Monthly Themes

Monthly Ikebana Challenge: Open Submissions & Suggested Themes

The Monthly Ikebana Challenge welcomes all works for review, whether in freestyle or basic styles of ikebana. Feel free to submit images of your creations for feedback.

While submissions are open to any style, we recommend focusing on the following monthly themes. These topics can help guide your practice, deepen your understanding of ikebana, and make the feedback more meaningful. Additionally, engaging with the works of other participants can provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Detailed definitions of each theme are not provided here. You are welcome to interpret them in your own way.

January: New Year's Arrangement – Traditionally, materials such as pine, citrus, mossed branches, and more are appreciated.

February: Focus on Lines – One of the four fundamental elements of ikebana.

March: Exploring Leaves – Emphasize the use and arrangement of leaves.

April: Using More Than Two Containers – Experiment with multiple containers in your arrangement.

May: Focus on Form – One of the four fundamental elements of ikebana.

June: Repetition/Accumulation Using Branches (Stems) – Explore pattern and repetition through branches (stems).

July: Focus on Vines – Incorporate vines as a central feature in your arrangement.

August: Focus on Space – One of the four fundamental elements of ikebana.

September: Using More Than Two Types of Branch Materials – Experiment with different types of branches in your arrangement.

October: Arrangement Using Branches Without a Container – Create an arrangement that stands without a container.

November: Arrangement Without Using Kenzan – Challenge yourself to arrange without the traditional kenzan.