Mara Ellison
Founder & field tutor
Mara brings a background in natural history interpretation and a lifelong habit of sketching what she sees outdoors.
Our story
A studio built around attention.
Steadybloom Herbarium began as a shared table in Portland, where field notebooks, plant presses, and conversations about responsible collecting became a way to teach.
Our mission
We help people notice plants more carefully and preserve those observations with skill. Our courses connect natural history, material knowledge, and personal design without claiming that one method suits every landscape.
Three promises we keep
- Respect: gather only where permitted and never disturb vulnerable populations.
- Clarity: explain each material and process in plain, useful language.
- Craft: make room for both accurate records and individual expression.
The people at the table
Jonah Reed
Materials tutor
Jonah studies paper, pigment, and archival handling, helping learners understand how materials behave over time.
Priya Nair
Community editor
Priya shapes our accessible lesson plans and keeps the studio connected to local makers and educators.
Find your next careful project.
Browse the collection or tell us what you hope to learn.