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A Three Point Lesson

While the study of ikebana as an art form is most fulfilling when lessons are received by a qualified teacher, many people have a natural instinct for arranging flowers  and can create beautiful, simple designs without formal lessons.   Such arrangements are often described as being peaceful and tranquil,  providing inspiration  to both the arranger and those who view them.

Preparation

Begin with selecting the container and matching it to the floral material.   This sounds simple enough, but, because you may use only one or two types of material, the combination you choose will be of major importance.  Sometimes the container may be featured, at other times the flowers or line material will be the main attraction. For this arrangement, we are using a slate container.

Here is a list of some branches and flowers which do well, either because of beautiful stems, interesting floral characteristics, color or overall graceful line movement:

Of course, there are hundreds of others.   We have chosen nandina  because of the interest of the berries on the stem.  We matched it up with a daffodil which maintains clarity of the design.  The textured, muted green container has the convenience of a built-in kenzan (pin holder).  The color is perfect for the red berries and green stems of the nandina.

Point One
It is now time to develop your theme by selecting the first stem to be inserted.  Give the nandina leaves a radical trim.  It may be necessary to clip off some of the berries so that they are not too heavy.  Place that stem at a slight slant to the left with the berries looking inward.

Point Two
Position the daffodil in the center looking (curving) forward.

Point Three
Cut a short stem of nandina and position it to the right of the daffodil.

Now it is important to stand back and make sure the elements are in balance.  Once finished, position the arrangement in the appropriate setting.  Because of its simplicity it will look best set apart from other objects in its own dedicated space.

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3