With the spate of winter storms that blew past Halifax, many fallen branches were there for the picking…like this big pine branch!
This branch was majestic enough as it was to be the backbone of an arrangement. But purposely, smaller branches were trimmed and entwined in order to give a more unique expression.
Here is the whole arrangement.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
To those who like miniature things, we’d like to introduce our hand-made “mamebon” 豆本!
豆 - mame ==> "bean"
本 - hon (bon) ==> "book"
We made these notebooks. They are “as tiny as a bean”!
Write your snippets of thought in them. A mini journal perhaps? Have fun!
There are other Japanese words that use “mame” to mean something small.
“Mame chishiki” 豆知識. “Chishiki” means “knowledge”. So “mame chishiki” would usually refer to some trivia or fun fact.
And, “mame kenzan” 豆剣山 is a small kenzan!
We hope you are all well and keeping safe. The omicron wave seems to have not abated yet. We have decided to stay on the safe side and cancel February ikebana lessons as well. We are really sorry for this but we feel that it is not yet the time to relax our guard.
Feb 2nd (Wed) lesson CANCELLED
Feb 23rd (Wed) lesson CANCELLED
We hope March will be better. In the meantime, please take care and maybe practice at home! We look forward to seeing you again when the time is right.
Thank you for your understanding.
Through the tangle and thicket of dried branches emerges a bowl of carnation petals. It’s as if we are offered a glimpse into the arrangement’s bright red soul!
Here is the whole arrangement.
I hope you like it. —Miyako
In the midst of this Covid-19 omicron variant onslaught, we have decided that it is best to cancel ikebana lessons for January. Let's sacrifice being away for now so that we may be able to have lessons again when the time is right. Each of us have different comfort levels about mingling. Some may be more vulnerable than others and some may be in close contact with more vulnerable persons. We took all of these in consideration and thought it best not to have our group activity (even if Public Health may still allow it.)
Jan 19th (Wed) lesson CANCELLED
Jan 23rd (Sun) lessons CANCELLED
We will be monitoring developments and decide on the February lessons in a few weeks time.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Please take care, stay safe and we hope to see you all in more comfortable circumstances.
明けましておめでとうございます! Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! Welcome Year of the Tiger!
Our challenges continued through 2021. We probably had more downs than ups but we soldier on! May the Tiger’s ferocity and strength help us power through 2022!
For this year’s Christmas arrangement, we used red and gold colours on a white background. A clear glass container is used.
We also used gold-silver mizuhiki to add a more festive air.
Here is the whole arrangement.
I hope you like it. Merry Christmas! —Miyako
Updated Dec 21, 2021:
Effective Dec 22, 2021, the maximun number of customers allowed inside the shop will be 4 persons. Thank you for your understanding.
Been there; done that. We know the drill and can do this again! As we battle the Covid-19 omicron variant this time, the number of customers inside the shop will be limited to 6 persons. Please be mindful of your fellow shoppers and practice social distancing while inside the shop. This restriction will be in place from today, Dec 15th, until further notice as we follow guidance from Public Health. Thank you everyone for your kindness and understanding.
As well, curbside pick-up option is available. We are happy to assist however we can. Just let us know! Take care! Stay safe!
What does one do when it is a snow day? We make matcha tiramisu and then Japanese gardens, of course!
The big rocks were chunks of nutty chocolate; the pebbles were crushed choco puffs. The moss is matcha and the pond? A blue sports drink made into jelly! The only non-food item is the stone lantern. That was 3D printed!
Underneath all that is the tiramisu, made from mascarpone cheese, cream, etc, and matcha instead of espresso coffee! They looked too good to eat…but eventually, we did!
