Our Partners

Bella Luna Toys - Miaja Rocciola - www.BellaLunaToys.com
 

"Been involved with Waldorf since 1996 when my daughter was one year old and we went to a "Roots and Shoots" (mommy and me) Waldorf class. Fell in love with the method, as well as the beautiful toys!

"I ran a Waldorf Inspired home day care from 2001 to 2004. I helped found a Waldorf Charter school in our town in 2001, as well. It was during this time when I was purchasing toys for my home day care that idea for Bella Luna Toys came to me. I started Bella Luna in 2002 out of my home and it has outgrown my home and is now in an office around the corner from our house. It has been a wonderful way to stay at home with my children while contributing to the family finances.

"I home schooled my children in the Waldorf method when they were in 3rd and 1st grade. I really enjoyed teaching the curriculum for 1st and third grade.

"My family: I've been married to Dino since 1994. We have 2 girls, Lexi, 12 and Chiara, 10. We have 3 chihuahuas! We love to read, ride bikes, roller skate, ice skate, swim and knit."

Harps of Lorien - Raphael Weisman - www.harpsoflorien.com

See Playing a Musical Instrument for a guide by Raphael to choosing an instrument

"The founder of Harps of Lorien, Raphael Weisman, has been making instruments and been involved in creative artwork for over 28 years. He studied Musical Instrument technology and design in London and was one of the few instrument builders in the forefront of the revival of Early Music in Europe. Raphael exhibited his work in numerous shows in Europe, the USA and Israel, and won awards for his craftsmanship. He also appeared on television, was interviewed on a number of radio shows and appeared in numerous newspaper and magazine articles. He has lived in South Africa, Israel, England and the USA.

"Over twenty years ago he turned his hand to the manufacture of lyres and meditation instruments in order to provide easy-to-play pentatonic instruments for families and Waldorf Schools, and also pursued his love of Celtic and Folk music by making Celtic Harps. His designs are flowing, sculptural and are works of art as much as playable instruments. He continues to provide lyres, lyre kits for the Waldorf movement, and the haunting Little Minstrel Harp, a portable instrument that can be played by virtually anyone to induce a quiet, meditational vibration. He has also developed a line of Celtic or Folk Harps of different sizes, including two models of Travel Harps that fit in the overhead compartment of airplanes. He has traveled with them many times himself, even hitchhiking with one around Hawaii. His first Travel Harp was used to record on in the Great Pyramid. Some of his harps have delicate carvings and all his work is meticulously sanded and finished creating a combination of tactile, aural and visual experience.

"He is commited to bringing healing and comfort to those who benefit from the sound of the harp, seeing this vibration as a force for healing on the planet. He has developed a new line of Therapy Harps for use by those who are working with sick or dying patients. These new models also provide a line of Economy Harps which allow beginners to purchase an entry level harp at an affordable price, thus proliferating the use of harps in the world."

Paper, Scissors, Stone - Annette Park - www.waldorfsupplies.com
 

"My husband and I are getting used to being "empty nesters" after raising five children. I will forever be thankful for the education that our whole family received through our local Waldorf School. My grown children talk about homeschooling their own children someday (no, I'm not a Grandma yet...) and with the resources and help of so many dedicated educators, they will undoubtedly do a wonderful job!

"Twelve years ago when I started Paper Scissors Stone, my goal was to provide Waldorf Schools and home-schoolers with high quality, beautiful, non-toxic art and school supplies...blank lesson books, beautiful watercolors, quality brushes, play silks, wool yarn, modeling materials, pencils and crayons. The two things I look for in art materials are color and quality. When I spend time making something I want to use materials that in themselves are beautiful and fun to work with-- and that inspire me! I want to know that my finished work will be the best I can do and something I will enjoy looking at. One of my favorite things to do is play with color, whether hanging silks in a window, or painting with watercolor or gardening or making a card for a special person.

"When I think of our customers, I am truly humbled by the ideals that each of you take up everyday--ideals of family and home and school and community. You start in your home, creating an atmosphere of nurturing and soul guidance, and you are finding and building community. You are educating your children, as both parents and teachers, with love and clarity. I applaud you!

"Blessings on your journey!"
 

Lauri Bolland
 

Lauri, married to Eric, is the mother of three children (18, 14 and 10 in 2008) all of whom have been "always homeschooled" with Waldorf.  She lives with her family in Pennsylvania and aside from keeping busy with her children and home, finds time to read mysteries, cook, make crafts and explore a variety of holidays and festivals. She is an avid knitter and crocheter, a handwork expert who graciously agreed to test our handwork kits and to help us design the grades 1 through 8 handwork curriculum. Some of you will recognize Lauri as one of the moderators of our Waldorf at home discussion forum.