Have you ever heard of a temari ball? It is more than likely that you have seen one, even if you didn’t know what it was called.
I’ve been hearing about temari balls lately, as they’re quite popular, particularly due to their uniqueness. You’ll usually find them online from handcrafted artisans, although you may find them in some gift boutiques and home decoration stores, too.
Truly authentic temari balls are decorative folk art pieces, made by painstakingly wrapping and stitching layers of thread. No two are exactly the same.
How are temari balls made?
I wondered the same thing! They are made of wrapped layers of thread and yarn (without a ball or anything inside it). There is a bit of stuffing formed into a ball and wound first with yarn and then with finer thread.
Wrapping the ball in this way so that it is perfectly round is difficult to do, since any inconsistencies are magnified on the embroidery. This further proves how unique each ball really is and how each one is a labor of love.
What is the origin of the temari ball?
Although the origins of temari can be traced to ancient China, they have long been considered a mainstay of Japanese culture for over a thousand years.
How are temari balls used?
Primarily, they are used as decorations. This folk art can be displayed around the home, often on a mantle or shelf, in a dish, or, my personal favorite, as lightweight Christmas ornaments.
Since a temari ball is noteworthy for being a symbol of new beginnings, one would make a nice addition to your Christmas tree this year.
A unique temari ball also makes a lovely wedding gift, since it symbolizes the start of new beginnings, appropriate as you or or a loved one begins a new life in marriage.
That is also why temari balls are popular gifts to ring in the new year: a new beginning.
Now that you know all about the origin and how temari balls are made and used, we found some incredible examples of hand-stitched temari balls created by Broiderie Stitch. Their collection is unlike any you’ll find: the process is meticulous but the result is magnificent.
Temari Ball Ornaments
We’ve hand-selected the best Temari ball ornaments to share with you today. Which one catches your eye?
As you can see, these are incredibly unique and no two are the same. It might be a nice gesture to select a temari ball with colors from your wedding or the recipient’s wedding as a treasured keepsake. I like how lightweight they are: I can imagine hanging a handful of different styles around the tree this year!
If you want to see more, click here for the full collection.
Which temari ball ornaments are YOUR favorite? Did a particular style catch your eye? Tell us in the comment box below!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
