13TH JULY, 2026

 

Hello all,

At our last, regular class I had set the theme 'A Composition Using Unconventional Materials' for the advanced students. In my example, above, I found at a metal recycling place a spiral of what looked like white insulation. On closer inspection I noticed that there were copper pipes inside. I unwound the spiral and removed quite a lot of the insulation to reveal the pipes, then added some copper wires that I had lying around. (Sometimes it pays to be a hoarder).

Cymbie used a vinal record that had been bent, presumably with the application of heat, into a fluted bowl shape and secured it onto the orange, metal piece. And, as a final touch, added the black wire.

Lucy secured a tube diagonally onto a wooden board and into it she placed the ends of metal ribbon curls. Then added smaller curls made of some gold material.

Vicky's core material was squares of synthetic felt. The rod coming from the container pierced through the felt and the blue baubles added a dash of colour.

Wendy's class theme was one of the Fifty Principles of Sogetsu. She chose number 33 - Select a container that accentuates the beauty of the ikebana arranged in it.

Wendy used a number of soft, delicate materials in a basket shaped like a boat.

Mary made a Vertical Arrangement. She used the dried flower stem of the NZ flax as well as 2 leaves from the same plant. The brightly coloured chrysanthemums completed the arrangement.

I had a couple of proteas left over after the last lesson, which I simply had to arrange. One stem had an interesting curve, which suited my low, self made container to a T.

And for this week's camellia arrangement I wanted a more contemporary look, so I removed all the leaves from the camellia stems and added curled, jonquil leaves. I know I'll be asked about this, so I'll tell you. I curved the leaves by inserting a fine, very straight wire vertically through tiny cells, then when I bent them, they kept their shape.

Bye for now,

Emily