Every now and then, you come across an artist whose work feels like a breath of fresh air — literally. That’s exactly what happens when you discover Sister Golden botanical art, co-founded by Vicki Rawlins and her daughter, Brooke. Their whimsical foliage portraits and dreamy nature-made compositions have captivated people around the world.
Her medium isn’t paint, clay, or canvas.
Her tools aren’t brushes or pens.
Instead, Vicki creates using fallen leaves, wildflowers, dried stems, seed pods, petals, and whatever beautiful bits of nature she finds while foraging.
And the most magical part?
She doesn’t use tape, glue, or pins.
Every piece is arranged entirely by hand using tweezers, patience, intuition, and a deep sense of play — until the composition comes to life.
Once complete, the artwork exists only long enough for a photograph. Then Vicki sweeps it all away and returns the foliage back to nature, letting the materials decompose and begin their cycle again.
It’s art that lives in the moment and because of that, it becomes something timeless.
A Life Forever Changed and the Birth of Sister Golden Botanical Art
Vicki has always described herself as being “born an artist.” From childhood sketches to a successful career as a Chicago muralist, creativity shaped her world. But in 2011, everything changed. A severe reaction to a prescribed antibiotic left her in debilitating pain, unable to hold a paintbrush and uncertain of what her future would look like.
Doctors warned she might lose mobility, or even her ability to see or hear.
But Vicki wasn’t ready to surrender the part of herself that made her feel whole.
Through meditation, slow physical healing, and sheer determination, she began creating again. First with small watercolors, and eventually with something entirely new. She looked out the window one day and noticed leaves on the ground. Not perfect leaves, not shiny new growth — but weathered pieces of nature that most would overlook.
She gathered them, laid them out, and instinctively began “painting” with them.
As she has beautifully said: “I feel like I’m painting with the foliage.”
That single moment sparked a creative rebirth.
From a Whim to a Worldwide Following
When Vicki sent a photo of her early botanical portraits to her daughter, Brooke immediately saw the magic and encouraged her to turn it into something more.
Together, they launched Sister Golden, an online shop that has now grown into a beloved brand offering:
• Fine art prints
• Puzzles
• Greeting cards
• Calendars
• Home décor
• Hardcover book
Their behind-the-scenes videos on Instagram and Facebook have earned millions of views, showing Vicki gently arranging leaves into stunning faces, hair made of petals, and storybook scenes that feel enchanted.
People fall in love not only with the art, but with the process.
There’s something grounding about it. Something joyful. Something that reminds us that everyday nature is extraordinary when we learn to see it differently.
Her Hardcover Book: A Celebration of Sister Golden Botanical Art
If you want to bring Vicki’s botanical world into your own home, her book is an absolute treasure. Filled with detailed images, stories, and inspiration, it’s the kind of coffee-table book that sparks conversation and creativity.
This collection is perfect for anyone who loves Sister Golden botanical art and wants to explore Vicki’s creative world up close.
The Power of Flowers Book by Vicki Rawlins
Explore Vicki Rawlins’ stunning botanical portraits crafted entirely from foraged foliage—no glue, no tape, just pure imagination.
Book Cover Courtesy: Amazon/Vicki Rawlins
Why Her Art Resonates With So Many
Vicki’s work reminds us of something important that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated, and beauty often comes from what we overlook.
Her portraits feel alive because they were alive. The landscapes feel whimsical because they came straight from imagination and instinct. Her process feels meditative because it was born from healing.
And maybe that’s why her art touches people across the world. It’s a reminder to slow down, step outside, gather what inspires us, and create something beautiful simply because we can.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to Sister Golden botanical art, their prints, puzzles, and calendars are a beautiful place to begin.
Whether you’re searching for inspiration for your home, your creativity, or simply your daily mood, exploring Sister Golden’s world is such a rewarding experience. Along with their online shop, you can even browse their flagship store in person at 4147 Main St., Fish Creek, WI, a charming spot where their art truly comes to life.
Vicki Rawlins’ botanical creations blend imagination with nature in a way that feels refreshing, modern, and deeply soulful. And if you love art you can repurpose, Brooke shared that their 12-month calendar doubles as frameable prints, giving you a year of beauty and a gallery wall to enjoy long after.
Have you tried creating with foliage before?
Or do you own a Sister Golden print?
Comment below or email me I love hearing about the artists that inspire you, too.
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