Don't let Keiko Fukuda's demure appearance fool you. She plans to bust out the power tools, saws and drills to finalize her oversize and elegant ikebana creations at the “;Splendors of Ikebana”; exhibit next week.

“;We also use hammers and chisels to shave the branches ... and lots of wires,”; Fukuda said.

She'll present a demonstration at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Honolulu Hale exhibition site.

Fukuda took up ikebana after raising three children with her husband, James, at the same time that she was studying for a teaching certificate. She received her training at the headquarters of Kyoto Kado Ikenobo in the late '60s and taught the art form in Japan until she moved to Hawaii in 1979.

Fukuda feels fortunate that she was able to combine her love of ikebana with her teaching credentials.

“;I have been teaching ikebana from my home in Aiea. I used to teach at the Myohoji Cultural Center in Nuuanu.”;

During her 50-year stint as a teacher of ikebana, Fukuda said, she learned much more than how to create the perfect arrangement. She also has learned that flowers create friendships and human bonds.

Ikebana International includes chapters in about 65 countries, she said. “;I have met many fine and wonderful students and people through ikebana. It is these friendships and associations that I treasure most.”;