Hello and welcome!
This journal is a space for the creative soul who is flower-obsessed.
If you drive your friends and family crazy by taking frequent stops to take photos of flowers or love to tuck a wildflower into the pages of a favorite book just to keep the memory of a Tuesday afternoon alive—you're in the right place.
I, too, have a library collection full of plants tucked in between all the friends and family moments, and I love taking these moments of inspiration from life into art for our home.
Whether you are a hobbyist floral preservationist diving into the "secret of the press" a DIY bride inspired to preserve your own wedding story, or a thoughtful gift-giver who believes the best presents are the ones made with heart and hands—this journal is for you.
The heart behind Orchid & Pine Studio
My own journey has been one of a woman, constantly learning how to evolve with life's ebb and flow.
I’ve lived in many homes throughout my life.
From a humble, ramshackle house in the Philippines to a San Francisco flat, a suburban Victorian, and now a hexagon-shaped home nestled in the forest, I've had quite an interesting experience of alternate realities.
With each home, I’ve changed just like the gardens I've grown.
I’ve navigated beginnings and endings. Raised children. Therapied my way through challenging relationships. Learned to manage my mental health and physical well-being, and all the while discovering that beauty and love can always grow even from the most unexpected soil.
My story
Creativity has always been my compass. From an early career in fashion design to teaching yoga and now to floral preservation, these experiences have taught me that growth isn’t just about what we make; it’s about how we cultivate ourselves along the way.
In this journal, I’ll be sharing:
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Insights from the Press: Practical guides, techniques, and professional tips for getting the best result for your botanical art.
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Creative Inspiration: Practical, creative crafts that you can do from the ease of your own home.
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Stories of Resilience: Garden musings on the value of letting go, being kind to yourself, and learning when it's ok to start over again - all inspired by the garden and the seasons.
My hope is that these pages inspire you to make space for all your floral dreams, pick up a bloom, and celebrate the tiny, poignant moments that make your life uniquely yours.
With love,
Charina