Showing posts with label rudolf steiner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rudolf steiner. Show all posts

Monday, October 3, 2016

Newest Shops on Waldorf on Etsy Team




This month the newest blogs are featured. I hope to make my way down through the list in the next several blogs to welcome them to the team.  Click on the links to find out more about the shops.

We are a group of sellers who share a common interest in Waldorf education, either in the home or through a Waldorf school. Our goal is to support and enjoy our unique community while promoting our businesses.
Our Team Page: www.etsy.com/pages/waldorf-on-etsy

Anyone, or any family, with an etsy shop and who is dedicated to the ideals of Waldorf education is invited to join: Homeschoolers (both aspiring, active and graduated), Waldorf teachers (aspiring, retired and active), and parents of Waldorf school children. Older Waldorf-educated teens with active etsy shops may also join. https://www.etsy.com/teams/7523/waldorf-on-etsy





TKsArtandCraft

Tea, Georgia (Asia)



Simply Ginger Skin Care

Amanda Wayne, Missouri, USA

Diaper Cream, Cloth Diaper Cream, Natural Diaper Cream, Eczema Cream

Diaper Cream, Cloth Diaper Cream, Natural Diaper Cream, Eczema Cream








COCCINELKA - crocheted with LOVE

Natalia Demchuk, Olya VoynarovskaNew York, USA



Piglet - Crochet Toy - Nursery Toy - Three Little Pigs - Pig Gifts - Piggy - Amigurumi Crochet - Crochet Animals - Pig - Baby Toy - Gifts


Piglet - Crochet Toy - Nursery Toy - Three Little Pigs - Pig Gifts - Piggy - Amigurumi Crochet - Crochet Animals - Pig - Baby Toy - Gifts









Fantails and Feet

Jill Ffrench, Australia







Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Spring Items, Part Two


We continue with spring items from six Waldorf inspired shops accompanied by poems or songs. Follow the links to view more from each shop.  Soon we will transition to summer and highlight those seasonal offerings from worldwide shops.




I Know a Little Pussy

-Traditional

I know a little pussy,
Her coat is silver grey,
She lives down in the meadow,
Not very far away.
She'll always be a pussy,
She’ll never be a cat,
For she’s a pussy willow,
Now what do you think of that?
Meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow… SCAT!







Inmezi Garden, Latvia, Inguna


Wool Butterflies, Set of 16, Rainbow Colors, Nursery, Birthday or Easter Decor, Waldorf


Wool Butterflies, Set of 16, Rainbow Colors, Nursery, Birthday or Easter Decor, Waldorf



The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore


May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish blessing


Butterflies are self propelled flowers. ~R.H. Heinlein


If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author unknown


The caterpillar does all the work but the butterfly gets all the publicity. ~Attributed to George Carlin







Catching Waves, California USA, Karen Anderson


White Bird Earrings Dainty Hand Carved Bone Birds from Bali You Pick Amethyst or Amazonite Accents on Sterling Hooks Nature Jewelry


White Bird Earrings Dainty Hand Carved Bone Birds from Bali You Pick Amethyst or Amazonite Accents on Sterling Hooks Nature Jewelry



Little Bird


-Traditional Nursery Rhyme

I saw a little bird go hop, hop, hop
So I said to the bird, won’t you stop, stop, stop
And was going to the window, to say how do you do,
When he shook his little tail, and far away he flew.






Sunflower Wool Art, Finland, Evgenia Kulikova




Cherry tree in bloom - wool fiber art, wall hanging, wool picture


Cherry tree in bloom - wool fiber art, wall hanging, wool picture



Loveliest of Trees, the Cherry Now

-AE Housman


LOVELIEST of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.

Now, of my threescore years and ten, 5
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.

And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room, 10
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.






Unlikely Nest, NY USA, Christine Chin


Mushroom People, Mother and Baby Wool Peg Doll Waldorf Toys, Amanita Muscaria, Toadstools


Mushroom People, Mother and Baby Wool Peg Doll Waldorf Toys, Amanita Muscaria, Toadstools



The Mushroom is the Elf of Plants 

-Emily Dickinson

At Evening, it is not --
At Morning, in a Truffled Hut
It stop upon a Spot 

And yet its whole Career
As if it tarried always
Is shorter than a Snake's Delay 
And fleeter than a Tare --

'Tis Vegetation's Juggler --
The Germ of Alibi --
Doth like a Bubble antedate
And like a Bubble, hie -- 

I feel as if the Grass was pleased
Of Summer's circumspect.
To have it intermit --
This surreptitious scion

Had Nature any supple Face
Or could she one contemn --
Had Nature an Apostate --
That Mushroom -- it is Him!






Claudia Nanni Fine Art, Switzerland, Claudia Nanni



Spring wedding favors - romantic wool painting - Tuscan landscape - needle felted painting - Waldorf home decor - gift for romantic women


Spring wedding favors - romantic wool painting - Tuscan landscape - needle felted painting - Waldorf home decor - gift for romantic women


Blue Skies

-Irving Berlin

Blue skies, smilin' at me
Nothin' but blues skies do I see
Bluebirds singing a song
Nothin' but bluebirds all day long
Never saw the sun shinin' so bright
Never saw things lookin' so right
Noticin' the days hurryin' by
When you're in love, my how they fly
Blue days, all of them gone
Nothin' but blue skies from now on
Never saw the sun shinin' so bright
Never saw things lookin' so right
Noticin' the days hurryin' by
When you're in love, oh how they fly









Pretty Dreamer, NH USA, Pamela





mrs strawberry waldorf doll / elsa beskow / Nature Table -


Strawberry Fields Forever

-Lennon/McCartney






Monday, July 27, 2015

Rainbow Items from Waldorf on Etsy Team



Rainbows! Who doesn't like them? They bring joy, hope, wonder. In the next several weeks I will highlight a number of rainbow related items form the Waldorf on Etsy Team shops around the world.

Weekly posts showcase handmade items crafted from varied materials. I also share the item 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.




Knitted Rainbow Greeting Card from Hinterland Mama


Knitting birthday greeting card Card for knitters! 'Knitted Rainbow' - cute & funny rainbow cards for her Blank photograph cards Australia


Aleta Bon from Australia

"Providing natural, eco-friendly hand-crafted items for Waldorf Rhythm, hand-Craft and Imaginative Play.  I am inspired by the beauty & warmth within Waldorf / Steiner education and I choose to work with natural materials. I am also influenced by both my Hinterland (forest bushland) & Coastal surroundings in my work. My children are also a continuous inspiration.  I prefer my family to interact with Nature and natural products. So, all of my items come to you with your family, my family and Mother Earth in mind.  I design everything myself, although have help with the cutting out and turning of my timber items, by a lovely local woodworker."

Hinterland Mama Website 

Hinterland Mama Facebook 
Hinterland Mama Instagram
Hinterland mama Etsy store

Hinterland mama Google plus




Children's Play-tent from MagdaReches


Kids Teepee / wigwam / play tent / canopy medium size


Magdalena Reches from Argentina

"Original art work for all ages fabric toys and more!! I started painting many years ago... later i decided to study architecture, i worked as an architect and studied a Masters degree in Barcelona where i lived for 6 years. Since i missed my family, friends and basically being in my homeland, i decided to come back to Argentina where i live, and work as an artist. I coordinate art children workshops, paint some murals quite frequently and also illustrate.  Recently i have started my own children enterprise of fabric toys, i hope you enjoy my work."

MagdaReches on Facebook
MagdaReches Blog




Sun Candle Holder from From Jennifer


Painted Solid Sun Candle Holder


Jennifer Compton from Missouri, USA

I am a stay-at-home wife and mother. I have three handsome sons and a beautiful daughter. They bring me lots of joy and keep me busy. But, I manage some spare time to craft. I enjoy anything creative--music, sewing, cooking, home school activities, making home movies, writing, scrap-booking, and so on. I am passionate about my spirituality and beliefs, home birth, healthy diet, and sharing my heart and soul with the people I love. I live in the country with neighbors a mile apart. We enjoy the peaceful living around nature and eating wholesome foods.

FromJennifer on Facebook




Color Matching Game from Clover and Birch


Color Matching Game, Color Identification, Cooperative Game, Gnome, Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio, Preschool board game, rainbow toy


Jason and Taylor Melton from Georgia, USA

"Husband and wife team, owners of Clover and Birch, creators of fun imaginative play. We are the parents of a darling pair or blonde headed girls; Carden and Collin, dog lovers and Pit Bull rescuers, eco conscious and a touch eclectic, baby and toddler wearing, holistic life seeking, dabblers in Montessori and Waldorf philosophies, intentional parents finding adventure in the everyday.
What we are about:  We believe in puddle jumping and exploration. We love open ended toys and vivid imaginations. We believe in the beauty of natural materials in tiny hands. We encourage making it up as you go. We believe in finding whimsical adventure in the most unsuspecting of places. We love free range and free spirits. So from our family to yours, we offer natural materials, eco friendly practices and open ended play, in the products that we make, use and love."


Cover and Birch on Facebook
Clover and Birch Website
Clover and Birch on Instagram
Clover and Birch on Twitter
Clover and Birch on Pinterest




Name Banner Wall Art from TelePelekids


Personalized felt name banner,wall art nursery decor,nursery decor,Rainbow Banner,Baby Gift


Ilanit Bronstein from Israel

"I am from Israel and live with my magical family in the communal village of Zuqim.  After nearly 20 years of traveling the world, we planted our roots in the heart of the Israeli desert.  As the daughter of a tailor, I discovered my love of sewing , knitting, and crafts at a young age.  I worked designing and creating women's wear, building up my company "Lady Frog".  In time, and with the birth of my eldest son , Tal, I was drawn to creating children's clothing, and started my children's brand TELEPELE.  Since moving to Zuqim three years ago, I have studied ‏ ‏Waldorf education, and am now focusing on Waldorf crafts.  As a big believer in magic and miracles it was only natural that I fell in love with the magical world of the fairies.  I am now happy to share with you my line of unique and beautiful fairies.  I believe that in each one of us a fairy is hidden.  I now invite you to discover your inner fairy as you enjoy my handmade fairy collections."

TelePeleKids on Facebook




Felted Wool Beads from Fairy Folk



Felted Wool Beads, Felt Beads, Needle Felting DIY Craft Crafting Woodland Geometric Rainbow Spiral



Donni Webber from California, USA

Handmade needle felted treasures and toys for the natural home.
I make delightful needle felted treasures and handmade toys for the natural home. Top sellers are needle felted Christmas ornaments, natural Easter eggs and Easter bunnies, needle felted garlands and nursery mobiles, needle felted acorns and pebbles and so many more fun and magical goodies for the home. If you are looking for a natural whimsy to add magic to your home decor, Fairyfolk is the Etsy shop for you.  My needle felting work is often inspired by moss, toadstools and other magical woodland treasures. I am the original home of felted acorns, enchanting colorful wool acorns to add a burst of color and magic to your home decorating. I’m sure you will fall in love with my craspedia inspired felt flowers and colorful felted beach pebbles. I also make educational toys for natural kids, inspired by Waldorf and Montessori Education. I also have a line of handmade felted jewelry, necklaces, pendants and rings.






Saturday, June 27, 2015

Gnomes Part Two

Gnomes! Gnomes! Gnomes!



Oh dear, I missed last week due to family obligations.  But here I am with gnomes from six shops in our Waldorf on Etsy Team.

Each post showcases handmade items from different countries, crafted from varied materials.  I also share the item on my Pinterest, Tumbler, Twitter and Facebook page.  Where possible I have included social media links for the artist/crafter.

To change things up a bit next week will feature animals from shops in different countries crafted in a variety of ways.


Basil the Gnome from Hillcountry Dollmaker


Basil the Gnome


Joyce in Texas, USA makes a wonderful variety of large dolls -pirates, mermaids, storybook characters, and animals-elephants, dragons and bears to name a few.  Click to find her on Facebook.

She writes about her gnome: "Although most at home in a garden, Hillcountry Dollmaker gnomes have a fondness for humans and would love to live with a compatible family. Just under 11" tall, body is made of hand dyed cotton velour, he has beard of goat locks, embroidered face. He is wearing a wool felt tunic hand dyed in hues of blue with embroidered details. This is a custom listing and you may choose eye color, skin tone and clothing colors for your special friend. Also, check out my girl gnome Marjoram, who is available in another listing."




Seed Pod Gnomes from Koester Kindje



Gnomes felt. Nature table gift, Waldorf gift


Margriet from the Netherlands is imaginative in creating gnomes and accessories for them. She writes "My passion is designing and creating jewelry and making fairy tale figures out of wool, wood and silk.  I design one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces, all handcrafted with attention to detail and quality.  Everything I make is close to my heart. "  

Find her on Facebook.


Gnome Play mats from The Pot of Gold














































Kitty Moore from Germany is a needlefelter inspired by "folklore, legends, fairy tales, storybooks and nature. ". 

She writes " This play mat is double the fun because it is reversible!  Side 1: Has a green field with a border of multicolored flowers. There is a duck pond and 3 little toadstools.Side 2: Is the forest. Here there is a stream with stepping stones, an evergreen tree plus more flowers and toadstools.  I needle felted this play mat with Merino wool, so it is super soft."









Sunchuko from Croatia has colorful gnomes and crocheted items in her shop.  

"I am a Waldorf inspired crafter,always trying out new crafts,materials and techniques, but always prefer natural materials."




Gnome House and Gnome Peg Dolls from Green Mountain Wee Woolies


Gnome house Felted Wool Gnome Home peg dolls


Valarie Mazzarella from Vermont, USA works with wool from her Romany sheep.  Click for her Facebook page.

She describes her beautiful listing: "An adorable felted wool home for your gnomes. Gnome home has been knit from wool yarn and then felted, roof comes off. Inside each home you will find three wood gnomes, dressed in a crochet wool outfit. House measures 7” tall, 12” around. Gnomes measure 2 1/2” tall.  Toys crafted of materials like wood, wool, silk and cotton connects our children with the natural world and encourages creative and imaginative play."





Set of 6 Rainbow Girl Gnomes, painted peg doll, Waldorf inspired toy, wooden kids toy, nature table, handmade toy, wool felt toy

Danyal Boyd of Oregon, USA paints peg doll animals and figures.  Follow her on Instagram and Facebook

"Rainbow Girl Gnomes, available here as a full set of 6- Each gnome wears a hand embroidered wool felt cap that has been stuffed with wool batting, making for a very sturdy and cozy gnome! These adorable gnomes are painted in all the beautiful colors of the rainbow with non toxic watercolors, and sealed with a non toxic acrylic sealer for added gnome protection. Each gnome has its very own facial features, drawn with a wood burning tool, making for a lovely and unique set of gnomes."


Check out the Waldorf on Etsy Team Shop

And on Facebook

and Pinterest

and Instagram



Monday, June 8, 2015

Gnomes from the Waldorf on Etsy Team

Those in Waldorf education love gnomes!  Many stories are told with gnomes, math is taught with gnomes, parent handwork groups make gnomes and children craft gnomes from beeswax.

Members of our Waldorf on Etsy Team make gnomes in a variety of ways and I will feature a selection three shops in each post over a number of weeks. Each post will showcase shops from different countries and gnomes crafted from varied materials.  I will also share the item on my Pinterest, Tumbler, Twitter and Facebook page.


LaLutine in Canada crafts in wood, wool fiber, beeswax and kite paper.


Seasonal Gnomes from LaLutine Etsy Shop


Sandra Mill from LaLutine makes gnomes that are sweet and functional in Waldorf homeschooling.
She writes: "This charming set marks the passing of each season. Each gnome is adorned with a seasonally appropriate apple tree and a coordinating colored needle felted cap. This set includes 4 wood burned and hand painted gnomes. The are 5/8 of an inch wide and will fit into a birthday ring. They are handmade from all natural materials. Trees and faces are wood-burnt, their bodies are painted with non-toxic, AP certified water-colors and sealed with wonderful handmade beeswax polish. Their hats are needle-felted from 100% wool. Height of the gnomes with a hat is 4 1/2 " (11,5 cm)."


She is on Facebook




KatjasFlowerFairys is a German shop, crafting small dolls of natural materials.



Busy gnomes from Katjas Flower Fairys Etsy Shop.

Katja Bantel makes exquisite gnomes, angels, fairies and seasonal items.  She writes: "The Gnome is made of 100 % wool-felt, fairy tale-wool and tricot material. The doll is approx. 11-12 centimeters high.  The filling is sheep wool.  The offer covers one Gnome.  Not suitable for the under 3's.  Your doll will be unique!  Made to order.  Manufactured in careful manual work.  

Go to her website.




BrambleHedgeCottage from the United Kingdom crafts in natural fibers and polymer clay.



Fimo Gnomes from Bramble Hedge Cottage Etsy Shop

Maxine from Bramble Hedge Cottage makes appealing traditional Waldorf dolls and small dolls in fimo and natural materials.  She writes:  "These little Rainbow Gnomes are hand sculpted from Polymer Clay/Fimo.  They stand approximately 1.5 - 2 inches tall.  Their eyes are tiny seed beads and cheeks are blushed and highlighted with water colour paints.  Each little gnome is individual, with his own little character, complete with a tiny red heart on his chest to show how much love he has to give.  These are for display only, they are not toys and should not be given to children under three. "

Visit her on Facebook.




Check out the Waldorf on Etsy Team Shop HERE

Monday, January 27, 2014

The Importance of Nature to Children

Connecting the Seasons in Waldorf Education 
by Claudia Marie Lenart
In Waldorf education, we celebrate the changing seasons in the classroom, in the community with seasonal festivals, and in the home.  Waldorf classrooms always include a beautiful season’s table that is decorated with gifts of nature, handmade animals, and items that reflect the present season.  Inspired by the beauty of the classroom, Waldorf parents often find a space in their homes as well for a seasonal nature table. 
The awareness of the seasons and celebration of seasonal festivals has meaning in the Waldorf curriculum.
Recognition of the seasons establishes rhythm for the child and the natural rhythm of life is central to Waldorf philosophy.  Rahima Baldwin Dancy, author of You are Your Childs’ First Teacher, says that rhythmic activities provide children with a sense of security. 
“The slower rhythm of the natural world with its changing seasons can provide the “content” of our experiences, as well as a powerful healing influence,” according to Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America.
Autumn Family by Soft Earth Art
Awareness of the changing seasons allows children to better appreciate nature and to feel at home in the natural world.  For Waldorf children, daily outdoor play is essential, through the heat of summer and even on the most frigid winter days.  Of course, Waldorf parents send their children to school with boots, hats, scarves, wool mittens –well prepared for the weather.  If the schoolyard has the slightest hill, you will be sure to see the children sledding daily in the snowy months. 
  
Observation of the changing seasons in early childhood provides a foundation for later scientific study.  As the child progresses through Waldorf school, teachers will take hiking trips where students will study and draw the anatomy of a plant or observe weather patterns.  The seasons are a perennial subject for Waldorf watercolor paintings as well. 
Feeling at home in nature throughout the seasons, provides a child with a sense of wholeness and belonging to the world.  This sense of wholeness is at the foundation of Waldorf education and observation of the seasons instills a greater sense of connection to the natural world and to all life. 
Claudia Marie Lenart, Waldorf parent, volunteer, and longtime writer about Waldorf education is a needlefelt artist on Etsy.  Her shop is ClaudiaMarie Felt.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Form Drawing

 Form Drawing 
by Brenda Massei of Pail and Pie  
My eight year old son gets to choose his daily school work from a weekly checklist. Once per week his list includes form drawing and without fail, enthusiastically, he chooses it every Monday. So, what is so wonderful about form drawing for him? "Probably, I like it because of all the crazy forms I get to draw," he answers me. It may go deeper than that. 
In 1919 Rudolph Steiner introduced form drawing which is taught to children ages 6-10 . This simple idea, of having children essentially copy freehand drawings, is more than just a crayon to paper. Before children are shown a form to recreate on their page, they are immersed in the feeling of the form. Children are introduced to each new form through stories, movements through the air, or walking the form as a few examples. The feelings from this engagement with a form can vary based on the form taught.
 For instance, if a teacher has a restless group that needs energy, a sharp, stiff form can create some liveliness. In contrast, slow, rounded forms can do just the opposite, create harmony and peace for children who need some calm. Having children focus on a form and replicate it with intention create zen like moments that can linger.
Last year my son would not stop at the end of the page. Indeed he drew form drawing borders around his pages and went on to create new forms based on his moods. This year he chooses form drawing every monday and enjoys each new expression. An acquaintance's daughter grew up to create and sell beautiful celtic knot motifs on cards as an extension from early form drawing instruction. Form drawing is enjoyable.
 
 CELTIC DRAWN CARD:
Form drawing gives pleasure while creating repeated patterns with lines instead of waiting to admire only an end product. It is an experience one can feel. The creating can indeed trump the joy of the ended design.
Symmetry? Counting? Geometry? Art? Form drawing can dive into any of these aspects as indeed the line is the most primeval form of creation and art. Teaching children to enjoy the movement of line over paper proves beneficial.
Read more about how form drawing affects your mood in the article Form Drawing by Rosemary Gebert. (Link: http://www.waldorflibrary.org/images/stories/articles/formdrawing.pdf)

See the connection of form drawing to art in the book: 
Painting and Drawing in Waldorf Schools Classes 1 to 8 by Thomas Wildgruber. 
 See more of Brenda's great articles on her blog:
Pail and Pie
 Visit Brenda's Waldorf on Etsy team shop for gift ideas: