/2013/06/11/indie-artist-spotlight-farida-dowler-of-alkelda-dolls/

I am honored when you decide to bring one of my dolls into your home. I enjoy hearing from people, too. Please feel welcome to send me a note about the stories and dolls in your lives."



MADE TO ORDER Witch Doll-- Waldorf Inspired


MADE TO ORDER Witch Doll-- Waldorf Inspired


"The made-to-order witch doll I'd like to create for you is inspired by the books I loved as a child that were about witch children.* The photos in this listing show the variety of witches I've made over the years. In the notes to seller section, please let me know the colors you'd like for your witch (felt, hair, eyes, skin tone), plus any specific details you'd like for the cloak. Browse through my Sold Orders for embroidery ideas-- if I've stitched it before, I can stitch a variation again! Please be willing to be in regular email contact with me as I create your custom order.

Your witch doll is eager to become part of a nature table, take a role in a story, or quietly inspire you from a corner of your desk. He or she stand 10.2 cm tall (4 inches) tall with the hat on and 7 cm (2.75 inches) when the hat is removed. The witch's face will be embroidered simply in the Waldorf tradition to encourage open creativity.

Your witch doll will be appropriate for display and gentle play. This doll should be kept out of reach from pets and children who still put toys in their mouths (small parts may be a choking hazard). The base of the doll is signed in thread with an “A.”

If you need some wooden shrubbery and mushrooms of your own such as the ones depicted in the lower left, photo, check out The Enchanted Cupboard: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheEnchantedCupboard

Please read my Policies prior to purchase. This doll is suitable for display and storytelling, and should be kept out of reach from pets and children who still put toys in their mouths (small parts may be a choking hazard). The base of the doll is signed in thread with an “A.”




Winter Rye, Adirondacks, USA, Melissa


"I am a mamma. wife. sustainable farmer. student of yoga. northwoods lover and avid hiker. camper. outdoors person. I string beads as a form of meditation. I seek to be the change that I wish to see in this world.

all work inspired by a simple life and the natural world.

:welcome to my little shop. all shop proceeds go to support our small sustainable veggie farm.

:in the Fall we sow the cover crop of Winter Rye. my days are turned inward. curled up by the fire. creating with my hands."

Winter Rye on Facebook



108 Mala Beads. agate slab. red jade. dalmation jasper. Mala Beads. Handknotted Prayer Beads. Heart. Yoga Jewelry.

"This gorgeous mala features a large polished agate slab. the slab sparkles pink and peach hues in the light.

rudraksha bead. dalmation jasper. red jade.

wood to ground us. dalmation jasper has been said to bring childlike joy to the heart and healing to the soul.

108 bead mala. hand-knotted as my meditation with cotton cording.

four full wraps around my hand.

measures 36 inches around. full drop to end of tassel is just over 21 inches. agate slab hangs 2 3/4 inches long."