LotusHaus

Serax Floral Accessories and Design from Belgium

 

 

Wow, check out Serax from Belgium! They create designer accessories for florists as well as create stunning floral design work.

Ikebana Style Topiary!

I'm blown away by this ikebana style topiary by Matthew Juho Matsuyama, a floral designer in San Francisco! I would love to try something like this for my Thanksgiving decor or entryway! Check out Matthew's amazing floral work and also check out his floral encyclopedia for a visual reference of many types of flowers!

Utterly Engaged + Worldwide Wedding Style - Wabi Sabi Wedding

I'm so excited for Issue #005 of Utterly Engaged, the hippest new Wedding E-Zine! The theme for this issue was "Back to Basics." So for my second column of "Worldwide Wedding Style", I have highlighted some ideas for a wabi sabi inspired wedding. Have a look and let me know what you think!

Ikebana Inspired Cake!

Check out this cool Ikebana cake by Annie's Art Book which was part of a Cake Challenge! See more photos of ikebana cakes here.

iBonsai

To pass the time while waiting in line or for some easy relaxation before bed, I really love the iBonsai application... maybe you'll like it too!

DIY Minimalistic Tropical Centerpiece Project by Susan Weisser

Follow floral artist Susan Weisser's easy steps for creating your own minimalist tropical centerpiece design! I love this! So fresh and modern!

Naoki Sasaki, Japanese Contemporary Floral Art

Naoki Sasaki is a master of traditional and modern Japanese floral art. Check out his gallery of work  and grab a copy of his new book, Japanese Contemporary Floral Art at Amazon. Such inspiring work!

Hip Arrangement by Modern Day Floral

I simply adore this double vase arrangement by Emily, a floral designer for Modern Day Floral! This is the type of arrangement I would love to see as a wedding buffet centerpiece! I love the color, texture, asymmetry and line!

Happy Monday, Happy Buddha!

Happy Monday! We DJ'd a beautiful wedding this Saturday at Hotel 1000... The florals were done by Bella Rugosa and they were amazing! Vanda orchids, pink peonies, orange tulips, lime green hydrangea and gloriosa lillies! I was lucky enough to take home some blooms from the wedding and make a happy arrangement of my own with a ceramic mug of the laughing buddha (there is a hole in the front for a straw and an opening in the back for the drink... tres kitschey!). I found this figurine at the thrift store but you can get the same one at Perpetual Kid.

“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky” ~ Buddha

Albano Daminato

I think living in this well designed space by Albano Daminato would feel so very relaxing and calming... I especially love the floor window with a view of a bamboo grove. Via Design to Inspire.

Ryan Takaba's Porcelain Wall Bud Vases

These porcelain wall bud vases by Etsy seller Ryan Takaba are way too cool! I saw these over at Jenn Ski's mid century modern design blog.

Grid Vase by Jaime Hayón

 
As an Ikebana practitioner, when I saw this Grid Vase by Spanish designer Jaime Hayón my eyes grew wide with the possibilities! These vases are beautifully formed and the grid patterns are so intriguing... so beautiful just by themselves... but picture branches and single blooms punctuating the grills... "grid is an eye-catching vase collection manufactured by turkish artisans, bestowed with hundreds of years of experience in copper craftsmanship. it combines contemporary design with turkish sensibility."

My floral design profile was featured for uBloom's Photo Friday!

uBloom is a great resource for floral enthusiasts, hobbyists and professionals alike! My gallery was featured for one of their Photo Friday segments. You can read the article here...it truly captured my sentiments. Thanks everyone!

New Ikebana Creations by Baiko of Zen Images

Aren't these images wonderfully pleasing! Capture the essence of these works of art by purchasing a glicee print from Zen Images and learn more about the artist Baiko, a Sogestu Ikebana master from the South of France.

Ikebana Style Christmas Centerpieces (cont'd)

Here are a few more splendid Christmas Ikebana arrangements from Bree, the super talented floral designer at Kuga Designs!

Ikebana Style Christmas Centerpieces

I'm infinitely inspired by Ikebana artist Lennart Persson of the Nordic Lotus Ikebana Blog! These are few fabulous arrangements from the Nordic Lotus that I think would make for a very modern and artistic Christmas. Hmmm...I'm getting ideas for next year already! Red and black with pops of greenery are a wonderful color scheme that could bring you into the new year (add silver swirls - see photo on left) Not to mention collecting these items over the year would be so easy and versatile to use for other holidays like Valentine's Day and other occasions like dinner parties. For more inspiration you must check out the Nordic Lotus Ikebana set at flickr! 

Modern Christmas Tree } Ikebana Style

This ikebana style Christmas tree by Karen Hsu at Grandiflora brings the calm and serenity of the beautiful snow outdoors, inside my heart and home. "Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature, it will never fail you.”  ~Frank Lloyd Wright

Hiroyuki Kado } Floral Artist

Hiroyuki Kado is an incredible floral artist from Japan and the creator of the contemporary floral shop Matilda. Shown above is "Lucent Woods", an amazing ikebana installation that was done at the Ennagon Gallery in Soho, NY in '07. The massive forms and suspension are breathtaking. Via Spoon & Tamago.

Azuma Makoto } Air Bonsai

One day I will have a bonsai Christmas tree, but for now I can oggle over Azuma Makoto's amazing plant/floral installation work. The suspended trees shown above were for art exhibitions, so I'm hoping no trees were hurt in the making of this film, lol.  I really admire Azuma Makoto's conceptual work!!! Via Spoon &Tamago

Ikebana for a Japanese Inspired Wedding Reception!

I had the lovely pleasure of creating modern Ikebana arrangements for a super cool bride and her intimate Japanese inspired wedding reception this weekend! (The bride discovered me through my blog!) The catering menu was organic and included miso salmon and a green tea wedding cake! I can't wait to see the pro photos but until then catch a glimpse of the action from my camera. Above is a shot of the totally cute wedding invite she designed with a kokeshi doll character along with brocade swatches of gold and white -for her custom wedding dress- and red and gold for her handmade bridal party fans.

The colors were dark red, gold, black, and white. I used these gorgeous black ceramic Ikebana containers and floated each atop a riverbed of polished stones.  The arrangements consisted of dark red roses, red lilies, red poms, wax flowers, steel grass, aspidistra leaves, a bronze chrysanthemum, and various mizuhiki picks for a golden touch of Japanese handicraft.

In Ikebana, one must be aware of how the arrangement is viewed from all angles.

Above is the back angle with a bodacious bronze chrysanthemum in plain view.

Lastly, here is the view in 360 degrees for your viewing pleasure...I know, I know, overkill...but I just had to remember the whole effect! Please let me know what you think about Ikebana style centerpieces for parties and weddings. I'd love to know your feedback =)

Sogetsu Ikebana Seattle Branch } 20th Anniversary "Reverberance" Exhibit

Click below to see more photos of this incredible display of Sogetsu Ikebana!

Modern Fun with Kermit Mums

I made this free form arrangement on Sunday using kermit mums, steel grass and some other foliage. I found the black base and metal candle holder at Goodwill for under $10. I removed the glass plates from the candle holder and used the holes as insertion points for the steel grass. For the floral orb, I used a block of wet floral foam (not my favorite tool) and molded it into a sphere before inserting about 20 flower heads. If I had more mums I would have made the orb much bigger...

Ikebana by Keiko } Inspiration for Modern Wedding Centerpieces

 


I was looking through my floral design books for some inspiration on wedding centerpieces and thought I would share one with you... The self-titled book, Keiko's Ikebana has photos and how-to's for a modern approach to Japanese floral design. Check out Keiko's website for more inspiration. Each of these arrangements would be beautiful table pieces.

Rikka in Utah } Ikebana Style Floral Gifts & Event Center

How can I possibly describe in words the true beauty of Rikka's floral design work... "Rikka" means standing flowers in Japanese and all I can say is, "standing ovation!" Combining modern east west floral decor with the art of giving and celebrating, Rikka Floral in Utah is an innovative floral studio and intimate event space (my dream business!). Check out the beautiful event center in the photos below. Just my style...I'm lovin' it!

Ikebana Class } Welcoming Autumn!

So now it's September...and I can't believe it! My husband and I finally had a chance to take another Ikebana class from our Sogetsu instructor Charles at Hana Design in Ballard. It's been a while since we've had a chance to take a class together. We have been going off and on for a couple of years now and he really enjoys the experience as much as I do. The evening class starts off with tea and a few moments of silence and centering ourselves from the end of a busy day. Then before Charles demonstrates the lesson, he reads a few passages from Ka Den Sho, a book by Sofu Teshigahara, the founder of the Sogetsu School. Each student gets to pick their own material and container and makes their own arrangement. I used agapanthus and my husband ventured out with amaranthus and dahlias. When everyone is done, we review each work of art and have a discussion on what we see. It's all a very wonderful and soul satisfying experience! Below is my hubby's wonderful ikebana arrangement. He made an exciting and beautiful arrangement and I'm so proud of him!

Wired Up

Here's an experiment I did yesterday with some soft wire and these pod-like orange blooms that dried beautifully from a previous arrangement (do you know the name of these flowers?). It makes me feel happy :) It would be neat to make a series of these masses in different sizes and display them in a cluster...

Inspiration from Hanajikan Magazine

I'm in love with Hanajikan, a Japanese floral design magazine that I found at the Kinokuniya Bookstore at Uwajimaya in Seattle. The magazine is chock full of floral designs and images of floral shops all over Japan and Europe. It is so very inspiring! Too many pages to scan! I have included these 4 images from an article that talks about adding bear grass to a design to give it more flair (see the before photos in the center column). Wouldn't these arrangements be so fresh as wedding or special event table top designs?

Zen Images & Art Prints by Ikebana Master - Baiko

Create a mindful corner of your home centered around one of these beautiful Zen Images by a Sogetsu Ikebana master named Astrid Stadt or Baiko, (the Japanese name for "plum blossom" that was awarded to her when she became a Sensei). You can purchase Baiko's work as a fine art giclee print here and here. Also, be sure to read the Zen Images blog for some wonderful floral inspiration!

Musical Ikebana

I picked up a brand new ikebana vase at Uwajimaya yesterday and couldn't resist making a freestyle arrangement. It feels so much better in person than in the photo. The movement of the branches reminds me of musical notes intertwining...

Nicolai Bergmann } Danish Modern Floral Artist in Japan

   
Nicolai Bergmann is an incredible Danish floral artist based in Japan. His modern style and visions for retail and fashion inspire me so much! When you check out his portfolio ("What's On" section) you will see that many luxury brands and upscale retailers have commissioned him for their stores and special events. In Japan, he has also opened various lifestyle concept stores that really take flowers, interiors and decor to a modern & sophisticated level.

Happy New Year 2008

Graça Vargas } Ikebana, Flowers & Photography Galore

Graça Vargas is an amazing Brazilian woman living in Lisbon. Her Ikebana arrangements and floral photography are absolutely stunning and awe-inspiring. I guarantee that you will be inspired and rejuvenated while browsing her collections! "I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck." -Emma Goldman

Karen Kimmel } Artist and Sculptor - Inspired by Ikebana

My heart is on fire, having discovered Karen Kimmel an inspirational and brilliant artist, painter, sculptor and social event creator!!! In 2006, she developed Flourish, a performance that created a limited edition of 100 art objects for the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions Annual Art Auction Benefit. Inspired by Ikebana (yay!) and the idea of multi-purposing beautiful objects (yay!), she designed floral inspired, stencil-like, plexi auction paddles that were given to guests (top left) for use during the art bidding. After the auction, guests returned the paddles and they were transformed into Ikebana sculptures with live flowers (middle right and below). This is creativity, community and commerce at it's finest! See-utilize-transform-take home-enjoy! I'm so in love with this holistic experience and it's beautiful outcome! I wish I could have been there to experience it first hand and to take home one of these beauties!

P.S ~ Check out Karen's "Social" exhibit that she did for Paper Magazine's LA Project, where wood veneer, ultra suede, flowers and foliage were transformed by two floral designers into heartfelt wearable corsages and boutonnieres! Ridiculously amazing!

Modern Floral Design } with Hitomi Gilliam ~ my gallery

I had an amazing experience taking Hitomi Gilliam's creative floral design workshop in Vancouver! This is one arrangement that I made on the first of four inspirational learning days. Doesn't it look lovely in this beautiful home? Thanks to my dear friends Kim & Frank and their two scrumptious little girls I had the best time ever! More pics to come!

Myorei } Modern Organic Floral Design in Vancouver, Canada

What do you get when you combine modern floral design, Ikebana principles, Zen Buddhism and sustainability? In Vancouver, BC, Canada, you get Myorei Floral Art. Through another fantastic eco-floral designer, Scott Graham of EcoFlora in Toronto, Ontario, I discovered Myorei and am so inspired!!! Myorei is a certified Ikebana teacher and was formally trained in Western floristry. She's also an ordained Zen Buddhist nun and when she creates, she reaches deep into her being and allows the grace of the flowers appear. View her wedding and floral decor portfolio here.

Inspiration from the Garden } Curvaceous Iris

Beautiful Iris from my garden...simply arranged in a conical glass and glass beads. I chose these stems because of the way the flowers had to curve in order to get sunlight in my not so pruned garden... The small round woven basket is from my collection of antique Chinese sewing boxes scavenged from local vintage stores. You can find similar ones at Etsy or Ebay.

Summer Solstice

Happy Summer Solstice! The word "solstice" comes from the Latin "sol" meaning sun and "stice" to stand still. The summer solstice is the date with the longest day and hence with the shortest night. So I hope you all enjoy your long day today! I made this freestyle Ikebana arrangement in Ikebana class yesterday. I was so inspired by the upcoming solstice, the sun and the shape of the planets that orbit the sun. My teacher said it reminded him of something from Star Trek, lol! What do you think about my arrangement?

Here are some other things to think about, courtesy of FindBliss. Summer Solstice is a time of renewal and of new beginnings, and what better way to start your summer then with a ritual of your own, one that takes care of your mind, body, and soul? Instead of cleaning out your garage, clean out your life, discarding the emotional junk that no longer serves you. (And if you need to literally clean out your life, be sure to recycle or free-cycle whenever possible!)

Here are two tips to get started-mentally and emotionally:
Mentally: It's time to clean out the cobwebs in your mind, as well as any dust (or resentment) that has built up over the winter. Start by grabbing a journal and heading outside. Observe summer in action; notice the colors, the air, the life growing around you, and then jot down a few things that come to mind. Try not to organize your thoughts, just let them appear. Set aside your journal for a few days and return to it when your mind feels bogged down again and notice what comes up for you; what voice do you need to listen to?
Emotionally: Unfortunately, we frequently limit our description of our emotions to three options: happy, sad, or angry. But thankfully there are dozens of emotions to feel at any given time. When was the last time you felt wild? Supported? Relieved? Try to think of at least a dozen emotions you enjoy, and then think of the things that bring you those feelings. Try to incorporate at least a few into your week.

Peace and Blessings!

Ikebana at Kobo Seattle

Sogetsu School teaches that Ikebana can be done

Anywhere,
at Anytime,
by Anyone,
Using any kind of material...

"Ikebana is an expression of hospitality"...

Here's your chance! Next Saturday you can experience Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging with Megumi Schacher. The two hour workshop will be held at one of my favorite stores, Kobo Seattle, in the International District. You will learn to create plant sculptures and modern ikebana arrangements for your home using flowers from your garden or flowers you love. This class is open to the beginner or for those with more experience. Megumi Schacher is a member of the Seattle branch of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana and a certified instructor.

When:  Saturday, June 23, 2007, 10 am - 12 pm
Where: KOBO at Higo in the International District

$25 per person. Reservations are required.  Please reserve your spot by 6/20/07. (206) 381-3000

Photo of a peony and branch arrangement by the incredible master Kawana Tetsunori whose amazing demonstration I was able to witness at the Sogetsu 80th Anniversary celebration at Mercer View Community Center.

Inspiration from the Garden } The Path of Pink Peonies

Take a moment to think about your current path in life...

There are old, well-trodden paths and there are new, freshly made ones. You must not think that the only paths are the old, comfortable ones. Even though they might be difficult and unfamiliar to travel, the new paths must also be taken, and this requires courage and effort.

The old paths exist as are, but the fresh and those yet to be created are endless in their possibilities. It is well if you discover a new path or even make one for yourself. 

~ Teshigahara Sofu, The Book of Flowers

These beautiful pink peonies are from the garden that I inherited when we moved into our new house! So precious and so fragrant, these flowers were mindfully arranged by me in the Sogetsu Ikebana style. It's amazing that with Ikebana and the art of floral arranging, I'm able to calm myself and be more mindful. In my work with sustainable textiles like organic cotton and bamboo fiber, nothing will ever match the organic experience of working with the color & form of live plant materials. If you're interested in this experience there are many Ikebana teachers in Seattle and all over the world. I am blessed to be a student in my practice with Charles from Hana Design in Ballard.