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Like so many oddball crafts, the first time I heard about Temari balls, my reaction was to think "that's stupid." The problem was that I was reading a text description of the craft, and on paper, temari balls really do sound pretty dumb.

To make a temari ball you start with a ball (most contemporary American crafters start with a Styrofoam ball) and wind colored embroidery thread and narrow strips of fabric around it in an interesting geometric pattern. Sounds dumb, right? Like a three dimensional god's eye? But like so many things with humble descriptions, the art of the temari ball is all in the details.

Temari balls are dazzling and kaleidoscopic, colorful beyond belief. It's impossible to count how many color patterns there are. The variety is literally infinite, given that every crafter will add a slightly different spin on it.

Temari balls are a Japanese folk art which gained popularity in Japan in the 7th century AD. Temari balls began as ways to use up the remains of old silk kimonos. People would wrap them into balls using intricate color weaving, and give them to children to use as toys.

Eventually the practice of making temari became more of an art form than a craft or children's toy. In contemporary Japan they are prized as gifts, "symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty." And little wonder, given the amount of time and attention it takes to create one. It certainly puts the American craft of friendship bracelets to shame!

Japanese artisans must labor for years to become skilled enough to sell their creations professionally. Japanese mothers often make temari balls to give to their children as a New Year's gift. They write a wish for their child on a scrap of paper, and tuck it into the center of the ball, where it will remain a secret forever.

Image courtesy Flickr/JustLeon.