I’ve always been fascinated by the little things in nature we often overlook. I have been guilty of staring for long periods of time at the way a sunray filters through a branch or the intricate details of a winter petal. It might seem a little weird, but I simply can’t help myself. But my favorite thing about flowers isn't just their beauty and soft texture; it’s the stories they tell.

This month in my studio (aka my family room), I’ve been immersed in Floriography, the language of flowers, to curate a very special February flower bouquet. I create artwork for every month's bouquet to convey a special message. Floriography might seem a little "woo-woo," but it really is not—or at least, that's not how I see it. I would describe it more as a way to romanticize one's life and add a little pizzazz to daily mundane routines.

The Primrose: Perfect Enough to Look Fake

I created an entire collection of art based on birth flowers, and February is dedicated to the Primrose. I never saw a primrose flower until I was an adult; they seemed so delicate, breakable even, almost like they were made out of some sort of paper.

The first time I came across primroses at the grocery store, I remember thinking, "These flowers look fake." But upon closer inspection, they were as real as my doubts about them. So naturally, I had to touch them and stare, slowly walking away thinking that I had learned something new about nature that day. After that day, I noticed them everywhere when they were in season, and I still do to this day. The pretty flowers that are so perfect that they look fake.

Since February is all about Valentine’s Day and celebrating love and friendship, the meaning behind this month's birth flower is so appropriate. The beautiful and delicate primrose is named after the Latin word Prima Rosa, or "first rose." These little beauties are among the first flowers to bloom in the late winter and early spring. Although they aren't real roses, they are named for their similarities to the flower.

And since we are talking about love and friendship, their meaning also coincides perfectly with the concept. How is "first love" or "young love" more fitting than anything else for the month of February?

Choosing the February Bouquet: A Message of Self-Trust

This month in the Floriography Mail Club, I talk in more detail about the Primrose and share my thoughts on the season. I also shared a special bouquet of flowers that I put together to create an uplifting message for the club; then, I painted the flower arrangement and turned it into a postcard to send to the members.

I don’t want to spoil it for the members, so I won’t share the final message here. They receive a glossary with the meaning of each flower so they can try to decode the message themselves, along with a pretty scratch-off card to discover the answer. But I do want to talk about the beautiful quartet of blooms that come together in this month's message: Purple Iris, Goldenrod, Blue Salvia, and the Star of Bethlehem.

I like taking my time to pick the flowers that best convey the message I am sending each month. In traditional floriography dating back to the early 1800s, people would often send flowers to deliver a secret message, often for loved ones or clandestine meetings. It all sounds so mystic and fiction-like, but these people and their stories really happened.

In today's busy world, I wanted to bring back the practice and give it a modern twist to create secret but uplifting messages for women. The message is not always straightforward; the receiver is invited to reflect on the meaning of each flower before finding out what the final message is.

• Blue Iris: Often used as a focal point to the receiver: "I came to deliver a message for you." Iris is the messenger, but it also means royalty, respect, and the strength to move forward.

• Goldenrod: Represents good fortune, healing, and growth. It serves as a unifying connector to the final bouquet.

• Blue Salvia: I chose this for its representation of wisdom. It's a way of saying, "Trust in your own wisdom," looking within rather than out for inspiration.

• Star of Bethlehem: With stories dating back to the birth of Jesus, this flower represents hope and healing. In this case, it is used as a compass or guide.

Behind the Brush: Painting the February Collection

My process for creating the message every month is something I hold special. I am acting as a messenger to the women in my club, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I believe that art is meant to be shared and meant to uplift.

This month, painting the purple iris was a bit of a struggle for me. Every month is a new experience and a new experiment. I feel like I am growing with each art piece. I grow as an artist by trying new techniques, colors, and flowers I have never painted before. I sketch, I look at references, I get a general idea of the colors, and then I go to work on the canvas. I find that I also get to grow as a person as I dive into new territory, learning to let go of perfectionism and learning to love my art and trust in the process.

A Monthly Invitation: The 47th Muse Mail Club

It is so rewarding for me as an artist to be able to create an experience every month with the Floriography Mail Club. I am only on the second edition, and I am already starting to hear back from women who received their mail. Their stories are so heartwarming.

I consider it a privilege to create a tangible experience—something you can touch and feel, something to look forward to every month. It’s a reason to slow down the rhythm of a busy day and turn it into a "me" experience and a moment of reflection. Knowing you are part of a community and that this was created just for you is a feeling that is truly priceless. I am honored to be a part of this amazing movement.

If you want to learn more about the Floriography Mail Club and how to be a part of the community, you can find all the details here.

Until next time, my friend.

Abrazos,

Mili