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.