Da Kine Star-Bulletin staff and wire services

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COMING UP

Renowned floral arranger shares her knowledge at Academy of Arts

Contemporary floral arrangements are a fine balance of shape and color, a formula that artist Hitomi Gilliam has mastered over the years as one of the leading designers of such creations.

Gilliam, a resident of British Columbia, has written several books on the subject and shares her knowledge through seminars worldwide. She will give a lecture and demonstration at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. The event, to be held at the Doris Duke Theatre, is sponsored by the Garden Club of Honolulu.

Part of her philosophy is that "imagination and vision are the handmaidens of creativity and can be taught," Gilliam said.

Kids can make Valentine's Day tokens of affection

Sometimes the simplest projects are the sweetest.

Kids in the Wednesday After School Club at Kahuku Public & School Library can make an age-appropriate Valentine's Day-themed project next week called "The Sweetest Mouse in the World."

With little more than construction paper, glue, markers and a few fun add-ons such as googly eyes and puff balls, kids can quickly create tokens of affection for friends and families.

Lea Domingo, the children's librarian, who started at the library just last month, chose the project based upon its simplicity -- perfect for little hands to make. "I wanted to make sure that even the youngest of kids could take part."

The project is based on a design from a book, "Crafts for Valentine's Day," by Kathy Ross.

The arts and crafts project will take place from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesday; crafts projects are held every other week, with movies shown on alternating weeks. Kindergartners to fifth-graders may join the Wednesday After School Club at the library, 56-490 Kamehameha Highway. Call 293-8935.

HOME & GARDEN

Foster Gardens class on pruning roses

Learn the "ABCs of Pruning Roses" during a class tomorrow at Foster Botanical Gardens.

The 10 to 11 a.m. session will be taught by Warren Chee and covers the caring of these fragrant flowers, including disease control.

Cost is $15 for supplies, rose plant included, plus $5 Foster Gardens entrance fee for visitors and $3 for residents.

Call 522-7064 for reservations.

Class on drawing and painting botanicals

Wahiawa Botanical Gardens is holding a self-directed workshop on botanical drawing and painting which involves actual rendering of plants, flowers, seeds and pods from the garden. Some experience in watercolor and drawing will be helpful.

The class is held 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. each Wednesday until May 28.

Bring supplies, including a No. 4 round brush, Bristol paper, quality watercolor set or watercolor pencils.

Call Brian at 621-5463 to register.

Learn the basics of weaving lau hala

Learn how to select, remove thorns, clean, strip and weave lau hala for projects each Wednesday through Feb. 27 at Foster Botanical Gardens.

Cost is $5 for supplies, plus the Foster Garden admission fee of $5 for visitors, $3 for residents.

Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reservations required at 522-7064.

Plant propagation workshop at Wahiawa

The basic techniques of plant propagation by using cuttings, divisions and air layers will be covered in a 9-10 a.m. class at Wahiawa Botanical Gardens.

Tips on pruning and using those cuttings to grow more of your favorite plants will also be discussed.

The class will be held next Friday and April 18.

Reservations are required at 621-5463.