You might wonder what exactly you do and learn at an Ikebana class. In Sogetsu School, there is a textbook that guides you through the process.
Step 1: Remove unnecessary twigs and leaves
The branches and flowers you cut from your garden or purchased at a flower shop, need some thinning before you can use for your arrangement. Using a pair of scissors, you first remove unnecessary twigs and leaves.
Before
After
Step 2: Cut each stem to appropriate length
Ikebana is a three dimensional art. With three lines, you construct the basic shape of your arrangement. The stems used for these lines are called Shushi (main stems). The longest Shushi is called Shin, the second longest is called Soe, and the third Hikae.
Then you have several Jushi, which are supporting stems. How many Jushi stems you add is totally up to you.
Step 3: Place Shin, Soe and Hikae onto Kenzan
On the first lesson, you place Shin on 10-15 degrees left from upright, Soe on 45 degrees left, and Hikae on 75 degrees right.
Step 4: Place Jushi to add fulness and depth
Finally, you place Jushi to add fulness and depth to your arrangement. Another point to remember is to hide Kenzan.
That’s it!
By placing Shin, Soe and Hikae on different angles and directions, you can create arrangements with various looks and impression. Which direction you see the energy flowing….. the subsequent lessons will teach you various possibilities.