Decorative Balls and Temari

The first time that I visited someone's home and saw a beautiful basket of decorative balls, I wondered how in the world someone decided that balls could be used as decoration. I was in The Mercantile, a delightful shop in Pendleton, South Carolina, and asked one of the talented gals if she knew the history of decorating with balls. She started telling me about Temari which I had never heard of. I decided that the Ancient Art of Temari must have influenced the present form of decorating with balls, orbs or spheres. I feel like there must be a significance behind them such as bringing peace and tranquility into your home but I have never read or heard anything like that. I guess we can pretend. I did read that the colorful threads were symbolic of a happy and brilliant life. This was part of the article on Wikipedia.

Today, you can find them in just about any color and made from wood, ceramics, and natural fibers. They are so unique and look lovely sitting in a basket or bowl either on a table or on a hearth. Christmas Balls are also used in glass containers for Holiday Decorating. Some people are hand painting their own or creating them from things they find around the house. They are all interesting to look at, I think.

Photo: This picture shows one set available on Amazon.com. See below for link. You will also see other Decorative Balls for sale below.

This ancient art form of creating balls is practiced today. The more I read and learn about Temari the more interested I become in the possibility of creating something myself.

I hope you enjoy watching these videos as much as I have. I really had no idea that there was so much available online about this ancient art form. Very interesting, indeed! Actually, I find this to be amazing and find it difficult to believe that I made it to my old age before learning about it. These videos make it look so easy but I know that it is not. I do lean toward being artsy and have done crafts all my life but for some reason, I am just not too handy when it comes to threads. I feel like I have two left hands. I used to do some cross stitch but was never very good at it. Since this doesn't require using a needle, I might be more inclined to give it a try.

Learning the art of Temari sounds like fun but I imagine it is difficult to do and takes a lot of patience and practice. I am really not sure that I could do it. The silk thread colors are so vivid and vibrant. It would be a joy just to work with the thread and create something special.

The Ancient Art of Temari is still practiced today by some very talented people. I found this website very interesting and informative. If you are like me, I knew very little about this art form and wanted to learn more. Not that I would be able to duplicate any of these wonderful pieces, but just because I found it fascinating.

Temari is an ancient art form

Japanese Temari Balls are delicately embroidered balls using silk threads while the more common Decorative Balls seen today are made from wood, glass, ceramics, or natural fibers. I am sure you have seen them in furniture stores or magazines. It is simple yet makes a statement and are very pleasing to the eye.

Mothers originally made the Temari balls for children to play with and would give them to their child on New Years Day with a message inside. It actually began in China and then spread to Japan. They originally were made out of scrapes from kimonos according to Wikipedia. Over the years the mothers began making the balls more and more ornate until they became a prized family possession that were shown off in the home. I can't imagine going to all that work and then letting a child play with it. I just don't know if I could do that. I would want to show it off and keep it forever.

The fact that both types of balls are round and are used for decoration are the only things they have in common. I do think it takes a certain artist's eye to really appreciate the look and see how it can add to your décor. I have also seen these balls inside of clear glass lamps. There are so many ways that they can be displayed and enjoyed. You may want to start with a creative idea for the holidays and use some of your old Christmas Ornaments. It all seems to be the same concept.

With so many designs and colors, it is hard to choose but let me know which is your favorite by joining this poll below. I know it depends on what part of your home you are decorating or thinking of decorating but you may have a favorite anyway. Maybe you don't like any of them and would like to see something different. Let me know in the guestbook below. Thanks. I just chose some of my favorites to feature below but there are many, many more to choose from on Amazon.

Whatever the reason for using them, I think both the Temari balls and the Decorative Balls used today are both very interesting and fun to decorate with. They are sure good conversation pieces.

With warm words in warm colors, these would be a great conversation piece. Can't you just hear the comments. Who wouldn't like to discuss:

FRIENDS, FAITH AND FAMILY

These spheres are hand painted and a reminder of what is important!

This complete set of Bowl with Balls would really make a statement as a centerpiece.

This would also be lovely on a coffee table or even on a hearth.

Search around on Amazon to find more textures such as Natural Willow.

Natural Willow ones will go with anything and be great accent pieces for your home. My daughter had some similar to these but they were larger. She had them on her hearth in an antique wooden rice basket and they were so beautiful and captured your attention when you entered the room. A very unique and natural look.