Temari  Books Information - English
see also  Japanese book information

        There is a small collection of English Temari books available. My personal favorite and recommendation is The Craft of Temari, by Mary Wood. Wood presents by technique rather than by project, but then gives a solid number of examples and inspiration using each technique. This allows you to learn the elemental stitches and methods so that you can follow patterns from other sources or be inspired to create your own designs, and avoids being "locked in" to pattern names as you learn the stitches and methods of the craft. Wood is British so Americans may find some differences in composition but nothing to confuse or detract from the excellent presentation. This book comes and goes as far as being in active print but, there are many copies available in retail and mail order stocks, or on the secondary market (check eBay).

        Also to have in your library are the works of Diana Vandervoort. Diana has been writing about temari for over ten years, having had a long exposure to Japan and the craft. My particular favorites are Temari, Temari Traditions, and especially Temari Gifts (her latest, published in 2008). I had the great pleasure of being asked by Diana to act as her technical editor for this book and we had a great experience working together as friends and colleagues, sharing the joy of our craft. (Please note that I have no financial or other interest in Diana's ventures or am receiving any compensation on this, or any other, of her book sales). I will simply and wholly say that I believe that both beginner and experienced temari crafters will value having this volume in their libraries; if you are going to choose one Vandervoort book, this is the one to have for the wider reach of technique, projects and presentation. That being said, all of Diana's books cover the  basics from the beginning so, any one that you may choose will get you going in the craft of Temari.  The first four are available through book stores and online sellers; her latest Temari Gifts, (as well as all of her previous titles) is available directly from her temari.com website.

        Two other books are: Temari by Ludlow and The Temari Book by Anna Diamond. The Ludlow book can be enjoyed by absolute beginners; anyone with any temari experience will probably not find it to be too challenging or useful. Anna Diamond has some wonderful inspiration designs but, her temari basics were learned in Polynesia and there was no other interaction with temari crafters, so she uses terminology completely unique to her own thoughts. You need to be able to work through that and make the appropriate correlations to common technique and vocabulary, and know that most temari makers will not "get" the terms if you discuss temari using Diamond's verbage, but there can be interesting designs to work for advanced beginners through intermediate stitchers. For a professional librarian's reviews of some of the English book click here.
 

Wood
 Vandervoort 1
 Vandervoort 2 Vandervoort 3
 Vandervoort 4 Vandervoort 5







Ludlow
 Diamo

        For those looking for a smaller startup, wanting to try a project or two before diving into a deeper commitment, Phyllis Mauer of Ethnic Fiber Art, LLC has created  teaching and project booklets to support ethnic technique. Phyllis is wholly committed to researching, preserving and presenting heritage embroidery techniques from around the world, that relatively unknown and/or are in danger of being lost or forgotten. She has devoted several booklets to Temari. Techniques of Japanese Temari, Making the Learning Ball, and Classic Chrysanthemum will each or all give you a taste of temari on a most affordable basis, if you would like to try the craft before investing in more substantial publications. They are  available directly from her website, ethnicfiberart.com. (As with Diana, I have no financial or business interest or receive compensation from Phyllis, or any author/publisher/reseller).




Techniques of
Japanese Temari
 Learning Ball
 Classic
Chrysanthemum
   

        Temari is making it into needlework magazines too. There have been several beautiful how-to articles written by Janet Donelly of Australia. Embroidery & Cross Stitch Magazine (Vol. 4, No 4) has a great beginner's article including instructions for 3 designs called "Golden Temari".  Other articles are featured in the Inspirations Magazine - No. 20 (Chrysanthemum Ball) and No. 25 (Wild Swan Egg).  I was delighted to be commissioned to write and photograph a DIY article for CRAFT Magazine, in the spring of 2007

Additional sources for books and magazines - both English and Japanese books:

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Last updated 9/08 © 1998, 2002, 2008 G.Thompson