It's a crafty world:Temari - The Japanese folk art

By Marlen Parari 

Temari was introduced to Japan through China around the 7th century A.D. Temari  (手まり) is the word for 'handball' in Japanese and the craft involves the making of a colorful, embroidered, thread ball. The craft emerged from the desire to entertain and amuse children and nowadays Temari as given as gifts. Temari are highly valued and cherished gifts, symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty.

Historically, Temari were constructed from the remnants of old kimonos where the silk fabric would be wadded up to a form of ball and then wrapped with strips of fabric. As time passed, the functional stitching became more decorative and detailed as it evolved into a form of intricate art.

Traditionally, temari were often given to children from their parents on New Year's Day. Inside the tightly wrapped layers of each ball, the mother would place a small piece of paper with a goodwill wish for her child. The child would never be told what wish his or her mother had made while making the ball.

Alternately, some balls contained "noisemakers" consisting of rice grains or bells to add to the play value. It is said that traditional temari were wrapped so tightly they would bounce.

Learn how to make a simple Temari ball by following the instructions here.

It's a crafty world: Crin - The fading craft of Chile's 'living human treasures'

By Marlen Parari 

I first heard about Crin when I met Macarena, a lively, petite girl with big butterfly tattoos and impressive spider-web resembling earrings. Macarena was from Chile; she was studying Industrial Design and was taking afternoon silversmithing classes on the side. Her purpose was to create a unique wedding ring and necklace set for her sister, using a combination of silversmithing techniques with the traditional Chilean craft of Crin.

Her earrings were made by her grandmother, who passed her down the philosophy and techniques of Crin; a form of very delicate weaving using horse hair, usually dyed in vibrant colors. Crin originates from the remote Chilean village of Rari. The women of this village have developed this craftwork for more than two centuries, as it was transmitted from mothers to daughters. It’s a technique similar to basket weaving which begun by using Alamo roots fiber and evolved to the use of dyed horse hair to weave delicate and colorful figures.

Nowadays, there are only a few people left practicing the craft as a full time job. Crin weavers, called 'living human treasures' by the National Arts and Culture Council, usually have to take up alternative occupation in the summer, as the Chilean summer heat makes it prohibitive working with delicate fibers. It is estimated that around 100 people in total practice the craft, among them 10 men. As with many dying arts, Crin relies upon the interest of younger people, like Macarena, to be preserved and cherished by future generations.