Through this workshop, participants will experience and focus on intertwining materials together. Basic techniques of ikebana include cutting, bending, and fixing; in addition, intertwining can be an useful technique that creates added interest. The key to a successful intertwined arrangement is the materials. Materials might include: branches that are bendable and malleable, leaves and grasses that can be woven, and/or unusual materials like snake-ball allium (curly allium).

The entire arrangement can be made from intertwining materials, or it can be one part of the arrangement as a key feature. Tangled or tied parts can be combined as a part of the intertwined composition, but only twisting two stems together is not considered a fully “intertwined” arrangement. The intertwined parts should be finished so that they do not come loose or undone and the beauty of the intertwining is kept. In the beginning, temporarily fixing materials with wire is ok, but try not to depend on wires throughout the arranging process. Keep in mind, that intertwining can take more time than other arrangements.

By intertwining materials, a dynamic composition can be created that shows movement/ energy/ and overall, a new unique expression. Think about each material and how you can best manipulate them based on their unique character. Adding your original ingenuity to entangling and tying the plants can make an intertwined arrangement come to life.

[*This workshop will be held at Cottonwood Center for the Arts.]

[*All intertwining materials are included with the price of the workshop.]

[*Please bring a container of your choosing, shears, and possibly a kenzan if you wish.]

[*This lesson is derived from Book 3, Lesson 16 within the Sogetsu Ikebana curriculum.]