KD's Doll Shop

Christmas season is here! We have enjoyed hot chocolate, singing carols and making gifts together:) I have been rather busy this year and have not had as much time to focus on dollmaking, but I do have a few in the shop that are absolutely darling and ready to ship!

Painting...

I have so enjoyed this lovely Saturday with my family! For the most part, we spent the day in the art room creating our own special visions. In trying to develop myself in 2D art, I have set a goal of creating one painting or drawing a week using my favorite subjects: Cats, Mushrooms and my own dreamy sea people:) Here is what I did today...

My First Doll Making Workshop

I had such a wonderful and educational first doll making workshop this weekend! I had such a patient group of ladies that worked so very hard and created such precious dolls! We ended up working for 6 hours and finished nearly everything except for some finishing touches. So for the next workshop, I think I will plan for a 10am-5pm workshop with a few more breaks:) Here are a few pictures of our day...

New Studio

Ahhhhh, for the first time in my life I have a studio all to myself! That must be why ideas are flying all over the place:) In addition to KD's Doll Shop, Doll making workshops, and  Little Orange Blossoms I am thinking of participating in some of the wonderful art and craft shows in my little nook of the woods.  My oldest daughter is very excited about helping out mom and my littlest, at almost four, is finally at a stage where she understands that mama needs to work a bit without interruptions...well, almost...

Here is a corner of my studio...I would show more, but it is a bit untidy at the moment...

OK, well maybe this part is a little untidy too...but it is mine:)

I have many new ideas and adventures coming soon! I am very excited about the ability to offer a few classes and workshops in my home! We recently moved to a home with enough space to set up a room as a studio for me, a study/art room for the kids and a large play area. I will now be offering a Waldorf doll making workshop once a month and am working on a Waldorf-inspired class for 3-6 year olds on Fridays. I wanted to talk a little more about this class and a little more about me:) I am a happily married homeschooling mother of three enchanting girls. I hold a degree in Fine Art and English from Angelo State University (in Texas) and have many years of teaching art to students ranging from infants to high school age under my belt. I became very influenced by the philosophies of Rudolf Steiner and John Holt (also Charlotte Mason and Maria Montessori) on our homeschooling odessey and in particular the beauty of Waldorf education. I loved the pull away from harsh technologies and fast pace consumer lifestyle to the gentle and sweet, slowed down atmosphere for the young child. I so loved the dolls that came out of Steiner's philosophy that I had to use my artistic drive to try and make one, and KD's Doll Shop was born:)
So, my next "plan in the works" will be a Waldorf-inspired "Kindergarden" for 3-6 yr olds, and they will be called "The Little Orange Blossoms:)" The class will be very Waldorf-inspired, but will include aspects of other low-tech, gentle learning styles. We will include some non-Waldorf activities such as reading books aloud (because I Sooo love children's books) and puzzles. I will also integrate songs and storytelling in a traditional manner. Our art projects will include watercolor, and natural crafts such as wet felting, beeswax candle making, and others using shells, pine cones, etc. We will follow the seasons of the year and will keep a nature table. I am really basing my class on what I wish I had when my older two girls were young. Perhaps the best aspect of this class is that it can serve as a Mother's Day Out:)

Have a look at KD's Doll Shop for some wonderful Valentines gifts! I am enjoying the pinks and reds this time of year! I have a couple of dolls sporting soft knit fabrics and also some with beautiful, unique yarn/hair.

Pippa, an all natural, handmade doll

I just wanted to say a few words about this amazing doll I just finished!

Her name is Pippa and I am so in love with her! I put a tremendous amount of time and detail into this doll, She has a complete wardrobe, including underware, a dress, pants, socks, shoes, a hand crocheted sweater and a hat with a tassel! She is made of high quality materials including bamboo, cotton jersey knit, cotton fabric and wool felt. Pippa is warm to the touch and will absorb the scent of her home and her closest friends:) This special doll will make any child (or adult!) a magical friend!!!

I just love dolls with overalls and ponytails! This 16" cutie is soooo adorable! She is soft and very warm to the touch! One thing I love about the art of Waldorf doll-making is the philosophy behind it. These dolls are made with children in mind, no gimmicks, no agenda, just loads of open-ended play with a beloved, all-natural toy! Check out Trixie, you will just love her!!

Here are two beautiful new dolls for my Etsy shop, KD's Doll Shop! Both dolls were amazing to make and it was such fun to watch them come together over the weekend:) The Little Red Riding Hood doll is such a magical doll, it really took me back to my own childhood while making her and my 3 year old adores her!!
Lyla was a joy to make and her extra long hand spun hair makes her such a stunning doll to look at! The yarn is 100% merino wool and has been dyed in vibrant blues, reds and browns. Both dolls really captured my imagination while I made them and they will make such a loving friend for a special child! Check them out in my Etsy shop, they are ready for a new home!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kdeason71

 

OK, time for another KD's Doll Shop giveaway, this time for a pocket gnome/mushroom/carry bag set! This time, visit my Etsy shop and "heart" (or favorite) the shop. Then go to my Facebook fanpage and post that you did this to be entered. I will announce the winner on Nov. 1st::)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/kdeason71