I am a Waldorf handwork and crafts teacher, doll artist and art therapist. I teach sewing, knitting, needle felting, weaving, wet felting and wool painting, using soft, natural materials in my creations. I recently discovered a love for buttons and started to use them in my work as well as selling them. (See my second Etsy shop.)
I used to teach at Waldorf schools and at the seminar for training Waldorf teachers in Jerusalem. I recently opened a private school where I work with young teachers, children, mothers and grandmothers.

As a teacher, I believe I have to be the example of how to create so I practice with making every single item I teach. In this way, teaching and creating handwork and crafts in the Waldorf tradition are both my inner development and my occupation too. I have taught for over 30 years now and needed a change. So, I started my first e-shop as a hobby, as a way to study new skills [computer and English]. I was amazed to see that people liked what I created! It encouraged me to go on with it- and here we are... Now I am a seller, too. You never know what tomorrow will bring or where your destiny will lead you.

Artist's statement: I believe Waldorf dolls provide healing forces for the child. The love and warmth which is involved in the creation of these kinds of dolls streams to the doll in the process of creating and the child can feel it. I can tell you from my experience that hyperactive children who did not sleep well began to sleep all night when their mothers created a Waldorf doll for them. Also, the process of creating these dolls is therapeutic for the adults, as it is a process that requires forces from the soul which are different from any other creation I know... It calls the creator to be in touch more deeply with their own inner powers.

orit dotan's favorite photos from other Flickr members (1)

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Testimonials (5)

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    Wool Comes Alive says:

    "I enjoy Orit's work so much, as it captures such a soulful quality. I am pleased and grateful for this inspiration :)"

    7th June, 2008

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    thesingingbird says:

    "I love Orit's work, I have 2 of her beautiful fairies, so soft and dreamlike. She is a very kind person and a great team member on Natural Kids at Etsy. And if you are also looking for beautiful felting wool don't miss her shop!"

    30th May, 2008

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    germandolls says:

    "I have met Orit on etsy. She is part of our wonderful group of waldorf artists and dollmakers. We talk and exchange ideas all the time. She is sweet and kind and a great artist. I admire her warm choice of colors in her dollmaking, love her sweet knitted crafts, needlfelting works, but most of all I admire her kind spirit. It is a blessing to have met her."

    26th April, 2008

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    Kathamina says:

    "Hi :)
    Your work is fantastic.
    I love every detail, your dolls and fairies are surrounded of magic. Congratulations for the wonderful work.
    Kiss
    Catarina"

    16th February, 2008

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    Ronen M says:

    "A few words about my great experience on your photostream:
    I just love your work !

    You creates a special mood with each piece you creates.
    I find You very creative. Your pictures are great and interesting.
    I'm immpressed with Your artwork and wishs that you'll see
    me as your friend.

    Keep on the good work,

    Ronen"

    14th May, 2007

Name:
orit dotan
Joined:
February 2007
Currently:
maale adumim, israel
I am:
Female and Taken
Occupation:
arts
Website:
oritdotandolls