What is Ikebana? This course will help clarify the many differing concepts about this Japanese floral tradition.

First we will discuss in outline the history of Ikebana and the various different ‘schools’.

We will look at how the ancient Buddhist rituals of floral offering and spirituality are applied in modern day Japan and how this has spread to the Western world.

After a demonstration to explain the proportions, placements and choice in the designs you will each create your own in two different styles. Less is definitely more. Don’t be scared of the negative space! The final ‘take home’ design will be the ‘take nine stems’ design…one that will give you the ability to create beautiful, pared back arrangements from your garden or local area, every day of the year.

This course is foam free, we will use specialised Japanese flower bowls with pin holders (kenzan)…included in the price to take home with you. They are also available to buy at the school should you decide you love them…

I will also talk to you about my time living in Japan in 1992 when I studied some Ikebana and the tea ceremony…

This day should inspire you to study more and bring these different ideas and techniques into your arrangements.