May 2023 Workshop - Freestyle

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May Workshop – Freestyle - Weaving and Artistry

Our chapter members enjoyed a wonderful day out at Camp Woodbury. Judy Charlick, a skilled ceramicist, basket weaver and instructor in the Ohara School came from Cleveland to lead a workshop entitled "Weaving and Artistry". In the morning we learned how to weave a reed form to incorporate into our arrangements. After lunch we made free style arrangements with them. Throughout the day we got to experience the beautiful natural environment at Camp Woodbury as well as the motto of Ikebana International "Friendship through Flowers" as we all got to know each other better. It truly was a day of creativity, friendship and rejuvenation.

For our April meeting Cheryl Linck, an instructor in the Ikenobo School of Ikebana, demonstrated how to make a Shoka Shofutai Isshu-ike which is a one material Shoka with Iris.This is a traditional form having three main parts: Shin, Soe, and Tai. Though Cheryl explained the Issuike form we had to modified the arrangements using a second material.

On a warm and sunny March, Janet Knowlton taught the Ichiyo school of Ikebana, focusing on the Basic Moribana Upright and Slanting Style - one of the basics of Ikebana. Janet demonstrated proportion, line, and

stem placement to create a beautiful and balanced arrangement. Janet discussed how to move beyond basic arrangement elements to use line to create movement. She also demonstrated the additional elements of space and mass.. This was another great opportunity for both the seasoned practitioner and beginners to step back to the basics to help us grow in this beautiful art.

On a warm and wonderful February, Leslie Rosinski taught Sogetsu school of Ikebana, focusing on the Basic Upright Style - the very basis of Ikebana. We measured our stems and placed them at certain angles within the kenzan as to achieve a pleasing effect. We do many free-style arrangements, but it is always good for both the seasoned practitioner and beginners to step back to the basics to help us along our way within this beautiful art.

For our January chapter meeting, Ichiyo instructor, Liz Larwa, led a workshop in creating a New Year’s arrangement using the basic upright style and focusing on traditional Japanese materials. We used pine, chrysanthemum, red berries and other materials. We learned about Mizuhiki, a cord which is often used in Japan in New Years arrangements, cards, gifts etc. as a symbol of warmth, affection, and togetherness. We learned various ways we can use it in our arrangements.

 For our December chapter meeting, Janet Knowlton of the Ichiyo School led our holiday centerpiece workshop. The arrangement could include a candle for a festive look with variety of different materials to add interest and compliment the arrangement. We hope everyone enjoys these throughout the holidays on your table, entryway, or sideboard.

 For our November chapter meeting, Leslie Rosinski, a teacher in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana taught a lesson using dried, bleached or colored materials. These materials can be arranged in positions independent of the container and can show lightness or texture which cannot be expressed by fresh materials. She  combined  bittersweet vines, chrysanthemums in deep saturated tones, fall grasses and various other dried materials in a basket to create unique autumn arrangements. 

Several of Ann Arbor’s members joined the Detroit Ikebana Chapter’s exhibition at Cranbrook House and Gardens the weekend of October 8th.