Waldorf inspired dolls and crafts
Learn how to make a jointed Waldorf style doll
If you like sewing and crafting, and would like to create something special to be treasured by a child you love, I would like to help you.
Making Waldorf inspired dolls requires many skills and techniques, all of which can be learned. I have developed a number of patterns for all kinds of Waldorf dolls, from cuddle dolls, blanket dolls to pocket dolls. I can teach you all the doll making techniques, so you can create beautiful hand made dolls that will last a lifetime.
I would love to join you on your Waldorf doll making journey!
Emmy & Esther dolls
DOLL SHOP
To buy one of my dolls, please visit my shop. I add new dolls to the shop as and when they are ready. All my dolls are UKCA tested, and safe for children from birth. Please note that I currently only sell to UK based customers.
CUSTOM DOLLS
Would you like a one-of-a-kind doll for a child you love? Perhaps a doll that looks like the child, or someone that is dear to them? I can custom-make a doll for you with your chosen skin, eye and hair colour and clothes of your choice. Please contact me if you would like to know more about custom made dolls.
Projects and thoughts
Perpetual Calendar
A perpetual calendar can be used to help children learn to understand the passage of time, the rhythm of the seasons and why the moon is seemingly changing its shape all the time. It's fun to create your own calendar, but it can be tricky to get the circle and...
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies
Tinned pumpkin puree – who would have thought? Who would have thought that you could make something so delicious from a tin of pureed pumpkin, but these cookies are so delicious they will become a staple in our home every autumn. They also freeze very well, and it is...
Who needs a doll?
Have dolls gone out of fashion?A few weeks ago, I overheard a mother at the playground say that her daughter really loved playing with dolls at nursery and wanted a doll for her birthday, but she and her husband resisted buying her one - her words were "we're not...
Stay in the loop
About Emmy & Esther
Hello, my name is Julia – welcome to my world!
Emmy & Esther is named after my daughter Emmy and her two grandmothers who both happen to be called Esther.
I have been a maker and craft lover ever since I could use my hands. I made my first Waldorf doll when I was about 6 years old, and going to a Waldorf kindergarten has certainly left a mark on my creativity.
Both my grandmothers, one Greek and one Austrian, were extremely skilled at handwork – from intricate embroidery, crochet and knitting to sewing. My mother was a keen Waldorf doll maker back in the 80s, and she and my grandmothers taught me so much of what I know about my crafts. I think of them every day when I pick up a crochet hook they gave me or use a technique they taught me.
I love working with natural fibres, and I feel hugely inspired by nature. I never come back from a walk empty handed. Pebbles, sea shells, conkers, pine cones, leaves, feathers… they are objects given to us by nature that want to be picked up and treasured.
Since becoming a mother I have been more inspired than ever to make. This inspiration was not only rooted in a need for hand made toys for my daughter to play with, but also in my belief that my daughter’s own creativity will flourish out of mine.
To create is to live twice
ALBERT CAMUS