Temari has been a traditional Japanese folk art since about the seventh century, used as both a decoration and a child’s toy. You can read about the history of these beautiful balls at Temari.com and be sure to check out BBC’s recent profile of Fusako Aizawa, a Japanese Termari artist who took up making these Japanese craft balls at age 60. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for kits, temari books and supplies to help you make your own temari!

Here are some of my favorite Aizawa’s Temari, photographed by her grand-daughter, NanaAkua:

Beautiful Temari, A Traditional Japanese Folk Art Featuring Intricately Designed Thread-Wrapped Balls

Beautiful Temari, A Traditional Japanese Folk Art Featuring Intricately Designed Thread-Wrapped Balls

Beautiful Temari, A Traditional Japanese Folk Art Featuring Intricately Designed Thread-Wrapped Balls

Beautiful Temari, A Traditional Japanese Folk Art Featuring Intricately Designed Thread-Wrapped Balls

See Aizawa’s whole collection on Flickr. You’ll also want to check out Ralitza Doneva-Koeva’s amazing work, it’s absolutely breathtaking …
 

Beautiful Temari, A Traditional Japanese Folk Art Featuring Intricately Designed Thread-Wrapped Balls

Thimble Ring and Flower Temari By Ralitza Doneva-Koeva

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