May 2008
(Yes, out of chronological order again, sorry!)
How wonderful! I've passed my first certificate in Ikebana! I haven't had a certificate for anything since I was at school so I'm rather proud of myself. Well, it takes about 3 months to actually receive the certificate but I've finished Book 1 and Sensei has sent off for the paper.
There are twenty lessons in each exercise book; four books to complete before attaining a diploma and then, in theory, I am able to teach this elegant art. I really hope I will have time to complete this. The classes aren't every week and shut down completely throughout the summer so it will be a bit of a trial to find enough time. We'll see.
Books 1 and 2 cover the basics of creating arrangements using the plant materials and containers. Fixing the plants in a shallow basin called a suiban is moribana style and using a kenzan - needle holder. Securing branches and flowers in a tall vase (nageire) is a lot harder and sometimes very unladylike language comes out of my mouth when everything topples out.
Often I don't quite 'get' what I am supposed to do. I think this is a twofold problem; no direct translation from Japanese into English of a specific concept and my lack of a natural Japanese eye for style. But I really enjoy finally being able to arrange a few flowers in an attractive way at long last.
This photo is not one of my creations though, I can only dream of being as good as this.
