Japanese embroidery balls

A.K.A Temari balls. One of the odd crafts I started doing a few years ago. I kept threatening to show the off and finally got around to it. Oddly enough all of these were in the "easy to medium" range. I still have much work to do before I can attempt something very detailed.

History

Temari balls are an folk art form that originated in China and were introduced to Japan five or six hundred years ago. The balls were originally made by mothers and grandmothers for the children to play with.

Historically they were constructed from the remnants of old kimonos. Pieces of silk fabric would be wadded up to form a ball, then the wad wrapped with strips of fabric. The silk threads would have been removed and saved and used to first wind around the ball, then to stitch the ball firmly together.

As time moved on traditional Temari balls became an art, with the functional stitching more and more decorative and detailed, until the balls displayed very intricate embroidery. The balls transcended from play toys into art objects (although loving moms will still make them for their children).

Temari balls became an art and craft of the Japanese upper class and aristocracy and noble women competed in creating more and more beautiful and intricate objects. They now represent a highly valued and cherished gift symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty.
(copied from http://www.temarikai.com/

If your interested in the "how to" check out this quick illustrated overview.

The next few pictures are of Temaris that I have done. Aren't you proud of me LMAO


How they start 






Tamari Balls on display