Lafiabarussa, or about me

LaFiabaRussa" or "RussianFairytaleStory" shop on Etsy is full of cute stuffed toys you'd like to have in your collection. Oksana, the owner of this shop is sharing her story with us today:


I made my first toy when I was 8 years old. It was a teddy bear (My mom bought me a pre-cut set of templates for it). I liked it so much! I can't even tell you how many of these kits my mother bought for me since then... Later were the kittens, penguins and puppies. I just loved to sew! I also love kids that's why I went to school to become a kindergarten teacher. One of my favorite subjects besides psychology and pedagogy while at school was art class where we were making toys and dresses for dolls.


After school I continued making toys for my daughter and my nephews started learning web design. And I put my sewing machine away for a couple of years.

3 years ago I started working as a babysitter for two little girls. One was 1/5 years old and another was 3 years old back then. They were taught according to the Waldorf's technique so I started to read more books in this area and look for more info. I was talking to teachers and crafters a lot looking to find out more about natural materials like cotton, wool, silk and linen that didn't have any industrial dye in it.


My first waldorf's doll was born, then the second. I was making dolls for my students, for my daughter, for my friend's son... Once started I could't stop. I love making my dolls!

It takes about 10 to 20 hours for each doll to create. There is a lot of hand work involved. The head has to be in correct shape, body proportions should be watched, and then stuffing... The materials have to be clean so if I am using industrially made wool I always wash it. The wool becomes soft and smells nice after washing.


The most difficult part in a doll making is hair. It's made with yarn and has to be attached to the head in a certain way. The eyes and nose are embroidered, the face of the doll has a neutral expression.

These dolls are little miracle, you should see how much kids love them! Since waldorf's style dolls are made for kids of different ages and needs I think that the doll making is a very responsible craft.


My world was filled with bright colors of childhood when my son was born. Together with Alessandro I am learning the world again. On August 26, 2011 he will be 1 years old!


And my daughter Katya helps a lot me with my Etsy shop.


I am full of ideas but I don't have that much time as I would like to. I am glad to share my thoughts with you!

Thank you for your interest in my creations!

If you'd like to see more of Oksana's creations please visit her web site at www.lafiabarussa.com


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original is here

Interview was taken by Lana (BelleCoccinelle)

Translated by Tanya (Socksandmittens) and Marina (ProdigyCrafts)

birds . Spring Seasonal Activities and Gifts fro children.

Today, are talking about Tradiitonal Waldorf approach to Children's Toys, Spring Seasonal Activities and Gifts fro children.
Masha, from BERTYandMASHA shop and Oksana from laFiabaRussa shop on Etsy is sharing Waldorf tradition and in particular the spring

The Waldorf or Steiner approach emphasizes the role of the imagination and creativity in learning.

A child is learning and exploring the world around him through play. So, let's a have a closer look at Waldorf toys, those toys that help harmoniously develop our children's imagination and creativity.

Waldorf toys are traditionally made of only natural materials. Handmade toys are mostl precious as they keep the warmth of the person who made them.

The first Waldorf baby toy would be a simple cloth doll with a round head and a soft body. No facial features to keep the imagination free, but some details like a wooden ring and fists to chew on will soothen baby's growing teeth.

This doll will follow the baby from the first months and till the age of 1 years.

As the child grows, the dolls get more sophisticated. The head is sculptured and has facial features.

The body has well formed limbs and the doll can now be dressed and undressed by small hands.

These bigger dolls will accompany a child for many years to come.

Wooden toys and toys made of wool or silk have just as important a place in a child's development.

They are simple open ended toys that give space to child's creativity and imagination. They are also indispensable in role playing games.

Natural Seasonal toys and activities will allow a child to joyfully live through the change of seasons and the natural rhythm of the year, which is considered essential in Waldorf pedagogy. Every season has it's own feasts, colors and attributes, usually something a child can bring back from a walk, a forest or a garden. It can be cones or acorns, stones or flowers, small branches and dry leaves.

The creation of a nature table can be a lot of joy and fun, especially if done together with children.

A Spring nature table reflects all the changes that happen in Spring, the awakening of nature. So flower children, light and beautiful fairies, birds, tree branches and, of course, flowers will create a beautiful Spring nature table. Here you can also add some animals or spring gnomes.


Don't forget about Easter, the most important feast associated with Spring.

Here is how to make a beautiful paper dove together with your children by BERTYandMASHA.

These paper doves could

be hanged on a branch and will make a lovely Easter or a Spring nature table decoration.

You will need :

*1sheet of white cardboard or watercolor paper for the body

*silk paper or calque for the wings

*a pair of scissors or a cutter

*beeswax crayon blocks or watercolors

*1 needle

*a piece of string/ thread( golden or silver color looks very nice)

You can leave the body of the dove white or paint the paper with color crayon blocks on both sides.

Children will be happy to give you a hand with this. You could also use watercolors to paint the paper.

Cut out the shape of the dove as shown. With the help of the cutter or sharp scissors make a straight cut across about 1.6 inch long.

Fold over the edge of your A4 silk paper , then turn around and fold it again. Go on until all the paper is used as shown on the photo. This will be the bird's wings.

Pass them through the cut on the bird's body.

Bend and lift the wings unfolding them gently and joining the two together with a

string.

Make a knot leaving the string long enough to hang the bird.

That's it! Your dove is ready.

Happy Spring!

Etsy

In Etsy ci ne sono milti giochi divertenti!

e uno di questi - creare treasure per finire nella prima pagina di Etsy.

Io non sono capace a fare belle treasury e non fin ora Il mio non è stato mai, ma i miei ogetti ogni tanto

Grazie mille Victoria con il suo negozio CyKLu

oltre, che lei ha un bel negozio,

ha creato un bel treasury che stanotte ha finito nella prima pagina!

ecco lo qua

Victoria, abita in Grecia

mi piacciono i suoi lavori , sono molto particolare