Temari Courses - JTA Curriculum
The publication of 12 Months of Temari, a book written and published in 1968 by the Honorary JTA President, Ozaki Chiyoko, was received very positively by temari fans throughout the nation of Japan. The Japan Temari Association was established in 1979 with headquarters and a museum which are presently located in the Setagaya-ku neighborhood of Tokyo. It's purpose is to pass on the art and tradition of Japanese temari, to heighten its artistry, and to educate the successors of temari-making. At the same time, members try to deepen their understanding of the art of temari as well as to aid in cultural exchange with other nations and to help improve Japanese culture.
Tasks of Japan Temari Association
- Opening a gallery to the public
- Hosting classes, seminars, meetings
- Cultural exchange with foreign countries and volunteer activities
- Technique examinations for certification
- Release of newsletters, editing, and publications
Barbara B. Suess joined the association in 2007 and passed the top level of certification in 2015 (Kyoujyu Level 4). In 2011, she traveled to Japan with colleagues and participated in classes with three different temari masters. The photo is Sensei Ozaki demonstrating a stitch to Barb and travelling companion Kathy Hewitt. Glenna Kipp (not shown) also travelled with us. Barb's study of the art of temari continues with the help of the head of the Chidori Temari Group formed for international members of the JTA.
Introduction of Temari Curriculum
In January of 2015, the JTA introduced a curriculum for international study of the craft that is based on the same one taught in Japan by JTA certified teachers and masters. This exciting opportunity inspired Barb to begin teaching this same curriculum in her online courses. Many participate just for the pleasure of learning to make temari with patterns provided by the JTA masters. You do not have to join the JTA or apply for certification when you take these courses.
Barb is retired from assisting students through the certification process. Anyone can still take her online courses and enjoy them without persuing certification through JTA. However, if you'd like to get certified, please contact Jen Weber (cleverbunnystudio.com). Jen is a wonderful temari teacher and you'll love working with her!
Level 1 - Part 1 Basic Course (Honka Shuuryou)
$70.00 (available for purchase on Etsy.com)
Required text is Temari Techniques.
1. Get organized and gather your supplies. Read about threads and other supplies for making temari. Learn how to make a ball, stitch free embroidery and basic stitching. Learn how to keep a temari notebook to record your projects using the new Temari Workbook. Download a copy of the Temari Glossary.
2. Easy marking and stitching: wrapped bands.
3. Stitch a square design on a simple 4 and simple 8 division.
4. Stitch the very popular 5-point star on simple 10 division.
5. Spindle stitching - stitch one or several, layered or interlocked.
6. Kiku herringbone stitching - basic technique for the classic temari design.
Photos of some of the temari in Level 1 course (from Temari Techniques). Other patterns will come from Japanese temari (JTA) books.
Level 1 - Part 2 Basic Course (Honka Shuuryou)
$70.00 (available for purchase on Etsy.com)
Required text is Temari Techniques.
7. Kiku herringbone stitching - vary the flower by making petals longer or shorter and change their starting and stopping points.
8. Triwing - a fun puzzle stitched on a simple 6 division.
9. Merry-go-round - (just like it sounds) work this one up and down and around the ball.
10. Interlocked/layered - practice changing the look of designs you've made before, by weaving to interlock or stitching row by row to layer.
11. Mark a C8 and stitch a simple design -this lesson includes a video on marking. Wrap bands next to the guidelines for a quick finish.
12. Mark a C10 and stitch a simple design - also includes a video and gives you several options for marking a ball covered with 12 pentagons nested side-by-side. Fill each pentagon with the 5-point star learned in lesson 4.
Photos of some of the temari in Level 1 course (from Temari Techniques). Other patterns will come from Japanese temari (JTA) books.
Level 2 - Part 1 Higher Course (Koutouka Shuuryou)
$70.00 (available for purchase on Etsy.com)
Required text is Temari Techniques.
All lessons include tips on pattern writing.
1. Descending herringbone
2. Rose
3. Wrapped designs
4. Kiku herringbone on C8 and C10
5. Basketweave on various divisions
Photos of some of the temari in Level 2 course (from Temari Techniques). Other patterns come from Japanese temari (JTA) books.
Level 2 - Part 2 Higher Course (Koutouka Shuuryou)
$70.00 (available for purchase on Etsy.com)
Required text is Temari Techniques.
All lessons include tips on pattern writing.
7. Flax leaf on various divisions
8. Continuous path stitching on various divisions
9. Thimble ring design
10. Interlocked stitching on C8 and C10
11. Layered stitching on C8 and C10
12. HHG on various divisions
Photos of some of the temari in Level 2 course (from Temari Techniques). Other patterns come from Japanese temari (JTA) books.
Level 3 Shihanka Nintei (Teacher Course)
We have a study group that you can join for support when working on this level. Contact Barb for more information after you have passed Level 2.
Level 4 Kyoujyu Nintei (Master Course)
We have a study group that you can join for support when working on this level. Contact Barb for more information after you have passed Level 3.
Temari courses based on the curriculum of the Japan Temari Association
Membership and Certification in the JTA