“Ikebana” is a Japanese style of floral design – a sculptural art form in which nature and human creativity come together to create artistic flower arrangements. These designs not only include flowers but emphasize other parts of plants — branches, stems and leaves. Shape, line and form are relevant to the artistic expression of the design.

The basic Ikebana principles of Japanese floral design will include determining the lengths and amount of branches and flowers, learning the angles for placing the materials, and understanding types of contrasts.

For this beginners workshop, we will create two different arrangements using branches, various greens and flowers. You’ll learn to create a structured design using the basic principles of Ikebana and a free-style design with creative uses of the greenery and flowers. All materials are included, but you are encouraged to bring garden pruners and/or regular scissors if you have them.

About the Instructor

Helen Tashima was first inspired by Ikebana at 10 years of age when she saw an amazing arrangement made by her mother. She did not pursue this interest until much later as an adult, when at a Davis Flower Arrangers meeting, people were encouraged to make arrangements at the Yolo County Fair. She then joined a Sogetsu Ikebana class taught by Mr. Shuko Kobayashi in 1991 in Sacramento and after he returned, she continued studying with Kika Shibata Sensei in 2001 and now coordinates her Ikebana class in Sacramento. She is also treasurer of the Sacramento Chapter of Ikebana International. She has taught Ikebana workshops in the central valley at the Jan Ken Po children’s summer school and for children at the CA Museum’s summer program. Helen enjoys Ikebana because it is an art form that has endless possibilities for creative uses of materials.

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