Hello all,

There has been a flurry of ikebana activity of late. There were my two classes as well as the Ikebana International AGM and the Sogetsu workshop, all within three weeks.

At the Ikebana International AGM four out of the five heads of schools did a demonstration showcasing the styles of their individual schools. As always, members were encouraged to set up their own arrangements. For my arrangement, above, I used arum lilies and clivia nobolis flowers in a ceramic container that I bought at headquarters some years ago. Please go to the Ikebana International Melbourne for photos of the demonstration arrangements as well as those of the members.

For the class before last we workshoped kiwi vine, which was generously provided by my student Vicky. She had to have the top down on her sports car to fit the long vines to bring to class. Unless one is growing it, kiwi vine can be difficult to come by. I don't remember ever coming across it in a florist shop. We all enjoyed the chance to play with it and the added bonus is that it dries well, so  is very long lasting.

Nicole used a locquat branch and an aeonium zwartkop
flower

Bredenia used an aspidistra leaf and a stelitzia
flower

Jenny used mauve and yellow chrysanthemums 

Janette used sunflowers in this tall metal
container

Vicky used white chrysanthemums, whose stems were hidden
behind a chunky piece of the vine.

Lucy used camellias in this very stable ceramic vase, which
she recently purchased  from an op shop.

For our most recent class we went back to book 5 and did the lesson on jonquils or narcissus. The next two arrangements are mine. When I was preparing the first arrangement, considering what other material to use with the jonquils, the kiwi vine practically jumped up and said 'Pick me! Pick me!' So I did.

I wired the leaves for this modern arrangement.

Janette used this very smart container and just one variegated aspidistra
leaf with the jonquils

   

Nicole made this naturalistic arrangement with spring blossom
branches and loropetalum along with the jonquils

Bredenia's 'Pond' arrangement. She used weeping willow and oliander sprigs
with the jonquils and their leaves

Vicky used Siberian dogwood and
aelstromeria psitaccina leaves

Jenny created a mass by curling the leaves. She
also massed the jonquils in this modern
arrangement in a half moon suiban

Lucy used one split aspidistra leaf
with the jonquils in her self-made
basket

Bye for now,
Emily