Floristry master class, expert advice
To thoroughly study this art, the whole life is not enough. But you can learn the basics and create your first composition pretty quickly.
We’ve all heard about ikebana, a traditional Japanese art. It is generally accepted that this is a very difficult business, because the Japanese put a special meaning in flower arrangements. But now times have changed, ikebana has ceased to be a subject of worship and has become a part of the life of ordinary people. And, importantly, the master of ikebana is considered to be the one who even just took a flower or a branch in his hands. Therefore, it is better to start mastering the skill of a florist with ikebana. And there it is not far from an advanced specialist. How to learn a new unusual hobby, said Natalya Zhizhko, European champion in professional floristry, author of the course “Basics of floristry” on the educational online platform Talentsy.ru.
There are no strict rules for compiling ikebana. Fresh flowers are the main material of the composition, which will “sparkle” and will look brighter if you add dry leaves, stones, branches, grass, decorative materials – plastic, paper, metal, glass, beads, etc.
To prevent the future masterpiece from falling, take a stable vessel: a vase, a glass, even a kettle or an aquarium will do. A seasonal composition can be made, for example, in a pumpkin, watermelon or melon.
Making an ikebana is a creative process. But to get its classic version, follow the step-by-step instructions:
– place the details of the composition at different levels so that it resembles an asymmetrical triangle: a symbol of heaven, man and earth. Direct flowers and leaves up and towards the viewer;
– pick up a one-color vessel that will match the materials;
– fill the empty space of the vessel with small details: beads, glass beads, sand and green paper.
Ikebana should not be lush or pretentious. The composition will look more harmonious due to the simplest details.
You can include anything in the bouquet: dried wildflowers, cones, fern leaves. Rowan goes well with yellow leaves, tea roses and fern branches. Use spikelets, chamomile, cornflowers, and maple leaves. Apples, acorns, rose hips are suitable for a large composition.
Try to keep the general idea: make ikebana, for example, in an autumn or country style. In terms of colors, yellow, dark green, brown and purple are in perfect harmony. In the fall, a combination of red, orange, marsh and yellow will look great. You can also use all shades of green, purple or beige in one composition: arrange them according to the principle of “gradient” – from the palest to the darkest.
It is not recommended to use indoor ivy and birch if you believe in signs: they say that ivy draws energy from the owner, and it prevents single girls from getting married. And it was customary to plant birch on graves, so popular rumor associates this tree with the imminent death of one of the household members. Don’t use nightshade and monstera ikebana – they have poisonous berries that children or pets can accidentally eat.
Also, do not keep dieffenbachia at home – it gives off poisonous juice. It is not recommended to use lily because of its strong odor, which can cause allergies. Hydrangea is also not practical – the plant “drinks” water too quickly and withers, the composition will stand for only a few days.
To try: ikebana in pumpkin
This is perhaps the best seasonal composition that will settle a piece of bright autumn in your apartment. And he will settle for a long time.
You will need: a small pumpkin, salt, anthurium or gerbera flower, chili peppers, rowan branches, dried leaves, chestnuts. It is not necessary to use all materials in one composition at once. Take tools: pruning shears, floral sponge, scissors, rag, salt, thick wire.
Now step by step:
1. Cut the bottom of the pumpkin evenly, make a hole in the top and scoop out the pulp and seeds with a spoon. Dry the pumpkin naturally – this way the ikebana will last longer. Wipe it from the inside with a cloth, add salt and leave for an hour.
2. Remove the salt that has absorbed the water and insert a floral sponge into the pumpkin.
3. Cut long branches and stems with pruning shears. Fasten short parts with thick wire. Insert each item into the sponge one at a time so that the composition is dense and does not fall apart.
By the way
Such a hobby can be a good part-time job. True, you still have to take courses on teaching floristry – now there are many online training programs or video tutorials. It’s very convenient, you must agree: your own schedule, and you don’t have to go anywhere.
Creation of ikebana to order starts from 1 rubles. By doing three or four simple compositions per week (000–3 rubles), you can earn 000–4 rubles per month.