Animals Part Two from the Waldorf On Etsy Team

This week we have animal items from 6 more shops around the world.  Next week will be something different but I have not decided yet.  Let me know in the comments if you have an idea.

Weekly posts showcase handmade items 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.  We appreciate you sharing on social media.

Needle Felted Poseable Chipmunk from ClaudiaMarieFelt

Claudia from Illinois, USA loves to needlefelt!

"Bring the woodlands inside with this little chipmunk. He is a little smaller than a live chimpmunk and he was created with wool through the art of needle felting. This listing is for one (1) chipmunk.This chimpmunk is poseable and you could change his poses with your mood. He could also be posed holding a nut in his hands. He has a wire frame that runs through his body, limbs and tail. He was made of a variety of natural wool and fibers, mostly natural hues. He is soft and was created with shetland wool, mohair and alpaca wool. He is about 8 inches long including his tail. He stands about 4.5 inches tall in the crouched position. My needle-felted creations are original designs that I create from photos and drawings. I sign each work on the bottom with a needle-felted logo."


She is on Facebook and Instagram

Tiger Doll from TomboyNanny

Melissa Mara from California, USA has a shop full of brightly crocheted items.

"A perfect children's bedtime toy, this orange and black cat would be a perfect friend! He'd be a great Hobbes for your little Calvin (or Susie!). He's about 10" when sitting (and yes, he can sit up on his own). He is made of bright, durable acrylic yarn, with hypoallergenic polyester stuffing. He can be tossed around and tackled by a 5-year-old and still hold his shape.  This item is MADE TO ORDER, so if you would prefer him in a different color, I can make one in pretty much any color imaginable, in about 3-4 business days. Just message me."

Check her Facebook and Blog and Instagram.



Hungry Squirrels Color Sorting Game from BraveBeaver





Emese from Hungary crafts in wood with her two teenage sons.

"Fall is here, squirrels are hungry. They go nuts about these colorful acorns. Help them find more and more.  This color sorting, and fine motor skills developer game is a great tool to teach colors to your kids by sorting felted acorns, basic math concepts with the dotted dice.  The game is simple: roll the dice and gather the right amount and color of acorns. If you roll black, you miss a turn. If there are less acorns left in that color, you miss a turn. Easy peasy.  This is handmade wooden toy, painted with non-toxic paint, finished with beeswax. The dots are burned in the wood.  Our hand-made, Waldorf education inspired toys are made with big care and love."
Brave Beaver on Facebook

Art Print Puppy from illustratingforkids

Micha Klan from Germany has many lovely original designs for children in her shop.

"Puppy hunting a butterfly. When my dear old pet was a puppy he loved tu hunt everything that was moving. And all the children in the neighborhood had fun.  By now it is eleven years old and lies most the time snoring under my desk.  This digital painting is a lovely wall decoration for small children.  The size of the image is:  20 x 25 cm with a small white rim.  The printing will be done after your order.  You have the possibility to choose between two paper qualities:

1.The image will be printed on Torchon Cellulose paper, warm white from Hahnemühle.
This paper is a watercolor paper with a fine texture and a matt surface.
2. The image will be printed on artist carton, brilliant white.
Both printings will get a Hahnemühle finish, which protects them from dust and color fading."
Micha has a blog.

Luigi, little monkey form RoseetMarie

Karen Baudry from France made this sweet doll and also many classic Waldorf dolls.

Here is Luigi, the little Monkey! About 11 inches, Luigi is realized with a brown false fur and a cotton jersey fabric. Luigi is stuffed with virgin carded wool. The face is embroidered in the same way as waldorf dolls. Luigi is a quite soft animal which asks only for cuddles!! Completely realized in the hand, he will suits for the game of children over 3 years. Hand washing - Natural drying

Find her on Facebook and her website.

4 Card Set Birds of Beebe Woods by Salley Mavor

Salley Mavor from Massachusetts, USA makes exquisite figures in felt with  detailed embroidery.

"Set of 4 printed note cards of detailed images from Salley Mavor's embroidered sculpture, "Birds of Beebe Woods". The full piece is reproduced as an 18" x 24" poster, which is also available on Etsy:https://www.etsy.com/listing/108276498/birds-of-beebe-woods-18-x-24-poster
The image shows a close-up of the wool felt birds, clearly depicting the hand embroidered details. This image show close-ups of the flashy blue jay and regal gold finch, clearly depicting the hand embroidered details. Please note: the copyright watermark will not appear on the card.  Set of 4 cards, 4.25" x 6", with envelopes. Bulk discount available on orders of 24 or more "Blue Jay" note cards. Just request a custom order.  The original BIRDS OF BEEBE WOODS piece will be displayed May 15 - Sept 15, 2015 at Highfield Hall and Gardens in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Oct 21. 2015 – January 10, 2016 ~ "Insects to Elephants" at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts in Cedarburg, Wisconsin."

Salley has a blog. and is on Facebook.

CHECK OUT THE WALDORF ON ETSY TEAM SHOP

AND ON FACEBOOK

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Animals from the Waldorf on Etsy Team

Back again with animal themed items from six international shops in our Waldorf on Etsy Team.  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.

Weekly posts showcase handmade items 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.

Pilot Hat from Picknicker Blue

Karsten Liesner from Germany sews children's clothing, adult clothing and housewares in fun patterns. About this shop listing she writes "A comfy hat in light blue with red foxes.  So stay warm ears in winter, there are some under the chin ties.  Having two layers this baby aviator hat is reversible and there are also no itchy tags or seams annoying your child.  Inside comfy cotton velours in baby blue (or red if you like).  This double-layered joyful baby pilot hat completely covers your child’s ears keeping out the wind and cold.  The baby hat is easy to put on and therefor perfect for "doing alone phase" of your child.  ♥ All items by 'pickNicker' are 100% handmade and can slightly differ from the ones in the photos."

She is on Facebook.

Blue Elephant Necklace from Catching Waves

Karen Anderson from California, USA makes interesting ethnic and gemstone jewelry.  "

The three little blue elephants in this necklace were handmade in China in the early 1900s. They are fully dimensional silver plated copper beads with repousse' work on both sides. Two of the elephants have Royal blue and one has medium blue enameling, with silver accents on the trunk, eyes, mouth, and ears. They are about 43mm wide by 32mm tall--and as cute as they can be.  The elephants are strung with vintage Chinese porcelain beads from the 1930s, hand painted in Royal Blue glaze with little ducks on one side and lotus flowers on the other. The smaller dark blue glass beads are also vintage and I believe Chinese (they came from a hand-knotted carved cinnabar necklace). These are heavy, solid glass with a beautiful lapis blue color. The lighter blue rondelles are vintage Venetian glass."

Check out her Facebook Page.

Farm Animal Memory Game from 2 Hearts Desire

Karen and Jack in Massachusetts, USA have a shop full of wooden items for all ages.  She describes this game: "Each set includes 16 discs (the numbers theme has 20 discs) that are blank on one side and painted with an assortment of themes on the other. WE DO NOT STAMP OUR DISKS. Each disc is hand-drawn, hand painted and outlined in black. (some variances may occur). Comes with its own muslin drawstring bag for easy storage and portability making it a great game while traveling or waiting in the doctor's office or at a restaurant. Directions included.  Why not make a more challenging game by adding another one of our sets to double the fun?"
https://www.etsy.com/listing/164754652/memory-game-transportation-waldorf-toy?ref=related-5
https://www.etsy.com/listing/128928674/memory-game-zoo-animals-going-to-the-zoo?ref=shop_home_active
https://www.etsy.com/listing/225463241/memory-game-super-heroes-waldorf-toy?ref=shop_home_active_7

Find them on Facebook.

Needle Felted Penguin from Artywool

Mari Vanzon from the Netherlands has many appealing animals as well as homespun for sale. "This lovely penguin with his baby was handmade by me. Papa penguin lovingly cares for his little one. They are 15 cm (5.9") and 6 cm (2.4") tall. All the animals are handmade of wool that is carefully selected by me. A lot of love and attention is integrated in this unique sculpture. Most of the wool is bought from local sheep, handwashed, coloured by hand, and carded, before transformed in a life like animal. Needle felting is a form of sculpting, it takes a lot of time to make the definite form. Gradually the animal comes to life and looks at you with his own unique personality. It is a magical process! A needle felted sculpture is a work of art, it is not suitable for active playing. It is important to keep the sculpture clean, for it can not easily be washed."

Bear Pillow by Waldorf Dolls By Iren

Irene Bodnar from Hungary makes classic Waldorf dolls.  Of this pillow doll she writes "This unique bear pillow is a lovely, soft cuddling toy for your kid.It’s made of cottonl fabric. His eyes and his nose is a soft felt fabric, with embroidered stitch for mouth.  This pillow doll is filled with synthetic toy filling (so it's easy to wash), but I can make you one with pure wool if you prefer.
Suitable from birth upwards. Child safe (no buttons or other removable parts), soft, warm, light and very easy to handle.

Click to see her Facebook page.

Crochet Owl Bag from Denise Clemenco

Denise Clemenco from Romania diversifies her shop with crocheted items and exquisite Byzantine religious paintings. "Little Owl crochet toy / cushion is a cuddly and soft toy meant to become the best friend of your child. Here is a Crochet Owl Purse that will be perfect for any young girl. It is for children under 3 years. size 12cm / 14cm.

Learn more on her Blog

CHECK OUT THE WALDORF ON ETSY TEAM SHOP

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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

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

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."

Felt Pocket Dolls from Domus Lodus 

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

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."

Rainbow Girl Gnomes from Gnome Werks

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

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

A Most Wonderful Waldorf Toy and Art Store

 
Welcome to our shop, Waldorf on Etsy. 
 
Come spend time with us, browse our aisles, daydream and enter into a world of imagination. Make sure to bring the little ones.

Our shop is filled with handcrafted toys and other items, inspired by Waldorf schools, and created from natural materials by crafters and artists from all over the world. 
 
Our shop exists online as the Waldorf on Etsy team.

We are Waldorf parents, Waldorf teachers, homeschoolers, Waldorf alumni.  We are inspired by the beautiful, natural toys that are the tradition in Waldorf schools. 

We come from the mountains of California, the farms of New England, towns in the Midwest, as well as Australia, Kenya, the British Isles, Chile, France . . . We have more than 250 members from across the globe.

Our individual shops offer a plethora of toys that will inspire a child’s imagination, as well as other Waldorf inspired art and items.
 
 We have sweet, huggable Waldorf dolls in every style imaginable and huggable creatures as well. Our shops include lovely items for the nature table, like needle-felted animals, fairies and gnomes. 
 
Spend hours storytelling with finger puppets, peg dolls and fairy tale dolls. Our favorite materials are wool, wood, silk and cotton.

Some of our shops include wearables like crafting aprons, birthday crowns, and flower hairclips and headbands. 

We have soft and natural playthings for babies and Waldorf fairies and toys that teach children about nature, the seasons, the weather and the world.

We are like so many parents who take a natural approach to parenting; most of us started out by making toys for our own children.

 Please take some time to explore our individual shops and see how Waldorf has inspired and united us.

Thank you for visiting please come again!

A Drop of Joy

Today we welcome Tatum from Waldorf on Etsy Team Shop: 

A Drop Of Joy

Waldorf Inspired, Knit With Love

Soft Wool Flower Baby Teether

 I craft natural, Waldorf-inspired items for my own family and friends, and for yours. These are pieces which can last generations and will inspire hours of creative play. It is my hope that each piece I create and send out into the world will add at least a drop of joy.

Waldorf Birthday Crown

 My personal journey with Waldorf Education began in kindergarten and spanned 12 amazing years. Little did I know at the time, but I was immensely fortunate in having revered Waldorf teacher, Jack Petrash, as my primary instructor. As all students of Waldorf schools, or those experiencing Waldorf/Steiner homeschool guidance, my soul was enriched and nurtured through the holistic environment I spent so much time surrounded in. However, it was not until I had children of my own that the true beauty of the Waldorf lifestyle and education process became apparent.

Insulating Water Bottle Cover

Not having spent much (or any) time around young children as an adult, I had no real idea of how lacking in warmth and nurture our general environment is. I had the naive expectation that the experiences which nurtured my childhood were more or less the same as everyone else's. Further, I thought my children would be welcomed into the community in the same gentile and loving manner. Instead, I found myself surrounded by more plastic and battery operated gizmos and special contraptions to control or encourage every new developmental shift than I care to remember. None of it felt authentic or comfortable, and it wasn't until I reached back out to the greater Waldorf community that I truly found my footing as a mother.

Celebration Ring

Life has offered my family the opportunity to homeschool my children and truly incorporate Waldorf rhythms into every nook and cranny of our lives.  It has been an unexpected joy to be able to share the crafts I'm inspired to create for my own children with the Waldorf community at large via Etsy.  The items I offer are pieces I care deeply about.  Loving focus and energy are poured into bringing beauty and durability to each offering.  It is my hope that my small creations inspire you and bring alog a drop of joy into your home!

Soft Wool Teether 

To see more of Tatum's creations please visit her

Waldorf on Etsy shop:

A Drop Of Joy

MOLICAAustralia

Today we welcome Michelle of MOLICAAustralia to our 

Waldorf on Etsy Team!

 

MOLICAAustralia is about the love of natural materials, the beauty of uniquely handcrafted fiber art and eco friendly living.

  Michelle has been working with 100% Wool Felt and Fleece since 2005, because the colors and textures of these natural mediums are both attractive and comforting to people of all ages.  She creates pieces with the intention of inspiring creativity and imaginative play, whilst also reducing our environmental footprint.

The business name ‘MOLICA’ is a combination of her two daughter’s names because her interest in Natural Fiber Art was inspired by them.  They are now both budding artists and do some amazing work, which they are beginning to list for sale. 

 Michelle's work is a mixture of sewn and needle felted pieces, sometimes combining the two. Some pieces are adapted from pattern books, some are her own organic patterns.  Her needle felted sculptures come from a range of inspirations and imagination, all original works.
With a background in early childhood education and working with vulnerable families teaching parenting skills, Michelle wanted to do something that combined her early childhood knowledge around children’s play and development while at the same time supporting more environmentally ways of living and enjoy her creative pursuits.                  All of her work is made with care and attention, from quality natural materials, either sculpted from wool fleece or hand cut and sewn from 100% wool felt. Sewn items are stuffed with 100% pure wool fleece and sewn with quality cotton or silk thread.

  Michelle is:

 "Inspired by nature and motivated by the pleasure this work brings to me and to those who receive a unique gift hand made with care and creativity. My work celebrates nature, living simply and having reverence for beautiful handmade creations and artistic work."

Visit MOLICAAustralia at the following websites:

Etsy Facebook
Pinterest
The Textile and Fiber Art List

And be sure to check out Michelle's blog Step Lightly on the Earth where she celebrates nature, living simply and having reverence for beautiful creations, handmade from natural materials.

Remember,  the world of natural fiber art isn't just about the 'end product'.  It is about the rhythm of the making, discovery, creative expression and a way of living...... that is what her blog is about! 

Enjoy!