mindful living /ˈmaɪnd.fəl ˈlɪv.ɪŋ/ noun

A soul-led way of being that honors presence rooted in the wabi sabi philosophy, inner–outer harmony, and the rhythms of nature and cosmos — attuned to lunar phases, seasonal shifts, and the subtle flow of energy. Ecological reverence and everyday care towards the natural, it invites us to live lightly, consciously, and held by the magic of the Earth.

Flowers can be so many things — words unsaid, colors of joy, soft pastels of gratitude, simple blooms for letting go.

In a world that moves quickly, I find meaning in slowing down — embracing sustainable practices, thoughtful consumption, and the quiet satisfaction of doing less, but doing it well.

Through minimalistic floral design like the ikebana, daily rituals, and conscious living, my work invites you to experience the beauty of nature with presence, care, and intention.

Flowers! Flowers! Flowers!

I believe every floral gesture should be mindful — simple, heartfelt, and aligned with the energy you wish to share.
Flowers have a quiet language of their own: one that speaks through color, texture, and intention. Every bouquet, every stem, carries a story — of celebration, love, memory, or meaning.

My mission is to make your moments effortless and deeply personal. Each arrangement is designed with care and purpose, using blooms that reflect the mood of the moment and the people within it.

A woman standing in a forest holding two bouquets of flowers. There is a trash bag on the ground nearby.
More on my work
A floral arrangement with pink hydrangeas, white, purple berries and various green leaves in a glass pitcher on a wood table with purple cloth, outdoor setting with blurred lights and greenery in the background.
Arranged flowers of various colors and types wrapped in paper, with a white tag that says 'I'm handmade' and instructions to handle with care.
A dark glass vase with a bouquet of dried and fresh flowers, including pampas grass, baby's breath, thistle, and large green leaves, sits on a round wooden table against a beige wall.

Mindful Living

Rooted in the Wabi Sabi Way

Wabi Sabi (侘寂)

A pine cone placed on a light-colored surface with dried brown moss and small branches surrounding it.

Wabi (侘)

A quiet simplicity born from living with humility, mindfulness, and intention while finding beauty in the natural and the imperfect.

Sabi (寂)

An appreciation for the passage of time — the softened edges, the weathering, the patina that reveals life’s quiet story.

Every stage is seen not as loss, but as the completion of a natural cycle.

Close-up of green sticks with black rings, possibly bamboo or horsetail plant stalks.
A clear glass vase with water holding a bouquet of white daisy-like flowers against a plain, light-colored background.
Withered and dried pink and white flowers with long stems on a dark fabric background.

Ikebana (生け花)

A floral arrangement of three sunflowers with green leaves in a light green shallow round bowl.

The traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, dating back to the 6th century. It began as part of the tea ceremony, when a single branch or flower was placed in the tokonoma — a small alcove in the tea room — to reflect the current season and invite nature into the space.

Rooted in Zen philosophy, it’s about more than decoration; it’s a mindful practice of observing nature and finding beauty in simplicity, space, and imperfection.

Each composition follows a balance of three elements:

Shin (真) Heaven, Soe (副) Humanity, Hikae or Tai (控え) reflecting Earth.

In every composition they aim to express harmony between the spiritual and material worlds.

DRY FLORALS

Close-up image of yellow spherical flowers, with some white and purple flowers and green leafy foliage.

I create custom dried floral arrangements and centerpieces for parties, events, and everyday spaces — from small gatherings to themed celebrations.

Each piece is made with care, using locally sourced and air‑dried blooms for long‑lasting color and texture. Whether you’re after something soft and seasonal or bold and artistic, dried florals add lasting beauty without the upkeep. They’re easy to transport, sustainable, and designed to suit your style or event mood.

Close-up of brown, fuzzy caterpillars on green leaves.

From fleeting bloom to lasting form

Dried, curled fern leaves, a yellow and brown maple leaf, and another dark green leaf, arranged on a grey surface.
Close-up of various dried flowers, including pink, purple, white, and brown blooms, with green leaves in the background.
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I find quiet joy in choosing flowers and preparing them to dry—gently putting them to rest. As the moisture fades, new shapes, colors, and textures appear. Nature repeats itself: the new from the old, the old from the new. The slow unfolding is part of the pleasure, especially when I work with wild stems, foraged branches, and leaves. In Portland, the forests and parks overflow with abundance, and I’m grateful to get inspired within their rhythm of growth and return.

Dried roses and other flowers
White flowers with yellow centers placed inside a brown box.

My commitment to flowers

Person holding a large bouquet of mixed flowers in front of their face, standing outdoors near a large tree.

At Star & Bloom, sustainability is not a trend; it is the foundation of my creative practice. As a floral designer, I am committed to making choices that care for both beauty and the planet — guided by the patterns of the natural world.

My approach centers on working locally, designing seasonally, and reducing waste wherever possible.

I intentionally avoid plastic and floral foam, using natural and reusable materials instead. Vessels, mechanics, and tools are thoughtfully repurposed to extend their life and minimize what ends up in the landfill. By sourcing from local growers, I not only lower my environmental impact but also support a community rooted in shared values.

For me, sustainability, locality, waste awareness, and intentional living are inseparable — each one shaping how I design, create, and connect. Through mindful, planet‑honoring work, I aim to show that floral art can be both purposeful and responsible, honoring beauty without harm.

A woman in sunglasses and a white shirt taking a photo of pink and white flowers with her smartphone outdoors.

Hi! I am Cora

I am a seeker of meaning through design, creativity, and an attunement to the archetypal world and nature—an exploration that has led me to engage with flowers and rituals that honor a deeper awareness to the unseen and a slower living.

Over time, I’ve blended old ideas and new insights to create floral experiences that enchant both the soma and the psyche through color, shape and visual storytelling. This philosophy guides my work as every piece reflects a devotion to detail, beauty, and a deeper meaning which is at the root of all my offerings.