Ikebana Simplified

Cut, place and embellish. With the easy 3-step technique and design guidelines in Easy Ikebana, making an extraordinary flower arrangement is that simple! You don't need exotic flowers or expensive vases to create a stunning floral arrangement. Even a single flower from your garden or local market, combined with a simple container that matches its size and shape, will result in a uniquely beautiful addition to your space. Water, a pair of scissors, and maybe a few leaves, sprigs, or wildflowers are the only other items you'll need to complete your arrangement. With Easy Ikebana, even the most inexperienced beginner will: Become familiar with different types of seasonal flowers, what they require and how to handle them Develop a sense of proportion to create a balanced arrangement Learn how to choose and use greenery in your arrangements, whether you're placing one flower or several Pick up tips for making cut flowers last longer Discover ways to make a strong statement using very few components These arrangements show how striking understatement can be--not to mention how affordable. The gentle lessons in this book will make flower-arranging a relaxing and satisfying activity season after season, and the stunning photos will inspire practitioners at all levels with the beauty and power of simplicity--the heart of ikebana.

A modern approach to traditional Japanese floral design. Award-winning flower designer Shinichi Nagatsuka explains how anyone can create beautiful arrangements using his signature N Style method. Easy to follow, it is based on accent lines rather than the complex system of rules used for traditional Ikebana. Accent lines are the natural shapes of the flowers themselves--which means vertical arrangements require a different eye than horizontal or round ones, for example. By understanding how the shapes of flowers and plants affect your design, you'll learn to choose just the right ones to achieve your desired look and feel. With over 280 color photos and 42 projects, Modern Japanese Ikebana unlocks the mysteries of the art of Ikebana. By following the N Style method, you can bring a natural flow to your arrangements, achieving balance and an overall harmony of design.

The Japanese Art of Flower Arranging Ikebana, or Japanese flower arranging, is more than simply putting flowers in a container. Ikebana is a disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing, where nature and humanity are brought together. Written by renowned Ikebana expert Shozo Sato, Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers is a classic Ikebana text updated for modern readers. Ikebana history and styles Ikebana: The Art of Arranging Flowers presents a fascinating overview of the history of Ikebana to present day, and introduces classic Ikebana styles such as Rikka, Seika and Moribana to Freestyle. Japanese flower arranging instructions The tools of Ikebana and basic Ikebana flower-arranging techniques are clearly explained. Simple but detailed instructions guide Ikebana enthusiasts through the process of making dozens of stunning floral arrangements.

Keiko's unique approach to ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, combines traditional techniques with modern tastes. Her influences—which range from sculpture to today's Western floral design—come together to create one-of-a-kind arrangements that are authentic and eye-catching, simple and graceful, and possible for anyone to achieve. This book presents step-by-step instructions for creating 20 stunning ikebana arrangements in a range of sizes and styles. Each of the flower arrangements can be completed in just three simple steps and uses easy-to-find floral materials and containers. The book also includes an introduction to the history of ikebana as it relates to Japan and Japanese culture, as well as a guide to the basic rules of ikebana design and floral techniques. Suggestions for finding and choosing materials and supplies make it easy to to learn how to arrange flowers and gain a hands-on appreciation of the art of Japanese flower arranging.

The true meaning of Ikebana—the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement—is to take a few beautiful flowers and plants and tastefully present them in very simple containers to enhance home decor. The 53 elegant arrangements featured in Japanese Ikebana for Every Season are perfect for special occasions—Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthday, anniversary—or any event that calls for a flower bouquet. The key to good Ikebana arrangements is to understand a few very simple principles—like the idea of mitate, seeing old things with new eyes—and to learn a few easy techniques to stabilize and support plants inside a vase or container. Using common flowers and plants from the garden, a nearby field or forest, or the local florist, anyone can easily create these lovely Ikebana in just a few minutes. Authors Rie Imai and Yuji Ueno explain how to select flowers and containers from things that are already around—and then turn them into something special. The basic instructions in the book cover a wide range of styles that encourage readers to use their own creativity rather than copying traditional and highly technical Ikebana design concepts. No matter what time of year it is and regardless of your taste or budget—the arrangements in this book will lend a touch of Japanese elegance to your home.