My Workspace in Ikebana Class

The was my first attempt at Japanese flower arranging, an ancient art. I was taught the 'rising form' this day. My first attempt was pretty but incorrect. The dominant piece was the iris leaf rising from the center back. The smaller praire flowers and the roses were secondaries, back-ups to the primary, the iris leaf. Each was to be placed at certain locations at certain angles at certain lengths. I manipulated the petals of the flowers; ooh, not to be done. Too unnatural. My third or fourth attempt was 'not bad for a beginner.'