Are you stuck in a rut and fancy meeting new friends? Do you feel that you need to unwind more, maybe learning a new skill to take your mind off daily worries? If so, then you may like to try out a new concept that we just came across at knowitall.ch: hosting an Ikebana Party.
Organised by Geneva-based Yoshiko Kuwata Luebke, Ikebana parties provide an opportunity for participants to get together and meet new people, learning a new skill called IkebanaFusion. A modern take on the traditional art of Japanese flower arranging (see below for a more formal description), IkebanaFusion has been developed over several years by Yoshiko and combines the skills that she has learned since childhood, living in Japan, with more modern techniques inspired by other cultures such as those from Africa, Asia and Polynesia.
Yoshiko’s Ikebana parties are run along much the same lines as a Tupperware party. The hostess invites her friends and neighbours to attend lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, at which they can learn the new skill of Japanese flower arranging. Since the hostess incurs the costs of hosting the event, she can expect to pay nothing towards the teaching costs, and will in fact receive a welcome gift, a set of 6 wine glass markers, and invitation cards. Guests are expected to pay a small fee of Fr. 40.-, which is subsidised compared to the costs of attending a standard workshop at Yoshiko’s atelier in Geneva.
The cost for the party includes all flowers used but excludes the vase and kenzan required for fixing the flowers in the vase. Depending on the particular technique being taught, participants have the option of purchasing additional materials or they can bring their own from home. The party format includes a 20 minute illustrated lecture, a 20 minute demonstration of techniques, 30 minutes for personal creation, and 20-30 minutes for reviewing the final creation and implementing any suggested changes. A further 20 to 30 minutes is provided for questions and answers.
One client, Susanne Mühlhouse, told knowitall.ch, "In April, I hosted an Ikebana Party at my house, which was attended by seven guests. The event was a most delightful experience! Not only did we learn all about about the tradition of Ikebana but we received many ideas to experiment freely with this decorative art form. Yoshiko’s presentation, and her charming and sensitive way of explaining the art, provided us with a wonderful, short excursion into Japanese culture and attitude. The vase and different Ikebana items that I purchased at the event have since proved very useful to me."
Asked why she decided launch this new idea in Geneva, Yoshiko explained, "When I first decided to set up Ikebana classes in Switzerland, I soon realised how expensive it would be to purchase materials, and rent workshop space. The costs of running a workshop would simply be prohibitively expensive for many of my potential clients. So I looked at new ways of hosting classes that were more affordable for everyone, and decided that the Tupperware-style party provided a perfect opportunity for clients not only to learn this new skill, but also to relax amongst friends, and make new acquaintances."
She added, "Although my primary business is running Ikebana parties, I do also run a small number of workshops for those wishing to learn the new skill of Ikebana flower arranging. In August, I am starting a series of monthly workshops for adults in Carouge, running on the third Tuesday of every month over a period of 6 months. Whilst these classes are slightly more expensive than an Ikebana party, they provide a more structured approach to learning Ikebana, and are ideal for someone who just wants to relax and learn a new skill, without having to socialise if they don‘t wish. I am also organising a 5-day workshop this Summer for children aged between 10 and 18. Anyone interested in hosting a birthday party for their child may also be interesed in my Floral Cupcake birthday parties."
Yoshiko also offers a range of beautiiful accessories to support her simple arrangements. The IkebanaFusion aluminium wire ball is one example of a kenzan flower holder, which uses crystals to hold flowers together inside a wine glass or on a plate.
Yoshiko Kuwata Luebke
Ikebana Fusion Parties and Workshops
www.ikebanafusion.com
079 563 3779
Traditionally part of a Buddhist practice, Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as kado. The oldest school of Ikebana, called Ikenobo, was created in the 15th century in Kyoto. The first style called ‘Rikka’ used a tall, upright central stem that had to be accompanied by two shorter stems. Today there are over 300 schools worldwide and 5 main styles excluding free styles, such as IkebanaFusion, which is influenced by other cultures such as English flower arrangement.
