Meet Suzy Mae of TillyTilda

Tell us a little about yourself:
Hi, I am Suzy, I am 32, I am married to Tani and we live in England with our 5 girls, Emmy 14, Boo 8, Matilda 6, Seraphina 5, Nola 1.



Suzy and her youngest Nola.



                                                                   

How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?
I was inspired to start making Waldorf Dolls by my girls. My 6 year old daughter Matilda had speech delay and didn’t speak until she was 4 years old. She loved dolls though and would often make up imaginative stories for them. I believe that the interaction and friendship with her dolls helped encourage those first words.



Nature Table Doll

                                                       
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
Oh there are many! I think that just simply being able to be together , growing and learning is an amazing thing. Just being able to simply pack up a picnic and ramble off to the park on a sunny afternoon is a wonderful thing.



Waldorf Gnome Doll

                                                                  
What advise would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
I would say that all the elements of running a business are inspiring and motivating for children. I see it as a positive. Children love to model and I have found that my girls have really learned so much by watching me make the dolls and see the process of how a small business works. I think it can really integrate well into family life and even becoming a great learning tool as long as there is balance.




Waldorf Birthday Crown


Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
Nature’s textures, colours and the changing seasons. We live near the countryside, I think the English countryside has been a big inspiration to my work. I am also inspired to create something that is made naturally and ethically. I am drawn to the idea of a simpler time and a simpler childhood. The drawings and stories of Elsa Beskow are also an influence in the way I design and the elements and imagery I use. And of course, lastly but not leastly my children are, of course a huge inspiration.



Handmade Wooden Buttons from Robin Hood Country

                                                         
What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
My favourite item is my “Forest Fairy” Waldorf Doll as I call her. She has such a bright, gentle, magical spirit.
              


Custom 12 inch Waldorf Doll

                  

Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
My goals for the business is that the dolls will find families and children that will love them dearly. I would love to be able to make Waldorf Dolls and toys for a living. I really want to promote ethical, natural, handmade toys for children. In the future, when the children are a little older I hope to run Waldorf Workshops for other Mamas too.
As for home school, my goals are to continue to facilitate my children’s passions and give them lots of good memories along the way.



10 - 12 inch Waldorf Doll Clothes



Are there any other on line sites where we can learn more about you and your lovely items?

I have a homeschooling blog A Soulful Life
And a Pinterest account : Marigolds Garden

I hope to have an online gallery of my dolls soon! I have to get my techie hubbie onto that one though; I’m not very techie.