Just over a week ago, I attended a
weekend Waldorf Doll Making workshop in Hereford! It was run and hosted by the
very talented Ildiko of Waldorf Doll Shop. It was a very
intensive 2 days ………….. and with ‘homework’ to be done on the Saturday evening
too! That was to start crocheting the wig cap. Ildiko had us working hard,
because there’s a lot to do to complete a doll in a weekend – she’s a very good
and thorough teacher; and the ‘proof of the pudding’ is in the dolls we
produced. And that didn’t include making the clothes either – they were already
made for us. During the weekend, Ildiko also fed and watered us with plenty of
delicious homemade food, biscuits and refreshments.
I’ve had a go at making a couple of Waldorf dolls over
the last year, but with little success. It’s the head and face that’s the key –
get that wrong and you’ll have a weird looking doll, so that’s what the
majority of the workshop concentrates on. My interest in these dolls has been
growing over the last couple of years – and at the same time, my interest in
the teddy bears has been diminishing. The elephant I showed in the last post
was the first bear I’d made in over 12 months and I didn’t particularly enjoy
making it, so I see myself going down the Waldorf Doll route from now on so
long as I can repeat the technique next time. I like that they’re made totally
organically of all natural products, which is part of the Steiner principals. I
also approve of the fact they are likely to be played with by children, which
is why they are made so well. There are collectors out there too, but they are
really designed to be played with.
Anyway, the little lady in green is the
one I made - note, every bit is handmade! There were five of us making dolls
and the next picture shows all the dolls together made by Sue, Alice,
Manuela, Siobhan and me. 
Now I don’t wish to offend anyone, but I
just have to show you her cute little bum :0)
If you're not familiar with Waldorf dolls, their origins are in the Steiner education system, although the original doll was
of a much simpler design.
