Flowers,Ikebana and I

Sengan-En ( Iso- Teien) 仙巖園

2012-02-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

We visited the history of Satsuma, history of Shimadzu family and the garden. The Satsuma Clan opened its eyes to foreign countries earlier than anyone else. The Satsuma students dispatch to England dynamically contributed the modernization of new Japan and "The Meiji Restoration" movement. The top pictures were Princess Atsuhime's lifestyle, a talented lady who married to the 13th Shogun and dedicated her life to the continuance of the Tokugawa family in the late Edo period. Inside the garden bright red Peony still booming, they named this special red peony "Sengan-En red".(1-20-2012)

Japan Kyushu tour

2012-01-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

I was always fascinated by Japan's history and culture. We visited Japan on January 17,2012, and joined Kyushu Japan tour for 8 days. We enjoyed so many Onsen (hot spring) also learned a lot about Japan. Here are some pictures I took from Ibusuki Onsen hotel. Ibusuki hotel was a huge Japanese style Onsen hotel. You will get lost easily in it. They displayed giant bamboo Ikebana arrangement in the corner or on "Tokonoma "(special ta-ta-mi room where paintings and flower arrangements are displayed), which you won't miss when you passed by. (1-20-2012)

Abstract composition

2011-12-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

Using paper to create abstract composition with nagerie container was my assignment today. With teacher's help to add green paper changed the design and make the whole arrangement more effective. I love the idea.(12-20-11)

New Year's arrangement by Ms.Lin

2011-12-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

After class, we had potluck to celebrate new year at Ms. Lin's house. The bottom arrangement was arranged at buffet table which was high up style, piping up with three same kind of container. It was a very unique arrangement for the holiday. (12-20-11)

Happy New Year

2011-12-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

This is New Year arrangement for dinner table. Ms. Lin wanted us to use as less table as possible this time, so high up style was suitable for this occasion.
It is typical Japanese new year material to use pine,chrysanthemum,red Berry, red carnation etc. with decorative Mizuhiki (paper strings).(12-20-11)

Christmas arrangement

2011-12-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

Its time for Holiday arrangements. Red,green and white are the basic Christmas colors. Those holly which I took home from Boston at my son's house since Thanksgiving. It is still so fresh with red roses and white flowers. I used silver color spray to create Christmas arrangement. I arranged three different styles to finish all material . I have a lot of fun indeed.(12-06-2011)

Variation No8. Combined style Moribana & Moribana

2011-12-08T16:34:00.000-08:00

Ms. Lin wanted us to look at the diagrams carefully and arrange it for this combined style again for today's class.
In this style each main stems must be placed at the exact angles prescribed in their Kakei. Total harmony is very important for combining the arrangement, although both of which are also well made with originality and their independent existence. (12-06-2011)

Thanksgiving table centerpiece

2011-11-10T09:25:00.000-08:00

I used oriental kabocha to replace pumpkin, and golden persimmon to match fall color of mums and pomegranate with bitter sweet just perfect for my Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece. At the middle was teacher's centerpiece and at the bottom one was arranged a night before the class. (11-08-2100)

Autumn composition

2011-11-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

Pampas Grass and golden leaves were found at my community park. Bright red carnation instead of burning bush make beautiful Autumn scene. The bottom was taken from corner's stair way of my teacher's house,which show interesting branch without any leaves. Yes, it is Autumn. (11-8-2011)

Stage design

2011-10-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

Decorated by Ms. Lin and her students, it was a good experience to participate decorating the stage, especially for loving memory of our dear friend Dr. Liao.( we call him uncle Liao) (10-21-2011)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith"

Dr.Ching-Hing Liao Memorial Concert

2011-10-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

Arranging at the entrance hall way was my assignment by my teacher this time. Ms. Lin described the hall way map and helped me understand the whole pictures. First, I painted the dead walking stick to black, brought pine and azalea branches and big yellow muns at the class. Since I forgot the container, I used stone instead like the bottom picture shows. It was my first attempt to show my idea to teacher. On Friday afternoon at Auditorium of Temple University Ambler, PA, I did this arrangement. Ms.Lin brought me yellow lilies instead of muns, I used black container and more green branches, the result of which, I am happy with. (10-21-2011)

Thanksgiving arrangement

2011-10-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving holiday's arrangement was our subject this class, but Ms. Lin gave me another assignment this time. So my arrangement was arranged at home. Two arrangements at bottom
were our teacher's Demo. (10-16-2011)

Mellon became material with berry branch and green carnations . Isn't it interesting? Sticking
apples to the branches created another kind of arrangement. I like its idea and creativity.

Demonstration by Ms. Lin

2011-09-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

Betty,Lynn and I, took class from Ms. Lin for over three years. Because Irina Hurricane swept over East coast of US a lot of places had no electricity, no water and even water in the basement. Ms. Lin's basement was one of them. It was frustrating to deal with insurance co. and handyman.
But she came for flower arrangement demo. for us. We owe her so many thanks. (9-10-2011)

秋之展- 2011 (3)

2011-09-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

With a lot of thanks to Betty Tsai, Doris Liu.Lynn Lee, Chih Huang and all the other Church members. It could not be so successful without their participation. Thank you again. (9-10-2011)

秋之展-2011 (2)

2011-09-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

秋之展-2011 (1)

2011-09-16T04:35:00.000-07:00

Fall Harvest Exhibit

2011-09-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Grace Church Fall Harvest Exhibit held on Setember 10, 2011. Church menbers also prepared a lot of Taiwanese cookings for sale. Everybody enjoyed and had fun.

Hanging style of arrangement

2011-08-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

A hanging basket is beautiful but it had technique problem to hang right. Usually, there is one hanging style of arrangement in each exhibit. So this was our assignment for practice this time.(8-16-2011)

Abstract Arrangement

2011-08-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

Abstract arrangement also called Contemporary arrangement, has not only the beauty of arrangement but also looks great as the pictures. Teacher showed new technique to us, putting wire behind the leaves and bending the shape you want. It was not natural but abstract. The above two pictures are teacher's demo.
I used black bamboo and zinnia to complete my assignment. At the beginning two hosta leaves were arranged behind the bamboo but were replaced with another zinnia after the opionion of the critics. (8-16-2011)

Container-treasure in the woods

2011-08-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

On Aug.2 we had self-made container class . In order to have material, I found my treasure in the woods. Its hard and dangerous because a lot of poison ivy around there, but I had fun for it. This was my second container(smaller) on the same day of the first one. When you have fun you can't stop it. I arranged today at home to complete whole arrangement with all the material from my garden. (8-03-2011)

Self-made Container

2011-08-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Having finished four text books,our teacher wanted us to get to another level. In today's lesson Ms. Lin trained us to make self-made container,using branches and bamboo skin to design your own container then arrange flower on it. My container was made couple of days earlier and completed at the class with bamboo skin. It looks very nice after being finished. Then I used three calla lilies and hosta leaves as my material. Teacher suggested to put more flowers due to the big size of the container. I added two zinnias to match the smaller calla lily. I am very pleased with the result. The bottom two arrangements were done a night before,having had a different rotation of the container, which had an entire different look . (8-02-2011)

No subject

2011-07-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

Using too many flowers, I had problems to handle at the same time. And this was the answer at last. But I still have left over materials in my bucket.

Go Green

2011-07-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

Green energy is a trend to save the earth now, even for the Sogetzu school of Ikebana.
In this class, we used solely green material in the arrangement. I had green container, green azalea branch, green corn flowers, green bells of Ireland and green leaves of different texture and shape and a piece of drift wood covered by moss. Although there was only single color in the arrangement but they look nice and elegant.(7-19-2011)

Free Style- You in Ikebana

2011-07-20T18:15:00.000-07:00

I was so happy and surprised to see a center piece bouquet on my kitchen island, which was brought back by Charlie (my son) for me from the party. I needed flowers for the Tuesday Ikebana class, Dendrobium Orchid was just a perfect material for me to express myself in this lesson.(7-19-2011)
This was huge center piece bouquet.

One for Three

2011-07-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

For one stem of Oriental lily I had three different arrangements. Some people said Ikebana is an expensive taste, but it can be very cheap too. Plant your own flowers, bushes or tree,with your idea to create an arrangement is such a fun. Having finished the arrangement, which I would like to share with you. To tell you the truth, it made my day. (7-4-2011)

Asiatic Lily and Daylily

2011-07-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

Lily is one of my favorite flowers. I have red, yellow, lemon and other different varieties. (7-4-2011)

Clematis

2011-06-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Clematis bloomed very beautifully around my mail box this year, this was arranged at home.

Special Spaces -.Arrange at 4 foot tall corner.

2011-05-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

This time, teacher gave us a special assignment arranged in a 90-degree angle to form a corner with 4 foot tall wall.
Two Demo from our teacher, one was tall and skinny, the other was extended to one side to show its beauty. I used painted black branch with 3 purple alliumns and cut maples. It stand out at corner, very pretty indeed. (5-17-2011)

Paying Attention to the container and to the place where the arrangement will be Put

2011-05-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

The naturally curved line of tulip stretched toward one side and artistic tension is created between this and the container placement. Hananome technique has been used for securing the burning bush branches and all the flowers. My teacher and my classmates like this arrangement so do I. (5-17-2011)

In a Suiban without Kenzan

2011-05-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

It is hard to arrange a composition on a suiban without using the kenzan. At least three branches standing with their upper parts intersecting with one another and to be secure in place. How to fix branches in position is the decisive factor of the overall composition. You may use nails or wires for fixing the branches, but they must be finished unnoticeable. In this composition my teacher allowed me to fix the tall branch on the side of the suiban standing firmly and giving unique characters.(5-5-2011)

Vegetables and/or Fruits in an Arrangement

2011-05-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

The vegetables and fruits can be arranged alone or combined with branches or flowers. What is important is to discover their true beauty which is not seen when viewing them as food items. Strawberries, broccoli and slender carrots were my materials to use for making this assignment. (5-5-2011)

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

I took home some left over Palm for last week palm Sunday from our Church. Palm is a good material for flower arrangement, and I spend 3 dollars for small carnations. It turned out I had three arrangement for Easter Holiday. (4-25-2011) 'Less is more' slipped my mind again, I rearranged it after Lynn remind me. Is it look better ?(top one)

Orchids

2011-04-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Dendrobium love memory var"Fit" had bloomed (2-2-11) for last two months. and Oncidium Jimbo "Swarm" is blooming now. They have a good smell especially in the morning ( 4-25-11)

Clivia

2011-04-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

I had this Clivia for 5 or more years at least. It never had beautiful flowers like this time. I dumped this plant in the garage past winter. One afternoon, I decided to give water, and I was surpeised to find it had a flower. Its stern was tall and flowers pretty. It is a very healthy plant. (4-25-11)

To be Viewed from All Angles

2011-03-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

While making this composition, you should check the arrangement from various angles,but doesn't mean to look alike from all directions. To create a composition which offers different forms or shapes depending on the angles viewed, and should have artistic tension and interest. Azalea branches with colorful calla lilies have completed my assignment. Front view and back view.(3-15-2011)

Only One Kind of Material

2011-03-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

This arrangement only allows to use one kind of the material. In this lesson, I used Iris and a large Suiban with sufficient water surface. Using three Kabu to create fish pond like arrangement . I am happy with the idea for the composition. Below is Ms. Lin's demo. She used three groups of containers with different height and placement to avoid boring dullness. The top two pictures was taken from different angles.(3-15-2011)

Philadelphia Flower Show - Ms. Lin's Arrangement

2011-03-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Intertwining Plant Materials

2011-03-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

The key point of this lesson is to choose the materials suitable for "Intertwining"; leaves, grasses or bendable branches which can be used for Intertwining. Intertwined two groups of weeping Willows with one braided grass stem toward the front and a group of Calla lilies in between. My teacher suggested me to move front the first container a little bit to improve three dimensional effect. It's worked. (3-3-11)

With Flowers Only

2011-03-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Those flowers were the left over of the last lesson. My friend Betty wanted to show her sister how we arranged the flowers in the class, and so I went with them.
Making an arrangement with flowers only, required two or more kinds of flowers. Before doing so, check the colors of the flowers first in deciding the overall composition. Try out as wide a variety of materials as possible. I had one Phalaenopsis orchid, calla lilies, two different colors of Mums and carnations. Develop your skill and express your feelings about them in this way. (3-3-11)

Fruiting Plant Materials

2011-03-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

It is hard to find any fruiting materials for us at the beginning of March, especially at Northeast area in U.S. So the teacher allowed us to stick branches into the fruits. The lesson turned out so interesting and we had a great time. In order to secure my big branch, I used Hananome technique, sticking four mandarins in angular shape of branch. The top mandarin was a strongest statement of this arrangement. I added a piece of driftwood, two pom pom mums and pines to complete my assignment. (3-1-11)

Keeping in Mind the View from Above

2011-03-02T05:41:00.000-08:00

Last year, Ms. Lin gave me Yucca plant ,which I liked very much for their naturally mixed colors. When we have this assignment for today's lesson, Adam needle jumped right out of my mind . Combining two Pom Pom Mums to match it and colorful Calla Lilies are presented with the effect of the contrast in it. I used wide open space container to highlighten the water. Top one was taken from Above. I am delighted with it. (3-1-11)

Dried,Bleached,or Colored Materials

2011-02-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

In this lesson, one of the dried, bleached or colored materials alone can be arranged,or can be combined with the fresh plants. Dried walking sticks were tied together with two Pampas grass combined with fresh flowers to finish my assignment. At the begining the two Pampas grass were apart ,it looks beautiful from the front, after teacher pointed out to move closer, it could be viewed from all directions. So amazing !(2-15-2011)

Simplified Arrangement

2011-02-15T17:48:00.000-08:00

"Less is more", our teacher always remind us on every class,every arrangement. By removing unnecessary parts from the materials is always essential in making arrangement.
The subject of this lesson is simplified by the composition to its LIMIT. The beautiful line of lilac branch, one yucca leave and one peace lily flower to express to its maximum effect. Ms. Lin said my composion is so delicate to be good for meditation.(2-15-2011)

Color of the Container

2011-02-04T07:57:00.000-08:00

In this lesson ,we have different approach and try to focus, develop your ides of the arrangement from the container.
So many ways to express your compositions on the material by contrast or same tonal range in color, or container and flower materials have the same color to create unity, or color of the materials are harmonizing with the color of the container etc.
Hot pink container has been used in this composition. Focusing the container, I used same tone of materials, such as;dark hot pink Gerbera daisies, pink paper with black accessory to emphasize the color of container.(2-3-11)

Composition of Mass and Line(Straight or Curved)

2011-02-04T07:24:00.000-08:00

Combined Mass and line in one composition is the subject of this lesson, but do not mix the straight and curved line together in one arrangement.

Dried weeping willow was bent to form the curved lines,which are contrasted with hydrangeas mass.(2-3-11)

No subject

2011-01-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

Snow storm sweeping East coast again. I missed two classes, so at home I arranged the top one just for fun. Paphiopedilum ,Lady's-slipper orchid bloomed on December, 23 2010, it was just in time to bring to show table for January Orchid's meeting. I will let you know what it get next time. (1-2011)

Orchids

2010-12-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

Dec.16, 2010 was last lesson of our Ikebana class . After which ,we had ten people attended the luncheon at Yantze restaurant, saying thanks to our master,for the hard work in the past year . The food was excellent,we really enjoy the gourmet cuisine.
I was inspired by my friend Lynn, who encouraged me to post orchids which I had planted for some years. The top one is White Bridal Yuki x Hawaiian Wedding song "Virgin".

BL.Mem.Bernice Foster. I was surprised, for first time it bloomed three flowers after some years.

Horizontal Composition-New Years arrangement

2010-12-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

This is New Year arrangement in Horizontal composition. With no rule as to the ratio between vertical length and the horizontal width for the composition. Use the materials which look beautiful by being horizontally. Keep simple,it gives you a good chance to observe the plants and discover the characteristics. Pine, Bamboo,...Mizuhiki are traditional materials for New Year in Eastern Style. You can see some of them in my arrangement, combined yellow mums small red carnations and painted silver branches to complete my assignment. (12-14-2010)

Vertical Composition

2010-12-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

There is no rule for vertical length and horizontal width in this lesson. Look the materials carefully, using the beauty of the natural lines which the plants originally have at upward tip and make vertical composition. The composition in this lesson is rather simple, but keep plants characteristic . (12-14-2010)

Holiday arrangement

2010-12-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

In today's class, we had four choices but pick two for class. Above two were my teacher's new years arrangement. She placed the arrangement at corner of stairway with pines ,calla lilies,mums,black branches and mizuhiki(Japanese paper strings)very beautiful indeed. The first one was added on Dec.14.Miss Lin changed flowers and became another arrangement. The bottom is my Holiday arrangement. Pines, poinsettia, white mums and shiny accessory all were traditional materials for holiday.(12-07-2010)

Two or more containers

2010-12-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

The containers can be chosen and coordinated as wished. The expression of soft to strong, tall ,firm to short, gentle, or same material compliment to each other. You need to pay attention the placement of the containers, such as front and back or side by side . Holiday is approaching, in this arrangement, I used berries, hollies,pines and white mums for my assignment . (12-07-2010)

Thanksgiving Dinner at Church

2010-11-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

I missed the November 16 class, which we had to arrange for the Thanksgiving dinner table, and using vegetable, fruits,... and to be viewed from all angles.

This is my arrangement for Thanksgiving Dinner At Grace Church , November 28, 2010

Vines

2010-11-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

What is "Vines" ? I asked my teacher in the class. We can use any branches which can be bent or fixed in this lesson. Here,the bittersweet branches with three white calla lilies and mums are firmly fixed. I bent bittersweet branches to incorporate the container and express the delicate and powerful lines. (11-09-2010)

Sorry to delay my post and I also missed Nov.16 class due to Boston trip and computer breakdown.

Variation No.6. Slanting Style Moribana

2010-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Variation No.6 Slanting Style is from Basic Slanting Style . But their directions are shifted to have them 120 degtees apart from one another. This style is called "the style to be viewed from all angles". Therefore, keep in mind to add the subordinate stens to fill in empty parts in order to make the arrangement be viewed from all directions. The materials for this arrangement were Red Gerbera daisies and Euonymus with red berries. (11-09-2010)

"Boo!" October Litter Show

2010-11-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

This was October Litter Show from Martha Washington Garden Club. Our October 27th Meeting Design "Boo!" which created a design using pumpkins, gourds, and squash.
I used all the required materials with my Ikebana technique to create this arrangement. At last, I got second prize for this design (10-27-2010)

New Technique- Teacher's Demon.

2010-10-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

Today we leaned a new technique to arrange the composition of straight lines. Ms. Lin used Bamboo and fresh cut Wheat for materials to show us. In order to secure the Bamboo, she used a piece of wood with nails, some were 3 or4 a group and some 1 or 2, depending on your design. So to use nail instead of big long Kenzan is a very good idea and cheaper for this kind of arrangement. This piece of wood with nails was treated as a big Kenzan.(10-19-2010)

showing lines at Base

2010-10-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

This is a composition which requires extra attention to the relationship between the container and the materials. Trimming materials to create a sense of artistic simple form is important for this lesson. I used discolored Maple branches, almost bare Bittersweet branches and one stem of Autumn mums. My teacher said I did very well in this assignment. (10-19-2010)

Variation No.6 Horizontal Style Nageire

2010-10-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Horizontal style is placed Shin almost horizontally(85 degrees) or extended nearly to the side from the mouth of the vase. And make sure each of the three main stems are 120 degrees apart from one another. I used beautiful Berry branches for Shin and Soe with Dahlia and Autumn mums to complete this assignment . I like this arrangement very much.(10-19-2010)

Autumn is coming

2010-10-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Autumn splendor arrives in the northeast areas. One favorite is taking place in nature's rainbow show, the leaves were changing their colors. In today's class we arranged "Autumn is coming", in which I used dried burning bush branch, bittersweet, maple leaves, dahlia and marigolds to arrange and create the fall scenery. The dahlia and marigold's colors repeated golden and deep orange color of bittersweet. My teacher ripped off some leaves of the branch, the dried leaves falling down to the table. I felt, the real Autumn was coming. (10-5-2010)

Variation No.4 Hanging Style Nageire

2010-10-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hanging Style means you arrange Shin downward from the mouth of the vase. Its angle is prescribed about 135 degrees at maximum. To do so,choose a branch which is soft and in hanging shape or one which can be bent. I like this style,for the tip of branch sustains the strength of the main stem and shows its character. I got my branches from township baseball field on one rainy day. I walked around and waited for 15 min. for police car was there. My classmate said the branches were beautiful and graceful, so I thought it was worth to wait. Two pastel roses were the last roses of summer from my yard. (10-5-2010)

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋之展

2010-09-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

It was a great and fabulous exhibition. Thank you very much for your help, and your participating the event. You, spent so much time to prepare and stayed all day long at church to help. I have no words to express my thanks to you all . Those were the pictures that I took at the show.The flower arrangement was created by Betty Tsai, Chih Huang, Doris Liu and Lynn Lee.

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋之展

2010-09-23T04:54:00.000-07:00

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋之展

2010-09-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

On September 18, Taiwanese American Grace Church in New Jersey had a Harvest Exhibition. Once a year we displayed home grown vegetables, fruits, and flowers from our own gardens. We, the Grace Church woman fellowship member had pleasure to do it and also had so much fun. Here you can see water melon,winter melons,bitter melons,tomatoes,string beans, etc.... I want to thank all the friends,who provided those items, who helped out to make this event possible. (9-18-2010)

An Evening of Ikebana,Calligraphy,and Tea Ceremony

2010-08-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

1 Tea Ceremony presented by Betty Tsai
2 Calligraphy presented by Helen Lu
3 Flower arrangement presented by Meei-huey Lin
This was a fabulous exhibition and successful programs, indeed. Everybody did the great job. People who came early saw all the flower arrangements first, and later enjoyed three programs with appetizers and tea. You enriched yourself with the different culture and philosophy of east and west through the entire evening. (8-13-2010)

An Evening of Ikebana,Calligraphy,and Tea Ceremony

2010-08-15T16:55:00.001-07:00

By Chih Huang and By June Wu

By Cindy Lin and By Lynn Lee

By Mary and By June Wu

Top By June Wu and Lynn Lee, Bottom By Mary and Grazenka

By Letitia chen and By Dong Xiao
On August 13, at 2:00 pm, we( Betty, Lynn and Chih) arrived at the Indian Valley Public Library with our buckets of flowers, containers, and all the equipments after over an hour drive. Some classmates were there already; of course Ms.Lin and her second daughter also had started to set up tables. The library provided the Reading Room for the Exhibition and all the programs. Today's activities were part of IVPL's Second Fridays Series sponsored by Women's club of Indian Vally. After a while all the students finished their arrangements and made final touches. (8-13-2010)

Free Style

2010-08-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

On August 13, 2010 at 7:30pm our teacher Ms.Lin will have a ceremony in memory of her daughter at Indian valley public library. She donated and contributed big collection of books to the library in her daughter's name. An Evening of Ikebana (flower arrangement) , Calligraphy, and Tea Ceremony will be held. All the program will be presented by Ms. Lin and some of her students. In this arrangement the leaves were stripped off from burning bush branches, bent, disassembled and rearranged . Withered sunflowers look very cool and cute. Below were the sunflowers opened a month before.(8-03-2010)

Composition of Surfaces made by the Massing of Lines

2010-08-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

The surface created by massing of lines means assembled lines created with the plant materials without leaves. You can combine the lines of gathered materials, but do not always look alike and with subtle variations in color, shape and texture.
I used Hosta flower stems stripped off all the leaves and corn flowers without petals,which have beautiful straight lines. White Mum accentuated the whole composition.(8-03-2010)

Disassembing and Rearranging the Materials

2010-07-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

In this lesson, disassembling or taking apart the plant materials into their elemental pieces, we make a new composition using these pieces. It is difficult at the beginning to understand. But arranging a composition, the materials are trimmed, disassembled, and combined with other materials and made into an arrangement. This process is part of every Ikebana without our knowing it. The bare Oriental Pear branch is placed at the base(Deer clean out all the leaves and fruit). The other branch with Pear is fixed. Two Oriental Lilies add to the overall mood. Then new composition is created. All the materials came from my own yard.(7-20-2010)

Variation No.8 Combined Styles (Nageire and Nageire)

2010-07-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

To combine Nageire and Nageire, it would be a good idea to arrange the same materials partially between the two or use similar containers. In this arrangement, I use different heights of vases and arrange same materials to make two different units connected together. My teacher said branches of Burning bushes were trimmed nicely. The beautiful Zinnia flower seeds were given by Cindy (Ikebana classmate) last year. I sowed those seeds early in spring. This genus is an excellent source of cut flowers.(7-20-2010)

2010 Taiwanese American/East Coast Summer Conference

2010-07-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

The 41st Taiwanese American /East Coast Summer Conference held at University of Delaware on July 2nd to July 5th. We had about 600 people attended this conference, and was a big event for East Coast Taiwanese American which included Washington DC area, great Philadelphia area, New Jersey, New York and Boston area. New Jersey chapter was in charge and organized all the programs for the Conference this year. Our Ikebana teacher Ms. Lin had flower arrangement workshop in the afternoon on July 3rd. There were about 20 students attended. Ms. Lin demonstrated so many pieces for the students, and told the stories of how she started to learn Ikebana. Many of the attendants were moved by her life story. This is the center piece at the meeting hall taken from different angles. It is very beautiful, indeed. To create such big elegant center piece, need a lot of mind and technique engineering work. Ms. Lin want us to learn and watch how it was processed. I saw two big branches joined to become one tree, with big azaleas branches surrounding it. Engineer Mr. Chen with drill and screw and with magic touch, completed and secured the art pieces. Lititia and Ms.Lin continued arranging and finished this grand piece in the lobby. It was amazing! I got a conclusion "Behind a successful show and display there always is a strong supporting group".(7-2-2010)

Her students Lynn, Betty and Chih

Free Style - for Exhibition

2010-06-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

We have Taiwanese American /East Coast Summer Conference every year in the week of July 4th. This is our tradition. Ms. Lin is invited to have a seminar in the meeting and to display the technique of Ikebana. She is also in charge of decorating entire meeting hall. We are assigned to assist her to arrange the flowers. (6-15-2010)

Wedding Reception Table Arrangement

2010-06-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today we had a very interesting assignment,which we had to arrange reception table for wedding. This is a happy occasion , you want to express cheer and symbolize purity and sincerity of love for the happy couple. Wild rose branch combined with delicate hydrangea showing pink, blue and white. My white shiny ribbon around the branch set forth different taste. Everybody in the class admired its beauty. (6-15-2010)

You in Ikebana

2010-06-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Our teacher wants us to express ourselves in Ikebana as today's assignment. Make an arrangement by looking at flowers and yourself, and ask yourself what Ikebana you want to arrange from there. You can put your life stories and your philosophy in it. I used black container and painted black branch with light purple clematis
around it . The branches try not only to survive and work so hard to extend higher and farther. Finally new leaves come and flowers open. That is story of my life. (6-01-2010)
This is my mail box with two clematis around, one is white and the other is light purple .The yellow flowers are Stella D'Oro daylily.

Variation No.4 Slanting Style Nageire

2010-06-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

When choosing to omit any of the main stems, Soe is omitted first. This Basic Slanting Style (variation No.4) , is composed 45 degree of Shin and 75 degree of Hikae without Soe and doesn't lose its balance . In most cases, as long as the work has Hikae, it can be somehow viewed as Ikebana. The Hikae, Gaillardia (Daisy-like flowers), are easy to grow and make good cut flowers. This picture was taken at home, which I forgot to take in the class. (6-01-2010)

Iris Arrangement

2010-05-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

It is the show time for Iris. At today's class, our assignment is using Iris as a main part in the arrangement. The basic style of arranging these flowers is to enclose a small numbers of flowers nicely with large numbers of leaves. And normally arranged in a shallow container in order to show the water, but you can also use a basket as a container to make it look more delicate . Ms. Lin demonstrated compositions of straight lines and arrangement of Iris today. I used horse tail to make it look taller with three Japanese Iris and a lot of leaves to complete my assignment. It looks soft and graceful.(5-18-2010)

With Branches only

2010-05-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

Receiving Ms. Lin's e-mail, I was so glad I didn't throw away those branches last week. Making an arrangement only with branches using two or more kinds was today's assignment. Studying the different characteristics of branches such as their shape, and try to make the most of their unique features is important. Those handsome Heavenly blue's branches combining with flowering Azalea branches, created an artistic expression. I am so delighted for the arrangement. (5-4-2010)

Free Style - Using Hosta Leavess

2010-05-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Using at least five Hosta leaves with other materials, creates a contemporary style of arrangement. This was required for today's lesson. Hosta is a easy grown perennials, are valued for their decorative foliage. They all produce wide, handsome leaves. I love Hosta and have different varieties of them. I used some of them for today's class , along with three Allium from my backyard, and thus completed my creation. I am quite happy with it. ( 5-4-2010)

Variation No.3 Upright Style Moribana

2010-04-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Variation No.3 Upright Style Moribana means Soe is shifted to the front-right with 45 degree and Hikae is in the center keeping 75 degree inclination. The sunny yellow Double-flowered Daffodil(Narcissus 'Fortune') blossom in my garden.It is so pretty in spring, and Lilac just begin to spot new leaves. I combined those two spring materials to arrange my assignment. I like it very much because it shows the new life. (4-06-2010)

Free Style

2010-04-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

Cherry blossoms in Yardley, Pa. Spring is the most beautiful season for flowers. I was surprised after two weeks vacation, climate has been changed. The container was made of PVC pipes which I made in early this year class (January 19). Be aware of the heavy materials on top. Some technique should be applied.(4-06-2010)

Variation No. 1 Slanting Style Nageire

2010-03-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

This was my last lesson for book one Happy!. In the class Ms. Lin demonstrated again the basic technique to secure branches in the vase. Cross bar fixture , Vertical type fixture or Direct fixing always a challenge for us. The Calla Lily and Euonymus were preserved two weeks ago, so I enjoyed cost free this time.
This arrangement is the reversed positions of Shin and Soe from Basic Slanting Style. It gives different look, simple and nice, right? (3-16-2010)

Multiple miniature arrangement

2010-03-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

In order to improve my photo skill, I purchased a new camera Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX7 and took pictures again. I think this picture had better shot.(4-07-2010)

This assignment had to use at least 5 objects or containers,and arrange in a tray or piece of paper or a map. The purpose of this lesson was to train us to have a ideal of Ikebana in a free style manner and geometrical sense.
It was very interesting and also difficult. I exercised it in my house couple of days before the class. This was after Ms. Lin's Magic touch. (3-16-2010)

Focusing on the Uses of Water

2010-03-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

In this lesson, water is regarded more consciously as an element of the composition. There are various ways of using water, such as emphasizing the water surface, showing the water through a transparent vase. I used left over bamboo from New Year arrangement, and arranged upside down. With three white calla lily which created different composition and also expressed meanings of water. I am so delighted , since my teacher likes my arrangement. The top picture I took at home with white background. Does it look better? (3-2-2010)

Variation No 2 Upright Style Moribana

2010-03-03T18:13:00.000-08:00

This was the first class, since last winter storm . We canceled one class on Feb. 16 due to limited parking spaces and concern about driving safety. Finally,we were so happy to have class on March 2nd. I took this assignment for my make up class, which was made by reversing the positions of basic upright style. (3-2-2010)

Winter Wonderland

2010-03-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

This was a storm for the record books, and for the second time in less than a week. A powerful storm that began Tuesday night and continued throughout Wednesday and sent the seasonal snow total for the region over 65.5 Inches. The snow remover came to shovel and blow the snow for us at 3:30 am Thursday in the morning. It was so pretty out there those pictures I took on Wednesday when blizzard attacked our area.

Keeping in Mind the View from Below

2010-02-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

Ikebana is not something to be placed only on a table or a desk, but you can be displayed on top of or on a cabinet shelf or on a pedestal. If the arrangement is placed above eye level, it is to be viewed from below. The composition must be made by taking this view into consideration. To practice this arrangement, you can bring a box as a pedestal to put on the table and then put your container on it . In this lesson, Ms. Lin said, we got the point to express well. We should always keep in mind, as Ms. Lin said "Less is more" and " group the flowers". Sometimes it slipped from my mind, but after teacher's magic touch it looked quite different in the top picture. (2-2-10)

Variation No.5 Slanting Style Moribana

2010-02-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

This Variation No.5 Style means to place Shin, Soe of basic slanting style and their subordinate stems in one Kabu, and Hikae and its subordinate stems in another group. Be aware that this composition is made up of two Kabus, and two groups should not be loosely apart,but they are to be arranged to express the scale and extension.
Beautiful Azalea branches make the composition look elegant and delight. (2-2-10)

Self-made Container using PVC pipes

2010-01-21T18:29:00.000-08:00

Those were self -made containers by Leticia Chen, former student, now the Ikebana teacher of Ms. Lin. Using different size and length of PVC pipes, she creates different shapes of containers. It is beautiful, but needs a lot of work. In the class, she demonstrates how to assemble pipes to form containers. She used the containers to arrange flowers to complete the compositions. (1-19-2010)

Using Both Fresh and Unconventional Materials

2010-01-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

"Unconventional Material" means anything other than fresh plant materials, but dried, colored,and other materials which are made by processing originally fresh plants are not included. You can use paper, pebbles,steel,plastic, household commodities,or something seen in daily life. It is important that the combination of both material should be harmonized. As long as you keep in mind that the "Unconventional Materials" are also being"Arranged". In this composition, I used the plastic tube with a strong impact, spiraling on bamboo. (1-05-10)

Composition of Surfaces by Using Leaves

2010-01-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

Finally, I got passed to this composition. It is hard to catch the meaning of this lesson last time. My teacher want me to make some additional works on them. In this lesson,either use a limited number of large leaves or gather a lot of small leaves as wished. The leaves do not have to be placed all facing forward,but can be put together or overlapped. Make a composition freely.(1-05-2010)

New year arrangement

2009-12-24T17:53:00.000-08:00

We use special materials and arrangements for Festive Occasions. It often happens that placing just one Ikebana can totally change the environment which you are familiar with.

The traditional Ikebana materials for New Year arrangement are pine,bamboo and Japanese plum,flowers such as chrysanthemum, camellia,lily,narcissus etc... My friend Lynn gave me handsome bamboo from her backyard. It made this composition look different. I also got beautiful red-Berry from shopping mall and sprayed silver paint on pine branches and decorated with silver and gold paper strings on top of the bamboo. The Mizuhiki (paper strings)is a typical decorative material for Japanese New Year, which my teacher gave me a year before. BTW:the secret way to keep freshness of bamboo leaves is to put water inside the bamboo shaft (Ms. Lin said). 12-15-09

Free style - sketching and Arrangeing

2009-12-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

This subject means, prior to actually making an arrangement with the materials, to sketch your ideas of the composition which you want to make with a pencil on a piece of paper. I would like to emphasize two pieces of bleached roots, which my friend gave me and I bleached it by myself a while ago. Top picture arranged in the class(turn 45 degree), and the bottom one was arranged a night before at home, with bright red Gerbera daisy, holly branch and spruce. I think I can use it for Holiday arrangement. (12-01-09)

Variation No.2 Upright Style Nageire

2009-12-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

The key point of this style shows the beautiful line of Soe which extends toward the front-right. Choose a branch which looks beautiful when slanted or bent. In Winter, since there is no more flower in my backyard, so I got Gerbera daisy from market and with Bittersweet branches to complete this composition. (12-01-09)

Ikebana exhibition at Longwood Gardens

2009-11-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

I went to Longwood gardens yesterday.There were some displays from many different Ikebana schools. Such as Ikenobo school, Ohara school,Sogetsu school and Ichiyo school. Every arrangements were so beautiful. Japanese flower arrangements are for pure delight and enjoyment and never judged.

Ikebana exhibition at Longwood Gardens

2009-11-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

Spreading Arrangement

2009-11-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

Spreading arrangement is the one which is laid out directly on table or on the cloth on it without using any fixing utensils or containers. Use long-lasting materials which can keep in good shape without water. This is my second try, I did it today again. Ms. Lin suggested I used "Hanadome structure" to bring height of the arrangement. The most common style is to arrange the base part with the leaves or branches or combination with both and arrange different shapes and colors freely. I used Bittersweet branches ,Junipers and yellow Mums to complete this assignment. (11-03-09)

Variation No.2 Slanting Style Moribana

2009-11-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

This style is Shin and Soe which are placed in the front but widely apart. Shin reaches out, and Soe completes the extended line. And the flower of Hikae is to view behind the two branches of Shin and Soe, and it gives the arrangement more depth. It is amazing that my Black-eyed Susans still blossom in November. I purchased three Ikebana containers three weeks ago from the flea market , which is very beautiful. This is one of them. " Somebody's trash might be somebody's treasure" right?(11-03-09)

Massed Expression

2009-10-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

At last, I find this picture. We had this class last May. "Mass" is a term used in the field of art meaning a lump or an aggregate. In Ikebana, a mass is one way of composing arrangements by assembling the materials together into a certain shape. An entire arrangement can be composed of a single mass, or can be made by combining two or more masses.(5-12-09)

Variation No.4 Slanting Style Moribana

2009-10-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

This is the one in which Soe is missing from basic slanting style. It is a beautiful style, which I love the most. In this style, it is important to emphasize the beauty created by omission. As this arrangement does not have Soe, it shows distinct strength and lightness also. It is quite a surprise to have Black-eyed Susans still blossom in mid - October in my back yard. I got this beautiful Japanese Ikebana container at a flea market last week. I was so excited to find it. (10-20-09)

Basic Upright Style Nageire

2009-10-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

We repeated this basic upright style today. This is to train us to arrange correctly. After class we watched the DVD which showed "The International Ikebana Seminar" held in Yokohama, Japan in March, 2001. Wide eye opened after number of masters of different schools exhibited their works at the stage.(10-06-09)

Free style

2009-10-06T14:45:00.000-07:00

Wood is a powerful material for Ikebana. I spent three afternoons to dig dead walking stick from my backyard. I planted this walking stick thirteen years ago, because curly branches were so interesting and beautiful. But I don't know what happened she faded away this year. This is a big arrangement 36"x76". I got susuki (pampas grass) which grew by the country road and hydrangeas to complete this assignment. (10-06-09)

Flowers,Ikebana and I

Sengan-En ( Iso- Teien) 仙巖園

Japan Kyushu tour

Abstract composition

New Year's arrangement by Ms.Lin

Happy New Year

Christmas arrangement

Variation No8. Combined style Moribana & Moribana

Thanksgiving table centerpiece

Autumn composition

Stage design

Dr.Ching-Hing Liao Memorial Concert

Thanksgiving arrangement

Demonstration by Ms. Lin

秋之展- 2011 (3)

秋之展-2011 (2)

秋之展-2011 (1)

Fall Harvest Exhibit

Hanging style of arrangement

Abstract Arrangement

Container-treasure in the woods

Self-made Container

No subject

Go Green

Free Style- You in Ikebana

One for Three

Asiatic Lily and Daylily

Clematis

Special Spaces -.Arrange at 4 foot tall corner.

Paying Attention to the container and to the place where the arrangement will be Put

In a Suiban without Kenzan

Vegetables and/or Fruits in an Arrangement

Happy Easter

Orchids

Clivia

To be Viewed from All Angles

Only One Kind of Material

Philadelphia Flower Show - Ms. Lin's Arrangement

Intertwining Plant Materials

With Flowers Only

Fruiting Plant Materials

Keeping in Mind the View from Above

Dried,Bleached,or Colored Materials

Simplified Arrangement

Color of the Container

Composition of Mass and Line(Straight or Curved)

No subject

Orchids

Horizontal Composition-New Years arrangement

Vertical Composition

Holiday arrangement

Two or more containers

Thanksgiving Dinner at Church

Vines

Variation No.6. Slanting Style Moribana

"Boo!" October Litter Show

New Technique- Teacher's Demon.

showing lines at Base

Variation No.6 Horizontal Style Nageire

Autumn is coming

Variation No.4 Hanging Style Nageire

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋 之 展

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋 之 展

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋 之 展

An Evening of Ikebana,Calligraphy,and Tea Ceremony

An Evening of Ikebana,Calligraphy,and Tea Ceremony

Free Style

Composition of Surfaces made by the Massing of Lines

Disassembing and Rearranging the Materials

Variation No.8 Combined Styles (Nageire and Nageire)

2010 Taiwanese American/East Coast Summer Conference

Free Style - for Exhibition

Wedding Reception Table Arrangement

You in Ikebana

Variation No.4 Slanting Style Nageire

Iris Arrangement

With Branches only

Free Style - Using Hosta Leavess

Variation No.3 Upright Style Moribana

Free Style

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋之展

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋之展

Harvest Exhibition 2010-秋之展