Lilies...And More!

Added on August 5, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

On the recommendation of ikebana student, Patti V., we visited Harbour Breezes on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. It's a place that sells lilies and irises.

The lilies were in full bloom! We did not intend to buy any plants this time but the owners were very kind and told us to feel free to roam around and take pictures. So we did!

They practically filled one side of a hill with lilies and other flowers!

The colours were, of course, incredible....

....and there was a good view of Jeddore Harbour too!

Also, close your eyes and simply enjoy the myriad of scents!

Don't forget the Japanese irises!

Reminded us of Ogata Korin's Kakitsubata folding screens. They're depicted in the 5000-yen note too!

Other blooms could be seen too!

Poppy.

Lotus.

We had a delightful time! ...and now we know where to buy beautiful flowers the next time we get into our gardening mood! :-)

If you want to find out where we had our meals and snacks, click here!

Ikebana Workshop At The Biscuit Eater

Added on August 1, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

It was a beautifully sunny day. Perfect for some creative activity outdoors! ...and the patio of The Biscuit Eater café in Mahone Bay NS was the perfect setting for an afternoon of ikebana.

Under the canopy of parasols and grape vines, people enjoyed an introduction to ikebana.

Miyako started off with a short demonstration. The participants were very attentive and, as you could see, Miyako was enjoying herself!

Next, it was time for everybody else to try it!

Some pointers on the angle to insert the main branch....

A few adjustments here and there....

Miyako remarked that all participants seemed to have the sense for ikebana. Nobody made large bunches. Everybody understood the importance of space in ikebana!

After completing their arrangements, people were relaxed. It didn't hurt that we were at The Biscuit Eater where great tea, coffee and snacks could be had! :-)

Thank you everyone for participating in our ikebana workshop. We hope it served as a good introduction to Japanese floral arrangement.

Thank you to The Biscuit Eater for accommodating us. They re-arranged the whole patio space just for this event!

We'd like to do this again some time!

Mini Exhibit At The Biscuit Eater

Added on July 20, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

The Biscuit Eater is a cozy café and bookshop in Mahone Bay, NS.

They were kind enough to host a mini exhibit for us! So last Thursday (July 18th) Miyako and Susan (Miyako's student) worked all morning to set it up.

This arrangement, a combination of 3 containers, greets guests as they enter the café .

Inside, there are little spaces that allow for smaller arrangements. The window sills are especially bright and cheery!

The one on the left uses a teapot as container! The round yellow container on the right hides among square and triangle shapes! (Accidentally reminiscent of Zen master Sengai's work: The Universe!)

The space along the hallway that connects the two sitting rooms allows us a taller arrangement. The arrangement on the right is for ladies only. Ladies, make sure you visit the WC! :-)

...and up close.

After all the work, a sumptuous lunch! This is the Greek Isles Plate: hummus, kalamata olives, warm pita, cucumber, tomato, romaine lettuce and feta cheese.

The people who made this possible: (L-R) Cara, owner of The Biscuit Eater, Susan and Miyako.

The mini exhibit will be in place up to at least Sunday (July 21st) or, if the flowers are still holding up, even later the following week.

We will have an ikebana workshop also at The Biscuit Eater on July 31st, Wednesday. You can sign up at the café or by email/phone directly to us.

From A Happy Knife Customer

Added on July 17, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

Here is an email we received from Val.

I really enjoy this new arrangement between the shop and Peter Nowlan of New Edge. As you know, I've given the service a pretty good test - various blades and brands, serrated edges, dried out handles and one knife missing a healthy chunk of its tip. You must wonder about the state of my kitchen.

The results of Peter's work are excellent - hand sharpening, oiling, repairing - he pays attention to the details, is thoughtful, and obviously cares about this work.

The reasonable prices, quick turn around time and convenience of dropping my knives off at the Ikebana Shop are most appreciated. Because both you and Peter take such a personal approach to making things work, I can have confidence in the service from beginning to end.

Thanks for this,
Val

Thank you very much for your feedback, Val!

See below the "before" and "after" pics of Val's knife with the broken tip.

Learn more about our blade sharpening services here.

Photos courtesy of Peter Nowlan.

My Ikebana With Sensei: Roots

Added on July 14, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

It's been a few years since I last set foot in my sensei's studio in Tokyo. It was comforting to find myself in the familiar room but I was also thrilled to see many new additions to sensei's collection of flower containers. Sensei is also a potter and she creates many of her vases!

I chose a jug-shaped vase for this day.

There were a lot of dried branches, driftwood and bamboo available but what caught my eye were these dried roots!

For my flowers, sensei prepared roses and small chrysanthemums...plus nandina, horsetail and forsythia branches.

The challenge was in creating the framework with the container and the roots.

Then came the flowers and branches. I had envisioned a "solid" arrangement so I did not add much height. I used the forsythia branches to extend the arrangement horizontally.

I hope you like it.

I cherish the moments that I can spend with my sensei. I learn many things even by simply being in the room with her. --Miyako

JMSDF Training Squadron Welcome Ceremony

Added on July 8, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

We were honoured to be part of the welcoming ceremony for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces Training Squadron. Three ships --Kashima, Shirayuki and Isoyuki-- docked in Halifax today (July 8th, 2013).

The rain gods were kind and held back the showers!

The Royal Canadian Navy Honour Guard stood tall and impressive. Movements were crisp and snappy!

The Royal Canadian Navy's brass band played beautiful renditions of both countries' national anthems--Kimigayo (Japan) and O Canada.

We heard from the VIP's too. (L-R) Rear-Admiral Dave Gardam, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic; Rear-Admiral Fumiyuki Kitagawa, JMSDF Training Squadron Commander; His Excellency Norihiro Okuda, Ambassador of Japan to Canada; and Mr. Tatsuo Arai, Consul-General of Japan at Montreal.

We hope for a further deepening of friendship between Canada and Japan. We work towards this goal too in our little shop here in Halifax!

Schedule of activities that are open to the public:

July 8th and 9th, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Ships are open to the public. At the waterfront. Come aboard and explore!
July 9th, 4:00-5:00 p.m. The squadron band will perform at Grand Parade. Brass band & taiko drums!

Parting shot... Royal Canadian Navy sniper pose! :-)

Flowers At ALIA

Added on July 2, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

Last month we had the privilege to create some floral arrangements at the ALIA (Authentic Leadership In Action) Summer Institute.

This was the reception table.

The hosta and rhododendron leaves were generous gifts from a friend's garden!

Here is the arrangement on the main stage.

We were lucky to have a friend accompany us to a spot where trees were being pruned. Many beautiful branches were to be had!

This was how the main seminar room was laid out.

Another arrangement for the Dining Hall.

The pine was from our backyard!

And some small arrangements for each of the dining tables.

And one more...

JMSDF Training Squadron, Welcome To Halifax!

Added on June 21, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces Training Squadron will make a port call on Halifax, July 8-11, 2013.

There are some events that are open to the general public!

Schedule of activities:

July 8th and 9th, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Ships are open to the public. At the waterfront. Come aboard and explore!
July 9th, 4:00-5:00 p.m. The squadron band will perform at Grand Parade. Brass band & taiko drums!

Please drop by and say "Hello!" See you there!

Our Lucky Cat!

Added on June 15, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

Do you like our lucky cat? The words (招福) on the coin is inviting good luck to come.

We're going to put it outside on sunny days for you to enjoy! Visit us soon!

PS It's hand-painted in-house!

Blade Sharpening Service

Added on June 12, 2013 by the ikebana shop.

We are pleased to introduce our blade sharpening service!

Getting frustrated with dull clippers and knives? Don't throw them away just yet! We've teamed up with Peter Nowlan, owner of New Edge Sharpening. He will sharpen your clippers/knives in the free-hand traditional way and make your blades sharper than new! Just bring your knives/clippers to the shop! (Not here in Halifax? We might still be able to help. Email us!)

Click here to find out how to get the edge back on your blades!