On Tuesday I demonstrated Ikenana and about 2o ladies and gentlemen tried Ikebana.
Meeting people and sharing joy of Ikebana is a lot of fun. I visited Tuscany last month to demonstrate tea ceremony. I was very happy to find some familiar faces. They had enjoyed tea ceremony. When I saw them, I could felt at home and preformed better.
I had Ikebana workshop last Sunday and found what worked well and what not, so I could develop and refine demonstration, though never be perfect. The most important thing is whether they could experienced something new and enjoyed themselves.
For me Ikebana is always fun especially when I do Ikebana with somebody else, teaching and learning, inspired each other. I can discover some new ideas in choosing and arranging flowers and brunches.
We tried to make it very simple. One of the features of Japanese sense of beauty is to make it simple, less quantities with high qualities. We tried to use less than three kinds of flowers and one green. I think we could enjoy that challenge.
During Ikebana and after I could know their stories behind Ikebana, which is one of the biggest joy of my Ikebana volunteer. I really enjoyed myself.
A gentleman who celebrated his anniversary, made Ikebana for his wife . He was very good student and asked me questions. “What’s the basic rules?” ” Is this Okay?””How bout these flowers?” After he gave his Ikeban to his wife he came back and told me she was so impressed by his Ikebana. How wonderful!
Another lady who made Ikebana for her young relative girl. She chose bright colour for her. Flowers deliver our message and love.
A lady who had learned haiku at college tried to express mountainous scenery with a few flowers and greens. She said she would show her Ikebana to her child.
There was a nice couple like Ikebana and a vase, well matched. It ‘s very kind of them to help with cleaning up. I am wearing kimono, it’s a great help.Thank you very much Sam!
A lady who showed me old Obi belt for kimono and dancing fans which were so beautiful and antique. I was so glad to see such old and good quality stuffs.
This time I was busy and I had no time to take a picture for them and for me! I wish I could asked how they felt after Ikebana. I am sure they enjoyed very much.
This was arranged by a volunteer coordinator Sandy.. Flowers for audiences were donated by Kroger. Thank you very much.