Making Peg Dolls – A book review

How to make Peg dolls a book review
Today I’ll be reviewing a book generously sent to me by Margaret Bloom, the author of Making Peg Dolls* and blogger at We Bloom Here. Both Margaret’s book and blog have a basis in the Waldorf/Steiner philosophy. Although we are not a ‘Steiner’ household, I do try to embrace some aspects here at home, especially when it comes to handmade toys and play. When Margaret suggested her book to me, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to spend some making time with Emma. Emma can be a little distracted at the best of times, so I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged she was when we made these little dolls.

Making Peg Dolls by Margaret Bloom
pegdolls painting
Making Peg Dolls contains over 60 designs and patterns for peg dolls based around the seasons of the year. Since it’s Autumn here in Australia I thought it would be a nice way to introduce the concept of seasons to Emma. She spent so much time pouring over all the photos and of course she was automatically drawn to the Halloween dolls, as she is very into zombies, ghosts and ‘skelingtons’ at the moment. halloween peg dolls
It was decided that the wooden blanks, kindly supplied by Little Sparrow, would naturally be our family (with a twist!). Daddy was to be a witch, mummy a cat and Emma a ghost. Emma carefully painted all the bodies, I’ve actually never seen her so focused on a task before. It was lovely to watch.
painting peg dolls pink
The executive decision was made that because she loves and only wears pink, the little ghost baby would be pink too.
I added some small facial features, including daddy’s beard, and we were ready to clothe them. Apart from the wooden doll blanks, we had everything we needed at home already. Only paint, pencils, some felt scraps and glue are required, so it’s a very small investment for a whole lot of fun.
Making peg dolls witch cat ghost
Then it was my turn. I dug out some scraps of my homemade felt and using the templates in the book, stitched together the little hats and capes. It really took no time at all and I really love how they turned out.
finished peg doll family
They now live in a little alcove at the head of Emma’s bed so they can watch over her whilst she sleeps.
We’ll certainly be making more peg dolls (it’s a little addictive), and am looking forward to creating some of our own designs. Do your children like making their own toys?

Making Peg Dolls is available from The Book Depository* and other good book shops.

Book Details:
Publisher: Hawthorn Press Ltd
Published: 31 January 2013
Format: Hardback 192 pages
ISBN 13: 9781907359170

Disclaimer: *indicates affiliate link. This was an unpaid review but I did receive a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

2 Comments

  • moniue gravemaker says:

    love your site, new ideas for me and my granddaughter (9 years old and loves to make things herself)

  • Giselle Zangirolimo Veloso Rodrigues says:

    Emma está de Parabéns!
    Já leva jeito com artesanato…bem concentrada!
    Minha filha adorou as bonequinhas.
    Obrigada pelas dicas!
    Tchau!
    Giselle e Amanda

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