Another Yellow Carnation and Purple Stock Arrangement

I made a couple of extra arrangements using left over carnation and stock. Carnations are a long lasting flower, but not the stock which is fading soon! For this arrangement I just added evergreen yew and drift wood. (1/18/2024)

Upright Style Nageire and Upright Style Morebana Variation No.3

The other two lessons are both Basic Upright Style variation No.3. The differences are the containers-- one is Nageire (tall vase), one is Moribana (suiban).  They are the same position of Shin (15 degrees at right), Soe (45 degrees at left), and Hikae (75 degrees at center). The three main stems are slightly forward in the front when you arrange them. We have been repeatedly doing basic style many times! Practice, practice makes perfect! 

Golden maple branch, carnation and nandina leaves 

Yew and rose / ceramic suiban 

1/19/2024 

2024 January Class Lessons Canceled Due to Bad Weather

We had accumulated snow on the ground (3 inches) for the first time in two years. It’s freezing cold with dangerous icy conditions! So, our class called for a cancellation the night before. I just stayed put and did the assigned arrangements at home. (1/16/2024)

The three assigned arrangements were: (1) Colors in Contrast, (2) Upright Style Moribana Variation No3, (3) Upright Style Nageire Variation No3. 

(1) Colors in Contrast: Carnation and Stock / porcelain vase 

Nandina and Ornamental Cabbage

My nandina bushes have a lot of berries this year.  They look very pretty in my backyard garden. Especially since there are no other colors but red from the berries this winter season! Also, I have only ornamental cabbages left. Why not make an arrangement just using them!? (1/6/2024)

 

Happy New Year - Welcome to The Year of 2024

Wishing you all the best- a happier, lovely and healthier new you! 

Special Occasion - Christmas Eve Family Get Together

The extended family gathering on Christmas Eve has become our tradition! We hosted this year with the help of our children. The first generation, second and third generations all together were 32 people in total!  Every family member was so happy to see each other and gratefully enjoyed the holiday potluck dinner! Big families crowded in my small but cozy home! The older and younger cousins only meet once a year, so it was a great time to catch up with everyone!  (12/24/2023)

It’s a happy occasion, I put all the fresh flowers in this arrangement 

See the Xmas lights outside of my neighbor’s yard

December Class - Fun for The Holiday

Lesson two: Composition using unconventional materials with a holiday theme.   I did read the text book 5-7 couple times, but I was wondering if I could use a little bit of fresh materials for the holiday theme besides the other unconventional materials? Then I realized in the class, you should compose only with unconventional materials. So, I quickly changed the Xmas holly to chocolate balls (from classmate). It’s the best I could do! Sensei said it’s cute! 😅 (12/12/2023)

Xmas holly, copper wire, white sparkly fabric/ ceramic vase 

Sensei’s arrangement 

My arrangement with Xmas colors 

December Lessons- Free Style For the Holiday

December is our traditional potluck lunch after the two morning lessons.  Hata Sensei showed us two beautiful demonstrations for the holiday arrangements: Christmas and New Year!

Lesson One: Make an arrangement using a favorite container, it’s a freestyle with a holiday theme (12/12/2023)

Winter berry, ornamental cabbage, carnation and evergreen /
 ceramic container 

Sensei’s demo, Merry Xmas 

Sensei’s demo, Happy New Year 

Classmate’s arrangement, Oshogatsu

My other arrangement for New Year (12/10/2023)

The Birthday Bouquet - Ikebana for Celebration

It was a very special birthday celebration for me last weekend (earlier then my actual date). Not only did I received a beautiful bouquet, but I also enjoyed an exquisite Japanese dinner “Omakase” style with all my children and grandchildren! Especially, we got the chance to get together and all celebrate my 80th birthday at the Sushi of Gari Tribeca restaurant in NYC.  I felt so fortunate and happy! It was a blessing! (12/9/2023)

The flowers of this arrangement, I used only a part of a bouquet.  

“Art in Bloom” Exhibition at Delaware Contemporary art Museum

18 members of I. I. Philadelphia chapter participated in this year’s “Art in Bloom” exhibition event.  You should see how each person interpreted their chosen artwork in their arrangements!! It’s amazing!