Dolores Middleton was born and raised in Ohio and has been a resident of Arkadelphia since 1989. She was introduced to Temari by her daughter, who lives in Japan. Temari is an old art passed down from one generation to another. These intricate balls were given as gifts and were treasured as symbols of deep friendship and loyalty. Originally made from old kimono fabric, the art has evolved to the use of embroidery threads, ribbons and even a version using fabric only (called kimekomi). Dolores makes her balls from rice hulls, covered in yarn, then serger thread to make a good surface for the beautiful designs that are embroidered on the ball.

What caught her attention was the patterns' intricacies, the geometry of the designs and the myriad of color combinations that are possible. Although there are only a few "standards" divisions, with the use of extra marking threads, there also is a limitless variety for desgins possible. For Dolores, making temari has taught her both patience and discipline as well as increased her understanding of the harmony (Wa) with nature expressed through the symmetry of the temari as well as the importance of taking pleasure in the now.