Take a look at the floral arrangements coming out of Wild Folk Studio and you might not guess that they’d all been made by a single florist, working in a studio tucked into the eaves of her home in Somerville, Massachusetts. Then again, you might. The wild and whimsical arrangements look precisely like they’re being made individually, each one with care and attention to detail.
Committed to staying small-scale, Caroline O’Donnell operates her Wild Folk Studio from the home she shares with her fiancé (and her puppy, Bear). Wild Folk, which Caroline opened for business in February, combines her love of nature and design with her desire to work with her hands.
Among the items available for local Boston-area customers in her online shop, Caroline offers a Weekly Floral Plan. The idea is simple and surprisingly intimate. Floral plans are entirely customizable (a monthly plan also exists). After you pick a plan, Caroline visits you to get a sense of the space, the size and the scale of the arrangement that will find its way there week after week.
Customers who have a friend or a spouse who has a difficult time getting through winter can offer a season-long gift of flowers. If they’re feeling especially generous, they might decide to commit to a year. For someone planning a last-minute holiday gift? A month’s worth of arrangements sounds just right.
Below, Caroline prepares an arrangement in rich colors for an intimate wintry dinner party.
Photographs by Cambria Grace Photography.
Above: Propped in the studio: (from L) eucalyptus pods, privet berries, and pepper berries.
Above: In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of her small business, Caroline primarily uses thrift-shop or vintage vessels for her arrangements.
Above: Evergreens for texture.
Above: Caroline begins with a base of greens and builds from there.
Above: Caroline, at work in her studio.
Above: Deep red peonies found at the local flower market. Caroline sources from local wholesale markets and when the season allows, local farms and farmers’ markets.
Live in San Francisco? You’re in luck too. You can get Pedal-Powered Petals: Same Day Flower Delivery in SF.
Above: Privet berries add texture to roses and evergreens.
Above: The sturdy worktable where Caroline works on arrangements.
Above: Bear keeps watch as Caroline works.
Above: Finishing touches.
Above: Caroline and her arrangement, ready for delivery by public transport (another ecologically minded aspect of Caroline’s business). Delivery to the Greater Boston Area is included in the price of the arrangement.
Hooked on flowers? See 148 of our favorite ideas for Holiday Floral Arrangements in our Photo Gallery.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation