Composition Expressing on a Movement

It only took a week to force my forsythia to flower. Spring is in the air! Forsythia are gently swaying in the wind.

Forsythia and Daffodil / bamboo container (3/26/2021)

Forsythia and left over flowers (3/20)

Jewel Box - Pave Design

MWGC March virtual little show is “Jewel Box” - A paved design using a spring palette. “It’s an easy, fun project that both beginner and experienced designers will enjoy.” Entries must be emailed to our garden club chair person by 3/19/2021.

Indeed! I had fun doing this:

The 50 Principles of Sogetsu by Sofu Teshigahara - Main Line Study Group March Subject

This arrangement is one of the Sofu’s “The 50 Principles of Sogetsu.” It’s Principle #32 or #33 about containers. It says: “Green bamboo tubes and simple rustic jars make the best containers,” and “Select a container that accentuates the beauty of the ikebana arranged in it.” The members’ arrangements of this subject will show in the Main Line study group’s zoom class on 3/15/2021which in charge by our chairperson Marcia. She will be demo and critique our arrangements.

Mine: I recycled a gift bag, used it as a container and made an arrangement in it. Using forced magnolia  flowering branches, mums, alstroemerias, boxwood and wrapping paper.   

Front view

Viewed from above

Side view

Composition of Mass and Curved Line

 My second demonstration: Composition of Mass and Curved Line. As I mentioned before, I used a soft colored, tall ceramic container with a magnolia branch and craspedia for the curved line, and stoke flower for the mass.

Demo on site 3/9/2021

Demonstration - Composition of Mass and Straight Line

For BuxMount study group’s March online class program, I was going to demonstrate two arrangements: 1) Composition of mass and straight line, 2) Mass and curved line. It’s a good thing that I could review and practice again. So, I bought two bunches of small bouquets for practice. I had a straight lichen covered branch and curved magnolia. My container choice: Triangular container for straight line. A tall ceramic container for curved line. 

Here were my practice arrangements and actual demo piece: Triangular container with strong straight branch. Sunflower was my flower choice. It’s more striking!

my demo arrangement on site 3/9/2021

Focusing on the Container Color

Ikebana International Philadelphia chapter February program: Sogetsu Zoom Demonstration “Focusing on the container color.” I was inspired by the demonstrator’s arrangements. She used various kinds of containers such as colored glass and ceramic vase. See below:

Below is my arrangement: Simple materials and a colorful, beautiful glass vase which I love very much!

February Orchids Bloom

I have five blooming orchids this month, including Pinocchio (lady slipper) and Sherry baby (Oncidium), both are still blooming. They are not only brightening up my sun room (or Ikebana room) but also the sweet fragrance fills the air! Especially looking out from the window, all you see is the vast expanse of whiteness of snow. It’s not going to melt any time soon!

Oncidium, division from one plant (2/15/2021)

Compact Cattleya blooming every year (2/15/2021)

This is my second cymbidium plant

Orange Cattleya budding(1/30/2021)

2/6/2021

Five flowers(2/ /7/2021)

MWGC February Virtual Little Show - Functional Table Setting arrangement

For our February virtual little show, we are focusing on Dinner On The Orient Express: A functional table setting using a serving tray. It is interesting to see how different my Ikebana style is and other members’ western styles are! (Please see below #2 sample.) We can learn from each other, for me I learned a lot from our Martha Washington Garden Club (MWGC). (2/23/2021)

“Afternoon Tea” is the title of my arrangement. (top picture)

Making an Arrangement In Glass Container for February Zoom Class

For February zoom class, I chose this beautiful blue crystal bowl from my collection. This time, I have the container first and then thought about materials to suit it, not the other way around.

In this month’s zoom class 2/15/2021, whoever would like Hata Sensei’s critique, should take a photo of their arrangement from front, side and above and then submit to Sensei ten days before class. I really like this arrangement of mine and can’t wait to hear Sensei’s comment. (2/5/2021)

During our zoom class, when my arrangement showed on the screen, Hata Sensei asked me to explain my arrangement, she then said that my color combination was good, she liked my materials choice, and overall it was very good. I was delighted for the rest of day! (2/15/2021)

Materials: Rose, mum, hydrangea, baby’s breath, painted branch, allium and white net / crystal bowl

Front view

View from above

Side view

A Moment of Beauty - Icicle and Daffodil (3)

 I am continuing to make icicle arrangements. Here is my last piece. By accident, I found out my Icicle arrangements fall into the category of  “ Essence of Creativity #48: Remember there are always new, surprising themes and approaches to arranging Ikebana.” This is according to “The Fifty Principles of Sogetsu” by Sofu Teshigahara, the founder of Sogetsu School. (please see textbook #1 page 127 and textbook #5 page 102 )