FUNDAMENTALS OF SOGETSU IKEBANA-CLASSES IN CLASSIC FLOWER ARRANGING

Sunday’s, Sept. 7^th, Oct. 19^th, & November 16^th, 10am-1pm

Instructor Yasmin Spiegel is a “Sensei“ (teacher) in the Sogetsu School of Ikebana: Japanese flower arranging. She is at home with both traditional Sogetsu forms and more modern sculptural arrangements. Yasmin has provided demonstrations and taught classes in Sogetsu at Wakamatsu Farms, the Sacramento Home and Garden Show, Davis Flower Arrangers, the Sacramento Floral Arrangers Guild, and Ikebana International. Ages 8+w/adult supervision. Meeting location Gold Hill/Placerville area. Cost: Individual classes $35/members, $45/non-members. A detailed email will be sent once you register online at REGISTRATION LINK

     September 7, 2025  Sunflowers and Rough Horsetail, Uses in line and mass arrangements.

        "Line" and "mass" are two classic elements in Ikebana, often contrasting each other to bring interest and character to your composition. The bright yellow faces and petals of summer sun flowers provide a natural, colorful "mass", while the slender, segmented stems of Rough Horsetail (also known as "Scouring Rush Horsetail"), with its variegated green and brown, color and hollow insides, provides a full pallet of contrasting texture. We will create End of Summer arrangements exploring these two materials in Suiban (low, flat) containers. Please bring your own favorite Suiban, kenzans (pin frogs), Hasemi (sharp scissors), needle nosed pliers, wire cutters, a small bowl for cutting flowers, a bucket for holding uncut materials, and a rag for wiping spills. Flowers, wire, and floral tape will be provided. 

     October 19, 2025 Fruiting Plants:

The striking variety of branches and stems bearing fruits is one of the wonderful delights of nature. For the Ikebana artist, the spectrum of colors, textures, shapes and sizes becomes your pallet. Choosing the container is also an essential aspect of the arrangement.  How the fruits are spaced along the branch, how many you include, and the overall balance are important considerations.  In this lesson we will explore the ways that all these elements come together to make a beautiful Fall composition. Bring a Nageieri (tall, cylindrical container.) Bring your own Hasemi (sharp scissors), needle nosed pliers, wire cutters, a small bowl for cutting flowers, a bucket for holding uncut materials, and a rag for wiping spills. Flowers, wire, and floral tape will be provided. 

     November 16, 2025 Cornucopia in a basket:

Japanese baskets are inspiring with their close weave, antique colors and tall handles. When used with a combination of fruits, vegetables and flowers, a rich harvest bounty is created. Thanksgiving is a time of year to celebrate the cornucopia of blessings from the earth. Feel the joy of colors, the wealth of smells and shapes, the bounty of food and sustenance given so freely by our planet! Make a celebration arrangement bringing all these elements together. Bring your own Japanese basket and any fruits and vegetables you are inspired to use. Also bring your own Hasemi (sharp scissors), needle nosed pliers, wire cutters, a small bowl for cutting flowers, a bucket for holding uncut materials, and a rag for wiping spills. Flowers, wire, and floral tape will be provided. There will be a few baskets for sale if you cannot find one.