Meet Stephanie Wandtke | Botanical Artist

My business kind of started itself. I began making my little lockets as gifts for friends and family. I have an old soul and I think that lockets have such a long history of love and remembrance. They are romantic and simple. What better gift to give a loved one? When I think of lockets I think of keeping loved ones close even if they are at a distance; It is held perfectly against your heart. I needed a healthy way to turn off my brain- something to focus on so my anxieties would dismiss. I can say that moving fragile flowers through a viscous substance such as resin does just that. It puts me in a healthy meditative state. Gift giving is my love language and these keepsakes turned heirlooms fit my style perfectly. From gift giving, my friends would ask me to do meaningful commissions for them and their loved ones. I was then asked to sell at a local shop here in Denver. It then just organically grew into what it is today. And, I love that. My little business was born to give and in return i was gifted its growth. Now, I’ve ventured out of just lockets; memoriams, bolos, rings, botanical dyes, ritual kits, paper flowers. It is all items that I create because I love to make them. I love detail, I love time taken and extreme care I take to create them.

I create different botanically themed items. I grow, harvest and press the majority of what is put in my pieces. With the pressed flowers I precisely cut them so they have a symmetrical look in each piece: mirroring each other in true libra form. The medium I use to create my pieces is resin. After manipulating the pieces in place I seal them with resin so they can be forever worn, admired and hopefully, passed down. I think what sets me apart from others is my symmetry, A lot of what I create has stories along with it- the day I picked the flowers, a story of what the flowers remind me of or their meaning- floriography “the language of flowers”. I also dabble in botanical dyes. Plants are magic and showing their colors is another form of admiration I like to share. Botanically dyed clothing, tarot cloths and dye kits are yet another offering. I hand dress candles with flowers, herbs and plant based resins. These are made to be used in ceremonies or rituals that feel right for you, an addition that is meant to bring healing, love and connection in your practice. Finally, I recently started to learn and create the art of paper flowers. I love this because with my detail you are able to keep a realistic blooming flower forever in your house.

There is so much to see and do here! My regular spots are Joyhill Pizza, Adrift, Temaki Den, Jerusalem, Dew Drop, Uchi, Trve Brewing, La Calle Taqueria Y Carnitas, 1 up (I love pinball)-just to name a few. I really love the kirkland museum. I think its and underrated spot in Denver. I can honestly walk around that place for hours- the collections there are incredible. I am a longtime member of the Botanic Gardens so of course we would go there- I love to go in the evening around the golden hour. Thats when the hummingbird moths come out and they are truly a site to see. Thats for city stuff but in all honesty, I would probably go camping or get a cabin in the mountains and do some home cooking. I love cooking and having meals with friends and family- this is usually my go to. Mountain air, hikes and low key hangs with my loved ones. I like small groups and good conversations.

First, my grandma. She was this absolutely magical being who lived in a little log cabin in the woods of Ohio. She taught me my love of plants, flowers & “the unseen world”. When I was little we would hike around her property and she would teach us all about the flora and fauna that surrounded us. The magical properties of plants and the language of flowers. It was such a simple thing that molded me into who I am. She looked at the world the way I do-romantically and full of magic. I think that my detail oriented self came a lot from growing up doing these activities. You have to have a sharp eye to spot things. Its about paying attention to the details surrounding you; colors, textures, symbiotic relationships & sounds.

My amazing coven back home- my mom, sister and aunt have always pushed my creative side. We’ve always honored our family history and ancestors. Heirlooms are something that is really special in our family. So I feel like my antique, old soul vibe comes from always being surrounded by these meaningful- one of a kind- items. We have books that were passed down from the 1800s, old journals, letters, recipes, tin types, photos, tincture bottles, handmade goods and so on that have a soul of their own. I feel like one of a kind items are hard to find now because everything is so mass produced. But, these unique items have stories to me. That’s why I try and create these unique pieces. They take time and patience and eventually will have their own story.

My partner and friends who always push me to pursue my artform and get myself out there. Their words are like spell work to me. They give me the confidence and support that just makes me want to succeed and create amazing things. I have some incredibly solid people in my life and they genuinely want me to be happy. My art form makes me happy and they see that.

The Terrorium Shop here in Denver. They were the first company to ask me to sell in their store. It is such an honor to be able to do so and has really helped my little business bloom. They are so supportive of me and my work and I am forever grateful for them.