We had a parent/teacher meeting at Teddy’s little Waldorf school last night. While our magical teacher enthralled us all with the Kindergarten going’s on, the parents engaged in ‘meaningful work’. Our task was to make a little Waldorf doll. What a delight it was. It was my first Waldorf doll and I’m not quite finished but my little Teddy will have a ‘Little One’ to love soon. With this in my heart and Christmas around the corner, I wanted to share this wonderful post from the archives…
I am delighted to share the artistry and sheer beauty of Waldorf Dolls in today’s Discovering Waldorf post. Marie, who comes from Austria, has been making these magical dolls for many years and has kindly agreed to share her knowledge, wisdom and art with us. Please enjoy her lovely words and photos.


Karin Neuschütz, Das Puppenbuch

“Play with dolls is of special importance because it is one of the ways through which the child can externalize his own inner being.”
Rahima Baldwin Dancy, You Are Your Child’s First Teacher



Shariffa Oppenheimer in regards to Waldorf dolls
The appearance of a Waldorf Doll is intentionally simple with minimal facial features in order to allow the child playing with it to improve and strengthen imagination and creativity.
The beauty of simplicity is stimulating creative learning by drawing on the child’s imagination.
Jaffke Freya, Toymaking With Children


The very first doll for a newborn can be a simple silk snuggle doll made from one piece of silk and a little wool ball. This kind of Snuggle Doll is probably the most simple but yet one of the most enhanching dolls I know.

The Pillow Doll or Cuddle doll is a great doll for young children. It is very soft and cuddly and can be a Babies first friend.





Maricristin Sealey, Making Waldorf Dolls
Thank you SO much, Marie! Your dolls are enchanting… so much so that I honestly want one for myself! I love the image you make of the child’s love and hugs literally giving her doll life through her very own body warmth. And I can totally see how your doll’s simple facial features can take on any expression and emotion through the child’s own imagination. Once again, as with so many Waldorf ideas, less is so much more.
8 Responses
Lovely post :-) My dd was seven by the time I finally got the courage to make her a doll – way too late, and I was disappointed with myself because it turned out to be far easier than I’d imagined. It wasn’t as beautiful of course as the dolls in this article.
Such a lovely article Marie – your dolls are beautiful.
Donni – Can’t wait to see the little doll you are making for Teddy :)
Thank you for this inspiring post! I just tried my hand at making one too.
Jennifer
thanks for this….I am looking for a doll for my little one and the children at our up and coming waldorf inspired preschool….I will check this business out, surely!
From the moment I first saw a Waldorf doll, I was in love. They are so beautiful! Any child would be so lucky to have one that Marie makes, they look amazing!
Stephanie
Another beautiful and inspiring post. I love these dolls created with such love and care which are a vast difference to many other commercially produced dolls. I have wanted to make one for my little girl for some time now and after reading this I will either buy one of these beautiful dolls or try to make one myself.
Thank you for such wonderful inspirations,
have a wonderful day. xxx
I cannot sew to save my life. Yet about a year ago, I made my now three year-old daughter a lovely Waldorf Heavy Doll (filled with millet scented with lavender). It took me 2-3 days, but it turned out much better than I could have ever hoped. “Baby” is still a well-loved member of our family–and has been on many adventures. I really urge those of you who want a Waldorf doll, to try and make your own. Mine was a kit I bought from Joy’s Waldorf Dolls.
beautiful dolls,
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