Lesson 7 in both temari courses - Level 1 and Level 2

Here they are! Our next set of temari classes begins on October 1.

Here is the temari for Lesson 7 in Level 1 - the next set of lessons in our temari courses. We are exploring changing up the kiku herringbone design by varying the placement of inside points and outside points. You can get some really fantastic designs!

And here is the temari for Lesson 7 in Level 2. Techniques included are interlocked wrapped bands on a combination 8 division with flax leaf (asa no ha) stitching on top. 

Join us? http://www.japanesetemari.com/Japan-Temari-Association.html

Kate Gaunt writes about our upcoming courses

A new and continuing opportunity for Temari enthusiasts:  Japan Temari Association Curriculum/Classes from Barbara Suess.  Part 2 classes begin October 1 and continue through March 31, 2016.  (Note:  Class will be on hiatus during December to allow time for family and holidays.)
Have you admired those beautiful thread-wrapped and stitched balls known as temari?  These wonderful stitched orbs can be easy to do -- especially with the guidance of one of the authorities in the field.  I'm pleased to announce that Barbara Suess will be teaching a NEW series of courses in temari based on a curriculum developed by the Japan Temari Association.  There are two levels, Level 1 and Level 2 and each level is broken into two parts.  This email pertains to the Part 2 sessions of each level.  (You can sign up for part 2 even if you didn't do part 1 - you just need to meet the prerequisites.  See further in this document for more details.)

In January of 2015, the Japan Temari Association (JTA) introduced a curriculum for international study that is based on the same curriculum taught in Japan by JTA certified teachers and masters.  This exciting opportunity inspired Barb to begin teaching this same curriculum in her online courses.  While successful completion of these courses can lead to application for JTA certification by Barb's students, you can also 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; however, some of you will find temari so addictive that you will likely want to join and apply and these courses will provide an excellent basis for your certification application.  I've attached a picture of the type of projects you will learn in these classes.

Barb has divided the coursework into two levels and each level consists of two six-month courses.  There are LOTS of details for this new course curriculum and Barb has created several web pages to describe the new courses here:
http://www.japanesetemari.com/Japan-Temari-Association.html
Since this is brand new, Barb has anticipated some of the questions you might have and has a summary here:
http://www.japanesetemari.com/classes/jta/FAQ.JTAcourses.html

The second parts of both Level 1 and Level 2 begin on October 1 and run through March 31 with the month of December off.  Since we know everyone works at different rates, you may join the course in progress.  (You can even still sign up for part 1 of either level, if you're quick.)  The courses are progressive and each builds on skills developed in the earlier classes.  The required text for all the classes is Temari Techniques, which is available from Barb if you don't already have a copy.  Since many interested students will likely already have some temari supplies, there is no supplied kit.  If you do need supplies, Barb has an etsy store to make as-you-go shopping easy and affordable.
Barb will provide lots of personal feedback as you progress through the lessons.  Think of her as a coach, guide and mentor as she shares her expertise and love for this traditional art.

Yes, we know that October 1 is just around the corner.  We needed to get started so that those who wanted to apply for certification could get their submissions done in time.  There is plenty of time during the six months of each class to complete the work and it's not a concern if you join late.  You know how much time you can dedicate to the class -- whether it's a matter of so many hours per week or a concentrated period of time in your life -- the perfect cure for the winter doldrums. 

Students participating in the part 1 session of each level have progressed wonderfully through the lessons.  They have shared photos and created LOTS of temari.  It really feels like Barb is there coaching right beside you and her feedback is extremely prompt.  If you're unsure about where you might fit in with your temari skills, look through the FAQ page here:
http://www.japanesetemari.com/classes/jta/FAQ.JTAcourses.html
and if you're still unsure, send Barb an email at:   barb@japanesetemari.com

So, are you ready to accept the challenge and learn temari based on a really well-organized series of lessons?  If so, we hope you'll join Barb as she begins this new approach to temari classes.  If you have any questions, there are links to contact Barb via the web page links above, or just send an email to:

So, are you ready to accept the challenge and learn temari based on a really well-organized series of lessons?  If so, we hope you'll join Barb as she begins this new approach to temari classes.  If you have any questions, there are links to contact Barb via the web page links above, or just send an email to: barb@japanesetemari.com 

We hope you will enjoy this latest class offering from Shining Needle Society!
Kate GauntShining Needle Societykategaunt@aol.com 

Looking for temari classes? Or looking for temari students?

It's that time of year when people are looking to take classes - maybe because it's time for the school year to start? Anyway, I'd like to update the teachers' page on my website

http://www.japanesetemari.com/TemariTeachers.html

If you'd like to be added to the list or have changes to make, please let me know. I'll be happy to help! Send an email to me barb@japanesetemari.com

AND if your are a temari teacher, send me details of your classes that I can copy and paste into my next email. With almost 800 subscribers, I hope to help you reach some new students!

I'll be teaching for a full week September 27, 2015 - October 2, 2015. This is the week before Fall Festival so if you'd like to come next year, please sign up early. Only 12 are allowed in the class and it's likely to fill early.

Here is some info about the class: http://www.japanesetemari.com/classes/Campbell/CampbellFolkSchool.html

Temari class in Virginia at Jinny Beyer Studio

Last weekend, I had a wonderful trip to the Jinny Beyer Studio. On Saturday, I taught a class to customers with the help of The Temari Twins, Karen Heppin and Jen Weber. Team teaching is definitely the way to go! We were able to teach 14 students at once and still give a lot of one-on-one attention. Sunday was a a repeat with Jinny and her staff joining us to learn how to make temari. They smiling faces? Yes, they were happy to be learning!

Temari class with Jinny Beyer and staff

Karen Heppin, Jen Weber, and Barb Suess

Beginning Temari - The Basics!

Originally written for a national embroidery organization, this course is now available for everyone! Hosted by the Shining Needle Society, it's perfect for absolute beginners to the craft of temari.

To sign up, visit this page on my website.

Deadline to sign up is 6 days

Hi!

The deadline to sign up for class is next Friday, September 27.

This online class is six weeks long and begins October 8. This promises to be an exciting class with students who live all over the world. Over 110 temari stitchers have signed up! There are a lot of people who have never tried temari and are eager to get a jump start on making gifts for the holidays this year. The first four temari we make are perfect for gifts - quick and unique! Many students who have taken all my previous classes have loyally returned to study the herringbone stitch in detail.

I have just a few kits left and hope you can join me. Please don't delay in signing up. Here is a link to the page where you can purchase the class.

There are many basic skills covered in this class making it suitable for the absolute beginner and intermediate stitcher as well:make a ball from scratch, mark a simple 10 division, mark a simple 12 division, mark a ball with 20 centers, stitch wrapped bands, pine needles, layered open shapes to make a framework, make a hanger for the ball, and stitch six different herringbone variations. The larger ball, Desert Spirit, looks like a combination division with so many small shapes to be filled. But it is based on a simple 12 division and is so much easier to mark than a combination division!

Deadline to sign up for class is Friday, September 27.

Temari class sign-up begins this week.

Temari class sign-up begins this week.

Desert Spirit Temari - close-up view of diamond

Desert Spirit Temari Class - ball 3

Moments of zen working on a new online class

Night fades to a calm, glassy river in the morning.

Beginner to intermediate class coming in 2013.

Desert Spirit with adaptations for Christmas Spirit and Water Spirit.

Upcoming demo and class

I hope to see you!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Dana Watson and I will be stitching temari all day in Chapel Hill. Bring your temari and sit, stitch, visit.

The Ackland Art Museum
BUNKA NO HI | Japanese Culture Day    文化の日
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Free and open to the public. An all-ages event.

Join the Ackland on Bunka no Hi (Culture Day), a national holiday in Japan that celebrates culture and the arts. In addition to exploring the Ackland’s exhibitions of Japanese art, participate in workshops and events, learn about Japanese art forms like bonsai and temari (embroidered balls), and get creative with do-it-yourself activities available all day.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Temari class at my home in Raleigh, NC

Temari class by Barbara B. Suess

Online temari class DVDs

Did you miss the class? I offer online temari classes and repeat them every few years. If you can't wait for the next class and would like to purchase a DVD that includes the pattern and videos, please have a look at your options below. I'm just an email away so if you need help while working through the class material, just let me know. Grandmother Star is ready now.

Temari Class DVDs

Temari Class DVDs

Temari class on Saturday, July 21

It's time to sign up and prepare for Asanoha! Flax or hemp leaf stitching. I've got lots of different patterns for you to try and photos galore. I hope you can join me for temari class. Find out more by clicking on this link.

Temari class with Barb on Saturday, July 21

Stitching temari in North Carolina

I've got an email list going just for people interested in stitching temari with us in North Carolina. Please let me know if you want to join. Here is what I sent out today...

Hi temari stitchers,

You've expressed an interest in stitching temari with us in North Carolina and I've created a separate email list just for locals and those who want to come and be a local for a while. This is it. Thanks so much for joining the list!

Here's what's on the schedule as of today:

Chapel Hill, NC, at Thimble Pleasures Quilt Store

Three sessions (July, August, and September). Click on the link above to get the details. If you are beginner, start with Dana to learn the basics and lots of fun temari designs.

Sign up for this class through Thimble Pleasures.

Raleigh, NC, at Barb's home

Saturdays, from 9:30 am until noon or so. June 23, July 21, August 18, September 15. This class is for experienced temari makers who are at the level where they are comfortable making a C8 division. If you're not there yet, let me know and I'll hook you up with Dana for the beginning classes. Each session is $15 payable to Barb. Bring your own stitching supplies. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, midnight, before the Saturday class. Minimum is three students. Maximum is twelve students.

Sign up for each Saturday class individually by contacting Barb (barb@japanesetemari.com). Please sign up as soon as you know you will come since seating is very limited.

Saturday, June 23 -  Let's play with asanoha (flax or hemp leaf) design. Bring a ball (any color, any size) marked in a C8. Bring extra thread (same color as marking thread) for stitching the design. This technique is described on pages 144-149 in Temari Techniques. Bring balls marked in other divisions if you want to keep going and be sure to bring your requests for future classes.

Temari Retreat in Raleigh, NC

Almost 40 people have expressed an interest in coming to stitch temari over a two or three day period. Wow! I'm so excited! I'm hoping to get this event organized for October, 2012, and will let you know which days as soon as I can.

Thanks again for your interest in coming to stitch with us!

Sunflowers Class Schedule and Book Update

Oh my goodness, I am swamped with orders for Temari Techniques and with people signing up for Sunflowers Online Class. Thank you all so much for your support and joining me in my addiction to temari!

Book Update - my publisher just told me that Temari Techniques will arrive at her warehouse on May 9 unless there is a customs inspection to delay it. She said she's never had this happen before so let's cross our fingers. This is about two weeks later than expected when she placed the order but things happen, ya know? At least now we have a date.

If you haven't ordered from me yet, please do it now so I can get a book for you from my publisher. I'll start at the top of the list of orders (by date) when I begin to mail. Here's the link to the order page.

Sunflowers Class - Hard to believe but it's been two years since we last ran this class with the Shining Needle Society. I get requests for this one on a regular basis and decided it's time to run it again. This one is for experienced beginners. If you've made temari before and are pretty good at making the round ball and marking simple divisions, join us to learn a combination 8 division and many different ways to stitch a kiku herringbone and triwings. This time I'm adding videos of the whole process beginning with making the ball. So you'll be able to watch over my shoulder as I stitch the three temari in the class.

Why the big price jump? It's scary how much things have gone up since I ran this class before. When I priced the kit this time, almost everything has increased, including postage. I added a bit more to my teaching fee since I'll make the videos. There is an audit option for those who have taken this class from me before. I sure wish I could do something about this, but believe me, I've kept it as low as I can. Still, I think for the big kit and four weeks of instruction and a group that stays open for many months, it's not a bad deal. You don't have to travel and pay for a hotel. Stay at home and stitch in your PJ's!

Here is the link to the sign up page for the class. I hope you can join us.

Retreat in Raleigh Update

WOW! Thanks so much to everyone who has filled out the form on my website to say they are interested in coming to Raleigh to stitch with me. This will definitely happen. I'm thinking of organizing a large get-together for the fall and several shorter classes until then. I'll be in touch soon. WOW! This is going to be fun.

Temari retreat in Raleigh

 
How would you like to come to Raleigh, North Carolina, for a temari retreat? I'm gathering information about the possibility of holding classes that last several days. Classes will be multi-level so will suit beginners to advanced temari stitchers. We will use my new book Temari Techniques and assorted patterns that I've not yet published. You bring your own supplies or I can provide you with a kit. The fee for the kit is flexible depending on what you need. My teaching fee will be split between those who come. Classes will be held at my home if the group is under twelve people or nearby in a rented facility if the group is larger.




Raleigh, NC, is served by RDU international airport, located 15 minutes from my home. The area is full of attractions of all kinds and is nearby to Chapel Hill and Durham, NC.

Still interested? Please give me a bit more information for planning. This is not a commitment from you – it will just help me decide whether there is enough interest. Fill out the form on my website. Thanks!

Beautiful blue kit - only one left

 

[Update - the kit has found a nice home!]
Yesterday, I posted the fifth lesson in the Grandmother Star temari class online. I have only one kit left - will you make it yours? The Yahoo group for the class will remain open until July 31, 2012, so you have lots of time to make this temari.

Here's the scoop about the class on my website

Japanese Temari Newsletter

Happy Holidays!

Are you feeling the rush to get ready? I sure am. There are so many people shopping online this year. I'm busy almost every day with my shop, trying to get temari and supplies in the mail and photographing more temari to add to the group for sale in my shop on etsy.com. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me move "stash" from my place to yours with a purchase. The sale was a huge success and I've sorted my stitching supplies and can actually find things around here again.

Online Temari Class - Grandmother Star

At long last, I've got time to get back to teaching online! I hope you'll be able to join me in making Grandmother Star, a floral design stitched on 32 centers. This class was requested by several people recently so we'll start with this multicenters beauty.

Registration is open now. It closes Friday, January 6, 2012. Kits will be mailed by January 27, 2012 (by Priority to US or by First Class to Canada or by First Class to all other countries). Class begins Friday, February 3, 2012.

If you took this class from me before, please ask for the audit price (no kit).

Visit the class webpage to sign up

Happy birthday to the Shining Needle Society!

I recently got this happy email from Kate from the Shining Needle Society:


"Happy Birthday to Shining Needle Society!

Today we are four years old and we have almost 4000 members.

When Marie-Therese and I started Shining Needle Society in 2007, we certainly hoped that people would join and want to participate in the classes. I don't think we ever thought we grow so quickly and we keep growing. :-)

Thank you for your support and I hope you continue to enjoy SNS' class offerings. I will strive to keep bringing you "the best of the best!"

Happy birthday to us!

Kate Gaunt
Shining Needle Society"


Congratulations for the successful venture, Kate!