Top 10 Ways to Make Ikebana Flower Arrangements

Ikebana comes from the Japanese meaning “arranged flower.” It is sometimes also referred to as kado, which means “the way of flowers.” Ikebana is minimalist in style and when you are selecting flowers for arrangements, you should take into consideration the shape and form of the stems and leaves as well as the flowers. All parts of the arrangement; be they flowers, leaves, grasses or branches, must be organic. These pieces are incorporated into arrangements to emphasize their graceful lines and structure.

1. Ikebana arrangements are meant to be completely three-dimensional, so that they can be admired from all angles.
2. The types of container used for these arrangements vary depending on the season. During summer baskets are used, during autumn and spring pottery containers are used and in winter metal containers are used.
3. Ikebana flower arrangements emphasize three key elements heaven – this is the primary stem and maintains the center-most line of the arrangement, man - this is the secondary stem and us two thirds the height of the first stem, earth – this is the shortest stem and is placed either opposite the man stem or in front of the heaven stem.
4. Moribana, (upright style), is the simplest style of ikebana. In these arrangements the flowers are usually arranged in a shallow basket or vase.
5. Moribana, (slanting style), incorporates branches that slant out to the side at an angle to the flowers.
6. Nagaire, (upright style), incorporates flowers or branches in a tall, narrow-mouthed vase. This style often only has one flower.
7. The aim of ikebana arrangements is to create harmony between the flowers and the container and the background.
8. If you use flowers that are in full bloom it is said to represent the past.
9. If you used flowers that are in half-bloom, it is said that you are representing the present.
10. If you used flowers that are still in bud, it is sad you are representing the future.