Ikebana Foundations | 4-Week Online Course

Introducing Ikebana Foundations - a structured 4-week course that takes you from beginner to your first ikebana portfolio.

Foundations of Ikebana

A 4-week online course that helps you create your first ikebana portfolio — from anywhere in the world — even if you’ve never studied ikebana before.

Next course starts March 2.

Your Teacher: Julia Rush

I learned ikebana the traditional way - in person, through formal classes, working through the Sogetsu textbooks.

I completed over 150 classes and made more than 300 arrangements in that time. And here’s the part I wish I could change:

I didn’t photograph my work properly, I didn’t document it, and I didn’t build a portfolio as I went.

That meant years of learning without a clear record of my progress. This course exists so you don’t make the same mistake.

Instead of “doing ikebana” without direction, I want you to start with a portfolio framework - something you can continue adding to as you study further, no matter which school or path you choose.

A structured approach to learning ikebana

Ikebana Foundations is a structured, portfolio-first course designed for beginners.

In 4 weeks, you’ll learn the fundamental principles of ikebana and apply them directly to a small, intentional body of work - your first ikebana portfolio.

This course doesn’t try to teach every style or school. It gives you a clear starting point, shared language, and practical framework so you can understand what you’re doing and why.

How the course works

  • Course Structure

    • 4-week guided course
    • Approx. 3–4 hours per week
    • Learn from anywhere in the world
    • Designed for complete beginners

    You’ll move through the course week by week, building skills and confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

  • What You'll Learn

    • What defines ikebana (and how it differs from western floral arranging)
    • Core principles used across schools and styles
    • Why ikebana arrangements can look so different - and how to understand those differences
    • How to work with accessible materials wherever you live
    • How to practise with intention, not guesswork

    This gives you a shared language and framework you can keep using as you study further.

  • What you’ll create

    • A small, intentional body of work
    • Properly photographed arrangements
    • A clearly organised first ikebana portfolio
    • A structure you can continue adding to over time

    By the end of the 4 weeks, you won’t just understand ikebana fundamentals - you’ll have documented work to show for it.

Master the Basics, Unlock Your Creativity

  • From Inspired to Practicing

    Move from simply admiring ikebana to creating it yourself. By the end of the course you’ll have a portfolio of work to show your progress.

  • Connect with Nature

    Gather seasonal flowers and branches each week and start noticing beauty everywhere, every day.

  • Find Your Style

    Step beyond imitation and begin shaping an ikebana style that feels uniquely your own.

Begin Your Ikebana Journey

In just four weeks you can move from simply admiring ikebana to practicing it yourself - with a portfolio of work, a new creative rhythm, and the confidence to keep growing.

Join the waitlist for the next course

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