Friday, October 21, 2011

NOVICA, Handcrafted Gifts from the Finest Artisans on Earth (Review and Giveaway)

Closed.  And, the winner is:  Donna!!!!



In preparation for my holiday shopping this year, I was searching the Internet for unique, handmade items, as I am a fan of handmade goods, and came across NOVICA.  If you are unfamiliar with NOVICA you are truly missing out on some amazing products created by master artists and artisans from all over the globe.  I reached out to NOVICA, and they graciously sent me a gift certificate to use in their online store, where I chose the following bag to review and share my thoughts with you. 

And, here is the information on it, taken from the NOVICA website:



Cotton sling tote bag, 'Hmong Tradition'

By Jiap Rojjana, this colorful shoulder bag is crafted of black cotton. She adds a rich patchwork of vibrant textiles from Thailand's Hmong hill tribe. Fully lined, the tote features two inner pockets. Rain tree wood beads and a coconut shell elephant adorn the zipper.

Because each purse is an individual work of art, colors and motifs may vary slightly. 

Can you believe that this tote bag only cost $34.95?  If I bought this at a boutique or retailer, I would be looking at $75.00+ for sure.  And, you have to see this tote up close to see the fine workmanship and detail, designer Jiap Roijana put into creating this beautiful tote bag.  What I loved most about this one-of-a-kind tote bag was how roomy it was.  I was able to swap out my daily diaper bag and switch to this bag.  You don't know how good it felt to carry this tote bag around, compared to the big, bulky diaper bag I am used it.  And, with the fall here, it really does compliment weekend jeans and a sweater.  
Handbags have always been my weakness.  I have lost count at how many I actual own.  But, after receiving this tote bag, I now have a favorite one.  And, you should hear the compliments when people see me out and about.  Some even ask where they can buy one.  They are surprised when I tell them they have to order it online at NOVICA, as it is not available in local stores. 

In addition to the tote bag I purchased, here are some of the other beautiful products that you can purchase through NOVICA's online store:




If only Savannah was a little older, I would buy up many of their one-of-kind jewelry pieces, as they are all so gorgeous.  But, right now Savannah likes to grab at things and pull my zippers, so I hesitate to wear earrings and jewelry around her. 


But, in the meantime, I have created a wish list for Savannah and her father, which includes this beautiful robe.  There were so many Women's Robes to choose from, but there is something about this Baltic robe blue color that kept drawing me back to it.


And, while shopping the site for a product to review, I stumbled across these lovely Sterling Silver Filigree Earrings that I know my mother would love -- so, hopefully, she doesn't read this blog post, as she is getting a pair for Christmas! :-)

As you can see just from the few images of products from the NOVICA online store, you are bound to find just the right gift for yourself, family or friends.  And, if you run a business, don't forget to check out the unique corporate gifts that are available.  Let NOVICA take the guesswork out of what to get for client gifts, conference gifts, sales incentives, employee recognition and awards.  


I especially love their holiday cards, and think these would truly stand out to the recipient this holiday season.

I am so happy that I stumbled across the NOVICA website and had the opportunity to sample a handmade product firsthand.  And, I especially loved the detail in how the item was shipped and presented.  Each product comes with an artisan story card, so you can learn about the artist or artisan behind the item you are holding in your hands.  So, if you love supporting artists and their wares, you definitely need to head on over to NOVICA today to show your support.



--BUY NOW--

You can shop NOVICA online for their unique products.  Click here to begin shopping now through their online store.  Be prepared, you will spend hours looking through their products and reading all about the artisans and artists behind each of the amazing pieces offered in the NOVICA store.

--GIVEAWAY--

One lucky Inspired by Savannah reader will win a $35 gift certificate to use in the NOVICA online store towards a purchase.  To enter, please complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, and then as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like. Make sure to include your email address with your first comment, so that I can contact you if you win.

MANDATORY ENTRY:  Head on over to the NOVICA online store and let me know what product you would like to get, if you won this giveaway.

EXTRA ENTRIES:(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

1) Subscribe to my blog via email and/or become a GFC follower (2 entries each)

2) Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/. (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 3 Entries)

5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

6) Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)

Enter to #win a $35 Gift Certificate to purchase handmade gifts @Novica @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 11/5)

7) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day; Note:  You can only your one vote per day on ONE giveaway; duplicate comments on other giveaways on the same day with be void)
8) Add to a Giveaway Linky site  (5 entries)

9) Follow NOVICA on Twitter (1 entry)

10)  Like NOVICA on Facebook, and leave a comment letting them know Inspired by Savannah sent you. Make sure to include this post URL in your comment on Facebook.  Then, head back here and let me know you commented, making sure to include your Facebook Username in the comment section (2 entries)

Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on November 5, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner.


Want to become a NOVICA Live Consultant? 





Want to make a difference in the world AND enjoy a rewarding career? As a NOVICA Live Home Party Consultant, you can take control of your life and work on your own terms, while bringing fashionable fair trade, handcrafted treasures direct to customers through our unique home parties.


Become the authority on beautiful artisan-crafted jewelry, scarves, shawls, accessories and gifts, as you take the reins on your fresh new career. With a friendly team, fabulous products and a worthy cause, the sky is the limit!


For our consultants, getting in early is a big opportunity in direct sales.  They'll be able to make some good money and support artisans worldwide.  We're expanding across the country right now and signing up new consultants every week.  

The starter kits are only $199 and have over $400 worth of samples and $150 in business materials. We have a lot of promotions going on for our early consultants, including earning a trip to recreate Eat, Pray, Love with our co-founder Armenia in Bali (she was featured in Liz Gilbert's book)!  Also, we have a generous commission plan so they can make money while working just a few hours per week. 

Click here to learn more about becoming a NOVICA Live Consultant today.




About Novica:


Novica, in association with National Geographic, offers more than 20,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind gifts, jewelry, and home decor treasures handmade by master artists and artisans in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Unlike traditional retail channels, Novica works directly with artists and artisans through its seven international sourcing and shipping offices. Novica was founded in 1999 with the mission of aiding artisans and preserving ancient craft traditions. Novica is headquartered in Los Angeles.
Disclosure:  I was sent a sample product from the NOVICA product in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

212 comments :

  1. I like Garnet Button Earrings 'Scarlet Flower'

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  2. GFC Follower.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'd get the Beaded wristband bracelets, 'Bold Brown Fortunes' (pair).

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would get the Amazonite and obsidian solitaire ring, 'Sea and Night'
    connors26 at att.net

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'd get the Ceramic mask, 'Maya Night Voyage'.
    fastkat at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like NOVICA on Facebook, and left a comment letting them know Inspired by Savannah sent me & included this post URL in my comment.
    #1
    (katrina fries)

    fastkat at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like NOVICA on Facebook, and left a comment letting them know Inspired by Savannah sent me & included this post URL in my comment.
    #2
    (katrina fries)

    fastkat at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. On the Novica website, I would love to buy Pinewood desk organizer, 'Memories'

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  9. I entered: Mooney Farms Sun-Dried Tomato Products

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  10. I Subscribe to your blog via email #1

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am a GFC Follower (Maryann D.) #2

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would get the Obsidian jewelry set, 'Love Knots'.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love Novica! I think I would choose the Sterling silver band ring, 'Infinite Lanna'!

    Thanks!
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I follow via GFC!
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  15. I follow via GFC!
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  16. I LIKE you on Facebook.
    (Heather S Chaffer)
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I entered the Robby Wash giveaway.
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I entered the Planet Earth giveaway.
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I follow Novica on Twitter as hybroanglid.
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I LIKE Novica on Facebook, and I wrote on their wall!

    https://www.facebook.com/novica/posts/270180343020725

    (Heather S Chaffer)
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

    #1

    ReplyDelete
  21. I LIKE Novica on Facebook, and I wrote on their wall!

    https://www.facebook.com/novica/posts/270180343020725

    (Heather S Chaffer)
    h4schaffer at gmail dot com

    #2

    ReplyDelete
  22. I would use it towards the Cotton skirt, 'Golden Frills'- so beautiful!

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I follow you on GFC. I’m Missy Lynnh

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. (2) I follow you on GFC. I’m Missy Lynnh

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I subscribed to your emails

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. (2) I subscribed to your emails

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I liked your page on Facebook. I’m Missy Lynnh

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I follow you on Twitter. I’m mlynnh8

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I voted for you today 10/27

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I follow Novica on Twitter. I’m mlynnh8

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love the "romantic duality" wall art.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I entered your Pooh giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I entered your Robby Wash giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I entered: Mighty Leaf Iced Tea

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  36. I follow you on Twitter (Marysa1)
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I follow Novica on Twitter (Marysa1)
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I am a facebook fan of your blog (Marysa N).
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I follow your blog with GFC (HomeMadeBaby)
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com
    Entry 1

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow your blog with GFC (HomeMadeBaby)
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com
    Entry 2

    ReplyDelete
  41. Entered your Brainy Baby giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Entered your Mighty Leaf giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Entered your Planet Earth giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Entered your Bummas giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Entered your Home Free giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Entered your Erin Bakers giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Entered your Perfect Brownie giveaway.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I voted for you today 10/28

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. On the Novica website, I would love to buy Pinewood desk organizer, 'Memories'

    ReplyDelete
  50. Voted 10/29: http://picketfenceblogs.com/category/mommy?similar=2077

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  51. I follow you on twitter (macdrap50)

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  52. Entered: Erin Baker's

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  53. Entered: Growums Garden Kits

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  54. Planet Earth Essential Oils

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  55. Entered: Novelty Box of PopCorners

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  56. Entered: Perfect Brownie Pan System

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  57. Entered: 10-pack of Baked Classics

    Maryann D.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

    ReplyDelete
  58. I voted for you today 10/30

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I like the Cotton sling bag, 'Lanna Forest'

    tnxns09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. email subscriber
    tnxns09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. email subscriber2
    tnxns09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. gfc follower (sl)
    tnxns09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. gfc follower (sl)2
    tnxns09 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I entered the Snorgtees giveaway too

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  65. I voted for you today 11/2

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. I'd get the Kashmiri chain stitched rug, 'Palace Mosaic'

    bmweida at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  67. I follow you on Twitter @Razzmyberry

    ReplyDelete
  68. I voted for you today 11/3

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I voted on the fence!
    tara.the.equestrian at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  70. Silver anklet, 'Starfish'
    very nice items
    kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  71. GFC Kendra22
    kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. 2 GFC kendra22
    kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Follow NOVICA on Twitter kendra22007
    kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. follow u twitter kendra22007
    kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I voted for you today 11/4

    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  76. If I won I'd like to get the Gold plated citrine dangle earrings, 'Moon Flower'.
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  77. I follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect as shala_darkstone.
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  78. I follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect as shala_darkstone.
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net
    #2

    ReplyDelete
  79. I sent you a friend request on Facebook (FB name: Maddie Brubaker).
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  80. I follow you on Twitter (@shala_darkstone).
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  81. I voted for you on Picket Fence Blogs.
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  82. I follow NOVICA on Twitter (@shala_darkstone).
    maddiemb {at} comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  83. I would get this amazing decorative mask: "Gabonese wood mask, 'Punu Spirit'"

    ReplyDelete
  84. I follow you on Twitter! My username is kcindyloo.

    ReplyDelete
  85. I entered the Erin's Bakery Breakfast Cookies Giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  86. I tweeted about the giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/kcindyloo/status/132672410909544448

    ReplyDelete
  87. I'm following Novica on Twitter (username kcindyloo)

    ReplyDelete
  88. I would choose the Garnet Dangle Earrings "Glowing Exotic". They're so beautiful! I recently purchased a necklace from NOVICA and it's absolutely stunning. I'd definitely shop there again!

    Mercedes

    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  89. I follow you via GFC as Mercedes!

    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  90. I follow you via GFC as Mercedes, entry 2!

    Mercedes

    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  91. I voted for you on Picket Fence!

    Mercedes

    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  92. love the mystical pedal necklace...amethyst.

    ReplyDelete
  93. I love the hemp shoulder bags - beautiful and such detail! I also like that they can be hand washed. But there's SO many items I love, it's hard to choose.

    Maggie / [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  94. I'd really like to get the Leather and pearl wrap bracelet, 'New Tribal'.

    ReplyDelete
  95. I would love to get the Sterling silver dangle earrings, 'Elephant Horizon'

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  96. GFC follower 1

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  97. GFC follower 2

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. entered the Erin Baker's giveaway

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. following you on twitter @mrsclutterbuck

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. following Novica on twitter @mrsclutterbuck

    marija.majerle at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I would pick the leather wristband bracelet-double wrap brown.

    thepricklypinecone(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I like you on FB

    thepricklypinecone(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I entered the Erin Baker's giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  104. I entered the PopCorners giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I entered the Grandma Dees giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  106. I entered the Food Should Taste Good giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  107. I entered the Baked Classics giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  108. I entered the Protein Bakery giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  109. I entered the Pear Tree Greetings giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  110. I entered the Mrs Renfros Salsas giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  111. Following you on twitter (Lieut_crunch)

    ReplyDelete
  112. Following Novica on twitter (@Lieut_crunch)

    ReplyDelete
  113. Liked Novica on facebook, let them know you sent me and posted your link! :-) http://www.facebook.com/novica/posts/261663283879273

    ReplyDelete
  114. I love the Sails sterling silver necklace.
    http://jewelry.novica.com/necklaces/pendant/favorites/sterling-silver-pendant-necklace-sails/159077/

    ReplyDelete
  115. Follow on GFC #1
    tzufelt05atyahoo

    ReplyDelete
  116. Follow on GFC #2
    tzufelt05atyahoo

    ReplyDelete
  117. Follow you on twitter @boystobooks

    ReplyDelete
  118. Follow Novica on twitter @boystobooks
    tzufelt05atyahoo

    ReplyDelete
  119. Voted on Picket fence
    http://picketfenceblogs.com/category/mommy?similar=2077

    tzufelt05atyahoo

    ReplyDelete
  120. love the silver Revolution bracelet
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I follow Novica on Twitter
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  122. I follow you on Twitter
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  123. Voted for you on Picket Fence
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  124. Follow you on GFC (1)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  125. Follow you on GFC (2)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  126. Entered Baked Classics
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  127. I entered the Baked Goods from Erin Baker's giveaway!
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  128. I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/#!/JessicaADavis/status/132990081001725953
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  129. Like NOVICA on Facebook,
    http://www.facebook.com/novica/posts/10150349467690836
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  130. Like NOVICA on Facebook #2
    http://www.facebook.com/novica/posts/10150349467690836
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  131. Entered Baked Best Brownies
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  132. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  133. I think I'd get the Reed zampona panpipe, 'Laca' for my son. :)

    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  134. Tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/SuperGrover83/status/133000366009753600Tweeted

    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  135. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  136. I entered Perfect Brownie Pan System Giveaway ([email protected])

    ReplyDelete
  137. I entered the Food Should Taste Good Giveaway ([email protected])

    ReplyDelete
  138. I entered the Crock Country Veggie Giveaway. ([email protected])

    ReplyDelete
  139. I entered the Assortment Products for Athletes Giveaway ([email protected])

    ReplyDelete
  140. Entered Country Crock
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  141. I would love to get the Pearl and serpentine beaded bracelet. I love to wear bracelets.

    Kathy Davis
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  142. I have had my eye on a Hemp Shoulder Bag at NOVICA forever (Colors of the Night). I've been needing a new purse since June and I'd love to get this!
    ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

    ReplyDelete
  143. I'm a GFC follower 1
    ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

    ReplyDelete
  144. I'm a GFC follower 2
    ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com ☮

    ReplyDelete
  145. I'd buy the Jasper and citrine drop earrings, 'Cool Forest'. Thanks!
    romapup at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  146. Following your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect under Romapr
    #1

    ReplyDelete
  147. Following your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect under Romapr
    #2

    ReplyDelete