Temari: A Traditional Japanese Embroidery Technique
The ancient Japanese art oftemariyields colorful embroidered spheres of astonishingly complex-looking geometric designs. Yet the materials and the basic principles are really pretty simple: wadded-up batting or a pair of pantyhose is covered with a plastic bag and wrapped with layers of ordinary thread to form the base shape, which is then divided into sections and systematically stitched with shiny cotton. Woven and interwoven triangles, diamonds, stars, abstract florals, and other elaborate patterns emerge over the surface. The process is time-consuming and some patterns are advanced, but the basic steps and many designs are not so difficult, and the results are amazing. In Japan, temari balls are given to celebrate major events such as birthdays or weddings, but you don't have to wait for a special occasion: use a bowl full of temari balls as an interesting centerpiece or home-decor accent, or turn different-sized versions into key chains, earrings, rattles, bell pulls, and ornaments. Consult this guide for a terrific introduction to the technique, with color photos of each of the 22 step-by-step projects.--Amy Handy