Kusudama -- Flower Balls by Mary Alice Sinton

Kususdama design consists of two large flower balls (aka medicine balls) representing distinctly two different seasons. The foreground ball has cooler fall/winter colors. The Kususdama, medicine ball originates from ancient Japanese culture, where they were used for incense and potpourri. The work itself is a combination of two Japanese words, kusuri, Medicine and tama, Ball. They are now typically used as decorations and more commonly created out of paper using origami techniques. This Kususdama embroidery design was created by Master Iwao Saito to showcase the entire 46 Japanese Embroidery techniques. Kususdama requires a solid knowledge of Japanese Embroidery plus challenges the stitcher in color selection. The JEC requires all teachers to complete Kususdama prior to receiving JEC certification in Traditional Japanese Embroidery.

Step by step, this piece has evolved from that one precious little woven violet.