Ohhhhh my gosh. Why am I always the last to know?
I don't think it's possible to feel more inspired by something more than I'm inspired by Temari (the Japanese art of yarn balls) right now. Seriously, I am officially obsessed. There is just something about these....especially when the colors are so simple and controlled (like the one I marked up there) that makes me want to wrap everything I see, hear, smell, experience, in multicolored yarn...Installation art, anyone?
Anyway, I spent a long time finding these images-- because it seems like most people who make Temari are so in love with color and texture that they simply cannot stand taking a pulled back macro shot on a calm background... so, to all you Temari makin' folks out there...pull back and defocus the background to better show off your amazing work, please!
Ok, here is where I found these images and more.
And, for a totally insane Temari Treat visit Temari By Becky on flickr.
Read an iinterview straight from a temari-maker at Waterrose (thanks Rose, for the link!)
If you simply must have your own, check out all of the incredible Temari balls for sale on Etsy.
OK, for some reason the words "Japanese art of yarn balls" made me collapse into a fit of giggles. I think I'm feeling a bit punchy.
(These are really pretty, though.)
P.S. Loved your baguette post. I always feel about a thousand times more sophisticated and chic with a baguette. Best accessory ever.
Posted by: P. | Nov 12, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Hey P, y'know...I call it like I see it!
haha
you're so right...somehow just saying "Yarn Balls" makes me laugh!
...but then again...I can't even handle the word 'navel'. Yeah. 33 years baby!
Posted by: susy | Nov 12, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Gorgeous! Just gorgeous!
xo
Melis
Posted by: Melissa de la Fuente | Nov 12, 2008 at 04:52 PM
You weren't the last one, I just heard! I adore them!
Posted by: nosideup | Nov 12, 2008 at 05:41 PM
OH, this is funny...go take a look at my blog. I love tamari too.
Posted by: waterrose | Nov 13, 2008 at 12:12 AM
i just hear it fresh from you!!! these are wonderful :)
Posted by: shill | Nov 13, 2008 at 05:21 AM
Wonderful! When I opened your site I just about fell off my chair laughing.
Posted by: waterrose | Nov 14, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Ahh! You know our surprise-ball ( http://kioskkiosk.com/c/101/p/865/Surprise_Ball ) is a modern Temari. I realized when I read the description on our friends blog: http://threads.srithreads.com/2008/09/18/antique-temari/
Our site doesn't show when the ball gets opened but it's the greatest thing on earth to find all the little trinkets rolled within the layers of the ball...
Posted by: Marco | Nov 15, 2008 at 09:23 PM
oh, that is so cool, marco! I saw it in your web shop, and it reminded me of one-- but I wasn't sure if that was what inspired it!
It would be great to make your own, personal temari...like, to bring in your favorite items, and make them for a friend.
By the way, I can't wait to visit Kiosk...I have to make it through xmas first because I am swamped with orders...but when I am free to take time out, I will definitely be coming in...and I can't wait.
Posted by: susy | Nov 16, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Oh! My beau's mom makes us one every year. Exquisite. I think we have 7 or 8 or so. Swoon.
Posted by: erica | Nov 17, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Yeah, making one for someone is ultimate love:) Hear you about the x-mas stress - life is too short. Do come by when you can - it's always fun to meet in real life:) But since I won't see you until next year - merry xmas!
Posted by: Marco | Nov 29, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Thanks for the pics and links!
Posted by: Rod | Dec 16, 2009 at 12:54 PM
I'm just about to make some. Perhaps not as complicated as these thoug...;)
Posted by: Hawk & Weasel | Sep 05, 2010 at 04:57 PM