A few days ago I discussed shopping with local artisans but there are also world wide artisans to support as well; artisans that aren’t subject to harsh working conditions but instead produce what they wish, in the time span they wish to do so, and with their own artistic methods. The products available aren’t mass made in sweatshops, but instead hand made by usually one person.
Novica is a website associated with National Geographic that gives people all over the world a platform to express their true selves through art (Check out their mission statement!) I had the pleasure of receiving two amethyst rings to try out. Amethyst was my birthstone and it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to get anything for myself. Both of my rings were from artists living in India.
Amethyst Cluster Ring (Made in India)
I believe they shipped directly from India (rather than from a local processing center in the states) and arrived within a week of ordering (from what I remember). Unfortunately they arrived just as I was leaving for the hospital on July 12th! I had barely time to open the box before having to pack my bags. I was very happy to return to them, however. Both rings arrived in a nice box, lined with soft satin-like pillows. I had a hard time opening the box itself (it’s a little tricky) but I figured it out. 
The rings themselves were expertly made and just beautiful. I liked knowing that my product was handmade as well as knowing who made it. In my case, an artist named Bhavesh made the ring that you see to the right. I can even be a fan/friend/supporter of his via the website on Novica.
Another reason I like Novica is that there are a wide range of products to purchase in support of world-wide artisans. You can find the perfect business gift for a coworker or a boss. Your gift will be special because they aren’t mass produced and they are true world-wide products, hand made with love! There really is everything for everyone — and pieces that have a story behind them. When someone asks where you got your item, you can tell them how it came from India (or wherever your item came from) and even tell them exactly who made it!
GIVEAWAY
Now you have the chance to win a $75 gift certificate from Novica! Good towards anything in the site! In order to win you must do one of the following (or all for additional entries):
- Find an item under $75 that you would purchase if you won this gift certificate, and comment here and link to it. Tell me why you selected that item!
- Subscribe to my feed (via Google Friend Connect). Let me know who you are via a comment!
- Select a featured artist via Novica and tell me about them. Why did this artist get your attention?
- Answer the question: Why is supporting world-wide artisans important?
- Follow me on Twitter (If you are already a follower, let me know via a comment)
- Create a wishlist via Novica and share it with me (either via comment or email me the link).
- Tell me something you have learned from visiting Novica (and please link to your source).
- Tweet about the giveaway (must supply link to tweet.. If you don’t know how to, just ask and I will help you!)
The contest runs from August 5th 2010 until August 13th 2010. The winner will be selected at random. To increase your chances, feel free to do more than one of the above options to win the gift certificate. The winner will be notified via email (so make sure to supply your correct email via the comment) with a virtual code worth $75 to use at checkout on Novica.com.
I subscribed to your blog!
If I won I’d get this – http://jewelry.novica.com/rings/cluster/garnet-3-stone-ring-passions-glow/146567/
The ring itself is just so gorgeous, and yet so simple!
It is so hard to choose just one favourite item off that site! I love everything but i think that the Cotton tunic, ‘Golden Glamour’ would be a perfect item to own
you could wear it out for the day and transition it into a great night look with some gold earrings and a pair of heels!
this is a gorgeous ring…
http://jewelry.novica.com/rings/solitaire/peridot/peridot-solitaire-ring-honeymoon/159314/
i would get this and i am sure i could find another item to use the balance.
i subscribe to your page via google reader.
I believe that it is important to support world artists because we all share one planet. Even though we may be seperated by countires it should not matter. I believe that when one area is suffering we are all suffering and we should do what we can to help. This could be something as small as buying hand made items from another country that will not only help grow the economy of the individual and their area but it will eventually help grow the economy of the world!
and i forgot to put the link to the tunic that i would love t have form novica!
http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=171230
the artist off of Novica that caught my eye would be Jariya Kakaew because i love her clothing! When i first went onto this site a few months ago i thought that the still she did her clothing were amazing! It is so natural looking but beautiful at the same time. Almost like something you would see a very chic hippie gil from the 60s wear!
I also love that she says that she is doing what she loves and that it is allowing her to support herself and her family. I think that anyone who is doing what they love for a living is fantastic!
Twitter: mrsdjp_rez
says:
Oh my!! I totally love this concept!
If I won the gift certificate, I would first order this:
http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=140664
and this:
http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=155165
I collect elephants and these are soo beautiful!!!
My favorite featured artist so far is Pattama…I love her simple story in which she shared her dreams and how she (a female) became a part of the business and she also produces beautiful work!
Why is supporting world-wide artisans important?
Becuase it alows us to support small businesses across the world. Here in America we get soo used to mass produced products that we forget to look out side our “window” and learn to value art and culture from other nations. It is important that we help support independence and freedom through art.
This would be my wish list:
http://www.novica.com/cart/index.cfm?i=3617
From visiting this site I learned how simple it can be to help support these country’s and their people…I love looking at these type of boutique items when I am shopping in Italy, Spain and Mexico…its great to have this connection to such items in countries I have not yet visited. (not really a link to source that is relevant to what I learned)
ps- I follow you on twitter and suscribe to your blog!
i actually learned that they have a catagory for eco friendly items!
I do not know that many shops that will give you a list of there eco friendly items…that is great!
http://eco-friendly.novica.com/
This is my wish list…i actually started creating it in my haha
http://www.novica.com/mynovica/index.cfm?action=wishlist
I follow your blog via google friend connect
Twitter: heynocupcake
says:
What a unique giveaway- I love it!
I selected this wallhanging- http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=151214 because it’s incredibly detailed and the colors work so well together!
I think supporting worldwide (and local independent, for that matter) artisans is important because it adds to the variety of experiences available to us as people! Oftentimes it’s easy to go the route of the mass produced item without remembering that a handmade piece like this is the product of someone’s skill, time and labor. It’s a way to connect with other people without ever leaving home.
I’m a follower on GFC (Emily) and a follower on Twitter (@heynocupcake)
I also tweeted the link to the giveaway here: http://twitter.com/heynocupcake/statuses/20405568929
Thanks!
Emily´s last [type] ..Win a SIGNED Copy of LINGER over at Braintasia Books!
*WIN* Handmade with Love (with $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!) | Well-Read Reviews http://bit.ly/9yzawO
RT @wellreadreviews: *WIN* Handmade with Love (with $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!) | Well-Read Reviews http://bit.ly/9yzawO
If I won I’d get http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=14315 because I love classic simple glasswear and theyre simply beautiful!
RT @wellreadreviews: **WIN** Handmade with Love (with $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!) | Well-Read Reviews http://bit.ly/9yzawO
RT @wellreadreviews: **WIN** Handmade with Love (with $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!) | Well-Read Reviews http://bit.ly/9yzawO
If I won I’d get the Chrysocolla drop earrings called ‘Sweet Fruit’. Not only is it beautiful but it gives an edgy look to it. I love jewelry that gives a ‘statement’.
Here is the link: http://jewelry.novica.com/earrings/modern-and-abstract/favorites/chrysocolla-drop-earrings-sweet-fruit/170358/
Lynda Del´s last [type] ..CSN Stores Gift Certificate Giveaway!
I’m following you publicly via GFC. ID: lyndadawinda1074
RT @wellreadreviews: **WIN** Handmade with Love (with $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!) | Well-Read Reviews http://bit.ly/9yzawO”
RT @wellreadreviews: **WIN** Handmade with Love (with $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!) | Well-Read Reviews http://bit.ly/9yzawO”
**WIN** Handmade with Love (with $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!) http://bit.ly/9yzawO
I love the Hammock, verdant sonata, it is so pretty and looks relaxing!
I subscribed to your feed.
The featured artist I was drawn to was Pramode Boontieng, he started carving when he was 10 years old and makes beautiful elephant carvings.I would definitely love to have one of these!
I think it is important to support worldwide artisans because they put a lot of care and effort into their work. It is not made by a machine but by a person doing what they love. We just arent getting the same quality from chain stores. It is always best to support local and world wide when it comes to any goods, that way the people making the goods get the money for their creation and not business men who spend all day in an office and benefit for paying cheap for a product and selling for way more.
RT @wellreadreviews Handmade with Love (with $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway!) | Well-Read Reviews http://bit.ly/9yzawO
Hi, hope it’s OK to contact you here. We would love to include your blog on our giveaway search engine: Giveaway Scout (http://www.giveawayscout.com). Have a look and if interested, use our online form to add your blog (http://www.giveawayscout.com/addblog/ ). thanks, Josh
Twitter: mrsdjp_rez
says:
Alison, who ended up winning this?