Moss & Meadow Designs

Never forget to play

Guess it’s time to do one of those re-introduction posts and say an official hi to all the new ones joining my journey :) I’m Arielle, the sole owner, designer and source of energy behind Moss & Meadow. I created this business a few years ago with the idea of fusing creating personalized herbal tea blends and book suggestions. Along the way, I began playing with flowers and (many) crazy life events led me to adding floral design to the mix. That has now grown to become my m...ain focus and nothing has made me happier. I am largely self-taught in everything I do and each creation stems from an intuitive place in my heart. I give a lot of time, thought, and care into each aspect of my business, wanting to create an environment of warmth and beauty. I appreciate each person who’s been with me through all my transitions and am so excited to welcome more for the transitions to come. And I feel like this goes without saying as I hope the energy I put out into the world says this for me but I believe STRONGLY in equal human rights and dignity. This is a feminist, LGBTQ, Black, POC, AAPI, pro-choice, pro-gun control, etc. etc. etc. supportive space. You’re welcome to disagree with me but those words aren’t welcome in this space. Please and thank you _ Photography almost always by: @dakotaleestroud Dress perfection by: @shopdoen So delighted to be turned on to Doen by the impeccable @prettylittlefawn

Just a ton of bespoke arrangements because I can’t pick just one

How are you gentle to yourself? It’s a bizarre experience- running a business solo. With each client I take on, the potential for success or for failure is a constant companion- a voice that vacillates between encouragement and anxiety. The feeling of completing a job to perfection, knowing you left your client happy, is intoxicating. In those moments it’s easy to tell yourself you can reproduce this perfection every time. But as much as I hate to admit it, perfection is una...ttainable and nonexistent. I’ve always prided myself on being reliable, smart, and thorough, channeling all my anxiety into ensuring the closest thing to perfection I can achieve. But sometimes, no matter how much you plan, you mess up. Sometimes it doesn’t have any reason other than, well, mistakes just happen. This has always been hard for me to accept. I’ve always demanded and expected nothing less than my 110% best. On the occasions I can’t provide that, it’s been very hard to talk myself out of some dark places. Running this business, sometimes feels as if I’m constantly courting emotional disaster- setting myself up for the high highs and the low lows. I’m slowly learning to navigate the low lows better but being gentle to myself is the biggest hurdle. Perhaps the worst part of this is the isolation, the feeling trapped in your head with a cycle of self-degrading thoughts. It can feel so big, so all consuming. But I have a sneaking suspicion that keeping these experiences in the dark gives them more power. So, my fellow perfectionists, how are YOU gentle with yourself? How do you talk yourself out of the low lows? Or, if you can’t, how do you let it pass? Let’s air them out, hold virtual hands and realize together that no one is alone in their imperfection. | by @dakotaleestroud

Just can’t love this palette enough

Back in the shop today! This is your reminder to trim your stems and refresh your water On Sunday, I took all these flowers on their last legs home with me and they’re still going strong. Even when nature isn’t perfect, it’s beautiful. Appreciate the beauty and drop the expectation of perfection and you’ll receive more joy from your bouquet. It’s a good life rule in general

This weekend brought to you by flowers, dance parties and coffee, coffee, coffee - Looks like I’m just about sold out of flowers for the weekend loves. But I may decide to add some last minute orders so stay tuned _ Photo by the impeccable @dakotaleestroud

For all my Valley friends, I’ll be sending off some sweet bouquets to @sweetsaltfood this Saturday and Sunday! They’ll be first come, first serve and will go quickly so swing by for a Saturday/Sunday brunch and treat yo self to some flowers as well. (And make sure to try the lavender vanilla latte, my all time favorite and how my husband wooed me )

Why no, you can never have too much lilac for Mother’s Day. Or any day

As we’re entering one of the most florist-in-demand-times of the year, I figured it’s the perfect time to give a little reminder of what is in within your florists power to provide. I personally spend a lot of energy worrying if someone will be happy with their flowers. Truth is, you can order the same flower a 100 times and get 100 different variations. You can order a flower in season and have it mysteriously not available that one week due to weather or delivery issues. ...There’s no guarantees in this industry because it’s based on the delicate whims of nature. I personally find that beautiful. But it does become nerve wracking trying to translate this to clients and their expectations. I promise you that every florist is putting GREAT care and attention into each arrangement that goes out. We select the best blooms, in the best condition and heap attention of them each day to ensure they’ll last as long as possible. If you want a certain flower, we will do our BEST to find you that flower. Even if it means paying twice the amount because it’s out of season. We want you to be delighted with your arrangement-it gives joy to our little flower hearts. Some aspects can’t be controlled, that’s just the beautiful, challenging part of nature(and life). But there’s great opportunity to celebrate the beauty in difference Artwork by my beautiful, talented friend, @jennymillustrates