Our Sogetsu Wellington AGM and Workshop will be held on Sunday 14th April  2-4pm at Khandallah Town Hall.

This year is an election year for our club's committee.  After two years in the role Kate has decided to step down as Chairperson; as has Setsuko as the Deputy Chairperson. They have both enjoyed their time over this period and look forward to contributing to and supporting the club.  

This will allow for some new members to take over the roles as it is always valuable to share in the running and knowledge of the club. As we are a Branch our Chairperson must be a teacher and member of STA Japan and the deputy must also be a member of STA Japan.

Please see Kate’s latest email for the AGM and nomination form.

Our March workshop will be held in the Khandallah Town Hall at 2pm till 4pm. Helen Wareham will demonstrated how to create an arrangement using a variety of materials.

Book 4, lesson 5 - A Variety of Materials. Prepare an ikebana arrangement using at least 5 materials. The textbook suggests mainly flowers but Helen suggests using grasses, maybe from the roadside, to celebrate the end of summer.

When I first studied this arrangement it was called  ‘Maze-zashi’, the Seven Grasses of Autumn’.  A basket or a rustic container would be suitable.

Our first workshop for 2024 was held as usual in the Khandallah Town Hall at 2 - 4pm. Kathy Kerry demonstrated how to create an arrangement using only agapanthus.

Useful information can be found in:
Book 4, lesson 4 - One kind of material
Book 4, lesson 9 - Disassembling and rearranging the materials
Book 4, lesson 12 - Focusing on the uses of water.

We said farewell to Misako Ito who is leaving New Zealand to begin a new posting with her husband in Greece. Misako will be missed.

Our December 3rd workshop will be held in the Khandallah Town Hall from 2 until 4pm. Setsuko will demonstrate arrangements for celebrations from Book 5, lesson 11, and Book 4, lesson 19.

The theme for the workshop is Celebrations. "The idea is to show that the arranger joins in the celebration mood by means of ikebana."

 ‘Celebration’ includes any seasonal festivals, Christmas, Easter etc.  Consider the colours of your material and the shape of your arrangement. A spreading wide open fan shaped arrangement is supposed to symbolise a prosperous future and increasing good luck.

Pine branches represent longevity, good fortune and steadfastness. Pine is commonly linked with virtue and long life.

The use of Mizuhiki (paper strings) is effective for arrangements as they add to the special atmosphere.

"Whenever you get a chance, make an arrangement from your heart for those celebrating the occasion."

Our November 12th workshop will be held in the Khandallah Town Hall from 2pm to 4pm. Masako will demonstrate how to arrange seasonal plant materials for ‘Welcome’ ikebana. This work is from Book 5, lesson 1.
Masako has sent the following information for us:

“My presentation is based on the welcome ikebana for the Karori Cemetery Office I have been doing for 5 years. I will show what I do and share what I have learned. I look forward to everyone’s welcome ikebana, big or small.”

Ikebana has ‘power and impact..on people’s minds.’ from Book 5- lesson 30.

Our October 8th workshop will be held in the Khandallah Town Hall from 2pm until 4pm. Misako will demonstrate simplified arrangements/special flower arrangements for Japanese Tea Ceremonies. She will also explain the difference between the tea ceremony’s flower arrangement and the Ikebana arrangements. Please bring materials and containers based on Book 4, lesson 8.

This Sogetsu Wellington workshop will be held as usual in the Khandallah Town Hall on Sunday June 11, at 2pm - 4pm.

Adriana will focus on Book 4: lesson 11 - Using both fresh and unconventional materials and Book 5: lesson 7 - Composition using unconventional materials.  Adriana suggests the following:

Please can everyone bring along at least one unconventional material. This can include paper, fabric, plastic, metal, glass, etc. and can include items that can be used as containers (have a look at lesson 5:7 and photos below for examples). However you will not be using your material for your own arrangement. Instead, to enable more spontaneous arrangements, we will be sharing these materials with each other.

Please also bring along fresh material and extra containers for this so you can have a go at incorporating this into your arrangement. To assist with working with unconventional materials, also bring along cutting implements, fixings (e.g. tape), and gloves.

It is hard to believe it is the beginning of May, with this wonderful warm weather we are having. Our next workshop is on Mothers Day  14th May and Sandi will lead the workshop.

We will meet in our usual venue, Khandallah Town Hall 2-4pm.

Sandi has given the following information: ‘Highlight ' a single bloom with leaves or branch materials.  This could cover anything from a Simplified arrangement, Book 4 Lesson 8, to something much larger  Book 3 Lesson 13 Composition of Mass and Line for example. It can also cover a wide variety of containers. 

Let us hope members will have received a few special flowers for Mother's Day.

Sogetsu Teachers Association Wellington are pleased to be hosting Melbourne based Sogetsu teacher Christopher James (Riji Teacher) for two workshops on Sunday 26th March 2023. Christopher was the recipient of the Norman and Mary Sparnon Scholarship and studied
Sogetsu in Japan for 3 months in 2011. Have a look at his work on https://roadsideikebana.blogspot.com

Where and When
These 2 workshops will be held at the Seatoun Village Hall, 22 Forres Street, Seatoun at 10am and 1pm on Sunday 26th March. There is no parking in the hall grounds but ample street parking, but please carpool if convenient. Please come early; the hall will be open from 9am. Morning tea will be served from 9:30 am and we will not be breaking during sessions until lunch time.
Cost for STA members [any branch]
The charge for the workshops is $55 per session. This is discounted for non-members to $90 for both sessions. A paper bag lunch can be ordered for $15.
You can choose to become a member of Sogetsu Wellington on the day or at the time of submitting your enrolment. Your subscription will be $25 per annum (April 1-March 31). As this may affect your workshops fees please ask our Treasurer Lyn Hansen for assistance or email her ahead of time. lynhansen@xtra.co.nz
Workshop themes are as follows:
Session 1 Sunday 10am -12 midday – Technique Revision
Book 2, lesson 18. Variation no 8. Combined Arrangement of Nageire and Moribana
Use the drop stick technique for your nageire arrangement and remember that both the Nageire and Moribana arrangements will be basic or variation styles from Book 1 and 2. Please bring your own containers and equipment.
Session 2 Sunday 1 – 3pm - Experimentation
Book 4, lesson 9. Deconstructing and re-arranging, incorporating text.
Your choice of moribana or nageire container. You may use the containers and material from the morning workshop, or something else of your choice. To get the most out of the workshops, members should do minimal or no advanced preparation. The theme
“Incorporating text” is an add on to the textbook lesson. Christopher has some ideas on his Roadside Ikebana blog but would like to see our own interpretation of this idea.

Here is a link to the Victorian Sogetsu Branch website which has examples of Ikebana incorporating text. It has some great ideas. 
https://sogetsuikebanavic.weebly.com/archive-of-past-workshops.html

Please see Kate’s email for the registration form. The deadline for registration is the 19th March.

We will hold our Sogetsu Wellington AGM in the Khandallah Town Hall on Sunday 12th of March because the date for the April workshop is Sunday 9th, which is Easter Sunday. We will not have a Workshop on April 9th at the Khandallah Town Hall.

The AGM will start at 1pm followed by a workshop at 2pm - 4pm.
Technique revision, Book 2 lesson 18, Variation no 8. Combined arrangement of nageire and moribana.
This workshop will be a chance to revise this lesson in preparation for our workshop with Christopher James later in March.

Our first workshop for 2023 will be held in our usual meeting place, the Khandallah Town Hall from 2pm - 4pm. Helen will lead us using ideas from Book 4, lesson 19, Specific Scenes, Occasions or Spaces and from Book 3, lesson 4, two or more containers.

Valentine's Day is a celebration of romance. Helen suggests we use our imagination depending on available materials. Some of the most popular flowers for Valentine's Day are roses, lilies, orchids and sunflowers. The textbook suggests white flowers for purity and red for love.

Kia ora everyone,

It has been a busy year with both the Japan Festival and Spring Exhibition at the Botanical Gardens. Setsuko and I want to thank you for all the wonderful ikebana you have done at our monthly workshops. It is always inspiring to see the different ikebana that is created around a specific topic. Thank you also to all the teachers who had led the workshops and to the committee who kept everything ticking along.

A couple of dates to put in your calendar for 2023. 
Our first workshop is on the 12th February.
On March 26th we will have two workshops with Christopher James. We will send out some information for the workshops with Christopher James shortly, you may remember we had planned these for 2020 but had to cancel.

Our final workshop of the year is on Sunday 11th December from 2pm - 4pm. Elizabeth McMillan has kindly offered to host us at her home in Seatoun, as the Khandallah Town Hall is not available. See Kate’s latest email for Elizabeth's address.

We will not have a workshop as such but a social get together.
We will have some Japanese containers and kenzan for sale on behalf of an elderly lady who has done Ikebana for many years.

For those who are interested in learning how to improve their ikebana photos we will also be watching a video on Photographing Ikebana. This video was made by Ben Huybrechts (whose wife Ilyse is a very well known Ikebana Teacher in Belgium). Ben has done photography for Sogetsu Headquarters and for several books on Ikebana. We think you will find it very useful. 

If you are able to attend please bring a small plate of food to share for afternoon tea. Please let Kate know if you are coming.

Thanks very much
Kate and Setsuko

This month our workshop is on using tall narrow containers. This type of container offers some interesting challenges.

Some things to consider are:
Placement, often these containers will be on the floor so consider the angle from which the arrangement will be viewed.  You may choose to place your arrangement off the floor or a table, to be viewed from below.
Proportions, whether it is height or width, finding some balance and space in your arrangement can be tricky with a narrow opening. Sometimes showing the rim of the container can help create space.
Fixing, how do you prevent everything falling into a tall container? Finding long branches that have some curves may help. Crossbar fixing can be one way to help with securing shorter stems and to get some forward movement.  

Sandi and Kate will demonstrate how to make an arrangement with plants on the wall. This theme is from Book 4 Lesson 17.

This is an exercise we do not tackle very often but with Christmas on the horizon you may like to include Christmas decorations and to give your arrangement a NZ twist by using local materials.

Do ensure you include some fresh materials and include a plastic tube for watering these.

Unfortunately due to the lack of numbers wanting to attend the cherry blossom viewing, this event is now CANCELLED.

In the last few years BLOSSOM VALLEY at the foot of the Rimatakas has become extremely popular and thousands of people visit. Google their website Blossom Valley for a birds-eye view of the Gardens which has 350 cherry blossom trees. There is approximately 1km of track to see the whole blossom garden. They recommend allowing 1 ½ to 2 hours for the full experience, however you can walk amongst the trees at your own pace and go as far as you please. Bring your camera too!

Can members please:

(1) We are booked to go on Friday 30th September. Let Sandi know if you plan to come as only 20 tickets have been reserved and we need to advise the Gardens if more people are coming in our group. Yes you may bring other family members or a close friend.

(2) You will need to pay our treasurer (Lyn) $10 per ticket. Once you reserve your place(s) with Sandi she will send you details regarding payment.

(3) Carpool! Carpool! Carpool! This is very important as car parks will be at a premium. I considered hiring a bus but it would be tricky given our members are scattered over the Wellington region. So get together with other members in your area.

(4) Preferably arrive at 9.45 am - the journey will take you approx 45 mins from the city. Drive up State Highway 2 and the Gardens will be on your left about 15 minutes beyond Upper Hutt just north of Kaitoke regional park. Address: Aston Norwood Gardens, 1747 State Highway 2, Kaitoke, Wellington 5018. Contact 04 526 6639

(5) Refreshments such as coffee, scones and other goodies will be available for you to buy from stalls.

(6) Do wear flat comfortable shoes as there are some areas of uneven terrain and also steps to navigate.

Setsuko will lead this month’s workshop with the theme of ‘Using two or more Containers’.

Our ikebana workshop on  Sunday 10th July will be led by Sandi Hurnard. Sandi has sent through the following information about the workshop.

THEME: Arranging with containers which you tend to avoid because you find them difficult.

What makes containers difficult to work with?

(A) The openings are very small.
(B) The openings are too large and standard fixings don’t stay in place
(C) The shape of the container is asymmetrical or unusual so it is difficult to secure the drop stick.
(D) The opening is long and thin so you can’t use a standard cross-bar
(E) The colour is unappealing
(F) The pattern on the container is too dominant.

Many of these problems can be solved by using the Direct Fixing technique. This technique is only mentioned briefly in book 1 but is then not dealt with until book 5. Not all of you have your own copy of book 5 as yet but we will discuss some of the more useful methods that are explored in Book 5 lessons 2, 5 and 10).
Problems with container colour or pattern may be addressed by choosing the appropriate materials.

I will bring a hammer and nails for those of you who wish to use a direct fixing technique which is secure. You should bring:
(1) Lots of suitable drop stick and cross-bar material.  Remember this should be about a pencil thickness and “Fresh”!  If it is dry it will splinter and break and be inflexible.
(2) A container which you tend to avoid using
(3) Branch material of reasonable length
(4) A bag or newspaper for your scraps
(5) Hasami and cloth for wiping your table.

On June 18th workshop several of our teachers and their students exhibited beautiful arrangements as part of the Japanese Festival upstairs in the TSB Arena.

The festival theme this year was "Tanabata," the story of two lovers represented by the stars Vega and Altair. Chrysanthemums were used to represent the two stars in the arrangements.

On Sunday 8th May, in the Khandallah Town Hall between 2pm and 4pm there will be a workshop lead by Sandi, Elizabeth, Setsuko and Kate.

The theme will be arrangements using unconventional material. The teachers will each talk about their composition and discuss why they chose the materials and the decisions they made.

Students working at Levels 1 and 2:
Choose a moribana style and replace or add some of the materials with paper or plastic.
Students working at Levels 3 and 4:
Book 4 Lesson 11 Using both fresh and Unconventional Materials.
Teachers:
Book 5 Lesson 7 Composition Using Unconventional Materials.
Please also bring a suitable leaf, flower, vegetable/fruit  to possibly add to your composition.

This is an example by Elizabeth using cardboard boxes, copper pipe shavings and a capsicum, on a green perspex board.

Due to the current Covid situation in Wellington our next meeting will now be on Sunday, 10th April starting at 1pm with the AGM. This will be followed by the ‘With Leaves Only’ workshop with Kathy Kerry.

Elections are held every 2 years and 2022 is an election year for our Club. It’s great if current committee members want to continue but please let Helen know if you would like a break from the committee and/or if you are interested in doing a different committee job. Anyone who wants to volunteer to join the committee is most welcome.

The workshop will start at 2pm. The theme of this workshop will be Book 4, lesson 2  ‘With Leaves Only’. To quote from Book 4: “Make an arrangement only with leaves of two or more kinds. … Leaves can show different characteristics by rolling up, tearing, or overlapping them….Try to discover new characteristics of the leaves”.

Our first workshop for 2022 will be held at the usual Khandallah Town hall on Sunday 13th february, 2pm-4pm. Satomi Takahashi will lead the workshop demonstrating how to arrange material with a focus on water - Book 4, lesson 12.

It’s an ideal theme for this hot summer weather we are having. To quote from Book 4: “Water is essential to prolong the life of plants, but in this lesson, water is regarded more consciously as an element of the composition” ….. “There are various ways of using water, such as emphasizing the water surface, showing the water through a transparent vase, doing so with one container or combining different shapes and textures of containers to present various features of the water”.

We will need to follow Covid guidelines and wear masks indoors, but the hall is very spacious, and we can sit a metre apart. Due to the omicron situation, please let me know if you are planning to attend, in case we have to cancel this event for any reason. I do hope we can get together to enjoy our ikebana as a group.

Please let Helen know (021 201 8601) if you can attend.

We will meet as usual at the Khandallah Town Hall for our final workshop this year. The theme will be “Ikebana for Celebrations”. It’s a great time for Christmas arrangements, but you may have other occasions you would like to celebrate. Our Sogetsu group have been given some bunches of Mizuhiki cord in a wide variety of colours and everyone at the workshop can choose some for their ikebana and take them home. The ikebana teachers are invited to demonstrate an arrangement using the Mizuhiki to give you some ideas.

Following the workshop Sandi Hurnard has kindly invited members to her place, just a block away from the Hall, where we can get together over a celebratory glass and toast the end of 2021.  There will be a variety of drinks to suit everyone and some tasty nibbles.

I do hope you can join us on Sunday 12th December. Please let Helen (021 201 8601) or Sandi (021 498 361) if you can attend.

We met as usual at the Khandallah Town Hall for our final workshop of the year. The theme was “Ikebana for Celebrations”. Elizabeth and Helen showed us arrangements using Mizuhiki cord of different colours. We all chose some cord to suit our individual work.

Afterwards we gathered at Sandi Hurnard’s place where we got together over a celebratory glass and toasted the end of 2021.  There were a variety of drinks and delicious tasty nibbles plus a huge bowl of delectable strawberries! Everyone had a relaxing time.

Due to Wellington being in Level 2, Museum Wellington have postponed their community day from November 6th to next March; they have invited us to join other community groups at a planning meeting on November 6th. Let Helen know if you are interested.

Sandi Hurnard will lead our November workshop at the Khandallah Town Hall on Sunday 14th November from 2-4pm. Sandi has provided the following notes:

“We will start the session with a 'Bring and Buy Sale of containers'. The tradition is that about 20% of the value of the sale is donated to STA. Do start looking at your container collection for anything you might like to part with.

The second part of the meeting will  be on the theme ' Freestyle Arranging with Roses'. For those of you who have access to roses in the garden please use these. You may like to try out a vase for sale.  Because of the time pressure, Sandi will demonstrate a few quick arrangements using garden grown roses.” 

Due to the latest Covid lockdown, our Ikebana Exhibition as part of the Spring Festival at the Botanic Gardens is now cancelled.

However, on a more positive note, we will have our usual Sunday afternoon workshop at Khandallah Town Hall. This will take place from 2 to 4pm on Sunday 10th October and we are lucky to have two teachers team leading the workshop.

We have Setsuko Kennedy who has been a teacher for some years, but hasn’t led a workshop for our group and Masako Crawford who gained her teaching certificate earlier this year.

Setsuko and Masako have set a theme - ‘Only One Kind of Material’ from Sogetsu Book 4, pages 68-69.

“In this lesson, we can use the keen observation of the materials we have learned by picking up the unique feature of the material. We refer to Mr Sofu Teshigahara’s Principle 33, “Select a container that accentuates the beauty of the ikebana arrangement”. Unusual vases or addition of stones or driftwood could enhance the arrangement.
Regards, Setsuko and Masako.”

It will be great to get together in a safe spacious venue and enjoy doing ikebana together.

Due to the latest Covid lockdown, the Spring Festival, Ikebana Exhibition at the Botanic Gardens has had to be postponed. It will take place in October 14th - 19th now that Wellington is at Covid Delta Level 2.

Now that we have shifted to Level 2, our regular monthly workshop at Khandallah Town Hall on Sunday 12th September will take place. Helen will lead a workshop on the theme ‘Seasonal arrangements for Spring’.

Use anything that is flowering at present and there are some new leaves showing on bare branches. Let’s celebrate getting back together after 3 weeks in lockdown. Your choice of moribana or nageire, freestyle or following a lesson.

Elizabeth will demonstrate how to make an arrangement using New Zealand materials.