Dolls, dolls and more dolls

My doll making classes are winding up and the ladies just have the hair to do this week. We've had a wonderful time both mornings and it's so nice that nine little people are going to get dolls this christmas. I've so enjoyed sharing my skills and all of us sharing our experiences about all sorts of things. As we sit around the table I feel as if we are keeping up a tradition started generations ago by other women. A sadly lost tradition where women would sit, talk and sew and connect. There really isn't anything nicer.

Meanwhile, I've made a couple of dolls that I will put in my shop later:

 

First off the cuddliest of mermaids in the softest velour:

I also have a dark doll that I need to dress but here she is wearing a makeshift sari:

and I'm in the process of finishing off a couple of angels:

(Just click on the Etsy link at the top of this page if you'd like to buy anything). Amber also has some Christmas cards for sale and lots of brooches. All listed on Etsy once again (or will be soon at least).

And so after finishing off some of the above I can get on with our christmas. The nativity is out already as are the advent calendars and the stack of christmas stories seems to grow each year. Here are some of may faves on Flickr. I'm finding this year that the older two seem to have 'outgrown' stories around the fire and sitting down to make things of an evening. And that's fine as long as they don't go around moping that they don't feel christmassy. I think it's a good opportunity for them to look within and decide what christmas means for them and how they want to spend this advent time. I think I might set them the challenge of making the family cards this year though - hmmm.

I had a quick look at my previous christmas posts to inspire me and I have to say there are some good how to's and ideas there. If you'd like to have a look yourselves they are here and here and here.

I'm off to sew the wings on the angels and to listen to Handel's Messiah. Click here if you want to join me!

Comments

[Kristy]

Love those angels!

[Sarah]

I love your angels as well! It's interesting to figure out how to involve the children as they grow older, isn't it? Luckily, Hels still seems to want to be involved. I'm hunting for a few seasonally-appropriate chapter books for her since she is outgrowing all my old favorite picture books. Have you read "A Christmas Carol" out loud to the family yet? I'm wondering if that would work? I got "Alphabet of Dreams" for Helen which I liked. We'll see if she does.

[Julie]

Such beautiful dolls Simmy, I love the angels, and the mermaid..........and the sari doll! :o)

[hunnybunny]

Your dolls are beautiful! My girls each have one waldorf doll, and they are my favorite for bedtime with them especially in the winter. The faces on yours are just perfect.

[martha]

oh i love the girl in the sari. so so lovely.

[simone]

The dolls are beautiful Simmy. Thank you for reminding us all of your previous Christmas posts. I am going to go and have another look.

[~Vicki]

What beautiful dolls--each one has it's own unique personality. A stitching group is a most wonderful thing in itself. I used to be part of an informal quilting group that met weekly at a friend's house, and it was the most precious time spent visitng, noshing, and supporting each other through good times and bad. When we were at Waldorf, years ago, there was another group of us that got together once a week to make dolls, and other things for the craft fair that help support the school. Good memories! Thanks for reminding me of them today. xo

I'm so happy to see you posting again. I love reading your blog and hearing about what you're all up to.

[jamsandwich]

HOw dare you return without telling me even telepathically! Simmy it's so lovely to hear your voice again I am so glad you are back in blogland.
Will you be telling us all about your trip to America?
Great dolls too.

[Marie]

I love all your dolls and angels Simmy!! Such wonderful work that you do. I wanted to send you a Christmas Card, but don't have your address! Please, pretty please?

[Marie]

I love all your dolls and angels Simmy!! Such wonderful work that you do. I wanted to send you a Christmas Card, but don't have your address! Please, pretty please?

[georgia]

LOVE the mermaid-she's gorgeous. I made Oscar help me make freezer paper iron on T-shirts to send back to the family in Aust this year. The others still love to make things and can't wait to do our paper snowflakes. FORTUNATELY. So lovely to see what you are making again Simmy. I've really missed it!