About this Event
About the Workshop
Celebrate the holiday season with the art of Japanese ikebana. In this two-hour workshop, you will create your own Christmas floral arrangement, combining seasonal flowers, evergreen branches, and natural elements to capture the beauty and warmth of winter.
Following the traditional style of the Ohara School, one of Japan’s major ikebana schools with over a century of history, this workshop introduces you to the fundamentals of Japanese floral arrangement. The instructor will demonstrate how to work with different materials, establish a balanced composition, and bring out the natural beauty of each branch and flower.
You will have the opportunity to explore your own creativity while creating a festive arrangement and enjoy throughout the holiday season.
All flowers, tools, and supplies are provided. No prior experience is necessary, and beginners are warmly welcomed.
Please note that the flowers and materials used in the workshop may vary depending on market availability.
Only flowers and notes can be taken home by participant.
Christmas Ikebana
Although Christmas is a Western celebration, it has found a unique expression through the art of Japanese ikebana. The Ohara School, shaped in part by the influence of Western culture, offers a beautiful way to bring Eastern floral traditions and Western festive customs together.
In Christmas ikebana, evergreen foliage and branches are often paired with silver decorative accents and flowers in rich shades of red or deep pink to create an arrangement filled with the spirit of the season. Winter flowers have a beauty of their own. Their warm colours and delicate forms bring a sense of warmth and cheer to the colder days. By taking a closer look at these seasonal materials and exploring how they come together, you can discover the joy and festive atmosphere of Christmas through the art of Japanese traditional floral arrangement.
About Ohara School
The Ohara School of Ikebana is one of the oldest and most influential ikebana schools in Japan. It was founded in 1895 by Unshin Ohara, who developed the original “moribana” style, which uses wide, shallow containers and combines classical Ikebana techniques with natural materials from around the world. A key focus of Ohara-ryū is capturing the natural growth of plants and reflecting the spirit of the landscape within the container.
Learning Ohara Ikebana is more than just arranging flowers. It is a calm and mindful practice that helps you connect with nature and become aware of the subtle changes in the seasons and life around you.
About the Instructor
Amanda Fu is a certified professor of the Ohara School of Ikebana and currently serves as the Vice President of the Vancouver Ikebana Association. With six years of study and practice in Ohara-ryu, she teaches Ikebana classes at Mizuki Floral Studio and has extensive experience in both instruction and creative work.
Amanda’s arrangements have been showcased at various cultural and public events, and she has been invited by the Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver to exhibit her work. She has also hosted Ikebana workshops themed around the seasons, nature, and Japanese festivals, sharing Ikebana’s beauty and philosophy with the local community.
Event venue & nearby stays
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, Canada
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