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For me, crafting was my path to discovering Waldorf… {and a very lovely path it is *wink*}
I was drawn to the whimsy, simplicity and beauty of Waldorf crafts. Made generally by hand, using beautiful natural materials.
So entranced by rainbows, gnomes, sprites and the other trappings of Waldorf, I have re-discovered the joy of handmade toys and clothes. Knitting, woodwork and hand sewing have become my favourites, but I also dabble in needle felting and even dying my own play silks!
And the wonderful thing is, because of the simplicity of the Waldorf approach, the patterns and techniques are easy to learn! And so here are some of my favourite crafting books…
Dipping into the pages of The Gnome Craft book is such fun! It includes wonderful patterns and simple instructions for making gnome finger puppets, stick gnomes, cuddly gnomes and gnomes for the nature table.
Many of these gnomes could be made by children too.
#2 Creative Play for Your Toddler
This lovely book introduces toys to make for your children for different stages of play, including imaginative play, interactive play and discovery.
It includes patterns and instructions for many classic Waldorf toys like Waldorf dolls, ribbon wands, knitted rabbits, felt horses, blocks, fishing sets, wooden rafts and parachute people. I often return to this book for ideas for gifts, and enjoy revisiting the description of the different stages of children’s play.
#3 Natural Wooden Toys
I love flicking through the pages of this book and being inspired to craft with wood. It includes helpful explanation about how to cut wood for toys and options for painting them with natural paint.
There are many wonderful patterns for trees, animals, rainbows, castles and dragons! Ohh, I can’t wait to get the scroll saw back out!!
#4 The Nature Corner
For inspiration for your nature table, this is a great book! It includes beautiful photos of nature displays through the seasons and many patterns with helpful instructions.
I’ve used a number of the patterns when making animals to go with the knitted farm that the children received at Christmas. And I’d love to try my hand at making the Mrs Thaw *grin*
#5 Knitted Animals
This book includes some very sweet and simple to knit animal patterns, which was really handy when making my knitted farm.
I also pull it out when making toys for babies… such as gorgeous knitted horses!
#6 Gifts from the Garden
And this inspiring book is not so much a ‘Waldorf’ craft book, but one that complements the ideas of Waldorf to use items from your own backyard to create with.
It was a gift from my mum, and I must admit I adore it and would like to make everything in it! From body scrubs, preserves, bath bombs, milk bath mixtures and edible sugar flowers… love, love, love ~ a book for mama *grin*
I think the further I wander down this path, the more awakened and creative I feel I am becoming…
What Waldorf crafts are you drawn to?
And what are your favourite Waldorf craft books?
Happy crafting,
Kelly
