Japanese Temari A Simple Spin on an Ancient Craft

For centuries, temari balls have been decorative additions to the Japanese household, and this introduction for the beginning temari-stitcher features straightforward directions and detailed sketches for recreating their bright colors and intricate designs. Each section introduces a new stitching technique, guiding the reader through the temari repertoire, until he/she has become a temari master by the book's conclusion. These crafts are inexpensive and fast to makehalf of the 26 designs can be completed in less than two hours each. Sidebars throughout the book are loaded with beautiful watercolors and notes on Japanese culture and poetry, and colorful pictures and rich text make this unique craft book appealing to buyers both as a how-to guide and as a beautiful gift book.

Barbara B. Suess is a member of the Japan Temari Association, writes temari patterns, teaches temari classes, creates temari-inspired jewelry, and runs Kiku Designs, a temari business at www.japanesetemari.com. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.