December's Ikebana Workshops Recap
- geriservi
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
In December, we gathered for two ikebana workshops—Hatsuike and Holiday Centerpieces. Each offered a meaningful way to close the year and, in one case, thoughtfully begin anew.
Hatsuike: Beginning Again
This year marked the first time I introduced Hatsuike not only as a concept to reflect upon, but as a hands-on ikebana practice. Hatsuike is the Japanese tradition of creating the first ikebana arrangement of the year—a humble return to basics and an invitation to approach our materials with a beginner’s mind: open, attentive, and looking ahead.
For me, the experience was surprisingly moving. It brought back the sense of awe I felt when I first began ikebana in 2011. At the time, I was living in Santa Barbara, where there were no local teachers, so I drove ninety miles each way to UCLA for classes. Amid the lively chaos of branches, flowers, students, and sensei, I made my very first arrangement: a basic upright moribana, with all the flaws and fractures you might expect. Oh, how magnificent it seemed to me—a masterpiece! I was so proud to bring it home and share it with my family.
For years, I made that long drive again and again, always with joy and anticipation. And here I am, almost fifteen years later, still practicing, still studying.
In our Hatsuike 2025 workshop, we returned—for the sake of old times—to that same basic upright variation. To my delight, participants seemed to share that same sense of wonder and enthusiasm. The results touched my heart: simple forms radiating exuberance and sincerity.
Holiday Centerpieces: A Family Affair
The Holiday Centerpiece workshop was equally gratifying. We had a packed house at Flourish (thank you, Belinda!), and the class unfolded like the very best kind of family gathering. Two mothers each brought their daughters to share the experience, and a young couple explored ikebana together for the first time. Watching ikebana connect generations and loved ones was a unexpected treat.
As for materials—winter in Bend offers an abundance. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s nothing to work with in the cold and dark. Winter has its own quiet beauty just waiting to be discovered.
Looking Ahead
These December workshops were a reminder of why ikebana continues to matter—both to me and to practitioners around the world. Whether returning to the simplicity of Hatsuike or celebrating the season together, each arrangement became a moment of connection to the natural world around us and to one another.
I’m grateful to everyone who joined us, and I look forward to continuing this practice together in the year ahead—with fresh eyes, busy hands, and eager hearts.