ikebana lessons - Frequently Asked Questions

What is ikebana?

Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arranging.
Watch this and this.

What kind of ikebana do you teach?

We belong to the Sogetsu School and therefore follow the Sogetsu curriculum. See the official Sogetsu website.

The study of Sogetsu ikebana begins with the 5 “Textbooks”.  Textbooks 1-4 contains 20 lessons; Textbook 5, 30 lessons. Textbooks 1 & 2 are basic for beginners, while Textbooks 3-5 are for more advanced students.  

Where can I get the textbooks?

We have the Sogetsu textbooks for sale exclusively to our students.

Can I get certification?

Yes. The instructor, Miyako, is an active member of the Sogetsu Teachers’ Association, holding the rank of Teacher's Diploma 1st grade Jonin Somu (１級師範・常任総務). She is qualified to promote students to teacher level.

After finishing each textbook, students can apply to receive a certificate of completion from the Sogetsu Foundation.  Applications for accreditation will incur fees charged by the Sogetsu Foundation (not the ikebana shop).  Accreditation from the Sogetsu Foundation in Tokyo allows students to continue their studies where they left off with a different Sogetsu teacher.  Read this.

But certification is optional. Some students simply want to enjoy ikebana and not bother with ranks and diplomas. And that’s OK too.

I am a beginner. When is the beginner class?

Students (including beginners) may take a class at any time. Students learn at their own pace. There is no specific one lesson taught at each session. Lessons are individualized in nature, with students getting personal instruction based on their current skill level.  

I have previous experience. Can I skip the basics?

The short answer is “no”. All students start at the beginner level, unless they have previously studied Sogetsu ikebana and have the proper accreditations to continue from where they have left off. In such cases, we will need to see their certificates and possibly contact their previous teacher.

Lesson vs Workshop? Any difference?

Yes, we make a distinction.

A workshop is normally intended as a one-off event conducted usually for large groups. They are privately arranged by companies and organizations to have a fun time with their members. For workshops, we normally go to their venue and use plastic containers and floral foam. Participants are able to keep their finished arrangements with them. The objective is more to have an enjoyable group activity rather than to seriously study ikebana.

Lessons are intended for the serious study of ikebana. Lessons follow a curriculum. Ikebana principles are explained in more detail. Participants use real kenzan & ceramic containers and get an authentic ikebana experience. Lessons are in small groups only.

Cost of a lesson?

Please see our lesson summary page for costs and cancel policies. Prices and policies are subject to change without prior notice.

How do I book a lesson?

First, please check our lesson dates.
Lesson dates are subject to change without prior notice.

Bookings can be made by email or by telephone.  Please note that advanced payment is required to confirm your booking.

What is included in the lesson cost?

1. Instruction for 1 lesson, based on the curriculum.

2. The flowers you use, which you can take home.

3. Use of flower containers, kenzan, clippers, etc during the lesson. These remain the property of the ikebana shop and are not to be taken home.

Can I bring my arrangement home?

The short answer is “no”. After completing your arrangement, you will have to dismantle it. You take home the flowers and re-create your arrangement using your own vase and equipment. It will serve as a good review. You can adjust the re-created arrangement to suit the placement location. This is the way ikebana is taught in Japan.

How big are the classes?

Each session can accommodate up to six students only. Students get individual instruction.

How long are classes?

The allotted time for a lesson is 2 hours. The lessons are not “billed” at an hourly rate. Some people finish early and that's OK; it usually means that they already got what they came for. Some people take more time to understand, to ask questions and dig deeper. They stay longer than 2 hours and that's OK too.

Do you take drop-ins?

In principle, no. Students must book their classes in advance. Even if the class is not full, we normally are not able accept drop-ins because we’d need to prepare flowers & branches specific to each student’s lesson.

However, if we are able to accommodate, we will!

Where?

the ikebana shop
6417 Quinpool Rd, Halifax NS B3L 1A7

The studio is located on the 3rd floor of our shop building.

What Should I Bring?

We provide the flower containers, kenzan and clippers (if you don’t have your own) for the students' use during the lessons. These are for in-studio use only.

Students are encouraged to bring:

- Personal floral clippers
   - Notebook or sketchbook
   - Camera
   - Old newspapers (or something to wrap your flowers to take home)  
   - Indoor slippers (if you use them) 
   - Gift certificate (if you are planning to use one)

Diploma students will also need to bring the official textbooks.  The teacher will record their attendance and progress in the textbook and this will be used in the application for accreditation.