Hina Dolls -- Praying For Our Daughters' Happiness

Added on by the ikebana shop.

The hina matsuri is a festival for girls celebrated on March 3rd.  Families pray for the happiness and health of their daughters.  Typically, Japanese families display hina dolls.  The emperor and empress dolls are in the attire of the Heian period (794-1192).

The dolls in the photographs are available for purchase at the shop or mail order.  All made in Japan. Contact us for details!

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Chocorigami: The Cube

Added on by the ikebana shop.

So, what's in the box? (^-^)

Using unit (or modular) origami, we came up with this box and put a few goodies inside.

Modular origami or unit origami is a paperfolding technique which uses two or more sheets of paper to create a larger and more complex structure than would be possible using single-piece origami techniques. Each individual sheet of paper is folded into a module, or unit, and then modules are assembled into an integrated flat shape or three-dimensional structure by inserting flaps into pockets created by the folding process. These insertions create tension or friction that holds the model together.(from where else but Wikipedia!)

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​Each cube contains 4 assorted pieces of yummy Belgian chocolate.

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We added two "pull open" tabs to make it easier to open, specially for the wee ones.   If you don't like having the tabs, you can always tuck them back inside!

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Available at the shop or by mail order.  $6.50 ea.

(All photos by the ikebana shop.  All rights reserved.)

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Plastic Flower Containers

Added on by the ikebana shop.

Plastic ikebana containers? Doesn't sound so nice but please take a second look... Would you believe these are plastic?

These containers are made with thick plastic. They don't look very different from their venerable ceramic counterparts.

Plastic containers are light, stackable and not-so-fragile. They are easy to transport. So for the ikebana practitioner who has to bring her own containers to a demonstration or lesson, these containers could make a big difference in the logistics of the trip!

Available at the shop or by mail order.  Purchase online here.

Made in Japan.

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Chocorigami: The Pyramid

Added on by the ikebana shop.

Chocolate in Origami...Chocorigami!  (^-^)

The Pyramid
Hand-folded pyramids that contain a delicious surprise.  Simply untie the string to reveal four heart-shaped pieces of Belgian milk chocolate with rice crisps (from our friends at the Choco Cafe!) 

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The pyramid opens up and blooms like a flower!

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HINT: Accompany a bowl of matcha with these goodies.  They go surprisingly well together!

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Available at the shop or by mail order.  $4.95 CAD ea.

(Photos by the ikebana shop.  All rights reserved.)

Chocorigami: Crane Envelopes

Added on by the ikebana shop.

Chocolate in Origami...Chocorigami!  (^-^)

The Crane Envelopes
We got some fine Belgian chocolate from our friends down at the Choco Cafe (1360 Lower Water St., Halifax NS) and packed them in our original hand-folded origami.  A strip of beautiful chiyogami paper adds an elegant accent.  We even included a note card that fits snugly at the back...just in case you want to write a special message with the chocolate.

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Available in three attractive colours with assorted chiyogami.

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We chose six types of chocolate to go inside the crane envelope.  Of course we've tried them all.  Every one of them is oishii!  (oishii = "delicious" in Japanese)

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Available at the shop or by mail order.  $9.50 CAD ea.

(All photos by the ikebana shop.  All rights reserved.)