My Ikebana Room

Three years ago, we bought a very old house (1950?) because of its location; It's near a park and has beautiful surroundings. We also kept in mind that our daughter, who is an architect, could redesign the house and have a builder renovate it for us. We have moved into this new, downsized (after 21 years living in a big house), smaller house. Now it's only two of us living here. Thanks to our daughter! This is a lovely home, well designed, cozy and comfortable. Especially, I have my own place to work, the sun room or Ikebana room. Watering my orchids is no longer cumbersome. Arranging my Ikebana is enjoyable with no mess. I always feel that I am so fortunate! For that, I am very thankful!    

Inside the cabinets are full of Ikebana containers  

I painted the oil paintings on the wall few years ago.
The book case is full of Ikebana, orchid, and garden books

My daughter's wedding flowers

Bigger flower arrangement at a big window where seating cards were displayed. (July 3rd was my daughter's big day)

Reception room corner table and lady's room arrangement.

Bridal bouquet: Cattleya, Peony, ranunculus, dendrobium and sweet pea. It's so lovely!

The hand made wooden cake toppers were a gift from an artist friend. Cattleya and dendrobium orchids were simply decorated on cake.
Right side: A small ikebana arrangement from my daughter's bridal bouquet. 7/5/2011

Bridesmaids and flower girl (my two granddaughters) bouquets.

Table center piece
Phalaenopsis and different succulents. Guests could take them home. (7/3/2011)

Arrangement With Flowers Only

This arrangement requires two or more kinds of flowers. My various kinds of flowers were a Cattleya orchid and deep purple carnations that match the orchid's lip color. For the color contrast I chose yellow gladiolus plus some baby's breath. I arranged them carefully into a black vase. I love my composition.

Lc. Hallo wedding "Carmen"
I cut off one flower from the back of this orchid without hesitation because I want it for my arrangement with flowers only (see above picture). (3/16/2011)

An Orchid in Ikebana

Finally, I put an orchid flower in my ikebana design because my husband broke one of my orchid flowers accidentally--(see below, I posted about this orchid last month, now in full bloom, 12 flowers in total ). At first I was mad but than I was so happy that I could use this flower to do an arrangement. Since we have no ikebana classes due to winter snow. I thought this was a perfect time to practice at home.
PS: Dried Hydrangea, Statice and baby breath plus fresh cattleya and ferns were used here.