For those following my blog you know that I started the formal study of Ikebana – the Art of Japanese Floral Design – during the summer 2020. This past fall I successfully completed the first 10 weeks of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana under the tutelage of Sogetsu Teacher and Artist, Ilse Beunen. All our class meetings and instruction are handled through Zoom. Ilse is in Belgium and my five classmates live across the USA and around the world.
After the completion of our fall session, Ilse offered to our class a mini-workshop in December to create a couple Ikebana designs complimentary to the holiday season.
The first arrangement was to incorporate evergreen branches. I used arborvitae branches positioned in a low metallic colored container. Floral materials included red carnations, red roses, white hydrangea, white lily blossoms, and white chrysanthemums.
This particular arrangement is called a “Left Upright Moribana” style. Moribana refers to the low container. The arborvitae branches represent the two main lines of Shin and Soe. The red carnation to the right is the third line called Hikae.
The second arrangement of our holiday workshop was focused on creating our own container. It was to be shaped like a tube or round roll. I used four Campbell’s Tomato Soup cans taped together and covered in white quilt batting to simulate snow. I wanted this design to compliment my “White Christmas” theme.
I cut an opening in one of the cans to arrange my floral materials which included three silver painted branches (Shin, Soe and Hikae), three white painted pine cones, green arborvitae, red carnations, white lily, and red dried floral sprigs. I laid silver branches along both sides of the round container for balance to keep it upright.
I wish these pictures were clearer but I think you will get the idea of my design and it complimenting my “White Christmas” theme. We appreciate Ilse offering this December workshop. It was fun and stimulating, and kept us thinking about and working with Ikebana during the holidays!
Cristy, your Ikebana arrangements are beautiful. Again, sometimes less is more or the more simple you keep it, the more striking and elegant it. I like your idea to keep the theme of White Christmas/winter. Thr red and white will work for Valentine’s too!
Today is Connie Douglass’ birthday. Mark and I had her over for our favorite Chinese takeout. She is doing well since her husband’s passing in August. She asked about you and said to say “hello”.
The sun is shinning gloriously today through the kitchen window. I hope it stays with us all day. Have a lovely week and keep warm.
Thank You for your dear comments! Please say “Hello” back to Connie! Grateful to hear she is doing well…she is blessed with such good friends as you and Mark!