Sue Schmidt - Another fun filled workshop where participants were introduced to very special unconventional decorative items in their arrangements. These include aluminum wire, chenille yarns, colored tubing, ropes and household finds. We learned how to step beyond the boundaries of traditional Sogetsu designs into a realm where imagination emerged. Sculpture is an important element when using unconventional materials. Softening the sculptured wire with colorful chenille yarns and rugged ropes can bring about textural depth, while using colored tubing helps to define space in the arrangements.

Wyman Wong - A fun experience of creating negative space, an important element of Sogetsu Ikebana. Participants were each provided red dogwood branches and reed strips (a midollino substitute ) to create the structural skeleton of an arrangement, then lay over with flowers and foliage in a way that negative spaces were formed. These intentionally created empty areas can expand and highlight the colors, textures, and focal features. They can also allow playful shapes and interesting forms in the arrangements. When done well, the emptiness should not distract, but add to the integrity of a design, and bring about balance , harmony, and wholeness to an arrangement.

Sahshah Middleton Sensei invited us to explore the creative boundaries of Sogetsu Ikebana by incorporating cut pool noodles as a primary unconventional medium. While the project required technical assembly of the vibrant foam pieces, the careful placement of curly willow, roses, and mums created a sophisticated sense of balance, harmony, and space.

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