steiner dolls

I have been doing some research on Steiner dolls.  I was initially inspired soozs tutorial that she put on whip up recently.  She also has started a Steiner Doll flickr group.

A Steiner doll can also be known as a Waldorf Doll.  They are based on Rudolf Steiner’s theories on child development and the Steiner/Waldorf Education System.

The photo of the pair of dolls is from Joys Waldorf Dolls.

These toys are made from natural materials and are designed to be open ended to spark imagination and creativity.  The dolls are made to resemble a child and their facial expressions are of a neutral emotion.  This allows the child to determine the dolls mood eg. happy, sad, sleepy depending on the scene they have created.

I love the fact that these dolls are supposed to be stuffed with wool.  This adds a real weight to the toy and would also warm up if cuddled or slept with.

I found lots of sites about these dolls and I was surprised to see the amount of Australian ones relating to Siteiner Schools and businesses.

Winterwood toys is a Steiner based online/mail order craft store that sells natural toy making materials. 

Sarah’s dolls is also an Australian site that sells dolls as well as patterns, kits and a DVD tutorial for making your own. Pictured right is “Dreamtime Baby” and I think I will order this pattern (or kit) from her to make for my little girl.