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, 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.

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 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 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

"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

"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!"

Noble Dolls on Facebook

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."

Felt and Grain on Facebook

  

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."

Alkelda Dolls on Facebook

Alkelda Dolls Blog

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."

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Autumn in The Waldorf on Etsy Team

It's mid August but the shortening days and cooler evenings hint at the coming Autumn season.  here are some lovely items to celebrate.

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.

Woolley Mama, United Kingdom  Pippa Gibbons

"i am a mum of three and a Steiner trained teacher, i have been a handwork teacher and now assist in a Kindergarten. I am passionate about the use of natural materials. My work reflects a Waldorf style of craft with a reverence for nature and the cycle of the seasons, with many gnomes, fairies and pixies prancing through."
Woolley Mama on Facebook

Advent Apple, Dry Felted

"Dry felted advent apple.Celebrate the coming of advent with these dry felted advent apples. Great for advent nature tables or to place on your Christmas tree (safer that lighted candles)."

Jasmine Velvet, Wisconsin, USA  Jennifer Motl

"I never thought I'd end up making eco-friendly, wearable art that lasts for generations. Most of my previous jobs have been very practical--I'm also a registered dietitian and journalist. But my parents and grandparents always have been creative. When I was a little girl, one of my grandmothers sewed me a furry, brown teddy bear with a black velvet nose. I named him "Brownie"--maybe not the most creative choice, but hey, I was 3 years old--and loved him almost to pieces. I dragged him on adventures daily, snuggled with Brownie at bedtime, and lovingly rubbed all the velvet off his nose.

To this day, touching velvet feels like a hug from my Grandma Lorraine. But it's hard to find velvet items for women. Last year, I was excited to discover I could buy white silk velvet scarves and dye them any color I wanted with professional fiber-reactive dyes. And, being a mom, I wanted to color clothes for my toddler, so I learned some techniques for dyeing fun, machine-washable cotton clothing--my son loves his iced-dyed super-hero cape and matching T-shirt."Jasmine Velvet on Facebook
Jasmine Velvet Website

Brown Silk Infinity Scarf, hand dyed brown and white scarf

"This hand painted silk scarf is colorfast and hand washable. This brown silk infinity scarf is the colors of a root beer float. Hand dyed brown and white scarf is a lightweight scarf made of Habotai silk, with a soft sheen. This brown infinity scarf is a long infinity scarf: about 11x72" around (28x183 cm). I used modern colorfast dyes and traditional Japanese shibori folding and dyeing techniques to create this tie dye scarf."

The Toadstool Forest, New Hampshire, USA  Elizabeth

"I am a crafty homeschooling mama to three beautiful girls. They are my inspiration and motivation to create toys and learning tools they love. Hopefully your children will too. It is important to me to use the highest quality natural materials in all my creations. I hope you see something tickles your fancy."
The Toadstool Forest on Facebook 

Waldorf Inspired Trick or Treaters ~ Witch, Jack O Lantern, Ghost peg dolls ~ Halloween Gnomes ~ Story Telling Props ~ Black, Orange & White

"These Waldorf inspired Trick or Treaters are sure to bring a bit of spooky fun to your seasonal table, story telling or imaginary play. The three friends include Little Witch, Jack O Lantern Gnome and Baby Ghost. Little Witch is made from a wooden angle peg which has been sanded smooth. Her dress is painted with grey water color. Her pointy hat and cloak are 100% wool felt and have been hand sewn. Her broom is a wood handle with cotton floss. Broom is removable. She stands approximately 4" tall. Jack O Lantern Gnome is a wooden peg doll which has been sanded smooth. His orange outfit has a needle felted jack o lantern face. His green gnome hat is his pumpkin's stem. He stands approximately 4.5" tall. Baby Ghost is a wooden peg doll which has been sanded smooth. His white ghostly robe is hand cut and sewn out of 100% wool felt. He wears a matching gnome hat. He stands approximately 2" tall. All three have wood burned eyes and have been finished with beeswax polish. This is a handmade item. The picture is representative of what you will receive, however please realize that slight differences will occur as a result of the creative possess. Made in a smoke free home."

Pretty Dreamer, New Hampshire, USA  Pamela

"my name is Pamela and I live in the small mountain town in southwestern NH. I still love toys; trees and the living things that grow wild; histories, origins, storybooks, picture books and fairy tales of all kind; rocks, mountains, maps and terrain; typography, and ideas turned upside-down; folk hands, hand-stitching, patterns, textures, color and honest traditions that run deep; and all the other friendly playful things that function or are simply made to bring joy .... here I am two hands and a mischievous imagination making lively, useful, colorful, simple things for home and play. I studied sculpture and design at the Cooper Union in NYC where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts. I haven't stop chasing an idea yet. I love working with the materials that come from our natural world, like the native woods that grow near to where I live. I love the truthfulness of these materials and how they keep us connected to the place where we live."
Pretty Dreamer on Facebook
Pretty Dreamer on Twitter
Pretty Dreamer on Pinterest
Pretty Dreamer Website
 Etsy Featured Shop: 
Country Living Magazine featured product:

the windswept table/ woodland candle holders-- Featured: Country Living Magazine ---- eco friendly rustic weddings / nature inspired decor

"barely an oak leaf still hangs above ...
the autumn winds have swept them free..
and blown them here,
to the windswept table ...
handcrafted of native, sustainably-harvested hardwood
creates a stunning display in light and shadow. ..
a beautiful celebration of light for the nature inspired table,
woodland weddings and eco-friendly home decor
wonderful hostess gift that shares the gift of warmth
and light all the year round.
listing includes a set of 3 candle holders
with pure hand poured beeswax tea lights:
set of three nature-inspired woodland candle holders"

AdiCeramicsAndArt, Israel   Adi Meyrav

"I am 28 years old living in Jerusalem, Israel. I studied ceramics for 3 years and love making different kinds of art - pottery, paintings, felt and wool products.  Every thing I make is done with lots of thought behind it and with a perpetual search for development and true meaning. Because of that, each item is unique and one of a kind.  All the items in my shop are perfect as presents for loved ones, or for your own use."

Jug with cork, salt fired

"This one of a kind, medium sized jug was hand made on a throwing wheel, with stoneware clay in high temperature salt firing (1260c). The unique color and texture are given by the radical effects of the salt thrown into the kiln during the firing. The jug is liquid safe glazed.  The jug can be used for storing different kinds of liquids - oil, vinegar, alcohol, etc.  The jug measures approximately 10cm wide and 13.5cm high (4'' X 5.3'') and can hold 1.75 cups (14 oz, 400ml) of liquid."

Claudia Nanni Fine Art,  Switzerland   Claudia Nanni

"I am an Italian Artist, Veggy mom of two little girls (Diana&Leda) and I really love Waldorf World! Now I live in Switzerland since 2010. I like to reflect on Nature and try to find myself in her. I have always painted and since I was a child have dreamed of magic images talking to sensitive hearts. They say I use bright, harmonious and powerful colors. I love the shades of blue and its subtle strength. Being evocative, for me, is a real need, which transpires in my paintings! I hope that you may find the right subject for you in my latest collection, and that it will lead you upwards towards the high peaks in your hearts! So, Welcome to my shop! and may all the pictures you choose guide you on your deepest, innermost paths!"

Claudia Nanni on Facebook

Claudia Nanni on Twitter

Claudia Nanni on Pinterest

Claudia Nanni on Instagram

Libra Zodiac Constellation. Original miniature paintings. Canvas art. Libra constellation.

"Wall art. Libra Constellation, unique original paintings for a very special gift. Special gift for anniversary or Birthday. Blue mini paintings with Libra Constellations. Blue painting with stars. Home decor, Waldorf inspired art. NOTE:This listing is for 1 single original painting (Libra constellation). Along with the painting I will send you a card (with the astrological description) that you can hang on the wall or attach it to the back to create a UNIQUE piece. Is a very original idea!! :) Please look carefully to the pictures of this listing :)  FOR ANOTHER CONSTELLATION SIGN please visit this listing:  https://www.etsy.com/ch-en/listing/204066260/waldorf-art-12-zodiac-constellations?ref=shop_home_active_14&langid_override=7"

Tic Tac Toys, Spain   Ana y Joaquín

"This shop is the realization of a dream, I hope you enjoy our creations as much as we do them. Welcome to the enchanted forest.  We are craftsmen, we work with our hands and we love to participate in multiple shows whether ecological, design or craft."
Tic Tac Toys on Facebook

Carmina. Special fairy needle felted Waldorf. Orange and red merino wool.

"Carmina, a friendly fairy and temperamental, unlike her fellow likes to wear short hair and hat, beautiful combination of colors in merino wool feel and unbeatable quality, based on the guidelines waldorf, promote fantasy and fill rooms joy when their soft wool is rocked by the wind.  We custom orders, design your fairy, invents his colors, send a sketch and make it happen  Our figures are made of merino wool certified German origin (Öko-Tex Standard 100) is very important certification for the wool does not contain toxic substances and the origin of the wool is respectful of the animal. We are totally opposed to the animal abuse. Our supplier is free of mulesing.  It is for this reason that we intend to adjust our prices to the fullest by offering certified materials and elaborate work with proper use can be passed from generation without any problems, thanks to proper pressing with needles that give a proper consistency to our creations."

Waldorf on Etsy Team Treasury

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