Introducing the beautiful and ever-so healthy Ashley Neese! I can’t remember how I came across Ashley but as soon as I signed up for her Newsletter, I was hooked!! You guys, GO SIGN UP NOW – I promise that you won’t regret it. Over the last decade, she has become a natural foods chef, holistic nutrition counselor, and certified yoga instructor. All of these avenues of study have enabled her to develop a wellness practice that works on every level, mind, body, and spirit.

“Right now I am working on my second eBook, Everyday Heath: Spring. This book includes ten delicious, healthy and savory vegetarian recipes that highlight this season’s produce. I am also working on a fun video series that will include cooking demos, healthy living tips and simple yoga instruction.”

…and now her favorite piece and why:
“I love this bag because it is functional and very cute. It is perfect for a spring/summer trip to the beach, local market or an afternoon hangout in the city. This tote is classic which pretty much sums up my style and I use it almost daily.”

Check out her —> Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

I am so thrilled to Introduce Bianca D’Amico of Chaparral Studio. This is now the third studio tour here on Emmadime & I can’t tell you guys how happy they make me. There is nothing more inspiring than diving into someone’s process, where they came from, how they work….. Especially with someone who has such a grand personality, like Bianca! I met her for the first time last year when I was living in Los Angeles. I had the chance to see all of her pretty creations in person at a small holiday pop-up sale. I remember wanting to buy everything – especially these sparkly Lady Caves. Needless to say, I knew she would be perfect for this and that Wade, the videographer, would have a hay-day filming her. I was right. I’ll let the video do the rest of the talking – take a gander & enjoy!

Here is a list of the jewelry that she has on! I couldn’t fit this into the little white boxes, ha! …Odette, vintage from my ma, vintage from Pergolina, Renee Garvey, Rebeccca Lankford Designs, Margaret Solow, Jane Hollinger, M.E. Moore, Alkemie, Kathleen Whitaker, Ila & I, My own designs and so much more… my favorite piece in these photos might be my vintage switch blade that my boyfriend gave me. I wear it close to my heart. It’s a perfect combo of tough and beautiful – and it makes me think of him.

…a few words from Bianca about her biz:
“The Chaparral is the plant community found primarily in California and in the northern portion of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico. I’m native to this landscape and grew up climbing its oak trees. I have been equally inspired by its fragrant sage bushes found on a trail as I have been by the eclectic culture and resources of our urban communities. Chaparral Studio is a creative studio that bridges the gap between nature, sustainability, art, humor, politics, and everything in between by inventing objects and reinventing spaces with our plant designs, handmade goods and various other concoctions. The team is made up of myself, my loyal dog Hannah, and is very often a collaborative effort with my mother – a creative woman that has a bright green thumb, a healthy sense of humor and is my best friend.”

…and now her favorite piece & why:
“My dog. she is not only my companion but she pairs well with my entire wardrobe. 2nd to my dog is all my jewelry. I can’t pick a favorite piece. I love making jewelry but receiving jewelry as a gift is even better. Every piece holds different memories and associations. Combined, I am littered in lovely thoughts. By the way, hannah, my dog also wears jewelry. I swear it’s under her furry collar. Together we are two gypsies. And last but not least my truck. It is always a pleasure to surprise men folk with my bad ass bungee cord strapping skills while working some boho lady attire. I always imagined that the dream was to have a truck and a dog and wear whatever I want whenever I want. Heres to dreaming!”

Check out her –> Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Note – I would advise full-screening this or watching it bigger on Vimeo! It’s so tiny here in my post – it doesn’t do it justice. Also, a massive thanks to Wade! for shooting this tour. The dedication that he has for his work never fails to inspire me! I’m lucky to have him as a friend and a creative-collaborating buddy! …and thank you Kate Miss for the pretty pictures of Bianca!

Also:

Bianca let Wade and I each come up with a little scenario for our own personal terrariums! I definitely spent way too much time thinking about this, ha. I couldn’t decide if I wanted it to be funny, make it personal, or more random…?? As soon as I thought about knitting and it’s large roll in my life right now, I knew it HAD to be related to that. I planted the seed in Bianca’s head and she took it from there! The result = ME knitting with oversized needles, while sitting on a huge sheep that is wrapped in yarn!! Could that be more perfect?

Wade! decided to make his terrarium a tribute & gift to his father John, aka ‘The Cosmic Cowboy’. He flew all the way out to Texas to give it to him! John loves western aesthetics – bulls, guns, boots and mustaches – but he also has a spiritual side and loves 70′s rock n roll. Bianca made a little John sitting on a crystal in the middle of a dream catcher with a bucking bull, hanging out with his beloved chihuahua, Hoss and listening to pink floyd!! You can see the final versions below. So tiny!

Introducing Rebekka Seale. I found her a while back through her beautiful shop and have been in love with her & her work ever since! She creates the most gorgeous hand-painted desktop calendars for her blog readers, as well as keeping up with a few regular themes – food, flowers, portraits… It’s all great!!

“I am an artist and illustrator living in East Nashville, Tennessee. All of my work is hand-painted, reflecting my love for all things imperfect and homespun. Currently, I am working on a few book illustration projects, some original paintings, and lots of custom house portraits! When I’m not painting, I love to read, knit, sail, cook supper for my friends, and engage in general tomfoolery.”

…and now her favorite piece and why:
“My favorite piece is my harmonica bracelet! It’s so goofy and sentimental. My husband and I love New Orleans and ride the train down there for a week every summer. On our last visit, I met this street vendor who sold engraved jewelry made of antique forks. He was a character. My bracelet is made out of a fork and a baby harmonica (which works perfectly) and is engraved with my name and little sayings like, “You are your own fork-tune cookie”. It’s ridiculous, but it’s precious to me.”

Thanks Rebekka!!

Introducing Eva Goicochea -
Eva reached out to me a while back about a wonderful company that she works for ( Everlane: check out a studio tour here ) & we’ve kept in touch ever since. I have also fallen in love with a series on her blog called “Thinking Drink” – it’s about yummy libations created in honor of thinkers, scientists and other brilliant eccentrics. You guys, have to check it out!!

“At the moment, I’m one part Head of Culture and Talent at Everlane, one part co-captain (with my husband Ian) of a Mt. Washington menagerie of rescue pets (this is Colette), and a small part creative—be it blogging on Mister Boffin, taking on simple design projects or freelance writing. In short, I have plenty to keep my right and left brain happy. But the real common thread of this concoction? My constant wonderment and appreciation of the good company I’m surrounded by. Life is good.”

…and now her favorite piece and why:
“This copper bracelet from New Mexico, my home state, because it was a gift and because of its symmetrical geometric shapes. With my relaxed style—this French Terry is an Everlane sample for pete’s sake—it’s the small details that matter to me most. Plus, if I didn’t live in Los Angeles, I’d be savoring the quiet life in Santa Fe finding that green thumb I apparently lost 30 years ago.”

…and now, Eva has made it possible for you to win a $50 Everlane credit – you lucky luck ducks! I wish I could enter my own giveaway, ha! To enter, leave a comment below about what you’d buy if you went on an Everlane shopping spree. Good luck!! ( This giveaway has ended 05/08/13 )

As you guys all know, I am majorly into knitting. If you didn’t know – guess what? I LOVE KNITTING!! I have a huge appreciation and love for women who are creating fashionable pieces from quality fibers. Tara does just that. I have been a big fan of hers for a while now and thought it was time to share her skills with you guys. Introducing Tara-Lynn Morrison!

“I live in Canada with my ol’ man, my two kids, enid + luke, & a cat. I am the sole owner of  good night, day, a hand knits label of limited & one of a kind designs & knitting supplies. I am in the process of printing the fifth edition of my self-published knitting booklet. I am also working on the next knitting booklet (part 2), expanding on offering more knitting supplies such as hand crafted wooden knitting needles. I am about to embark on weaving classes & hopefully will one day have enough space to have my own loom & knitting machine.”

…and now her favorite item and why -
“My favorite item is my gifted vintage 60s ring, it was given to me from my mom & was given to her by her mom on her 21st birthday in 1969, it is her birthstone a peridot. I wear this ring everyday, I’m crazy for large rings, they are such a statement!”

p.s. Don’t you guys just love that hat? I am always searching for the perfect knitted hat – I think I have found it… You can buy it here in her shop, get it in a kit if you want to make it yourself, or download the pattern! There are so many ways for this incredible hat to be in your life. She has kindly offered up a 10% off code for her shop if you’re interested = MERCI

Thanks Tara!

Introducing Ana Perkins - Ana is a stylist and graphic designer in her hometown of Austin, Texas. In addition to her blog Grown-up Shoes, she works as a graphic designer at The Creative Parasol and writes a monthly style column on Camille Styles. You can view her portfolio here!!

…and now her favorite piece & why:
“My favorite part of this look is my strawberry needlepoint bag. I love that it’s different from the floral needlepoint you typically see and I think the larger size of the bag helps modernize this pretty old piece. I’ve always been drawn to “old lady” textures and prints: crochet, embroidery, lace and almost anything floral. I used to fight it because I felt like it wasn’t cool or on-trend, but I’ve come to embrace it.”

Photos by Chelsea Fullerton of Go Forth Creative

Introducing Hanna Ferrara -
“I’m an artist and maker who lives in Asheville, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Right now I’m working on a new collection for Another Feather, a couple of collaborations that I’m really excited about, and I’m planning and hosting workshops and gatherings for Kinfolk Magazine. I’m also planning to revisit my first love this year, weaving and working with textiles, which I’ve unfortunately had little time for the last few years. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, cooking meals for friends, reading out loud, riding bicycles with my husband, giving gifts, going to estate sales, dreaming of returning to India, and listening to people tell stories.”

“Since I’m normally working in my studio, my daily uniform tends to be some combination of denim on denim variety with well worn clogs or boots. I’ve slowly learned to appreciate how much a good pair of wooden heeled leather shoes, lipstick, and stacked jewelry can help me be ‘dressed up’ with out even ever changing my clothes for evenings when I need to meet friends for dinner or head to a gallery opening after a long day of jewelry making.”

…and now her favorite piece and why:
“Probably my leather tote bag, made by my husband. I’m not really a purse gal but I am a total bag/basket lady, and I wanted something that I could carry for running errands to the market and to fit everything I would need for the day when traveling, but could also transition into a purse at night. This was the first prototype Malcolm made for his leather totes, and it is well loved and has developed the perfect patina after a year and a half of carrying it. The dotted handkerchief tied around the strap was picked up at one of my favorite stores, Labour & Wait, in London. I spent two months doing an artist residency in the UK the winter before last and seeing it tied on my bag each day reminds me of my time spent there. My glasses are also a favorite since they are big enough to double as safety glasses when I’m soldering metal in the studio, and I love the company because they donate 100% of their profits to animal rescue!”

Check out: Another Feather | Artist Portfolio | Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Photos by Olivia Rae James

Introducing Victoria Vu – “I’m a stationery & architectural designer, a Los Angeles transplant, a morning person! These days I’m busying with custom invitations, a little illustration for Darling Magazine, & dreaming up new paper goods for the shop. When I’m not thinking about Paper & Type, it’s nice to unwind with good friends & food, explore new neighborhoods on foot, & sneak in a visit home home to Northern California once in awhile…”

…and now her favorite piece & why:
This blouse has served me incredibly well – it’s become a part of my regular uniform since I picked it up last fall! I love that it can so easily be proper or relaxed, be buttoned or layered upon. That rounded collar is just the right touch, & navy blue is one of my go-tos. An honorable mention should also be given to these trusty sandals, which are essentials in a city of endless summers.

Also – Victoria has kindly offered up a pair of her Ranunculus cards for one lucky winner to enjoy ( …she also plans to include a few other smaller treats, fyi!! ) To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below about your favorite item in her shop!

Also, check out her: Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Photos of Victoria by Dabito – of Old Brand New

This giveaway has ended.
The winner is Kimber of The Two Photography.
Congrats**

Introducing Jenn Elliott Blake – ( I’m diggin’ all of her knitted goodies!! )
You can see and read more about this post over at her blog today!

“For the past year I’ve been focusing most of my energies on engaging in creative collaborations with friends across the world. As a freelance prop stylist & event designer, I love the ability to create without restriction and to push the envelope with my clients. I recently just wrapped a styling project for an upcoming party book coming out later this fall, and am looking forward to a summer FULL of travel – Germany, Barcelona, Ireland, Thailand and India are all on the brain. When I’m not traveling, I love sharing my inspirations on my blog SCOUT, spending time with my husband at home or having drinks & coffee dates in my favorite neighborhoods with friends.”

…and now her favorite piece and why:
“I love my 3 euro bargain bin thrift store hat. I found it while prowling through Paris with some very close friends and every time I wear it I’m reminded of our adventures. It’s my daily go to item as it matches everything in my closet, is the perfect solution for bad hair days, and since the weather in the PNW doesn’t really warm up until late summer, it helps tame that Puget Sound chill.”

THANKS Jenn.
( …love your bright socks** )

photos by: Julia Manchik

Introducing, Christian Sorensen Hansen. Do you guys remember Chantal last week? Well, he’s her boyfriend! What a killer couple huh??

Here’s a little bit about him: “I’m a director originally from Seattle, WA but currently residing in Los Angeles. I do a ton of music video and commercial work but right now I’m focusing on a series of short documentaries entitled Something From Nothing. The series features a group of Seattle artists working in a range of mediums who have inspired me over the years. I’m also happy to say I just launched a new website, something that was long overdue.”

…and now his favorite item and why:
“I’m constantly traveling so having functional and versatile clothing is key. Filson garments fit those requirements with a design that is hardly in need of revision over the last 100 years. The Shelter Cloth only gets better with age and the bucket pockets in the front are a catch-all for everything from rolls of film to left over sandwiches. My girlfriend even uses the internal ammo pouches to carry around her DSLR when she steals the coat from me.”

Photos by: Chantal Andrea