I discovered Temari solely by accident in June of 1998, stumbling upon a starter kit and Diana Vandervoort's first book in a mail order catalog of finer and more unusual crafts. Having always been in love with kaleidoscopes and geometric patterns (I still miss my Spirograph) this seemed to be something that couldn't be ignored. The kit arrived and Ginny was totally captivated. And - all who see them have been wholly taken with them as well, encouraging me to pursue my interest and also requesting me to make Temaris on commission, or requesting the sale of ones on display in my home. I have made many for gifts to the special people in my life.

        The art form continued to captivate me and I continued to research Temari - or at least tried to. I scoured the World Wide Web and booksellers for any information and history that I could find. When I began my search I did not find a great deal on the Web, other than some nice personal sites that showed some Temaris but did not offer much other historic or how-to information,  so I set out to try to fill the void, providing a site that could offer history, information, resources, hints and tips - and most of all pictures and illustrations. I also knew that I couldn't be alone in my love for this craft - while it obviously is alive and well within Japan and several persons have written English language books,  there had to be others of us to be sought out and brought together. Since posting the web site with its guestbook, I've received either emails or guestbook entries from all over the world. In addition to notes from within the US the other countries where Temari seems to be most popular are Canada, Australia/New Zealand and England. That however does not overlook other countries in Europe. After several requests to set up a discussion group I polled the collected interested people on the web site update mailing list and was was quite overwhelmed in the positive responses, so the TalkTemari Discussion Group was launched with 8 charter members its first day. It continues to grow monthly, as does the TemariKai News mailing list for web site updates and Temari news. To join either click on Join In.

        In addition to the website and its activities, I have had some wonderful experiences as a result of developing my Temari love - local galleries and retail shops show and offer them for sale; commercial nd professional clients have developed (such ans interior designers both in the US and Europe) as well as commissions from McGraw Hill Publishers, School Division for use in several editions of Mathematics books. Notes and contacts from many people including well-known Temari people from all over the world (such as  Janet Donnelley, a well published Australian author of Temari articles in Inspirations and Embroidery and Cross Stitch magazines, and Diana Vandervoort, author of four American/English Temari books) have kept me amazed. So many online friendships, via the discussion group or otherwise in private emails have emerged. There have been other surprises such as Carolyn Bennett and Cozy Baker from the Brewster Society of Kaleidoscope artists and collectors; The opportunity to share Temari in several exhibitions has been most rewarding. Not the least of all, being able to muster and host weekend gatherings of Temari makers from all over the US has been fantastic.

        Nichi Bei Bussan, a large source of Asian materials lists the site on its links page, as does Lacis, a large needlework and lace craft supplier in California. The Exploratorium (a well known children's museum of art and science in San Francisco) selected the site as one of the ten best in August of 1999 and maintains the listing. In March of 2000 Japan Etc. awarded the site its Sugoi! Award  as "congratulations and thank you to the web sites which provide information on subjects related to Japan for excellence in this field".

        I encourage you to try making Temari for yourself. If I can do it - you can too. While Temari can evolve into very complex objects of art, most are deceptively simple - it somewhat resembles the game of "Connect the Dots" that we played as children. The stitches are few and very simple, requiring no advanced knowledge of embroidery unless one explores the balls that include freehand art designs. I am the most unartistic person on earth, but have always had a love of crafts and textiles, having had a very wonderful and rewarding 4-H (home arts) career in my youth, as well as spending many hours in the open class crafts competition exhibit hall at the county fair. I have many years' experience in clothing construction as well as many types of needlework (knitting, crochet, tatting, embroidery, crewel, needlepoint, quilting, sewing) having been encouraged in these arts and crafts from the time I was about seven or so. Prior to discovering Temari I  have always (from a child) loved and tried to learn Origami (notice the "tried" - but I haven't yet given up)  and also would like to explore the Japanese craft of Kumihimo - decorative braiding. Things Japanese seem to hold a fasciantion for me.  And no - I am not, nor related to, the Ginnie Thompson of cross-stitch fame. Ironically too, cross stitch is one modality that I could not do because of my eyes not cooperating.

        I welcome your communication either by email or snail mail and look forward to sharing information about this wonderful craft. It is my hope in offering the Crafter's Showcase that we will have an opportunity of an online Temari "exposition" so that we can share with each other what we are creating, to encourage and be encouraged. It is in no way intended to serve as a critical forum unless the person submitting the photo is asking for assistance or opinions. Think of it as on online "quilting bee" or interest club - pull up up chair with a cup of tea and enjoy. You are welcome to sign the guest book, email or write the good old fashioned way. Click here to visit the site.

Last updated 3/05 © From 1998 inclusive G.Thompson