What is a Waldorf doll?

We will be making Waldorf-inspired dolls. We want dolls that are made for children, not plastic "Barbie" that exposes young children to stereotypes. We want to make dolls that are cuddly, have simple faces and that our children can culturally identify with. There is a lot of hard work and love that goes into making such dolls, but we believe that the effort will be worthwhile when we see the smiles on the children's faces.

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What is a Waldorf doll?

An extract from "A Waldorf Doll and its Role in a Child’s Development" by Daria - NobbyOrganics

A Waldorf doll is a type of doll used in Waldorf education. It is usually handmade from natural fibers and materials like wool, silk, and cotton, using traditional European doll-making techniques. Natural fibers are warm to the touch and feel more real, compared to synthetic and plastic materials used in the commercially produced dolls.  The wool stuffing absorbs the child’s warmth, producing a soothing effect. Its facial features are intentionally made very simple, which helps to spark the child’s imagination. Depending on the child’s mood, the doll can be happy, sleepy, sad, or even angry and crying. 

A Waldorf doll is much more than just a toy; it’s a link between two worlds, the child’s and the adult’s. Children have a natural desire to imitate their parents’ behavior. They love to pretend to be doctors, teachers, cooks etc. and dolls usually become the first props in their pretend play. Doll play helps to develop language and social skills, making children more creative and less aggressive. By dressing and feeding dolls, children also further develop motor skills and coordination. Doll playing allows children to practice their future roles as adults, helping them develop love and care for other people. A Waldorf Doll becomes a friend, a true companion with whom a child shares her (or his) feelings, hopes, dreams, and adventures.

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I also love these quotes, which so aptly summarise the beauty of the Waldorf doll.

“As the child nurtures & mothers the doll, he is – not simply metaphorically but also in reality – caring for himself. It is important therefore, that we offer a doll that closely resembles him/her, not so much in features but rather in proportion. The child’s “felt experience” of the doll will remain with him/her. So let’s keep the doll simple, proportional & tactilely truthful.” - Shariffa Oppenheimer in regards to Waldorf dolls

“When they are fashioned simply, they make the entire range of human appearance possible through the child’s imagination.” - Jaffke Freya, Toymaking With Children

“They are real ‘child dolls’ not because they mimic exactly the features and form of an individual as many of the tough plastic toys available today try to do, but because they reflect the inner softness and warmth both of their maker and their owner.” - Maricristin Sealey, Making Waldorf Dolls

I also love this video by Bamboletta on how a Waldorf-style doll is made. We hope to make a similar video of our very own doll-making studio one day :-)