How To Do Ikebana





The Rule of Three - Size of Each Stem in a Water Basin

Since ancient times in the Orient, the "Rule of Three" has occupied the fundamental principle of proportion. Based on a ratio of approximately 10, 7, and 5, it forms a good balance, and it is quite similar to the Western principle of trigonometry.
In flower arrangement, the container plays an important role in determining the scale of the composition. Usually, containers can be classified as either vases or water basins. A deep container is called a vase, and a flat one is called a basin. The proportion of each flower and branch depends on the size, color, and visual impression of the container. The strength of the material of which the container is made and its unique characteristics will also create numerous variations.






Tools to Use for Flower Arrangement

In order to become accomplished in handling flowers, we should keep close at hand some common tools which are necessary for flower arrangement.

  1. Clippers - The short edge is the part used to cut flowers.

  2. Needlepoint holder - Various sizes are used according to the size of the flower container.

  3. String - Vinyl string of different thickness is used according to the size of the branches.

  4. Support stick - This is used to fix branches firmly in the vase.






How to Keep Flowers Fresh

This is a tip for everyone to help keep flowers fresh.

  1. Cut the stem under water.

    1. Burn the end about 2cm with a candle or alcohol lamp.

    2. Dip the end in boiling salted water for about one or two minutes.

    3. Dip the end about 1-2cm in hydrochloric acid.

  3. Sprinkle water over the plant while holding it by the stem end.

  4. Wrap the entire plant with paper impervious to light such as newspaper and keep in cool, dark, damp place for about three to five hours.

Plants can soak up water best when they stand straight inside the container.







On Harmony

Just as there are harmonious and disharmonious sounds in music, sometimes all the elements of an arrangement harmonize beautifully, but on some occasion they look discordant and unrelated to each other. Therefore, in arranging flowers, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of the form of each branch of flower. For beginners, stabilization and beauty are best achieved by working all the materials into an overall harmony.

In doing so, the direction of the tips of the branches and the face of the flowers play an important role. As a result, the face of the flowers concentrate on one point.

As discords sometimes produce a dynamic effect or expression in music, the same thing is sometimes tried intentionally in flower arrangement. For instance, a thick, large branch which is usually inserted in the main position at the base of the arrangement is sometimes put in a sub-position, or on other occasions to try to create a forceful expression many branches are allowed to cross each other.

But before trying such techniques, it is most important for beginners to practice the harmonizing of each flower and branch.




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