Many dolls and toys were made at home during the long winter months with materials that were to hand:- wood, sheep's wool and cloth scraps.  Although some of these have been adapted and mass produced over the years as commercial enterprises, the true type of Waldorf doll is still made at home by hand.

WALDORF  DOLLS

The origins of this type of doll are European, possibly German in 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Doll maker Kathe Kruse began producing cloth dolls with papier-mâché heads that were covered with stockinette cloth. Although Kathe Kruse dolls are no longer made this way, she is also known for creating what is known as the Waldorf Doll, a simple, soft, huggable hand made doll with a characteristic head shape. 

Consequently, this technique of doll making overlaps with the moulded face doll techniques and doll skinning.

Waldorf dolls have a strong connection with Steiner Education Communities and Schools, based on Rudolf Steiner’s methods.  'Simple toys made from natural material are recognized as being of great importance for the wholesome development of young children'.

construction of face