Bouquet Preservation CO

07/13/2026

Shadow boxes are so fun to make. I love how the flowers hold their texture and shape. The silica helps keep the colors stay close to what they looked at the day of.

07/03/2026

For those of you who don't know my story, I spent 2 years in rehab from 2014-2016. I overcame a m**h and he**in addiction and became a better person while at Stout Street Foundation. I just celebrated 12 years in recovery on June 26th.

It was the hardest thing I've ever done, and it was also the best thing. I worked hard to change my behaviors and accept the things I can't change. Your trauma is not your fault, but it's absolutely your responsibility to deal with it and heal from it. SSF taught me how to be a better person, to be accountable for my actions, and to play the tape through to avoid getting myself in more trouble.

In May, Stout Street Foundation celebrated 50 years changing people's lives. The founder, Brad Lucero Jr and his wife, Carolyn Lucero were integral parts of so many people getting their life back. Carolyn loved butterflies and she brought so much love into the Foundation as a counselor. When I was asked to create a butterfly art piece including the 50 year coin, I was honored. It was so special to create such an symbolic piece of art for the place that helped save my life.

Happy 50 years Stout Street Foundation!

07/02/2026

I absolutely loved this frame! There was an artichoke in the middle of the bouquet which you can now see in the center of the piece. The jeweled tones of this bouquet are my favorite color pallate!

Allyson got a bunch of gifts for her family to match the shadow box.

07/01/2026

How cool to come across my mom's flower press. I remember putting flowers and plants in this as a child. Her friend made it and included a poem.

The Red Blaze is the Morning
The Violet is Noon
The Yellow Day is falling
And after that is None

But Miles of Sparks at Evening
Reveal the Width that burned
The Territory Argent that never yet consumed.

-Emily Dickinson

07/01/2026