How to Do Japanese Flower Arranging: Ikebana

Simple Ikebana Design

• 1

  Place a floral frog (a spiked holder for cut flowers) in a shallow bowl, tray or pot, near one edge of the container. Use a bowl with very simple lines, preferably one with no designs or ornamentation. Fill the bowl halfway with water.

• 2

  Place your longest branch or flowers near the top center of the floral frog, leaning slightly to the left side. This flower represents heaven. Take time to position the flower in a pleasing, graceful line.

• 3

  Place the medium-length branch or flowers toward the bottom left of the floral frog. Lean the flower towards the left, but at a steeper angle than the first flower. This flower represents earth. Step back to examine your arrangement from different angles, and adjust to please your eye.

• 4

  Place the shortest branch or flower on the bottom right side of the floral frog. Lean it slightly away from the longest branch. This represents humankind. Remember that in ikebana, empty space is as important as the floral elements.

• 5

  Fill the arrangement in with additional short flowers or greenery until the floral frog is completely covered. Remember, simplicity is key; the arrangement should have an open, angular appearance.