Temari Balls

These folk toys—made of papier-mâché spheres and colored thread—are embroidered into beautiful patterns, becoming novelty knickknacks, keepsake gifts, or lightweight ornaments for a Christmas tree.

By

Martha Stewart Editors

Updated on May 30, 2019

Temari balls are a form of folk art that originated in China and were introduced to Japan in the 7th century. Originally, they were made from herbs and leather, and noblewomen of Japan developed theirs from silk and kimono scraps. The temari ball is a symbol that represents great loyalty or a valued friendship. In modern day Japan, mothers make them for their children as part of New Year's celebrations.

Pictured here: Temari balls were featured as handmade decorations on Silke Stoddard's wooden Scandinavian Christmas tree.

What You'll Need

Materials

Papier-mâché spheres
Sewing thread
Large-eye needle
Silk ribbon
Scissors
2 soda caps (optional)
A small bell (optional)

Instructions

Optional: Insert bell inside 2 soda caps, and place the bell inside the core of the sphere.
Wrap sphere in yarn, covering entirely, to form a ball.
Take the yarn ball, and wrap in sewing thread.
Once the ball is covered in sewing thread, decorate it with the Japanese ribbon stitch in any manner desired. If you come up at the initial stitch, lay the ribbon flat, piercing the ribbon at the end of the stitch and push the needle back into the initial stitch to come through. Pull slowly to get the ends of the ribbon to curl. Do not pull too tightly. To tie off or end the stitch, pierce the needle to the side, unthread needle, and pull and clip with scissors.

Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART LIVING, DECEMBER 2018