The days and weeks have been absolutely flying by for me since 2021 started and as I try my best to catch up with my packed days, I’m also taking every opportunity I get to grab moments of pause and slowing down, which I think is very important to balance it all out. My moments of pause come in the form of reading a chapter of a book over lunch and enjoying some shopping or downtime in a quiet cafe during the weekends. :) 

On the topic of downtime, it was really fitting when I was invited to check out a newly opened arts and crafts workshop space called Space 4 Us on a weekend in February. Space 4 Us opened in January 2021 and is by the same company behind the popular hair salon+cafe Walking on Sunshine, so you might notice the similarity in their plant filled space! 

The Space 4 Us team kindly invited me to attend one of the workshops available (there are a variety of them so do check their full list and schedules online here!) and I chose an ikebana workshop, a 2 hour session on the Japanese art of flower arrangement, which sounded like a perfect way to unwind. :) 

I started my new job in January this year, a job I’m truly so happy about! However, if you’ve started a new job before, you know the challenges and the overwhelming feeling that come along with it and it takes time and effort to become more sure-footed – same applies even when you land your dream job haha! 

So that’s why with the ikebana workshop, I welcomed the break and the opportunity to try something new, in a relaxed and friendly environment. I hope I managed to show you in my snapshots: the space is open and bright, surrounded by plants and creations from different workshops and there’s soft music playing in the background, it’s perfect for slowing down. It’s located in Mandarin Gallery in Orchard, and in case you’re wondering if the location is a bit too classy for something casual like hands on workshops, I found the place to have a casual and relaxed atmosphere, so it’s all good! 

Ikebana workshop experience

On to my experience with the ikebana workshop itself and what I created by the end of it! Please don’t judge my creation haha, this is literally my first time doing any kind of flower arrangement, and I’ve always been curious to try it! I was really happy with how mine turned out actually! :) In the 2 hour session, we were guided along to create two designs and when class ended, we got to bring one back. (Note: You get to bring back your own creations for all workshops.)  

The ikebana workshops are held weekly at Space 4 Us and taught by floral designer and ikebana practitioner Penny (founder of Fleurs and Buds), with all materials and tools provided. You just need to pick a date and register for the class on their website, pay for it and turn up on the day! Penny shared that she has a different theme for each class, so every week there will be a different style of flowers/plants used and a different piece produced. 

The theme for the session I attended was “water” and Penny talked about how this theme represented clarity and a focus on balance. She also patiently explained, guided and answered questions throughout the session and I found myself becoming quite focused! 

Finally, let’s talk price – how much are these workshops? Please note that prices vary depending on the workshop you pick, but specifically for this ikebana one, it’s $168 for everything I shared above.

I’m really glad I got to experience and share something new here on my blog and for the relaxing weekend activity Space 4 Us introduced me to, so if you’re into arts and crafts or just looking for something fun and easy to do on your day off, you should check them out! 

Here’s to taking breaks and enjoying some downtime in the midst of our busy schedules! :)

Note: I was invited by Space 4 Us to attend one of their workshops of my choice. This is not a paid post and all opinions in this post are my own. 

SPACE 4 US

Address: Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road #02-22/23

Hours: 10am – 7pm daily

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Fleurs and Buds (Penny): Instagram – Facebook

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