The next class I attended was under the direction of Sensei Fukushima Kouka. For this arrangement, I decided to keep the azalea branches long and flowing; so this arrangement focuses on showing lines. The sleek blades of grass provide a contrast and accent to the whole. I hope you like it.
(Sorry but I was not able to take photos of Fukushima-sensei’s demonstration!)
My next class at Sogetsu HQ was under the direction of Sensei Ishikawa Misei. I worked with Japanese roses (yamabuki) and gloriosa lilies. In a conic container, I made the Japanese roses seem like they were playing together while the gloriosa lilies brought them all together in one unity. I hope you like it.
Ishikawa-sensei also made a demonstration using Japanese roses and red dogwood.
It’s good to be back at Sogetsu Headquarters (Aoyama, Tokyo)!
There’s always lots of material to choose from.
I joined the class of Sensei Takagi Suisen and chose to work with the softstem bulrushes. This arrangement plays with straight lines. I hope you like it.
Takagi-sensei also made a demonstration of 2 arrangements. She was very inspiring!
A couple of weeks ago (Mar 8th, 2024 to be exact), there was a fire alarm raised at the CIBC building, which was 2 doors down from our shop. It seemed there was a report of smoke coming out of their roof. The HRFE (Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency) promptly came to check them out. Among others, they brought in a fire truck with an aerial ladder so that they could inspect the building’s roof.
Thankfully, the CIBC building had not caught fire and our corner of Quinpool Road eventually returned to its peaceful pace. But before they left, the fireman who was up on the ladder came knocking at our door. He said that while he was up there, he also had a good look at our roof. Apparently, a lot of shingles were gone and he could see bare wood! It was in dire need of repair and we would never have known.
Before
During
After
We found a roofing company to fix it. They promptly came and got the job done over a weekend. They said we did it in the nick of time. Had we waited a while longer, we would’ve had a major problem on our hands, leaks and all! If ever you need a roof fixed, call Chris at Central Roofing. They can be trusted.
We never got the fireman’s name but we are really indebted to him. He could have just left us alone and minded his own business; but he went out of his way to warn us about our roof. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
And, this is why we love Halifax. Kindness still abounds!
I had the honour to install ikebana arrangements at the 26th Atlantic Canada Japanese Language Speech Contest held last Mar 9th, 2024 at St. Mary's University. Congratulations to all the participants!
Welcome flower at the entrance.
At the podium.
I hope you like them. —Miyako
The Quinpool Oodles of Noodles Festival (Mar 6-10, 2024) is a celebration of noodles! Chefs from the many restaurants along Quinpool Rd will prepare noodle creations for everyone to enjoy. We created a special noodle arrangement for the event!
Noodles were coloured, dried, and meticulously shaped for the arrangement. Don't they look like wisteria?😊
In the middle are three ramen-inspired bowl arrangements with ramen noodles, chopsticks, and sweet mini peppers.
Here is the whole arrangement.
They are on display on the 2nd floor of the Oxford Taproom for the duration of the Noodle Festival. (Note that the vases are made with Garrison Brewing beer cans!)
I hope you like it. —Miyako
Fresh heather in an old bamboo vase. A bit of craspedia for a touch of whimsy!
I hope you like it. —Miyako
The dried and fresh leaves were both from the Dracaena plant. Withered leaves display interesting patterns. It was interesting to put them together with the fresh ones in an arrangement to show contrast and the passage of time.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
明けましておめでとうございます！
Let us welcome together the Year of the Dragon! May we all find the dragon’s strength and wisdom to bring more success in 2024.
On Dec 21st, 2023, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 hosted an event called “Celebrate Winter!”, a fun filled activity day for the whole family that showcased New Year traditions from different cultures. Our contribution was a Japanese New Year themed ikebana arrangement!
Mizuhiki 水引
Mizuhiki are cords made from Japanese washi paper. They are usually used to adorn special gift envelopes for weddings, etc. They are also used in decorations for festive occasions. This arrangement also uses mizuhiki. They hold a wish for the bonds that bring us together to continue to grow strong and firm.
Shochikubai 松竹梅
Shochikubai means “pine, bamboo, plum blossom”. These 3 plant materials have very significant meanings in Japanese culture. They often appear in the winter (and consequently in Japanese New Year décor) because they are plants that “survive” the winter and therefore are seen as omens of good fortune, especially for the coming new year.
Pine stays green all winter long. They are seen as symbols of good health and long life.
Bamboo grows rapidly. They are a symbol of vitality. They also grow straight which signifies a straight moral character.
Plum blossoms appear in the winter, the earliest flower to bloom. In Japan, they appear from the coldest time of the year, late January to early March. Imagine the tenacity it takes took bloom in the middle of winter! They are a symbol of strength and early success.
In this arrangement, you will see pine branches. Fresh bamboo is hard to find in Nova Scotia so we use a bamboo container. Alas, plum blossoms are not available to us here. We use chrysanthemums instead.
Chrysanthemums are hardy flowers that lasts longer than most blooms after they are cut. Because of this strong hold on life, mums are considered symbols of health and longevity—things that we would like to wish for everyone for the New Year!
