Have you ever been to another country and brought a really special, handmade item home with you? For those of you who have, you know how special that item is and typically it’s an item that stays with you for many, many years and is so well made, that eventually it will become something that you can pass down to your children.
Novica, a company in association with National Geographic, has set out to connect consumers with these special handmade items, bringing artists and artisans from other countries, right to your doorstep!
About Novica
Novica has set out to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. Their mission is to provide consumers with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow. Novica wants you to know who your buying from and feel the attachment to the product and the hands that created it.
Our Experience
There’s something about shopping with Novica that adds an added excitement that you don’t get shopping at ordinary websites and stores. When you visit Novica, shoppers can not only search items by product, but also by the region it comes from. Once you have found an item that you love, you can then learn about the artist that created it. Novica really makes an effort to not only give you an amazing shopping experience, but they go beyond retail, connecting you with the hands that made each item. You feel as if you suddenly know the artist and I personally found myself day dreaming about what their life must be like.
We were given an opportunity to place an order at the Novica website and after searching the website and their very large array of items, I had a hard time narrowing down my choices. For some time now, I have wanted a wooden salad bowl, however I was not amused by the large price tag of these salad bowls at mass retailers. After searching the Novica for “wooden salad bowls”, we came upon an olive wood salad bowl that was just breathtaking, made by artisan Blas Ponce Manrique. Born in 1927, Blas originates in Peru and offers the following commentary regarding his talents:
“I started in the arts and crafts world when I was thirteen years old doing silversmith work in my hometown of San Jerónimo. When I was young I dedicated myself to studying at a state funded polytechnic institute specializing in arts and crafts trades in the capital, Lima. It was there that I learned the art of woodworking, and over time I worked to perfect my craft, always persevering with a sense of enthusiasm. I am one of the few woodworkers who works with olive wood, as it is a classic wood.”
And here is the Olive Wood Salad Bowl that Mr. Manrique crafted for us…
The salad bowl came packaged in this beautifully paper packaging with a handmade Llama glued to a bow on top!
It also came with a little note about the artisan and information on the salad bowl itself.
The olive wood salad bowl is so beautifully crafted that I’m certain this will be an item that will stay with us for years to come and I hope to pass it down to my girls one day! The salad bowl retails for $92.95 and something of this quality would easily run you around $300 locally and you would be missing out on the wonderful story of the artist and the wonderful feeling that comes from supporting a hardworking artisan that puts much time and thought into each piece they create.
What items are offered by Novica?
This is where it gets really fun! Novica offers everything from furniture and home decor to silver jewelry, apparel, paintings and more! Novica even offers a gift finder, where you can find suggestions of what that “special someone” may enjoy. The enjoyable part about shopping at Novica is that your going to receive a one-of-a-kind item that is not mass produced on a production line. Behind each product is a story, a family, a person and a talent that has been given the opportunity to extend and share their craftsmanship with people like you and I!
Extending Opportunities
Novica goes above and beyond connecting artists to consumers, it also offers microfinance opportunities, in an effort to help artisans grow. Artisans now have the opportunity to gain access to microcredit with 0% interest…how amazing is that?
Start Shopping
Visit www.novica.com to begin shopping! I find myself reading the bio’s of the artists more than shopping, however once you read the bios of the artists, you suddenly fall in love with their work! New customers can use code: NOVICA243 to receive $10 off a $40 purchase!
Win it!
The kind folks at Novica are offering one lucky “Deal”ectible Mommies reader a chance to WIN $50 Novica Gift Card to find a special item for your family! Purchase a new pair of earrings, find a handmade piece of sterling silver jewelry or find a new wooden salad bowl to add to your dinner time festivities!
Simply visit www.novica.com and tell me an item you would love to have OR tell me about an artisan you found and your entered to win!
Extra Entries: Please Note that the intial entry must be completed before any extra entries will be counted.
1. Fan “Deal”ectible Mommies on Facebook
2. Follow “Deal”ectible Mommies on Twitter and tweet the following:
Win a $50 Novica Gift Certificate from @dealectiblemom! http://tinyurl.com/2vjb44h
3. Subscribe to my feed or emails (located on the right hand sidebar).
4. Comment on any non-giveaway post.
5. Grab my button:
6. Follow Novica on Facebook
7. Follow Novica on Twitter
The boring stuff: Giveaway open to entrants worldwide. However, please note click here for a complete list of countries that Novica will ship to. Giveaway ends on June 18th at midnight. Winner will be chosen using random.org.
Disclaimer: I was provided with the above mentioned products to facilitate my review. My thoughts and opinions remain my own!
stephanie g
i love the Hemp and cotton handbag, ‘Bamboo Lanna’
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stephanie g
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follow you on twitter and tweeted
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get your emails
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fan of novica on fb
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follow novica on twitter
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jennifer
The atlantis hammock would be my pick! It would be perfect for father’s day!
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jennifer
I am your facebook fan!
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jennifer
I subscribe to your updates via e-mail!
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kelly beene
Have always wanted a beautiful wooden bowl and the stories behind the artist makes it even more meaningful
Sharon
They have gorgeous and unique mirrors at Novica. I love the “Treasure Chest” Mirror by Khalid Ali! Thanks!
Sharon
I’m a facebook fan of “Deal”ectible Mommies.
Sharon Olivier
Sharon
I follow you on twitter @sharonjo2
My tweet:
http://twitter.com/sharonjo2/status/14987872194
Sharon
I’m an email subscriber.
Sharon
I like Novica on facebook.
Sharon Olivier
Sharon
I follow Novica on twitter @sharonjo2
laurie
i like the eggshell mosaic vase hourglass
laurie
like DM on facebook-lmurley2000
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follow DM on twitter-lmurley2000
laurie
email subscriber
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like novica on facebook-lmurley2000
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follow novica on twitter-lmurley2000
hollowsins
I love the island fantasy rug
hollowsins
I am a facebook fan
amanda h
hollowsins
I am an email subscriber
Tamara B.
I would get the Wood travel chess set, ‘Challenger’s Match’ for my son.
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Tamara B.
Fan “Deal”ectible Mommies on Facebook
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Tamara B.
Fan of Novica on Facebook
(Tamara Bennington)
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Tamara B.
I am a subscriber.
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Kristen
I like the Pearl and carnelian flower bracelet.
Jennifer P
Iwould love to have the Pearl earrings, ‘Iridescent Clouds’. This is such a great store!
Jennifer P
I am a fan on facebook.
Jennifer P
I subscribe to your e-mail.
Jennifer P
I am a fan of Novica on Facebook.
Jennifer P
I follow Novica on twitter.
Jennifer P
I commented on Mothers cookies. Yum!
Joe
Love the Silver drop earrings, ‘Butterfly’.
Joe
Commented on 5-18 winners post.
deb c
I like the Wood Wall Panel “School of Dolphins”
deb c
email subscriber
deb c
facebook fan-debbie coyle
Trisha Lynn
I love the Cotton hammock swing, ‘Deserted Beach’ (large deluxe)!!
Trisha Lynn
I am a FB fan of yours!
Trisha Lynn
I subscribe by email!
Trisha Lynn
I follow novica on FB!
Trisha Lynn
I follow novica on twitter!
Trisha Lynn
I follow on twitter and tweeted!
http://twitter.com/Haydensmommy05/status/15183249761
Cynthia R
I love the Opal dangle earrings, ‘Friendship Chain’
Cynthia R
email subscriber
Cynthia R
Follow Novica on Twitter, @carafferty
Cynthia R
“Button placed on my blogs sidebar
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Cynthia R
twitter follower, @carafferty and tweet https://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15257790656
Terra Heck
I would like to have the Wood sculpture, ‘Abstract Sitting’. Thanks.
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Terra Heck
email subscriber
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Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15342713098
Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15412386474
Idaho Jill
ok, I just spent entirely too long on that website 🙂
the handbags are just gorgeous – and you are right – reading the artisan stories is fascinating! I am in love with the Cotton batik shoulder bag, ‘Chocolate Bouquet’ and the Wool handbag, ‘Daisy Encantation’ – they are both so lovely! thanks for the chance to win!
Idaho Jill
I’m a Fan of “Deal”ectible Mommies on Facebook – Idaho Jill, thanks!
Idaho Jill
I follow you on twitter-idahojill
tweet, thanks! http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/15496390074
Idaho Jill
I’m an email subscriber, thanks!
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Idaho Jill
Your button is on my left sidebar, thanks!
Idaho Jill
Follow Novica on Facebook – Idaho Jill, thanks
Idaho Jill
Follow Novica on Twitter – idahojill, thanks
Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15485672172
Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15553121759
Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15628662652
Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15701815365
Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15776855051
Christine
I love the Silver flower earrings, ‘Crescent Moon Bouquet’ Thanks for the chance!
Christine
I am a FB fan = Christine W
Christine
I am an email subscriber
Christine
Have your button at Cute Stuff
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Christine
Follow you on twitter and tweeted at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/15824833643
Bella123
I love the Verdant Sonata hammock : )
Bella123
Email subscriber : )
Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15845770461
Amanda
Ooh, I bookmarked this site the last time you talked about it. I love the Wool Tote bag – Floral Fireworks. Entry 1
Amanda
FB fan. Entry 2
Amanda
E-mail subscriber. Entry 3
Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/15923921710
Tabathia B
I love the scarlet thai cotton should bag
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B
email subscriber
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Tabathia B
fb fan (michelle b)
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Tabathia B
twitter follower & tweeted
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Tabathia B
novica fb fan (michelle b)
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Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/16000061978
Tabathia B
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/16071766152
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Tabathia B
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/16150465581
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Cynthia R
http://twitter.com/carafferty/status/16144180583
Angela K
I would love to own this item: Painted glass centerpiece, ‘Floral Muse’
Angela K
I follow you on Twitter as BountyHunter338.
Tweet: http://twitter.com/BountyHunter338/status/16261865226
Angela K
I subscribe to your feed via My Yahoo! RSS reader.
Tabathia B
tweet
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Tabathia B
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/16383016342
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Anne
I like the Bamboo zampona panpipe, ‘Malta Professional’ by Dionisio Quilla (Andes)
Anne
I am a facebook fan (Anne Jolly) of yours
Anne
I subscribe by email
ajolly1456 at gmail dot com
Anne
I am a facebook fan (Anne Jolly) of novica
Anne
I follow novica on twitter, lunaj1456
Anne
I follow on twitter, lunaj1456 and I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/16471523343
Laura DeLuca
i like the owl flute
Laura DeLuca
email subscriber
Laura DeLuca
fan on FB
Laura DeLuca
got yuor button
Laura DeLuca
follow Novica on twitter-gabbylowe
Laura DeLuca
fan on Novica on FB
Laura DeLuca
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