#29 Melbourne Chapter, Australia March and April Meetings

In March the Meeting marked the 65th anniversary of our chapter. A birthday cake was made by Marjorie Campkin-Smith, the 23rd President and cut by Mrs. Shimada, the Co-patron of the Chapter with her husband, the Consul-General of Japan.
The Guest speaker at the meeting was Anna Konecny, who has become an expert in the art of making Mizuhiki jewellery, as well as other decorative forms. Following her presentation and demonstration she taught the members how to make a Plum Flower design using Mizuhiki. After Ms. Konecny’s presentation and demonstration members made their own ikebana incorporating Mizuhiki.

In April the guest speaker at the meeting was Rachael Binnie, a plant enthusiast who is a keen advocate of “Do it yourself” activities. She is a self-taught expert in the art of making Kokedama, Japanese moss balls.

Ms Binnie became fascinated by Kokedama when she lived in Japan for three years. At the meeting she demonstrated two styles of Kokedama, while providing practical information about the process of making and maintaining Kokedama. Following the guest speaker’s presentation, Betty Karanikolopoulos demonstrated three examples of Sogetsu Ikebana inspired by Kokedama. For her first example she covered an inflated balloon with pine needles to resemble a Kokedama.