Our April workshop started with the AGM of our Sogetsu Branch. It was not a full election this year.
The AGM, was followed by a workshop on the Book 5 lesson, Miniatures Ikebana, lead by Adriana. Miniatures have been part of Sogetsu studies for many years and were a speciality of the second Headmaster, Kasumi Teshigahara. Members used several of their smallest containers and grouped them on a base plate, tray or paper. Many beautiful arrangements were created.
The Japan Festival and Japanese Embassy arrangements
Teacher Kate Graham designed the ikebana and was assisted in collecting materials and setting up by Teacher Masako Crawford.
A fantastic free standing ikebana arrangement was constructed by two of our members for a special event held by the Embassy of Japan to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday in March 2026. This event was held last week at the Great Hall at Massey University campus and the ikebana was in the centre of the large hall.
The Emperor’s birthday party was attended by 240 people, so the arrangement was seen by many Wellingtonians.
Teacher Kate Graham designed the ikebana and was assisted in collecting materials and setting up by Teacher Masako Crawford.
A beautiful arrangement using flax, bird of paradise flowers and rolled bark
On September 14, 2024 the Japan Festival was held in the Michael Fowler Centre, in central Wellington. Several of our members worked on creating two arrangements to celebrate all things Japanese.
Celebrating 70 Years of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) with Ikebana. We were honoured to have the Ikebana Wellington club demonstrate the beauty of Japanese arrangement at the 70th JSDF Day reception. The art of ikebana added elegance and symbolism to this special occasion, representing harmony and resilience - a fitting tribute to the enduring Japan-New Zealand friendship.
Our Ikebana Wellington group were invited to do ikebana arrangements for a Japanese Embassy event on March 4, 2025, to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor of Japan.
A Workshop lead by Els Schnabel demonstrating the use of various Fixtures in Ikebana Arrangements
Els demonstrating a fixing method in a tall glass container
On Sunday March 9, we met in the Khandallah Presbyterian Church, 33 Ganges Road for a workshop lead by Els Schnabel. She demonstrated various methods of fixing material in a tall glass container. A handout sheet with instructions, diagrams and photographs allowed members to follow Els demonstration. A tall glass vase was used to show the fixings and an arrangement in a tall ceramic vase to show the result of fixings.
