Category Archives: Ikebana

I excitedly accepted an invitation to provide 12 ikebana arrangements for the grand opening of a Subaru dealership in Port Coquitlam. Another instructor from the Sangetsu school and I were challenged to make arrangements with the theme of “motion” in mind, and to try to use the corporate colours of royal blue, white and silver. We were able to assemble 12 containers which were the right colours. I had some old curly willow, contorted hazel and twisted allium, which I spray painted silver, and found some interesting poppy pods with bent stems. Mayumi found some cherry blossom branches which portrayed motion, so we were in business. The team members of the dealership all told us how happy they were to see our arrangements, and that they helped make the evening a success.

I was asked to conduct an Ikebana workshop at a workplace in Richmond, just before Valentine’s. Two groups of people came during their lunch break to learn how to make a simple arrangement using pussywillow, carnations and statice. Seventeen people in all participated. They were very proud of their handiwork!

One of the highlights of the Ikebana year, is to be asked by the Japanese consulate to create an ikebana arrangement to help celebrate the Emperor’s birthday.  The current Consul General, Mr. Okada, has requested that all five schools make one arrangement each to decorate a corridor at the reception venue. Prior to his tenure, each school took turns yearly in displaying an arrangement. I decided on using large pieces of bamboo, as well as some fresh branches from my garden. Red aranda orchids were used, as well as some red callas and Fatsia japonica leaves.