Ikebana - Lesson 1

Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging. This week I started a beginner's class that will run for five weeks. Pictured above is my first arrangement. In each class we work on one arrangement that includes photographing it with two different backgrounds, from the top, and the side. We are to keep a notebook with diagrams and drawings of our arrangements along with our photos. I'm excited to head out today to pick up a new journal to keep a record of my studies. I'll post my journal pages as I get them done.

Here is a look at my arrangement with a different background. I love how the tall branches curve to create a lovely arch. The branches are umbrella ferns from Australia. They pair so nicely with the sunflowers. Notice the flower on the far right. See how it is facing up? Flowers are always positioned to face heaven. The branches around it are it's companion. I arranged these branches to embrace the flower.

Here is a look at my arrangement from the top.

This arrangement was done by a student who has been studying for eight years. Her assignment was to create an arrangement where the plants come out of the pot straight up and the top is arranged to be shaped like the container. The student is to create a sense of tension in this piece. I was honored to be able to photograph this arrangement. Isn't it lovely? Who knew that onions could be so elegant.

Another student of three years worked on the piece shown above. Her assignment was to work paper into her arrangement. She cut out the sky images from a magazine and attached them to the vase. I was so delighted to see this assignment. The teacher and students there have no idea that I am the collage diva and my love for paper. I learned a lot watching the advance students as I witnessed their arrangements take shape.

This is the start of a second arrangement by the student who is working with paper. Here she cut some handmade marbled paper. When I left class she was still working on adding more grass along the bottom to continue the movements and to tie in the top of the arrangement with the bottom.

I extend a heart felt thanks to the other students and my teacher. I have my arrangement set up at a spot in my kitchen where I walk by it often. It has a prominent place of honor.

To learn more about where I am taking my classes visit: Ikebana Flower in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Comments

[Megan Warren]

wow! these are great - I think you did a fabulous job for your first lesson. I like the arrangements that incorporate paper.

[3rdEyeMuse]

oh Kathryn, what a wonderful experience this class must have been and I can only imagine how much you are looking forward to the next one ... Ikebana is quite fascinating to me ... I love the way yor arrangement looks in front of the blue/violet background. Well done, grasshopper!

[Lori Anderson]

Gorgeous. I wish I could have lovely things like plants and flowers in my house, but unfortunately, I have a cat that will even eat the fake, dust-covered ones.

[Anne Gaal]

Hi, Kathryn! What gorgeous floral arrangements! I've always liked the asymmetrical way that the Japanese arrange flowers and the visual shapes and negative space that is created.

By the way, I've nominated you for The Circle of Friends Blog Award as part of my first blogoversary celebration. I appreciate your frequent visits and comments! It means so much! :-)