Natural Suburbia Sponsor Giveaway from GermanDolls

I would like to introduce you to Natural Suburbia sponsor Ulla from GermanDolls. Ulla makes the most gorgeous Waldorf style toys and dolls, her craftsmanship and eye for detail is impeccable.

This is Ulla’s story…

My name is Ulla. I am a German immigrant living in beautiful Colorado in the United States. I was born and raised in Germany. I moved to the US in 1996. Living your life and growing a family in a foreign country is like being on an endless roller-coaster ride of emotions. Creating art and making toys has helped me immensely in this journey.

Sunny, a 15 inch Waldorf inspired doll

Growing up in Germany I had a lot of handmade toys. A few of them were made by my grandfather in his wood workshop. Some other precious items came to me through a local toymaker. But most of my playthings were made by my mother who was a great knitter and seamstress. My 4 sisters and I always wore matching outfits. Our dolls were just as perfectly dressed.

After I had children of my own in the US, I was concerned that they would grow up without the same quality handmade toys that I had when I was little. I noticed how many toys here were made of plastic. Who wants to hug and cuddle a plastic baby? I started making Waldorf style cloth dolls after my daughter was born.  Naturally, I had to dress the babies and make doll clothes for them.  Some patterns I use have been handed down in my family. Others I created from scratch, inspired by my daughter’s play. My daughter has always been fascinated with little babies. Even when she was a toddler she would want to pick up other children who were younger. I invented my trademark pocket dress with the miniature doll because of my daughter’s need to constantly nurture little ones.

Doll Making has provided me with a perfect outlet for my artistic sensibilities. I used to be an oil painter but didn’t want to expose my children to the chemicals. So changing media from paint to fabric made perfect sense. I love the smell of the natural wool stuffing I use. It feels good to work with products from nature that are not harmful to my children or our planet. If a doll breaks it can be stitched and repaired. Broken plastic babies go to the landfill forever.

Sewing has helped me stay in touch with the Old World, my German roots, yet at the same time enabled me connect to people in the New World. Living in a small town in the US you can find many fine crafters and quilters. It’s always fun to talk to folks about sewing. Winning the title of the Weld County Overall Champion in the Department of Sewing and Home Decorating with one of my dolls was one of my proudest sewing moments here.

When I first started making dolls I made dolls for all my nieces and nephews. Next I made dolls for friends’ children. After that I just kept making them because I loved it so much. They began to take over the house. To the great frustration of my husband there wasn’t a place in the house to sit down, so it was suggested to me that I sell a doll or two online. That is how my little business got started.

It has been over a decade since I began making dolls. I still enjoy creating dolls very much. It gives me great pleasure when I receive pictures and wonderful notes from people who tell me how much their child loves a doll that I made for them. I greatly treasure the strong personal connection to many of my customers I have made through my work over the years.

 

Links for GermanDolls:

Etsy Shop

Facebook

Blog

Twitter

Pinterest

Congratulations to:

rebekah July 21, 2012 at 6:15 pm

I shared on my facebook!

 

Giveaway:

Ulla is offering 1 reader a $25.00 Gift Certificate towards any item in her shop.

To enter, please leave a comment below in this post. To earn extra entries, please share the giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and remember to leave extra comments each time you share about the giveaway so you will have more entries.

The winner will be announced in this post on Wednesday the 25th of July and will be chosen by random generator.

Ulla, thank you so much for sharing your story with us and for offering this generous giveaway.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Linda

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96 Responses to Natural Suburbia Sponsor Giveaway from GermanDolls

  1. Taryn Oakley July 21, 2012 at 6:03 pm #

    Beautiful dolls!

  2. rebekah July 21, 2012 at 6:14 pm #

    I love Ulla’s products. Her designs are awesome!

  3. rebekah July 21, 2012 at 6:15 pm #

    I shared on my facebook!

  4. rebekah July 21, 2012 at 6:16 pm #

    Shared on my pinterest 🙂

  5. Kelsey July 21, 2012 at 6:16 pm #

    Such sweet dolls. What a wonderful story of how you came to do what you do

  6. danga rach July 21, 2012 at 6:44 pm #

    Such beautiful work.

  7. Meaghan July 21, 2012 at 6:54 pm #

    Oh I would love to win! I have been eyeing these dolls for a while now.

  8. Ellen July 21, 2012 at 7:00 pm #

    I love the nurturing aspect of these. I sometimes wonder if children today are being taught to nurture as much as they have been in the past. My daughter also likes to care for younger children and I love that. I hope someday that she will be a great mom and I think that for younger children these dolls help develop the skills that they will need.

  9. kim July 21, 2012 at 7:09 pm #

    i love germandolls!

  10. kim July 21, 2012 at 7:11 pm #

    tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/jaspermama/status/226725804640444416

  11. Donna Johnson July 21, 2012 at 7:37 pm #

    I love your dolls!! Hope to own one someday!

  12. Donna Johnson July 21, 2012 at 7:38 pm #

    Shared on facebook! Thanks for the giveaway.

  13. Diana July 21, 2012 at 7:52 pm #

    Beautiful work – amazing dolls 🙂

  14. Aneesa July 21, 2012 at 8:28 pm #

    I love those dolls! Such creativity! Well done 🙂

  15. Tracey July 21, 2012 at 8:29 pm #

    All the dolls are just beautiful! Thank you for a chance.

  16. Nancy July 21, 2012 at 8:30 pm #

    What charming little friends! I love these dolls!

  17. Jusa July 21, 2012 at 9:10 pm #

    What charming faces on all the dolls. Very endearing. An impressive story behind the dolls, too.

  18. Nancy July 21, 2012 at 9:23 pm #

    I’ve looked at those little pocket dolls before. forget the kids — I want one for myself! impossibly cute! thanks for the giveaway.

  19. Melissa B July 21, 2012 at 9:28 pm #

    Such lovely dolls! Amazing attention to detail.

  20. Sharon July 21, 2012 at 10:13 pm #

    The dolls are adorable, and they look like they would cuddle very well.

  21. Sandra July 21, 2012 at 10:40 pm #

    I have always wanted one of these beautiful dolls to dress, for myself!

  22. Suzie July 21, 2012 at 10:41 pm #

    I just adore Ulla’s work. Thank you for sharing!

  23. Elizabeth July 21, 2012 at 10:52 pm #

    The small dolls are adorable & the pocket idea …. magic !

  24. Sarah Vander Meulen July 21, 2012 at 11:11 pm #

    I absolutely love your dolls. I teach in a Waldorf EC on the south side of Chicago. My students would take great care of a new baby.

  25. Jeanne J. July 21, 2012 at 11:13 pm #

    I love the precious dolls. I would love my own!

  26. Tammy July 21, 2012 at 11:35 pm #

    Just absolutely awesome work…love it…!! Great designs…!!

  27. cheryl July 21, 2012 at 11:36 pm #

    Love the baby dollls, How cute to carry them with. Thank you for your gift.

  28. Carol Ann July 21, 2012 at 11:47 pm #

    Love the dolls and the story! With 5 little granddaughters, I’m totally interested!
    Carol Ann

  29. Jeanette July 22, 2012 at 12:03 am #

    What absolutely delightful dolls – I especially love the little ones with their pink cheeks. Congratulations on your wonderful creations.

  30. Traci Sumner July 22, 2012 at 12:27 am #

    I love the pink haired doll. I have a little girl who would really love her.

  31. Baby by the Sea July 22, 2012 at 12:37 am #

    Not only do I love the dolls, but their story is inspiring.

  32. Baby by the Sea July 22, 2012 at 12:38 am #

    I shared this lovely post about these lovely dolls on Facebook.

  33. Patricia July 22, 2012 at 12:51 am #

    Your workmanship is wonderfull. I love your dolls.
    Thank you for sharing.

    Patricia.

  34. Faye July 22, 2012 at 1:26 am #

    Oooohhhh, they are lovely! Well done!

  35. Lyn Smith July 22, 2012 at 2:41 am #

    What a great story & such beautiful dolls.
    lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

  36. Becca July 22, 2012 at 2:57 am #

    Love reading more about Ulla and her business!

  37. Marina July 22, 2012 at 3:09 am #

    I love that little dress with the baby in the pocket!!! My two year old son would love one too! He loves babies! Thanks for the chance to win something amazing!

  38. Faye July 22, 2012 at 3:10 am #

    Beautiful creations…commendable.

  39. Marina July 22, 2012 at 3:15 am #

    Shared on FB!

  40. Suzette July 22, 2012 at 3:51 am #

    What beautiful dolls! Every child should have one. Even grown up ones.

  41. Carissa Fajardo July 22, 2012 at 3:58 am #

    I would love to win this for my daughter Ocean!

  42. Lisa July 22, 2012 at 4:30 am #

    Such sweet, lovable dolls! A perfect gift for any child.

  43. sarah in the woods July 22, 2012 at 4:49 am #

    Such beautiful dolls!

  44. Tanya M July 22, 2012 at 4:56 am #

    How beautiful!
    Thank you for the giveaway.

  45. Carmen July 22, 2012 at 4:58 am #

    Ulla does beautiful work! Thanks for the chance to win!

  46. Tanya M July 22, 2012 at 4:58 am #

    I shared on Facebook as Tanya Rubezhov.
    http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/tanya.rubezhov/allactivity

  47. Tanya M July 22, 2012 at 5:02 am #

    I pinned it as Tanya Rubezhov (tasik).
    http://pinterest.com/tasik/pins/

  48. K July 22, 2012 at 5:39 am #

    I have never loved dolls. I don’t know why – but somehow, the faces are wrong for me, or the bodies, and I am left disturbed. But these dolls seem different – sweeter, somehow. More love in them, I think. Warmer in the face – not as if they were trying to be alive, but as if the heart can believe in them.

  49. Hannah July 22, 2012 at 5:45 am #

    Gorgeous work! The pocket for the wee baby is brilliant!

  50. Brenda Bomberger July 22, 2012 at 7:37 am #

    I have loved these dolls for years! I have three granddaughters to share the wonder with!

  51. Su July 22, 2012 at 9:13 am #

    Thank you!

  52. Su July 22, 2012 at 9:13 am #

    Shared on FB

  53. Sarah July 22, 2012 at 9:55 am #

    I have made one doll as a gift for a little girl in Lagos, Nigeria. My husband was working there at the time. She loves it so much, no one else is allowed to touch it. I am currently working on my second doll. They are such a special gift!

  54. Jenna July 22, 2012 at 1:21 pm #

    What beautiful dolls! I am about to make my first Waldorf doll, for my little niece. I share your concers about plastic toys and even stuffed animals full of who knows what. Thank you for sharing your story.

  55. Star July 22, 2012 at 1:46 pm #

    I would love to win, her things are beautiful!

  56. Louise July 22, 2012 at 1:47 pm #

    I love all her work, have many of her beautiful items on my wish list.. Fingers crossed we win!

  57. Mosaic Magpie July 22, 2012 at 3:11 pm #

    I loved hearing the background of the dolls. It always adds to the warmth of an item to know why it was created. The fact you made so many, says they truly came from the heart. I love those tiny pocket dolls in the last photo and would love to win this giveaway.
    Deb

  58. Mosaic Magpie July 22, 2012 at 3:21 pm #

    I have “pinned” the giveaway!
    Deb

  59. Melissa July 22, 2012 at 4:35 pm #

    such sweet little dolls. 🙂

  60. ~ joey ~ July 22, 2012 at 6:43 pm #

    You make beautiful dolls Ulla!
    Thank you for your generosity!
    xoxo
    ~ joey ~

  61. Lanie Jewell July 22, 2012 at 6:47 pm #

    Adorable and beautifully made!

  62. vicarno's mama July 22, 2012 at 7:47 pm #

    Your dolls are absolutely gorgeous and so beautiful!!! Thank you for this giveaway.

  63. Nancy July 22, 2012 at 8:10 pm #

    Still not getting entire email. I will give it to the first of August.

  64. Rachel July 22, 2012 at 8:50 pm #

    I loooove this shop! My daughters would love a dress for their own dolls from here!

    • Rachel July 22, 2012 at 8:52 pm #

      Just tweeted the giveaway on my account LWoodlanders.

  65. Rachel July 22, 2012 at 8:55 pm #

    Shared giveaway on my Little Woodlanders facebook page. A pleasure to do so, as I have loved this shop for almost 2 years!

  66. Rachel July 22, 2012 at 8:58 pm #

    Pinned to Pinterest!

  67. Andrea from ziezo July 22, 2012 at 9:05 pm #

    Nice to learn a little more about Ulla! Gorgeous dolls. . .

  68. Anne July 22, 2012 at 9:22 pm #

    Wow! Gorgeous dolls x

  69. Anja July 22, 2012 at 10:19 pm #

    Beautiful (and you have my mum’s name)

  70. lori July 22, 2012 at 10:35 pm #

    am i too old for dolls? i would LOVE one 🙂
    thank you for the wonderful giveaway!

  71. Steph of Super Skivvies July 22, 2012 at 11:49 pm #

    I love how each of them have their own little personality. <3
    Thank you so much for the generous giveaway!

    Steph
    http://superskivvies.biz

  72. Steph of Super Skivvies July 22, 2012 at 11:50 pm #

    I posted this on my Facebook fan page!
    http://facebook.com/superskivvies

  73. Steph of Super Skivvies July 22, 2012 at 11:50 pm #

    I tweeted this to my followers!
    http://twitter.com/superskivvies

  74. Kim July 23, 2012 at 12:50 am #

    Absolutely beautiful dolls!

  75. Leslie bush July 23, 2012 at 1:14 am #

    Beautiful works of art! Each one has their own personality, I am very impressed. I would be honored to win and hopefully be able to adopt one of your sweet dolls!
    Leslie
    momtobushbabies@aol.com

  76. Brenda July 23, 2012 at 1:38 am #

    Wow! It has taken me until now to be able to find you since you moved, all I kept getting was your old site. Well at least I had alot of reading to do when I found you HA! I can’t say how glad I am to have you back, How exciting that your book is published, congratulations, and a beautiful give away I missed, oh well, I’m sure the lucky winner will love them, I must just say, such beautiful colours, totally my colour pallette. Anyway, have a lovely day. xxBrenda
    PS. What a totally cute bunny 🙂

  77. Kerri Warmus July 23, 2012 at 5:33 am #

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful story and beautiful dolls 🙂

  78. Margo B July 23, 2012 at 5:46 am #

    Your dolls are so charming!!! love this idea

  79. Dee July 23, 2012 at 6:05 am #

    I aspire to be able to make dolls like Ulla. Just Beautiful.

  80. Stephanie Niles July 23, 2012 at 2:34 pm #

    Used to be on the Natural Kids Team on Etsy with her. Her work is beautiful!

  81. Mel July 23, 2012 at 5:43 pm #

    Wonderful! Thanks so much!

  82. Lyssa July 23, 2012 at 7:19 pm #

    How sweet! My daughter would love these dolls!

  83. Tiffanie July 23, 2012 at 8:12 pm #

    Oooh, absolutely adorable! I would love to get one for my niece. There’s just nothing nice about dolls in the stores these days and I absolutely hate American Girl dolls. These German dolls are what dolls everywhere should be. Thanks for the chance to win a gift certificate towards one. 🙂

  84. Sienna July 23, 2012 at 8:23 pm #

    I love these dolls, sadly as my boy isn’t into dolls and he’s my only child, I don’t have an excuse to buy one I can keep without admitting it’s for me! Still, I could buy some for my nieces though – but they may have a fight on their hands getting it off me! lol

  85. Jazz July 23, 2012 at 10:33 pm #

    Lovely dolls! Thanks for the giveaway!

  86. Jazz July 23, 2012 at 10:34 pm #

    I just tweet about the giveaway: @JazzBruno

  87. Brenda mustain July 24, 2012 at 4:13 am #

    WOW!!! Such beautiful craftmanship…. So sweet, they look like they have a story to tell. Thanks for sharing…brenda

  88. Cheryl S. July 24, 2012 at 5:22 am #

    I love your beautiful work! Thanks for making the world a better place:)

  89. Lynette July 24, 2012 at 5:53 am #

    I love your dolls. I remember having handmade toys from my German great grandmother! I wish I had the talent to make toys for my girls. I still have a few things she made me and have passed them onto my children; they stood the test of time for over 30 years. I don’t think any plastic toys could have done that!

  90. alexis brink July 24, 2012 at 6:55 am #

    My baby girlish turning one in a month, and I had similar feelings about plastic dolls. Doves have banned plastic toys at our home! Your doll would be a lovely gift for my little lady!

  91. alexis brink July 24, 2012 at 6:59 am #

    Shared your lovely dolls with my fb friends!

  92. Thelma July 24, 2012 at 7:58 am #

    hi these cutie little dolls would warm the hearts of many little girls

  93. Amanda July 24, 2012 at 3:40 pm #

    Found this site and giveaway Thanks to Alexis brink !

  94. Anna July 24, 2012 at 10:10 pm #

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  95. Lori Ann July 25, 2012 at 3:00 am #

    What a neat story about how the business began! And such lovely dolls. Thanks!

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