Temari balls workshop

This 3-day workshop is part of Scottish Women's Institutes' respected Evelyn Baxter Scholarship programme.

Nicola Davis, of The Twisted Thread, will lead a relaxed and friendly three-day workshop for beginners and intermediates, covering the basics of Temari making. Nicola is a member of the Japanese Temari Association and the UK Embroiderers' Guild, and runs Temari workshops in the South East of England to introduce others to this beautiful art.

What are Temari balls?

The Japanese Temari ball is a symbol of great loyalty or a valued friendship.

Originally made from herbs and leather, noblewomen of Japan developed theirs from silk and kimono scraps. In modern day Japan mothers make them for their children as part of New Year's celebrations.

Also named ito-mari (糸鞠), these soft balls wrapped in intricate geometric designs of cotton and silk threads lifted the position of Temari from a mere toy to a work of art.

They are also a symbol of young femininity and are a common motif on both children's and young women's kimono. It is also customary to give a Temari-patterned kimono to a bride as a good-luck charm, in the hope that she will be able to build a happy family.

About Evelyn Baxter

Evelyn Baxter was very active in the Scottish Women's Rural Institutes, serving in many offices at all levels, and was Fife Federation Chair on three occasions between 1925 and 1943. Her great interest in traditional crafts and their preservation resulted in a legacy which still endures today in the form of the Evelyn Baxter Scholarship. At Miss Baxter's request, two scholars are selected each year to be expertly taught a different craft each time, with a view to them then passing on their knowledge and skill to members across Scotland.

What's included?

Expert tuition by Nicola Davis, The Twisted Thread (http://thetwistedthread.co.uk).

All materials.

Light refreshments and lunch each day.

Evelyn Baxter was a respected Scottish ornithologist and active member of the SWI in the 1940s and 50s.

Host or Publisher SWI Events team