Waldorf Doll Inspirations

Here are examples of the doll used as inspiration for a tangible, hold-in-your hand, Comfy Mumfy basic starter gift for each grandchild. They are called Waldorf Dolls.

Here is a doll from my all-time favorite waldorf-style doll maker, Mohini babai:

This doll was purchased from the Hungarian doll-maker,
and shipped to England for Lil Miss' first birthday.

Following are other wonderful examples:

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I think I have died and gone to Dolly Heaven...

Here's a quote from Blueberry Forest:

The neutral features of a Waldorf doll help to develop a child's imagination and allows the child to see the doll laughing, crying, sleeping, and being happy or sad.  Through the child's imagination, the child imparts soul-feelings to the doll.

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There are different Waldorf dolls for different ages.  In the first year, a simple Kathe Kruse Towel Doll without arms and legs is ideal.  It is easy to grab and little fingers practice holding the doll. (So that's where the "star babies" dolls came from. Of course, the little ones need something easy to grab and hold. So I wasn't far off with the idea of a dolly/kiki combo...)

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After the first birthday, children love to carry their dolls, and begin using their imaginations to develop the doll's personality.  A small light doll with arms and legs is ideal.  (For example, the Kathe Kruse Sweetheart Dolls, the Kathe Kruse Nicki-Gnome dolls, and the Kathe Kruse Nicki Baby Dolls.

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At around the third year, children tend to want to have and hold a doll like him/herself.

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In kindergarten the child meets other children with whom the child has to get along and exchange views.  At this age children want to practice pretend washing with the doll, caring for the doll (dressing and changing clothing) and just playing with the dolls, using their imaginations.  At this age children also enjoy caring for their little doll friend(s); finger combing the hair soft mohair wool hair or the soft boucle wool hair; changing doll clothing outfits.

Oh my!

Walky-feet dollies

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A dolly for the dolly...

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...and HAIR!!!

Source for photos below:

Little Jenny Wren's Waldorf Photostream

Little Jenny Wren Collection

Visit her blog:

Little Jenny Wren's Playroom

Here's a tutorial on how to make those wigs:

Photostream here

Also, here's how to make doll hair into buns:

Bamboletta


 and 

Here's an etsy store to look at:
German Dolls LLC

Visit their blog for:

Excellent commentary on sewing 
Sweet Dolly Faces
and
a link to how to clean and care for a 
German Doll


...speaking of sweet faces...

Here is "Little Peppermint Bonbon"
Thank you, Little Jenny Wren!



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There are always more inspirations to find...

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And here's a knit version...


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...and the Photostream tutotial is here.



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Thanks to Beth for these amazing inspirations!!!