Floral Design: Ikebana, Japanese Flower Arrangement

Learn ikebana – the art of Japanese flower arrangement with our floral design courses in Sydney.

Basic ikebana accords to simple rules and principles. This course is designed to teach authentic Ohara School Ikebana techniques and build an understanding of the ancient Japanese art, which evokes the sensitive beauty of nature and the stunning style of formative art. Ohara Style Ikebana is unique for its emphasis on seasonal qualities, natural growth processes and the beauty of natural environments. This course is conducted by a high qualified Ohara Ikebana teacher who will customise each class to suit the season.

Course outcomes

By the end of this course you will have learned:

• Economical flower arrangements using only two or three flowers
• How to use their arrangements to enhance or blend into surroundings
• That each flower has a face, function and relationship to another flower
• The correct choice of a vase or base
• That Ikebana can be seen in the same light as painting or sculpturing, where you are constantly fine-tuning a single stem, like a painter or sculptor is fine-tuning a part of his painting or sculpture
• You will make 3 different arrangements

Course description

Note: Parts of the course may be adapted to suit the needs of the class.

• Introduction to Ikebana
• Explanation and demonstration of basic style and traditional style of arrangements which the students will learn and practice during the course
• Demonstrate by using the same flowers, stems and branches different styles and variations of arrangements
• Using the scissors – the correct way to trim branches, stems, leaves
• Bending of branches
• Select flowers, branches, and stems for a particular arrangement
• Identify the correct vase or base that can be used with a particular arrangement
• Using the Kenzan
• Learn how to keep arrangements fresh for as long as possible
• Blend Ikebana to your surroundings or make it a focal point
• Identify focal points of your arrangement and positioning it

Materials provided

• Container
• Kenzan
• Flowers
• Branches

You will be able to take home your flowers and branches

Please bring

• A pencil
• Paper
• Secateurs to cut branches
• A small towel and a bucket

Please wear closed in shoes. You may like to wear an apron.