🔻Japanese Stone Setting for Better Ikebana🔻
A hands-on study of stone placement in a simple tabletop sandbox
Stone setting, or ishigumi, is one of the core practices in Japanese garden design. During her landscaping studies in Japan, Ilse trained this discipline every day in a small sandbox, long before working with stones outdoors.
What she discovered then still shapes her ikebana today: the basic three-stone structure of Japanese gardens mirrors the familiar ikebana relationship of shin, soe, hikae. One dominant element, one supporting, one grounding. Different arts, but the same underlying principles.
This workshop brings that study to your tabletop. In the first session, Ilse will demonstrate how to recognise the "face," "root," and natural direction of each stone, and how to create a balanced triad in sand. No materials are required for this session. You will receive clear instructions for preparing your own small sandbox for the assignment week.
What You’ll Learn
• The foundations of ishigumi, the traditional three-stone placement method
• How the stone triad reflects the ikebana structure of shin, soe, and hikae
• How tilt, weight, and direction influence stability and movement
• How careful stone placement trains your eye for strong, grounded ikebana compositions
Why Join?
Stone setting is rarely taught outside Japanese landscaping, yet it offers valuable training for anyone who wants to improve their sense of balance, direction, and natural composition. Working with stones and sand helps you slow down, observe more closely, and develop steadier, more intentional placement skills that transfer directly into your ikebana practice.Reserve your spot today.
How does it work?
Interactive Workshop Schedule:
Zoom Session 1 (90 minutes): Participate in a demonstration that covers techniques, materials, and sources of inspiration. You'll receive an assignment and access to an online platform where session recordings and additional workshop content are available. If you cannot attend the live session, the recording will be accessible for later viewing.
Assignment Week: Dedicate a week to create your arrangement. Interact with Ilse and fellow participants via the online platform.
Zoom Session 2 (90 minutes): A week following the first session, Ilse will provide life feedback on your arrangement. To accommodate various schedules, three commenting sessions are available at:
- 10:00 AM CEST
- 15:00 PM CEST
- 17:00 PM CEST
You will receive the Zoom link to all three, and you can choose the session that fits your schedule. During the commenting session you participate in, Ilse will give personalized commentary on your work. All sessions will be recorded, and you will have access to these recordings for one-month post-workshop, ensuring you can revisit the insights and feedback at your convenience.
