Description
Japanese Ikebana Flower Arranging Workshop
Create a floral composition in your own handmade ceramic vessel
County Hall Pottery, London
Date: 29 August 2026
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Price: £75 (includes all materials)
Level: Beginner-friendly
Workshop Overview
This unique Ikebana workshop brings together two complementary art forms, ceramics and Japanese flower arranging. Participants are invited to create an Ikebana arrangement in a ceramic container they have made or bought, exploring the relationship between form, material, and natural elements.
Rooted in the philosophy of ikebana, the session focuses on the dialogue between vessel and arrangement, how shape, texture, and space influence the placement of each stem. Through this process, you will discover how simplicity, imperfection, and intention shape a meaningful composition and reflect on harmony between natural materials and handcrafted objects
Led by experienced ikebana master Miyuki Griffin, this workshop offers a calm, supportive environment that encourages creativity, mindfulness, and personal expression.
What You’ll Experience
Through demonstration and guided practice, you will learn how to create expressive ikebana arrangements that respond sensitively to your ceramic container.
Seasonal flowers, branches, and natural materials will be provided, alongside practical guidance on selecting, preparing, and placing each element.
The course focuses on the relationship between container and composition, exploring how line, balance, and negative space interact with the vessel’s form. Attention will also be given to how surface texture, glaze, and colour influence the overall aesthetic and mood of the arrangement.
The session combines:
- Illustrated introduction to ikebana principles
- Live demonstrations using different vessel forms
- Step-by-step hands-on arranging
- Individual feedback and refinement
Participants will be encouraged to experiment, refine their work through repetition, and develop confidence in responding intuitively to both vessel and materials.
What You’ll Learn
- How to create harmony between vessel and arrangement
- Techniques for working with different container shapes and depths
- The use of line, balance, and negative space
- How texture, glaze, and colour influence composition
- Ways to express seasonality and personal style
What You’ll Take Home
- A finished ikebana arrangement in your own ceramic container
- A kenzan (flower frog) and seasonal materials
- A deeper understanding of ikebana principles and aesthetics
- Confidence to continue combining ceramics and floral design
What to Bring
Please bring a ceramic container approximately 25cm wide and 5–7cm high.
If you have attended Tim Copsey’s Sculptural Vessel course, you’ll receive 20% off this workshop—and are encouraged to bring the piece you created. You are also welcome to bring any suitable ceramic vessel from home.
What’s Included
All materials are provided, including:
- Seasonal flowers and foliage
- Kenzan (flower frog)
About the Teacher
Miyuki Griffin is a 3rd Master of the Ohara School of Ikebana and President of the Ohara School England Chapter. She is also a founding member of the Milan Chapter of Ikebana International (est. March 2026).
Miyuki teaches across the South of England, including Salisbury, Shaftesbury (at Niwaki HQ), and Sherborne. She has been a member of the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS) since 2019 and currently serves as Website Officer for the Wessex & Jersey Area.
https://meyoucreation.com/gallery/
Key Information / Practical Details
- Location: County Hall Pottery, Belvedere Road, London
- Level: Suitable for beginners and those with some prior experience
- Class Size: Maximum 12 students
All classes will take place in our pottery studio at: County Hall Pottery, Belvedere Road, Waterloo, SE1 7PB.
A welcome email with further instructions about what to expect before your class is sent around a week before your class commences. This email will be sent to the email provided at booking.
Your instructor will meet you in the foyer of the main entrance to County Hall Pottery on Belvedere Road – you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re standing on the beautiful mosaic floor! They will take you through to our studio space. If you are running late, please call the studio phone when you arrive as you will need to be escorted.
Please feel free to bring a sketchbook or notepad along to make notes during your workshop.
We really hope that you enjoy your workshop with us!
If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions page here or contact us at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com.
Collection of Artwork
Your work will usually be ready for collection within 6 weeks, but times may vary depending on firing schedules. You will be notified by email when your pieces are ready for you to pick up from our gallery.
Shipping
You can arrange for your artwork to be delivered to you (for an additional fee) within one month of the original pick up email being sent out. If your pieces have not been collected or sent within this time-frame, then we regret that we will have to give them away to our local community, as we are limited on shelf space. While we follow best practices to protect all ceramic pieces during packaging, we cannot guarantee that damage will not occur in transit. Once your item leaves our gallery, we are not responsible for any breakage or loss that may happen during shipping.
In-person pickup is highly recommended for delicate or sentimental pieces.
Clay Allocation
A set amount of clay is included in the courses. Two kilograms of clay is included in a 3-hour class. Ten kilograms of dry clay work is included in a 6-week course. Additional clay is available to purchase at a cost of £2.50 per 500g of dry work. Work is weighed before the first firing.
Rescheduling, Cancellation And Refund Policy
* For one-day courses, when given 10 or more days’ notice we can either reschedule, refund or generate a gift code for rebooking your class.
* For one-day courses, when given 9 days or less notice for a cancellation for any reason, we regrettably are unable to reschedule or provide a refund. There are no exemptions. However, you can transfer your place to another individual. Please send us their name in advance.
* For courses longer than one-day, we regret we will not be able to replace or rearrange missed sessions. Please do not ask us to make exceptions.
* We can only accept one named individual to attend sessions for the duration of a course, individuals cannot transfer their place for any of their sessions.
* Gift Cards are non-refundable
* When an instructor is unable to teach a one-day class, for example due to illness, we will do our best to find an alternative. If that is not possible, you will receive a full refund. Notice of this will be given as soon as possible.
* If a teacher is unable to cover a session on a 6-week course, the session will be covered by an alternative and the class will continue as usual. Notice of this will be given as soon as possible.
Health And Safety Policy
* Pottery is a messy business, so it is advised that you wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. We provide aprons but you are welcome to bring your own.
* Please don’t wear loose clothing or jewellery that might catch and tie up long hair.
* Closed-toe shoes are preferable
* There is no eating inside the studio. Drinking is only permitted from a closed-top vessel. There is a kitchenette that adjoins the studio where eating and drinking are allowed.
* Please let us know if you have any allergies, health or accessibility requirements in good time before the class, by emailing gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com
* We aim to educate and inspire through fun workshops. In order for all participants to enjoy our classes, we retain the right to ask individuals to leave if their conduct is deemed unsafe or offensive.
Arrival And Lateness
* Due to our studio’s location in an historic building, please get in touch before the day of your class if you have any accessibility requirements at gallery@countyhallpottery.com.linux136.unoeuro-server.com
* You will need to meet your instructor at the main entrance of County Hall on Belvedere Road as the journey through the building to our studio is not straightforward! The class will gather in the foyer – you’ll know you’re in the right place if you’re standing on a beautiful mosaic floor! – and you will then be shown to our studio.
* If you are running late and the class has already left the foyer, a member of security will escort you to the studio. This may take some time – so please arrive early. You can enjoy our Gallery space while you wait!
Facilities
* Drinking water is provided in the studio, however if you require more sustenance throughout the class please feel free to bring items along.
* Our studio has a small kitchenette you can make use of and there is an array of cafes, restaurants and shops both within County Hall and the surrounding streets.
* Our gallery has a courtyard with tables and chairs that are free to use within gallery opening hours
* Toilets are available for use and adjoin the studio space
