The needlecraft art started many centuries ago as toys made by women and given to children. Today, Temari are made mostly as decorative objects and being given as gifts. They are created with leftover materials, pieces of fabric or recycled materials wrapped tightly in a spheric shape. Then the ball is divided into sections.

Cotton, hemp, silk threads, small beads, ribbons any of the listed materials can be used to embellish and complete them. Temari’s designs can vary from simple divisions of colorful threads to very expensive, elaborate geometries of silk embroideries. Working on a unique design develops creativity and self-expression which encourages fine motor skills, use of geometry and mathematics.

My research as well as conversations with staff revealed the important historic house museums’ connection to Japanese art. As a way to pay homage to the artistry and culture, I’m including these distinctive traditions in a mini workshop as a way to complement this project .