What is Tsumami Kanzashi?

Tsumami Kanzashi is the Japanese technique of fabric folding that creates beautiful fabric flowers like those worn by geisha.  The term translates more literally into fabric pinching.

One of my temari balls on Etsy was included in a treasury along with a kanzashi flower artist.  I was instantly captivated.  I began to research how to make the kanzashi.  A background in origami was extremely useful in picking up the technique quickly.

I received fabric scraps of mostly vintage fabrics from a quilting group.  With those fabrics and some vintage buttons and beads I created a collection of hairclips.

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How do you make them?

The number one question that people ask me is how do I make a temari ball?  Even after I describe the process, they will say "so you start with a ball, right?"


Just as temari began hundreds of years ago as a recycling craft, I recycle materials when I begin to make each one.  


The smallest temari begin with scraps of thread that I save as I work.  I wrap these with a cut scrap of fabric.  I then wrap that scrap of fabric with yarn, getting progressively tighter.  The trick is to keep the ball in constant motion which makes teeny temari especially difficult because my own fingers get in the way.


For larger temari, I fill on old sock with a number of recycled or repurposed goods.  Lately I have lots of small fabric scraps that are generated as I construct my kanzashi hairclips.  I will often use dyer lint.  This makes for a very lightweight temari that can be hung on a Christmas tree.  In the past I have used heavier items such as rice, lentils and birdseed.  Again, these are then wrapped in yarn.  I like make use of the yarn scraps generated by people who knit.  Often when a project is complete there is a little left over, too small to use.  Give them to me!  The yarn layer is completely hidden so the color, style, length do not matter in the construction of the temari.


The yarn wrap is then wrapped in sewing thread.  I love the vibrant and rich colors of sewing thread I have been able to acquire.  These are the foundation for each colorful ball.


Next, the ball is divided mathematically.  I identify a North pole and at half the circumference of the ball, establish the South pole. Divide that number in half, and identify the equator of the ball.  From there, I decide on the number of divisions for that ball.  Next I apply the guidethreads at the established divisions.


I then stitch the designs based on the guidethreads.  Many of the patterns are traditional Japanese designs that have evolved over 100s of years of temari construction.  Others are original designs.


Each ball is colorful and capitvating.  I encourage people to pick them up.  There is something soothing and special about each orb.


The top pic is an origami box filled with scrap thread and fabric that I collect while I work. These will become the centers of new temari. 


The lower pic is an array of the materials used on "Mari Day" when I construct the balls in batches prior to dividing them and stitching on them.  

Stitching each one is a meditation, like making a mandala.

Brand New Etsy Listing!!!!!!!

Check out my first Etsy listing for my brand new line of handcrafted Flower Hairclips!  Utilizing the traditional Japanese technique of tsumami kansashi, I cut, folded, and assembled these delightful accessories.

In addition to the clips I will be listing on Etsy,   the kanzashi will be available at the Indie Emporium Pop Up Shop, the Deluxe show in OKC, and the Alliday show at the fairgrounds.  Get yours before someone else!
Click here for Etsy

Sabi Wabi in two of Tulsa's finest art venues!

Well I proudly dropped off Temari to two great events in Tulsa!

First is the Philbrook Festival of Trees.  This annual exhibit opens this Saturday, the 19th and will be up through the 11th of December.  There a number of trees by different artists and community groups.  There are also Holiday Decorations.

Sabi Wabi has three different pieces in this years show.  I have a miniature tree featuring 17 different, one-of-kind Temari.  There is also a mantlepiece featuring 5 unique Temari in coordinating holiday colors.  The third piece is a large Temari in red, white, green and gold. This item includes an ornate metal stand.

The second event, is Living Art's Annual Champagne and Chocolate. I have 6 different extra large Temari balls in elaborate patterns.  There is also a Temari up for auction.

Free Shipping in November!

I've been listing new items in my Etsy store!  I am having a sale for the month of November, FREE SHIPPING!!!

To take advantage of the free shipping, enter "FallSale" as your coupon code.

New Etsy Listing

Click here to go to my Etsy Store

Origami Organization

At the Indie Emporium, this past weekend, I did a demonstration on organizing craft supplies with origami.  I fold traditional masu boxes for organizing a number of craft supplies.  I have posted instructions for folding the boxes on the make:Tulsa blog.
Origami Organization

I am so excited about Indie Emporium this Friday and Saturday!!!  I have dozens of new temaris and for the first time - JEWELRY!!!!  Hope to see you there....

www.indieemporium.com

I am busy getting prepared for the Indie Emporium, September 30th and October 1st at Living Arts in Downtown Tulsa!  I am also looking forward to the holiday gift giving season and have listed a new item on Etsy! Click here to go to my Etsy Listing

It's almost time for Indie Emporium!!!

www.indieemporium.com

September 30th and October 1st at Living Arts!

I'll be there!

Another Temari Listed on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81654375/japanese-temari-ball-citrus-blossoms

New Etsy Shop listing!  It is creeping closer to the holidays, so I will be adding items to my Etsy store.  I added one today! Sabi Wabi

In preparation for the upcoming Indie Emporium (Tulsa, OK :September 30th and October 1st at Living Arts Gallery) I have been creating and cataloging my new temari.  After 3 years of learning the discipline of temari, I am now approaching each ball as an individual object d'art.  No longer am I striving to learn divisions or patterns, each ball in an expression of myself in this delightful medium.

I am beginning the process of becoming certified by the Japanese Temari Association in the hopes of eventually being honored as a temari sensei.

Recently I have been focusing on the sizes of temari that tend to sell well during the holiday season.  I am even working on a tree for the Festival of Trees at the Philbrook Museum.

Back from Hiatus

Hello, Friends.

I've been away for a while but I have returned.  While I was away, I have been working on many new temaris!  Most of them original designs.

I look forward to checking in more often.