• The color harmony between the container, the site, and the flowers: It is generally easier if you first choose the site and a container color that matches the site, and choose the materials last, because it is often more difficult to find a proper container than it is to find materials suitable for the container and site. The choice of color is, obviously, a matter of your personal taste; however, keep in mind that the choice of color combination will fundamentally influence the overall appearance of your arrangement. For example, the use of monochromatic color (using lighter and darker colors from the same color group) creates a calm feeling. In contrast, the use of complementary colors (for example, red and green or yellow and violet) produces a much more vivid impression.
• The occasion: Is the arrangement for a seasonal occasion or a special day? A basket or glass container can often be used in summertime, for instance, or a dark yellow, orange, or brown ceramic container can be well suited for the fall. Pastel colors, of course, are traditionally associated with springtime and Easter.
• The surroundings: Consider nearby paintings or furniture or the wall color where your ikebana will be displayed. You want to create harmony between the container and the surrounding space. Much as you choose paintings and other decorations to match with your interior design, select a container that matches your surroundings to ensure that the ikebana blends nicely with the site.
Container Ideas
Many everyday objects can be used as alternative containers for your arrangements. If necessary, try adding a small bottle or plastic liner inside the object to prevent water from leaking.
The following arrangements are examples of how I have used alternative containers. I created these arrangements with plant materials left over from larger arrangements.
These are some of the types of items I sometimes use as a substitute for the traditional ikebana container: a teapot, some small coffee cups, a tray, and some Japanese teacups
The Green Tea Pot
I like the round shape and earth green color of this teapot. The handmade craftsmanship also gives a warm impression. Only two simple materials are used for this small arrangement: Galax leaves are rolled into a cone shape with some Craspedia placed inside. The yellow of the Craspedia creates the accent against the green pot.
Coffee Cups
Depending on the size of your container and the available space, you can use either one container or a combination of several containers. When using a group of containers, I select those that have a sequential design or color. In this arrangement, I use the line (steel grass) to connect two coffee cups and also use the color for effect (the reverse color in two cups). In one cup, the small pink flowers (Aster Matsumoto) are arranged outside, and I use one green chrysanthemum in the center. In the other cup, I reverse the color scheme-the green chrysanthemums are arranged outside and one Aster Matsumoto is used in the center.
Japanese Cups
In this arrangement, the same flowers (Aster Matsumoto) in different colors (pink and violet) are used to show harmony between the two cups. I selected these colors to match the Japanese alphabet design on the cups. The yellow flowers (Craspedia) are used to create the geometric lines.
Japanese Tray
Flowers, foliage, and some small stones are arranged together in this Japanese lacquer tray used as the container. Because the height is low and flat, this type of arrangement is suitable as a table decoration.
Other Containers
Finally, don't hesitate to look to some of the everyday objects in your own home as potential ikebana containers. You can create unique arrangements that express your individual style by putting a little extra thought into your container ideas.
Ikebana Tools and Materials
Ikebana has its own tools that you should become familiar with. The scissors and the kenzan are the main ikebana tools, but there are others that can help to create the form of the arrangement more efficiently. Additionally, I sometimes use some of the basic tools that are used for Western-style arrangements. As long as the tool helps to construct the form, it doesn't matter how it is ordinarily used. Western tools can be useful for making ikebana, and ikebana tools can be useful for making Western-style arrangements.
Some flower-arranging tools. From left to right: kenzan, transparent tape, bowl, green floral wire, 16-gauge wire, ikebana scissors
Ikebana Scissors
Ikebana scissors cut both branches and the stems of flowers well and are obviously suitable for the ikebana technique. You can also use other types of flower-cutting scissors if you find them more comfortable to work with. Many United States florists mainly use the floral knife. This knife is suitable for working with the speed necessary to make a large number of floral arrangements in a limited amount of time, as required in the flower business. When using a new tool, it's important to practice using it until you are comfortable with it.
Kenzan
The kenzan is used with the moribana style of arrangement and is typically placed in a shallow container to help support the flowers in the container. It's important to choose the right size kenzan for the quantity of materials used in the arrangement: If the kenzan is too small for the materials, it won't hold them securely. If the kenzan is too big, it's hard to cover the kenzan (it's strictly a functional tool and needs covering in the finished arrangement). Choose the size and shape appropriate to the size and shape of your container. I mainly use the round one because it works well with most containers, although the kenzan may also be rectangular or square. Kenzans and ikebana scissors can be found in the United States; look for these tools at stores that specialize in Japanese goods. You may also find them online. (See "Resources" on page 110.)
16-Gauge Wire
Wire can be used as support for the nageire style of arrangement. The wire is formed into a ball and placed into a container to hold plant materials. I usually make a rough ball-shaped wire by loosely coiling a thin (16-gauge) wire around my hand a few times. This wire is available at most hardware stores. If a more complex shape is necessary to hold the materials, I'll make a few smaller wire balls and place them together in the container. Doing this allows thinner stems to be held in the wire more firmly.
Green Florist's Wire
When I make ikebana I usually use green florist's wire, typically found in most arts and crafts supply stores. This type of wire is very useful for ikebana techniques such as attaching a splint to thin flower stems or binding together several stems (see the technique section for a detailed explanation) . I usually will only coil the wire a few times around each stem. If you use too much wire or coil it too tight, the stems may be broken. If it is difficult to find the green florist's wire, regular transparent tape can be used as a substitute to bind a group of thin stems.
Other Materials
Beyond these basic tools of ikebana and flower arranging, you may find these next items handy for adding finishing touches to your arrangements or for use in special containers.
Small Stones
I sometimes use gravel or small stones to hide the kenzan in a container. They look nice with fresh flowers because they are natural materials. I try not to use too fine of a gravel to hide the kenzan, because