HOLIDAY REMIX INSPIRED BY IKEBANA

Last week my husband was watering our brand new Christmas tree when we discovered a crack in the base resulting in three cups of water all over the floor. After concluding that the base was too small my husband zipped (on electric scooter) during Brooklyn's first snow flurry to fetch another one.

Long story short we had to trim the bottom branches of the tree for the new base to fit. My husband emerged with a power tool that looked like an electric sword and I happily saved the spare branches, nursing them for my latest project.

Originally I wanted to create a wreath but ultimately decided on a simple arrangement inspired by Ikebana (more on this coming soon!) which suits my taste and home (and husband) aesthetic. For the minimalist with a decadent heart, this adds the perfect touch of elegance to a guest's bedroom or cozy corner during the holidays. Enjoy! #itsplantporn

 

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED:

 

1. Leftover branches from your tree (or foraged finds). Make sure the branches are big so there are plenty of options to cut from.

2. Shallow dish. The Moribana style of Ikebana calls for a shallow dish- mine is a salad bowl!

3. Round Kenzan also known as Pin Frog. You can find this at your local flower market (or Amazon Prime) to keep branches steady.

4. Pruning shears and Ikebana shears. One for trimming down large branches, one for intricate edits.

5. Patience. Ikebana is often likened to a meditative practice. The steps required to achieve a simplistic arrangement are time consuming, frustrating, and relaxing all at once. Don't get discouraged! Historically and traditionally speaking, Japanese samurai would arrange in silence but I chose Salt n Pepa to get my creative juices flowing. I also added a time lapse since we all have stuff to do.

HERE'S HOW TO DO IT:

Additional option: Add a cluster of red holly berries to the base of the arrangement. 

Artist tip: Step away from your arrangement occasionally to observe it from afar and see the composition as a whole.

Apron, House of Hackney. Candle, Diptyque.

 

 

 

** One more note: this arrangement and article is inspired by Ikebana.