Tools of the Trade

Everyone has a favorite vase or a tool they reach for without thinking. After years of hosting flower workshops and arranging at the studio, I've landed on a handful of things I genuinely can't do without — and I thought it was time to share them here.

The Higonokami Folding Knife

If you're comfortable with a straight blade, this traditional Japanese folding knife is my go-to. Hand-forged with a 3" SK steel blade, it makes beautifully clean cuts and is light yet powerful in your hand. For anyone who values efficiency and speed, this is your tool. (Fair warning: I have a nervous tick where I cut twice, so my efficiency is a bit of a drag.)

Niwaki Garden Snips

Not a straight-blade person? These are the snips I recommend. Stylish, comfortable, beautifully balanced, and sharp enough to make quick, clean cuts without crushing delicate stems. Any of the Niwaki scissors work brilliantly — it really comes down to personal preference.

The Mesa Dome Vase

One of my favorite vessels for arranging because it quietly does half the work. The narrow opening naturally supports the stems, making it easy to build a loose, airy arrangement without a lot of fuss.

Porcelain Bud Vases

Not every flower needs to be part of a grand bouquet. A single stem in a beautiful little vase can brighten a bedside table, a kitchen windowsill, or your desk in ways that genuinely surprise you. These sculptural, matte bisque porcelain bud vases work beautifully as a grouping — think dinner party, cocktail table, or buffet — or solo on a nightstand or bathroom vanity. They're a customer favorite for good reason.

The Kenzan (Flower Frog)

If you've been to one of our workshops, you've seen these in action. Kenzans are the traditional Japanese tool used in ikebana, and they're becoming increasingly popular in western-style arranging — a great alternative to floral foam. The brass pins hold woody and green stems in any position you want, giving you total control over your arrangement.

Camellia Oil

The finishing touch for anyone who takes their tools seriously. This cold-pressed oil is the traditional Japanese choice for protecting carbon steel tools from rust. Odorless, non-toxic, and it leaves a lovely deep finish. A little goes a long way.

Browse the full Flower Tools collection — and if you've been thinking about joining a workshop, consider this your invitation.