Next Up

Ikebana Inspired Spring Floral Arrangement

By: Sam Henderson

Follow Sam on:

The art of ikebana takes years to master, but even a novice can benefit from the simple rules that make these arrangements so beautiful.

The art of ikebana can take years to master, but even a novice can benefit from some of the basics to create lovely spring floral arrangements.

Scroll For More Photos

1 / 16

Give Ikebana a Try

Using a few basic principles, you can create your own ikebana arrangement.

You'll need: fresh flowers / fresh greenery / container of your choice / floral frog / gravel or other groundcover / scissors / water.

2 / 16

Gather Your Materials

You'll need: fresh flowers / fresh greenery / container of your choice / floral frog / gravel or other groundcover / scissors / water.

Choose the biggest size floral frog that will fit in the bottom of your container.

3 / 16

Place the Frog

Choose the biggest size floral frog that will fit in the bottom of your container.

Most often the first stem in ikebana is the tallest and often (but not always) points straight to the sky.

4 / 16

Add the First Stem

Most often the first step in ikebana is adding the tallest element, which often (but not always) points straight to the sky.

The next stem should be shorter than the first and is usually at an angle.

5 / 16

Add the Second Stem

The next stem should be shorter than the first and is usually at an angle.

The third stem should be shorter than both of the other two. It can be offset in the opposite direction or kept near the second stem.

6 / 16

Add the Third Stem

The third stem should be shorter than both of the other two. It can be offset in the opposite direction or kept near the second stem.

While strict rules go so far as to specify stem length and the number of stems, freestylers tend to add more ornamentation. One fairly common theme, however, is to use odd numbers of stems.

7 / 16

Add Decorative Touches

While strict ikebana rules go so far as to specify stem length and the number of stems, freestylers tend to add more ornamentation. One fairly common theme, however, is to use odd numbers of stems.

Think outside the box. Your design should be sculptural and free flowing.

8 / 16

Thinking asymmetrically

Think outside the box. Your design should be sculptural and free flowing.

Add gravel to fill the container and move it around as necessary to keep the stems in place.

9 / 16

Add the Gravel

Add gravel to fill the container and move it around as necessary to keep the stems in place.

Use several of the same flowers at the base of another stem for impact.

10 / 16

Consider a cluster

Use several of the same flowers at the base of another stem for impact.

Add low hanging or drooping stems that extend beyond the side of the container for interest.

11 / 16

Add drooping elements

Add low hanging or drooping stems that extend beyond the side of the container for interest.

If you are inspired by ikebana, look for a class in your area. They are widely available.

12 / 16

Learn More About Ikebana

If you are inspired by ikebana, look for a class in your area. They are widely available.

Consider looping more flexible pieces and inserting both ends into the frog to create some interest.

13 / 16

Architectural elements

Consider looping more flexible pieces and inserting both ends into the frog to create some interest.

Go unconventional with all green and no flowers.

14 / 16

Think Green

Go unconventional with all green and no flowers.

Sheet moss makes a great ground cover. Tear small pieces and be sure to poke it in between stems for a finished look.

15 / 16

Use Moss as a Groundcover

Sheet moss makes a great groundcover. Tear small pieces and be sure to poke it in between stems for a finished look.

Consider all sorts of containers for your arrangement. This kind of arranging works well in all types of containers from wide shallow bowls to tiny teapots.

16 / 16

Experiment With Containers

Consider all sorts of containers for your arrangement. This kind of arranging works well in all types of containers from wide shallow bowls to tiny teapots.