Melbourne Ikebana Festival, 29 and 30 August 2026ikebanafestival.com

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Send us your request - Online Ikebana Exhibition


Online Exhibition - 花信 Hanadayori: Ikebana by Request

What kind of ikebana would you like to see? 

Melbourne Ikebana Festival would like to offer the opportunity to request a personal flower message created by Ikebana practitioners in Japan and other parts of the world. They will make an arrangement for you and the image of your work, along with the request that you made, will go into an online exhibition.

Please send us your request, and we'll look for ikebana masters and practitioners to make a special arrangement in response to your request for free. You will be able to see the image at our online exhibition.

This unique project connects ikebana artists with an audience but also we hope to bring some healing through flowers in these difficult times. If you need a bit of stress relief, here's the perfect opportunity to take a peek inside the world of ikebana and let the beauty of flowers into your lives.

Who can request? 
Anyone. 

What kind of request can I make? 
Any request you can think of. Tell us why you would like to see your choice - that will help the ikebana artist to make an arrangement that really responds to your request. Here are some samples:
  • Ikebana using more than 4 colours - my life has been really dull lately
  • Ikebana without flowers - I'm practising ikebana but I struggle with using other materials and I need some inspiration
  • Ikebana for my girl friend who loves white flowers
  • Tiny ikebana for our tiny bathroom

How can I make request? 
Fill in the contact form on our website by 10 June 2021.  
  1. Your Name (first name only) 
  2. Age
  3. City/Country
  4. What kind of ikebana would you like to see?
  5. Any personal story or reason for your request? The more detail you provide, the more the artist has to work with.

Who is going to make an ikebana work for me?  
International masters, Ikebana Gallery Awards winners & Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival exhibitors. Our special exhibitors include Mr Katayama (Sogetsu)Mr Yatagai (ex Ikenoboys), Ms Yumi Yamane (Shinsei School Iemoto) , Mr Oshun Tsukagoshi (Ikebana Shofu, Fuku Iemoto: Hanaike Battle Winner) & more. We aim to involve about 50 artists. 

Can I join this project as an Ikebana artist?

Yes. If you are an ikebana artist and would like to join this project, please apply by sending us an Expression of Interest by 10 June 2021. We welcome applications from those who intended to exhibit at Wa Ikebana Exhibition, but could not do so for various reasons. 

What happens next? 
We will select about 50 requests and pass them to our artists. We plan to publish ikebana works with your requests on our website & YouTube from 4 September 2021. You can send your thank you message to the artists on YouTube.   

Online Exhibition - 花信 Hanadayori: Ikebana by Request

Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival 
Rosina, Abbotsford Convent, 11&12 September 2021

https://www.shoso.com.au 

Monday, 3 May 2021

Ikebana for Mother's Day



Give an Ikebana Workshop Voucher for Mother's Day. Order by 7 May 2021. 

Price: A$100 for 2 people 
Contents: All inclusive 1 hour workshop. Details.  
If you want to buy a single ticket, please use our booking system

How to order 
1. Send $100 using the following link. Type $100.00 and follow the instruction. 
2. You will receive a digital voucher by email. Print it or forward it to your special person. 

How to use our voucher 
1. Check the available dates in our website. We run introductory workshops regularly. 
2. Send an email to book (shososhimbo@gmail.com). 
Include the date you want to attend, the names of participants and the name of the person who bought the voucher. 
3. You will receive confirmation of your booking. 
4. Join the workshop on the day. 

Notes
1. Our voucher is valid for one year after the date of purchase. 
2. Do not use our booking system using our voucher. Please book by email. 
3. You can cancel your booking for free until 48 hours prior to your booked session.  


https://www.shoso.com.au 

Sunday, 2 May 2021

Ikebana Calendar - May 2021


1 May 2021:  Ikebana Introductory Class. One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners.


1 May 2021Call for Requests
Hanadayori 花信: Ikebana by Request - Online Exhibition
What kind of ikebana would you like to see? We will ask ikebana masters and practitioners around the world to make a special arrangement in response to requests and exhibit them at our online exhibition.


5 & 8 May 2021: Term 2 starts (our ikebana certificates courses). 


7 May 2021: Mother’s Day Flower & Perfume Workshop. Create your own perfume, and give it in a flower box you made. Tickets selling fast. 


15 May 2021:  Ikebana Introductory Class.


31 May 2021: Deadline for Call for Requests

Hanadayori 花信: Ikebana by Request - Online Exhibition


5 June 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class.


19 June 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class.


24 - 30 June 2021: Forth (and final) entry period for the Ikebana Gallery Award 2021.


17 July 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class.


31 July 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class.


11&12 September 2021: Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival. https://bit.ly/MelbourneIkebana


https://www.shoso.com.au 
https://www.facebook.com/ikebanaaustralia

Tuesday, 30 March 2021

Ikebana Calendar


25 - 31 March 2021: Third entry period for the Ikebana Gallery Award 2021.


7 April 2021: Zoom Ikebana Demo, Sogetsu Delhi. 

https://www.facebook.com/seikosogestu/photos/a.610698862317393/3736995666354348 


10 April 2021: Ikebana Dojo, Four Elements Level 2 - Space.


17 April 2021: ISIR online conference. 国際いけ花学会第35回例会、無料オンライン·イベント。花いけバトル司会の日向雄一郎氏による発表です。予約受付中。


24 April 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class. One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners.


1 May 2021: Ikebana Dojo, Four Elements Level 2 - Colour.


1 May 2021:  Ikebana Introductory Class.


5 & 8 May 2021: Term 2 starts (our ikebana certificates courses). 


15 May 2021:  Ikebana Introductory Class.


5 June 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class.


19 June 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class.


24 - 30 June 2021: Forth (and final) entry period for the Ikebana Gallery Award 2021.


17 July 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class.


31 July 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class.


11&12 September 2021: Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival. https://bit.ly/MelbourneIkebana


https://www.shoso.com.au 

Monday, 1 March 2021

Ikebana Calendar


Events Calendar

 

3 & 6 February 2021: Term 1 started. 


6 March 2021: Zoom Ikebana Dojo, Four Elements Level 2. Learn ikebana online. 


6 March 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class. One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners.  


20 March 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class. One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners.


25 - 31 March 2021: Third entry period for the Ikebana Gallery Award 2021.


10 April 2021: Zoom Ikebana Dojo, Four Elements Level 2Learn ikebana online.


17 April 2021: ISIR online conference. 国際いけ花学会第35回例会、無料オンライン·イベント。花いけバトル司会の日向雄一郎氏による発表です。予約受付中。


24 April 2021: Ikebana Introductory Class. One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners.


1 May 2021: Zoom Ikebana Dojo, Four Elements Level 2Learn ikebana online.


5 & 8 May 2021: Term 2 starts (our ikebana certificates courses). 


1 June 2021: Entries open for Melbourne Ikebana Container Award. $1000 cash award & world class judge. 


11&12 September 2021: Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival. https://bit.ly/MelbourneIkebana



https://www.shoso.com.au 

Thursday, 4 February 2021


Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Ikebana Calendar


26 January 2021: Sold Out. An internationally renowned ikebana master, Mr Ken Katayama joined Ikebana Dojo again as a guest facilitator. His sessions with us in August were video recorded and available on YouTube. Enjoy the sessions by one of Japan’s most popular Ikebana masters. Follow Ikebana Dojo website for updates. www.ikebanadojo.org

3 & 6 February 2021: Ikebana Certificate/Diploma Term 1 starts.

6 February 2021: Ikebana Dojo, Four Elements Level 2 starts.

13 & 20 February 2021: Valentine’s Day Floral Workshops

14 February 2021: Order a gift set of a flower arrangement designed by Shoso & eclairs created by Melbourne's top patissier. Eclair, Hampton

6 March: Ikebana Introduction - One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners.

20 March: Ikebana Introduction - One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners.

25 - 31 March 2021: Third entry period for the Ikebana Gallery Award 2021.

24 April: Ikebana Introduction - One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners. 


Monday, 25 January 2021

Ikebana Introductory Class - Melbourne


Ikebana Introductory Class


One hour all inclusive ikebana workshop for beginners. You don't need to bring anything to class, and you will go home with a small ikebana arrangement. 

This class also provides a guidance on how to start your ikebana journey. After this workshop, you are welcome to join our ikebana certificate course. Make this healing art part of your life and find a way to live harmoniously with the natural environment.   

Please visit the following page for the latest news: https://www.shoso.com.au/p/ikebana-introduction-workshop.html 



Saturday, 9 January 2021

Valentine's Day Floral Workshops





Does your loved one deserve more than a bunch of red roses? Create a unique and personal floral gift for your special person this Valentine's Day. 

Shoso Shimbo will show you how to apply the principles of the Japanese art of flower arranging to create a stunning Ikebana inspired floral arrangement. Shoso has been teaching Ikebana for over 30 years, and he will share his experience at these special workshops. You will receive individual guidance and feedback as you put together your own special arrangement.

Or perhaps your special person would like to experience this creative meditation for themselves. A Shoso workshop voucher is another way to show your appreciation to the one you love.

Workshop A: Valentine's Day Floral Arrangement in a ceramic container
Workshop B: Hand-tied Bouquet 

When: 
Workshop A, 2:00PM - 4:00PM, Saturday 13 February 2021 
Workshop B, 2:00PM - 4:00PM, Saturday 20 February 2021 
How Much: 
Workshop A, $250 (Include all materials and tool hire)
Workshop B, $325 (Include all materials and tool hire)

Where: Murrumbeena, Melbourne 


Booking: Please book early. There are only limited places available. Booking will close 4 days prior to the workshop. Booking Calendar (Choose the right date)

Cancellation: You can cancel your booking anytime up until 4 days prior to the workshop. If the workshops have to be cancelled due to circumstances outside our control you will receive a full refund. We don’t charge cancellation fees but financial institution fees will be deducted from your refund.

Voucher: Please request a voucher after you pay. Send an email to Shoso. We will send you a digital voucher that you can print or send to your special person. Voucher is valid for one year after the date of purchase.  

Note: The fees for Valentine's day workshops are all inclusive, but the fees for our normal ikebana course do not include materials.    

https://www.shoso.com.au 

Sunday, 20 December 2020

Ikebana Calendar


26 December 2020: Zoom Ikebana Dojo, Pattern Level 2.

25 - 31 December 2020: Second entry period for the Ikebana Gallery Award 2021.

13 & 16 January 2021: A special term starts for Shoso’s students.  


Because this is a special time for many reasons, we added an extra term in            January 2021. Fees are either $35 per session or $75 per term (Up to 3                sessions, to be paid on the first session). New students welcome. 

Please note that the COVID related regulations that we are all so familiar with        would apply. 

Please book as we need to manage the number of students. 

You can mix Sat & Wed classes as usual. Attend 3 sessions out of 6 sessions        in January. Thank you.     


    Wednesday Class (1:00 - 2:30 pm)

    January 13, 20, 27

    Saturday Class (10:00 - 11:30 am) 

    January 16, 23, 30


    How to book & pay: three options.

  1. Book online & pay by credit card: https://cal.smoothbook.co/5fbf1b8f2bb1eb37f3bde318. You can cancel your booking by 12 January. Cancellation fee (institution fees) will apply.  
  2. Email to book & pay by bank transfer by 13 January: Bank Details - Account: Shoso Shimbo, BSB: 033-070, No. 286877 
  3. Email to book & pay cash on the first day: Please note late fee will apply if you don’t pay on the first day. 

16 January 2021: Ikebana Dojo Special Program 

17 January 2021: ISIR online conference. Free admission. 

26 January 2021: An internationally renowned ikebana master, Mr Ken Katayama will join Ikebana Dojo again as a guest facilitator. His sessions with us in August were video recorded and available on YouTube. Enjoy the sessions by one of Japan’s most popular Ikebana masters. Follow Ikebana Dojo website for updates. www.ikebanadojo.org

3 & 6 February 2021: Term 1 starts. Details will be announced shortly. Please read our new terms and conditions.  

11&12 September 2021: Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival. https://bit.ly/MelbourneIkebana


https://www.shoso.com.au 

Wednesday, 2 December 2020

Ikebana Calendar


30 November 2020: Deadline for ikebana essay. International Society of Ikebana Research (ISIR), www.ikebana.link.


5 & 12 December 2020: Zoom Ikebana Dojo, Contrast Level 2.


19 & 26 December 2020: Zoom Ikebana Dojo, Pattern Level 2.


25 - 31 December 2020: Second entry period for the Ikebana Gallery Award 2021.


13 & 16 January 2021: A special term starts for Shoso’s students.  


16 January 2021: Ikebana Dojo Special Program 


17 January 2021: International Society of Ikebana Studies, ISIR online conference. Free admission. 


26 January 2021 (to be confirmed): An internationally renowned ikebana master, Mr Ken Katayama will join Ikebana Dojo again as a guest facilitator. His sessions with us in August were video recorded and available on YouTube. Enjoy the sessions by one of Japan’s most popular Ikebana masters. Follow Ikebana Dojo website for updates. www.ikebanadojo.org


30 January 2021Ikebana Dojo Special Program 


3 & 6 February 2021: Term 1 starts. Details will be announced shortly. Please read our new terms and conditions.  


11&12 September 2021: Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival. https://bit.ly/MelbourneIkebana


https://www.shoso.com.au 

Monday, 16 November 2020


Wednesday, 4 November 2020


Sunday, 25 October 2020

Ikebana Dojo - Four Ikebana Principles 2



Join an online learning community using Zoom. Ikebana Dojo is not an online ikebana workshop, in which you can create your ikebana work by simply following instructions. Ikebana Dojo asks you to be more proactive. It is a great aid for independent ikebana training (Jishu Tore - in Japanese).


A series of sessions, Four Ikebana Principles starting from 7 November 2020.


When: 

Balance: 4:00pm - 4:30pm, Saturday 7 November 2020 Fully Booked

Balance: 4:45pm - 5:15pm, Saturday 7 November 2020

Balance: 4:00pm - 4:30pm, Saturday 14 November 2020

Movement: 4:00pm - 4:30pm, Saturday 21 November 2020

Contrast: 4:00pm - 4:30pm, Saturday 5 December 2020

Pattern: 4:00pm - 4:30pm, Saturday 19 December 2020


How much: $10 for one session


Details: http://www.ikebanadojo.org/2020/08/four-ikebana-elements.html

Please follow the site by subscribing at “Follow by Email”  


Note: Now you can watch a video tutorial for free. Subscribe our Youtube Channel. http://www.ikebanadojo.org/2020/07/ikebana-dojo-contrast-1.html  


About Four Ikebana Principles Level 2: In “Four Ikebana Principles 2”, we will review classic basic styles in ikebana. You will learn that each basic style contains in itself all of the four ikebana principles, Balance, Movement, Contrast and Pattern. Rather than learning all at once, we focus on each principle one by one in this series. If you feel your foundation is a bit weak, this series may help you to boost your artistic development.


Following diagrams is a great way to learn ikebana, especially for beginners. It will provide you with solid foundation to develop as an artist in ikebana or any other fields. If you follow diagrams, your work reveals ikebana principles almost automatically, without paying much attention to them. That is a great aspect of learning basic styles. 


But it has a shortfall. 


Following diagrams or classic formulas is not the end of learning ikebana. At a certain stage you have to move to be free. A better way is to follow materials rather than formulas. Rather than manipulating materials to fit into the set formula, find the energy of life in natural materials, and follow it. 


This process is often the transition from creating basic styles to free style arrangements. Many ikebana practitioners have found it difficult to make that transition. While their basic styles had ikebana principles, their free style arrangements may contain hardly any ikebana principles. Your work is not ikebana without ikebana principles. Unfortunately, many ikebana courses have not addressed the difficulty in this transition properly.


The problem is that you are expected to have acquired ikebana principles intrinsically without any explicit explanation after practising basic styles. It is assumed that you will be able to start making free style arrangements based on having acquired a good understanding of ikebana principles just from following the diagrams. However, can we expect all ikebana practitioners to be really aware of the ikebana principles at the end of study of basic styles?         


To move to making free style arrangements smoothly, you need to BE AWARE what you have learned in basic styles, in particular four ikebana principles. Ikebana Dojo Curriculum was designed to help you be aware of them. We hope many people will have a better understanding of free style ikebana. 


https://www.shoso.com.au 





Thursday, 17 September 2020