We had an ikebana class at the U.S. Embassy compound using artificial flowers. For most of the participants, it was their first time trying ikebana, but everyone created such beautiful arrangements. Normally, ikebana is done with fresh flowers, but using artificial materials has its advantages — they last longer and can even be taken overseas. Of course, they don’t have the texture or fragrance of real flowers, but watching everyone enjoy the process made me realize that the joy of arranging flowers is the same either way, and that made me really happy.(*^_^*)

アメリカ大使館コンパウンドにてアーティフィシャルの花材を使った生け花クラスを行いました。皆さん生け花は初体験という方々でしたがとても素敵な作品に仕上がりました。通常は生け花は生花材を使いますが、長持ちする、海外へも持って行ける等のメリットもあり、生花の質感、香りは無いものの活けている時の生徒さん達を見ていて活ける事の楽しさは同じなのだと気づき嬉しくなりました。(*^_^*)