Women sit in a circle. They hold tightly woven balls the size of oranges. Slowly, they stitch complex patterns.

Eiko Araki is a master of this craft. It is called Sanuki Kagari Temari. She sits at the center of the circle. The Japanese craft has been passed down for more than a thousand years. It comes from the island of Shikoku, Japan.

These balls (called “temari”) aren’t for play. They’re works of art. They often become family heirlooms. Some cost hundreds of dollars. Each tamari takes weeks or months to make. Artists stitch the balls entirely by hand.

“I want it to be remembered there are beautiful things in this world that can only be made by hand,” says Mrs. Akari.

The thread comes from locally grown cotton. Women dye the cotton by hand with plants, flowers, and even bug parts. Soy juice deepens the colors. Mrs. Araki keeps 140 colors of thread.

Temari-making starts with a ball mold. The craftswomen cook rice husks. They dry the husks and put them inside a piece of cotton. Then they wind thread around it, over and over. Eventually, a ball appears.

Next, it’s time to stitch. Many temari patterns have names, like “firefly flowers” and “layered stars.” Each pattern takes time and precision. 

Mrs. Akari helps bring new popularity to the artform. She makes miniature temari as Christmas ornaments. Those cost just $10 each. Tourists can even buy temari at the Tokyo airport.

But only a few dozen women know how to make traditional temari. Mrs. Akari works to pass on her knowledge. Sometimes, she travels to Tokyo to teach classes. Mostly, she gives lessons at her studio. But just like making temari, learning temari takes time.

“It typically takes over 10 years to train them,” says Mrs. Akari. “So you need people who are willing to continue the craft for a very long time.”

In today’s world, we’re used to getting things instantly. Tools like artificial intelligence can create artwork in seconds. But handcrafts like temari remind us true beauty takes time. These crafts take hard work! And they help us learn patience. That’s the fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in us.

What might you start taking time to learn today?

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the Earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. — James 5:7-8