Simple Flowers offers a new take on artful arrangements for the home. With easy-to-follow ideas, Ms. Hayakawa makes intriguing suggestions for enlivening nearly every corner of the home--bedroom, bath, kitchen, living room, and dining area--then works her magic in the neglected nooks, from hearth to entry, side table to stairs. Her ideas are fresh and engaging, and always simple. For the best results, Hayakawa encourages the reader to consider not only store-bought flowers but wildflowers and clippings from all parts of the yard. Grasses, vines, and foliage find places in her floral ideas, invigorating even the most elementary arrangement. The scope of Hayakawa's ideas draws nourishment from her dual training in Japanese ikebana and European flower traditions. From continental floral design, she simplifies the idea of voluminous, overwhelming displays with startling results. From the East, she introduces the idea of "empty space," a concept that acknowledges the value of "holes," or breathing room, in an arrangement. She also supports the Eastern belief of cherishing each cutting for its distinctive character rather than seeking out the perfect flower every time. The secret to success, Hayakawa says, is flexibility and openness. Look for new ways to display flowers, and new containers to hold them. Throughout the book, Hayakawa sets out simple yet wise rules--invaluable advice that will serve you well in each setting, and lead you to develop your own style for arranging flowers in a simple yet artistic way. Features * Fresh thoughts for decorating every room * New ideas for holidays and special occasions * Tips on developing your flower arranging talents * Easy-to-follow instructions * New ways to use everyday household items as flower vases * Each arrangement shown in a stetched-over b/w photo and in full color "... would well suit someone looking to brighten up their home with fresh, imaginative floral ideas." -- Geoffrey Tozer, Ikebana International List of Arrangements in the Book *Dining Room Wildflowers in Glass Iris Centerpiece Hydrangea & Willow Flowers in Tandem Table Centerpiece in Natural Tones *Family Room Spring Nouveau Flowers & Berries on a Tray Vase of Autumn Colors *Living Room Through Glass, Brightly Cornflowers in Bamboo Harbinger of Spring Invitation to a Moon-viewing Party Orchids & Burnished Wood *Kitchen Tropical Fruits & Flowers Mini-Bouquet of Herbs *Bathroom Flowers & Herbs in a Seashell Elegant Porcelain Herbs & Shimmering Silver A Horizontal Display Simple Greenery Bathroom Bouquet *Bedroom Bedside Bouquet Angel's Wreath Breaking with Form In a Looking Glass Lively Corner Spring Visitors *Spot Art Filling a Niche Around a Stairway Green Cascade Hearth-Side Flowers Folk Craft Elegance *Christmas Christmas Centerpiece A Window Scene A Different Kind of Wreath *Outdoors Picnic Flowers Welcoming Guests Borrowing Background *Special Occasions A Romantic Evening An Afternoon Tete-a-Tete *Japanesque Approaching Ikebana A Touch of Lacquer Welcoming the New Year *Playing with Flowers--Ensembles Three Round Tables Drinks & Hors d'Oeuvres *Playing with Flowers--Fantasy Unexpected Encounter Silk & Flowers Bamboo Forest *Playing with Flowers--Welcoming a Guest A Screen of Wildflowers Lilies by Candlelight *Buds, Blossoms, Petals In the Bud In Full Bloom Scattered Petals *A Bouquet's Life Cycle Fragrant Gift The Remains of the Bouquet: I The Remains of the Bouquet: II *Arranging with Teacups Leaves and Berries Coffee Cup Creation Purple Wildflowers In a Japanese Teacup Autumn Breakfast *Glass Vessels Iridescence Simple Elegance Crystal Morning Three Small Graces Noriko Hayakawa was born in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and was raised by parents who loved flowers and plants. She began studying traditional ikebana at the age of 12, receiving a teaching credential at a youthful 22. Subsequently, she studied European flower arrangement for a number of years before seeking a more natural approach to arranging flowers. In 1993, she established Hana no Seiyokan, her studio and school, to develop flower arrangement as an integral part of everyday fife. After a period of employment in the photography department of a foreign news agency, Takayuki Toyama established his own photo studio. He mainly works in advertising, but is also active in art photography both domestically and abroad. In recent years, the main theme of his work has been European and American homes and their surroundings. He has published numerous collections of photographs and had frequent one-man exhibitions at the Kodak, Nikon, and Fuji photo galleries in Japan. Joseph LaPenta was born in New York, and has a masters in English literature from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a licensed instructor in the classical Ikenobo School of Ikebana, and a First Rank Master in the Ohara School, where he works with the international division as