Temari Balls
|
Temari is a traditional Japanese needlework craft dating back to at least the eighth century. They were originally used as bouncing balls in childrens' games, but with the introduction of rubber balls (which bounced much better!), they became less used for fun and more as a decorative expression. They are given as good luck gifts, especially at the New Year. I have been making these lovely balls for several years, but as most have gone for gifts and I had no proper camera until recently, there is no record of them. I will start putting up pictures here as I make the new balls, each with a brief description, written mostly for other temari fans. Just leave your mouse pointer on each ball for a description. For people just getting started, go to a friend's page who has a lot of great content for beginner and advanced stitcher alike. |
 |
Temari Gallery:
Click on the thumbnails below for a larger image of each ball.
 |
New! Star temari |  |
New! Orange stripe weave |
 |
New! Yellow and black pentacle |  |
New! Yamakaminari flower |
|
Very simple to do but impressive-looking! This is a Mystery Ball design from Temarikai.com. |  |
A lady at a recent event told me that temari was originally from India. I haven't seen anything to back that up, but it did inspire me to create this ball in Rajasthani colors. I call it Shishas after the mirror embroidery it resembles. |
 |
A beautiful ball for winter or spring, design by Unicorn Crafts. |  |
A c8 Narcissus, based on the Unicorn Crafts pattern. Click here to go to their site. |
|
A bold design based on a complex 8 division. |  |
This design was taken from the Diana Vandervoort books. |
 |
A design based on interlocking squares |  |
A temari ball based on a double-8 pattern |
 |
An original, I think. I call it Starflower. |
Teeny Temari
Yahoogroups
has a list called Talktemari
(http://groups.yahoo.com/group/talktemari/), and lately one of the topice of
discussion was "teenies". By definition, these are temari which measure less
than an inch in diameter. They are great for decorating small areas, or as party
favors, package embellishments, or merely interesting decorations in a bowl
as a centerpiece. They also make lovely earrings and necklaces. Here are a few
of my most recent, taken with a coin to show just how small they are!
The link above will take you to the TalkTemari page, where you can join in. It's not hugely busy but it is very informative and you'll like the people.
Buying Temari
Like what you see? I can make a temari ball just for you. You pick the colors and pattern, from here or from any of the many other resources available. Or I can surprise you! These are also great gifts anytime you want to wish someone good luck.
Important: Please specify colors or pattern type in the "Optional Instructions" box on the PayPal form when ordering.
- Regular size (2- 3 inches): $15
- Teenies (about 1 inch): $5
- Teenies by the dozen: $50
- Large (4-5 inches): $20
- (A hanging thread is free for all of these; just ask for it.)
- Add tassel: $5.00
- Matched pair of Teenie earrings w/ french hook
(specify gold or silver) $15.00
In all of these, you choose the colors. Teenies are assorted patterns; for larger temari, you choose the pattern also. I can work any design on this site, or point me to any other design you fancy. Please allow 3-4 weeks for your temari to arrive. If you need one sooner, I usually have an assortment on hand, so email for a list. I am also happy to help with advice on design and colors, or just by sharing information.