Temari balls are a Japanese art, dating back as far as 1,000 years. The original balls were made from herbs and leather, and noblewomen of Japan developed the balls 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. Find out how to make this beautiful and unique form of artwork to showcase in your home.

Tools and Materials
Pantyhose (or socks or old T-shirts)
Quilt batting (15 inches by 8 inches)
2 ounces of yarn
2 soda caps
A bell
Spool of serger thread (any color)
Large-eye needle
100 percent Bucilla silk ribbon in different colors
Scissors

Temari Balls How-To
1. Begin by wadding up pantyhose, and wrap in the quilt batting.

2. Insert the bell into the 2 soda caps and place the bell inside the core.

3. Wrap in 1 to 2 ounces of yarn to form a ball.

4. Take the yarn ball, and wrap in sewing thread.

5. 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.

Special Thanks
Thanks to Tamela Wheeler for sharing this craft with Martha. Note: The materials in this craft can be found at your local crafts store.