2k 
Eclipse Ikebana
location_on Mount Martha, Melbourne
local_activity classes: Ikebana • Floristry
5.0 (24)Eclipse Ikebana offers relaxing, fun and creative workshops while teaching you about the beautiful art of Japanese flower arranging.
Practising Ikebana under her official Japanese teaching name, Shoto, Aileen is a qualified Sogetsu Ikebana teacher with a background in art and information technologies.
"Sharing my love of ikebana is a joyful experience. Working with people who love flowers, love Japan or are simply curious about learning gives me great satisfaction. The creative, meditative and mindful aspects of Japanese flower arrangement provide a fantastic counter-balance to our busy lives, and bring beauty into our hearts, minds and homes."
She exhibited at the 2022 Melbourne International Flower and Garden show and at the 2022 Wa Melbourne International Ikebana Festival. In 2018, she won the international online Ikebana Gallery Award in both Overall and People's Choice categories. In 2016, her essay 'Ikebana: Respecting the Past, Expressing the Future' was published in the International Journal of Ikebana Studies.
Classes
Adults & 7+ years
Gallery
Reviews
(24)
Michelle Day • Dec 2023
Everything about this class was 5 star. Our teacher Shoto was very knowledgeable and her instructions were easy to follow. Everyone was very happy with their final display. We all had a great day.
Pamela Lambert • Apr 2023
Ikebana class was very informative. The teacher told of the history of Japanese Flower arrangement in a most interesting way. Books were on the table to view style as well as the tools and improvements we used for the day. The venue had Ikebana flower arrangements made by the teacher. Excellent class and I would recommend to anyone interested in floral arrangements.
Danielle Ward • Apr 2023
I felt the class was very informative and our teacher explained the history well and instructions were clear. I enjoyed the class very much!
Lisa Cox • Feb 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
I loved this class, teacher was wonderful and informative. Very relaxing environment . Can’t wait to learn more ❤️
Ellie Taylor • Jan 2023
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
My daughter throughly enjoyed this class. She learnt the Ikebana fundamentals from the kind and generous Aileen and with her support she went on to create some stunning colourful arrangements to take home. Many thanks for a lovely experience!
Esther Marmur • Dec 2022
I was given a gift voucher for an Ikebana workshop on my birthday, and today I used it in a session at the teacher’s home in Mount Martha. It was a very pleasant experience and it gave me a glimpse into this form of art. The teacher gave a short introduction about the history of Ikebana and then guided me through making three different flower arrangements, while explaining the guiding principles. She provided all the materials, and I was able to take home what I made.
I feel that this experience was a meaningful and valuable gift.
Annette Fergusson • Oct 2022
Friendly helpful and approachable teacher. Introduction into Ikebana style floral art, learning the basic outline of principle form of Ikebana, including Japanese names for elements of the arrangements. Venue was well set up with plenty of room. All items including flowers and foliage were provided for the workshop,and got to keep two different style containers to continue with ikebana floral art at home. Further study of ikebana floral art was offered in way of learning from ekebana school book tutorials available by contacting the tutor. Overall a very comprehensive introduction to the Japanese art style of Ikebana.
Sharon Toh • Aug 2022
There’s so much to learn about the art of ikebana! Teacher Aileen shared with us her wealth of knowledge which made the workshop much more enjoyable and meaningful. Highly recommended!
Krystal Lewis • Aug 2022
Whole experience was really good. Teacher was friendly, informative and very professional.
Had a wonderful time.
Location was great, at home studio. Very intrapersonal.
Would definitely do it again :)
Jade Morris • Apr 2022
Had an amazing time, learnt things we didn't know about ikebana, very meditative and relaxing experience
Maria Coligado • Oct 2021
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Shoto was very patient especially since my laptop had run out of battery and she allowed me time to re-charge!
She has quite an endearing quality for a teacher and a lot of patience too.
Sophie Atam • Mar 2021
Fabulous, friendly, knowledgeable and engaging tutor Great studio space Tranquil setting and the zucchini cake chocolate cupcakes for afternoon tea were to die for So very happy with my 3 beautiful Ikebana’s which I got to keep along with a new wonderful skill set ⭐️
Paula Davis • Mar 2021
Thanks for a great class. Ailleen met me where I was in terms of experience and together we created 3 spectacular arrangements both traditional and freestyle. I am inspired to continue.
Kathrine Molloy • Jan 2021
2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews
Aileen was very easy to listen to and made her instructions and the reasons behind them very clear. A most enjoyable morning
