The brand

The Sunshine Doll Brand

The name Sunshine Dolls came into being during a doll‑making course given to a group of women by Edith Ottger at her home. Together they were searching for a name for the dolls when they suddenly saw the sun shining brightly over the children who were playing with their dolls in the conservatory. And thus the name was born.

  • Sunshine Dolls is the name we chose for our handmade dolls made of natural materials. Dolls that are made for play.
  • The design of the various dolls is based on the developmental stages of children, using the anthroposophical concept of humanity as inspiration.
  • Sunshine Dolls are made by hand. This means the maker is actively involved in the creation process from start to finish.
  • Every Sunshine Doll maker is responsible for compliance with  our guidelines when creating dolls.
  • Each Sunshine Doll Maker guarantees the quality of their work and can be held accountable for their work within a reasonable period of time (say six weeks after receipt).

The use of the name Sunshine Dolls

It is the collective responsibility of the members of the Guild of Sunshine Doll Makers to monitor and maintain the quality of the Sunshine Dolls offered. Each maker can use the assessment checklist to evaluate their own work and, if possible, attend meetings with colleagues to compare and discuss the dolls.

Please handle our heritage with care!

Guidelines

Guidelines for making Sunshine Dolls by the Guild of Sunshine Doll Makers

  • Sunshine Dolls are made of (preferably) pure natural materials, such as cotton, silk and wool, and filled with clean, fluffy sheep's wool.
  • The dolls are filled in such a way that they are well-filled yet feel soft to the touch.
  • The head is formed with thin knitted cotton tricot and added facial contours, with different contours for the different types of doll.
  • The head rests firmly on the torso.
  • The dolls are made of cotton or wool tricot in warm and vibrant skin tones.
  • Details like nose, fingers, belly button, toes, and nails are deliberately omitted. This is to encourage children to use their imaginations.
  • The facial expression is neutral and drawn with colour pencils. A neutral facial expression allows a child to experience different moods with their doll easily. Most children aren't bothered at all if the drawn-on face gradually wears off through play.
  • The dolls are safe, cuddly and technically sound.
  • Sunshine Dolls are washable. The countours are attached to the inner head to prevent them from shifting during washing.
  • The clothes are made from natural materials, in pastel shades or primary colours and plain or with a subtle motif.
  • The doll's clothes are easy for children to put on and take off.

Body proportions are as follows:

  • The head is ¼ of the total length of the doll.
  • The length of the doll is equal to the reach of the arms.
  • The length of the body is 1½ times the length of the head.
  • The length of an arm is equal to the length of the body.
  • The length of a leg is equal to the length of the body or arm, measured to the foot.
  • The lengths are measured with a ruler, so straight ahead.

Checklist for your Sunshine Doll 

This checklist can be used to assess the quality of Sunshine Dolls.

Overall impression of the doll

  • Is it filled evenly (firm, not lumpy, yet soft enough)?
    • the head
    • the body
    • the limbs
    • the hands and feet
  • Are the proportions of the body right?
  • How does the facial expression look?
  • Is the head positioned firmly and straight on the torso?
  • How is the mobility of the limbs?
  • Can the doll sit?
  • What material is used: tricot, silk, or flannelette?
    • for the doll
    • for the hair
    • as stuffing (except in case of allergies)
    • for the clothes
  • What colors were used?
  • Which hairstyle was chosen?
  • Does the design suit the chosen type of Zonnekind doll?
  • What is the overall technical quality?
  • Are all pins or needles removed?
  • Is this doll eligible for the name Sunshine Doll?