Temari Ball Ornament by Geri Eitter

This ornament was created by Geri Eitter of Dubuque, Iowa.

Size: approximately 4.25" in diameter.

I sew Temari (手まり)balls, which are a traditional Japanese needle art form that symbolizes love, friendship and loyalty.  Their vibrant colors and complex patterns express wishes for a joyful life. 

Traditionally, Japanese women would save the silk remnants when sewing their kimonos.  They would wrap a special message inside the scraps, which were formed into a ball stitched with a design and given to their children on New Year’s Day. 

I  grew up in a large extended family of Scottish/Irish descent.  The women, especially on the Scottish side, were gifted in the needle arts.  As a result, each generation of girls got an early start on lessons of  knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery, anything that required a needle and thread or yarn.

My daughter, Erin, is married to a Japanese-American and when she had her daughter, Akiko, she asked me to learn the technique and make one since her mother-in-law did not do needle work. My interest in the craft grew and I didn’t stopped at one!

I added hangers on some as possible tree ornaments although they are traditionally displayed as decor in glass bowls or baskets. I prefer to make the balls in the traditional manner of forming the ball and inserting messages of hope and love.  However, even using the less traditional way of beginning with a Styrofoam ball, the wish is for good luck to anyone who has a Temari in their home.

Find more of Geri's work here.