Learn Sogetsu Ikebana
Whether you’re based locally or anywhere in the world, there’s a way to study Sogetsu Ikebana with me. Choose from intimate studio classes on Sydney’s North Shore or flexible online sessions you can join from home.
Studio Classes
Small in-person sessions offering hands-on guidance are held in my private studio in South Turramurra.
The Basics
Classes run in blocks of 5 lessons, with a maximum of 5 students per class.
Each session lasts 2 hours.
What’s Included
Your $200 block fee (payable in advance or on the day of commencement) covers:
- Access to all studio equipment
- Student notes for each class
- Your work featured on my Flickr page
- Access to my garden for additional materials
New Students
Floral materials are an additional cost of approximately $25 per class for your first two lessons (around $50 total). From your third lesson onwards, you’ll bring your own materials.
Make-up Lessons
If you need to miss a class, make-up lessons can be arranged within your current block, subject to availability.
Schedule & Availability — Block 3, 2026
| Day | Date Commencing | Time | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 21 April 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | 2 |
| Wednesday | 22 April 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | 3 |
| Thursday | 23 April 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | 1 |
| Thursday | 23 April 2026 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm | 1 |
| Saturday | 25 April 2026 | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Full |
Interested in joining? Register via the Enrolment Form below to reserve your place or contact me for more information.
Online Classes
These flexible monthly sessions are designed for remote learning, allowing you to attend as many lessons as you like within your paid month. Online sessions are offered via live Zoom sessions at Sydney local times (AEST).
Cost & Payment
- A$200 per month, with a recurring payment due on the 1st of each month
- New student intake by the 14th of the month: A$200, then monthly payments thereafter
- Payment is made via PayPal — an invoice will be sent automatically unless you choose to cancel
Equipment
- You are required to source your own equipment, which can be purchased directly from the Sogetsu Gallery Japan. You may already have some of the following items:
- Suiban (round, 30 cm diameter × 6 cm height)
- Nageire container (30.5 cm × 9 cm diameter)
- Hasami (flower scissors)
- Kenzan (Sun and Moon style recommended)
- Sogetsu Textbook — #1 & 2, #3 & 4, or #5, depending on your level (textbooks can also be purchased through me)
Documenting Your Progress
- After each lesson, please upload your photographed work and completed tasks to the ‘Assignments’ section on a file-sharing platform. Please include:
- The lesson title.
- Your tutor’s name (if different).
- A photo and a sketch of your arrangement.
- Notes on any challenges you encountered or on specific areas where you would like further explanation.
Interested in joining? Register via the Enrolment Form below to reserve your place or contact me for more information.
Weekly Schedule – 2026
| Day | Time (AEST) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday (PM) | 7:00am – 8:00am | |
| Tuesday (PM) | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | 8:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Wednesday (PM) | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | |
| Friday (AM) | 8:00am – 9:00am | 10:00am – 11:00am |
| You may attend any number of sessions within your paid month. | ||
Why Study with Sandy
I will guide you through the various aspects of Sogetsu Ikebana. As a recipient of the Mary and Norman Sparnon Scholarship, I share my experiences from three months in Japan and my ongoing visits, showing how to appreciate ikebana’s beauty firsthand. In my classes, you will have the opportunity to unleash your creativity with nature’s elements and discover the subtle details of floral materials, textures, and forms that are often overlooked. As a ‘Riji’ certified teacher—the highest level in Sogetsu Ikebana—I am dedicated to helping you master this art form with precision and personal expression.
Other Offerings
In addition to my regular studio and online classes, I offer tailored experiences for groups, individuals, and organisations:
Demonstrations & Talks — Engaging presentations for clubs, interest groups, and large organisations
One-Day Workshops — Hands-on, creative sessions for groups of 8–20, tailored for clubs, schools, and conferences; suitable for adults and children
Private Tuition — Personalised one-on-one teaching tailored to your level and goals
Children’s Workshops — Specialised sessions held during school holidays (Current WWCC)
Regional Group Workshops — Available in the Gosford and Bowral areas
For more information on any of the above, I’d love to hear from you — feel free to reach out.
Specialised Tours to Japan
Flower Club International Tour
While I won’t be leading a dedicated tour this year, I’ll be co-hosting the Flower Club International Tour in December 2026. It’s a wonderful opportunity for those who’d like to experience ikebana in Japan firsthand. To join, you’ll need to register with Flower Club International and become a member.
Ikebana and Cultural Tour 2027
Looking further ahead, I’m planning an ikebana and cultural tour for late 2027! Watch this space for more details as they emerge.
Want to know more? Feel free to get in touch.