Through her basket-weaving technique, guest Diana Vandervoort is able to convert a traditional Christmas ball into a unique and exquisite orb. This project is inspired by Japanese temari balls, items that are given on New Year's Day for good luck. The woven ribbon design is applied over a ball that has been wrapped with thread. The thread, whether colored or metallic, then becomes part of the decorative surface. Vandervoort once made one of these ornaments for the White House Blue Room Christmas tree.
Total length needed is two yards.
For a four-inch ball you will need six additional strips. Trim off corners. Tailor fit the batting to the ball, and press out any lumps . Randomly wrap the ball with sewing thread. Wrap until the yarn is covered, then add metallic embroidery thread.