A fabulous demonstration and workshop presented by Sensei Kika Shibata on New Year Arrangements, using traditional materials like bamboo, pine branches, flowers  and moss. The incorporation of contemporary materials like fan shaped gold and silver paper, along with Mizuhiki dramatically added vibrant color, structural beauty, and festive feel.

Aurora Glaze - Demonstration and workshop on Hana Tsutumi (Flower Wrapping), showing how traditional Japanese arts of origami, Ikebana and gift wrapping can be integrated to create unusual, modern and beautiful arrangements. Ordinary glasses and metal containers, when skillfully wrapped with decorative washi paper, and tied with traditional Japanese knots  using mizuhiki or braided cords can become sophisticated and colorful pieces for display or as gifts.

Sandy Ehler - An adventure of Sogetsu Ikebana which blends the customs of Fall from Japan and the customs of American Thanksgiving season, highlighting the variations of tabletop designs.

Saturday, Oct 11, 2025

Road To The 100^TH Anniversary Of Sogetsu Ikebana In 2027 

Master Sensei Misei Ishikawa

We had a great opportunity to learn from Sensei Misei Ishikawa, the Master Instructor at Sogetsu Headquarters Tokyo, and a globally recognized leader in Sogetsu Ikebana.

Her demonstration showcased some contemporary Ikebana designs built with branch structures, fall flowers, dried/bleached and colored plants, and various unconventional materials. In the workshop session, participants learned how to manipulate an assortment of leaves to demonstrate their individual creative mentality.  Master Ishikawa was very pleased and showed appreciation of all of the students' work.

Sandy Ehler - A demonstration of Arizona spring colors in arrangements using cholla wood and drift wood as background. Participants learned how to put together small cholla wood pieces to form structures and decorate them with delightful spring flowers. 

Kika Shibata, Riji - demonstrates how to create baskets with unique shapes and colors using flexible strip material, and combine the finished products with arrangements of spring flowers in small containers.

Demo Arrangements by Kika Shibata Sensei

Workshop  Pictures & Participants' Arrangements

Sahsha Kosen Middleton, Riji - Building tabletop bamboo sculptures to combine with branches and other plant materials in cotainers. 

The workshop included special luncheon and a fabulous demonstrtion by Middleton Sensei.