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A Great Website To Share and a Giveaway!

UPDATE:  THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
Recently, I was approached by Novica with a request to visit their website and review an item of my choosing!  Now, I had not heard of them before, and am choosy about things like this, but I was very impressed with their website, their mission, and their offerings!  Novica works in association with National Geographic to offer handcrafted items from artisans around the world~ the Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand, and West Africa.




They also offer microfinance ~ zero percent loans to artisans to help them build a supporting business!

From their mission statement~

We want to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity. And, we want to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow.
At the deepest essence of our philosophy, we want to create a bridge between you and the many talented artisans across the globe.
We want you to know about who you're buying from. We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

They feature beautiful items from artisans around the world~ unique gifts , home decor, clothing, jewelry, green gifts ...look at some of these wonderful items...




For my review, I chose and was provided a lovely cotton scarf made by the Waqxaqi Kan Women's Group in Guatemala.  Founded by 6 widows, to provide for their families, the group now includes 18 women who specialize in weaving different products.  My scarf  is called Wheat Fields and was woven in pale green and beige on a traditional backstrap loom.  Look how it arrived, wrapped in a bow with a little Guatemalan doll...




The scarf is lovely, soft, and versatile, and beautifully made...and I love knowing where it came from!




Novica has recently begun offering Fair Trade Corporate Gifts  for organizations to offer as client gifts, awards, sales incentives, etc, so if you are looking for a socially conscious special gift for your company or group, be sure to check them out!

They have also generously offered a $50 gift certificate towards one of my follower's purchases! 

To Enter: 
This is for followers... so if you aren't one already,  please become one~ then visit the Novica Website and tell me in a comment what you might put the gift certificate towards!  Make sure your email is enabled so I have a way to reach you, too! The giveaway ends Thursday, March 3rd, 10 PM CST.   I hope you will enjoy visiting and shopping their inspirational website as much as I did!

Until next time...
Linda



45 comments

  1. Hi Linda,
    I have been NOVICA for 30 minutes and my eyes are swimming! I had to finally put the site into MY FAV's so I can revisit it again and again.
    How lucky for YOU to be asked to give an opinion about their products. And that scarf is outstanding....love the colors.
    Hmmmm, if I were to purchase one (ONE?) thing with a gift certificate, I think it would be the Lapis Lazuli Flower Earrings called BLUE LILY by Neeru Goel from India. The flowers in silver float above the lapis. Outstanding.
    Thanks for letting us know about this company and I've got my fingers crossed. Even if I am not fortunate enough to win, I now have the website to drool over!
    Hugs
    Jan
    xoxo

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  2. So many beautiful items--I just love the Celadon Pitcher and Plate...and that scarf is just lovely...

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  3. What a great site! I love organizations that provide an opportunity for artisans to sustain themselves and love how empowering this is for women around the world in particular. I'm in love with the silver and pearl cocktail ring on the first page. It caught my eye immediately and even if I'm not lucky enough to win, a certain husband's getting a link to that :)

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  4. Thanks for sharing.I'm kind of in love with the sterling stacked elephants necklace myself.Hope I'll be lucky enough!

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  5. That sure is different Linda. I love the scarf. I will go check it out now.

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  6. Ok that was easy enough. I saw a gorgeous belt that has my name ALLLLLLLL over it!

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  7. What a wonderful site! And for such a good cause. I have heard of sites like this but never purchased anything. I saw so many things at NOVICA...how can I possibly choose. I love jewelry and definitely might think about those dangle pearl earrings. Also saw a beautiful belt and scarf...some beautiful wood pieces. Oh, my...decisions, decisions. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win!

    cherischatter@yahoo.com

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  8. Looks like a great place, going to check it out Lez

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  9. Beautiful scarf, love the color. Sounds like a worthwhile company to associate with. Mimi

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  10. Linda,
    I would love to enter this give away. I try every year at Christmas to give gifts that help the people that make them. Thanks so much!
    xo
    lynn

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  11. This is amazing---and I love your scarf and I adore how it was packaged...unreal!!! This is an astounding opportunity!
    XO

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  12. Everything at Novica is beautiful. I think the art glass - vases and wine glass sets are so nice and would probably select something there. Thanks for the opportunity. Have a really great weekend!

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  13. So many interesting and pretty things! I would use the GC towards Iron candleholders, 'Sun Spirals'
    It would be so pretty lighting a room or the patio ant night.Warm Blessings!~Amy

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  14. I posted this giveaway on my sidebar of my blabs page.

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  15. Wow - what a wonderful site with a wonderful mission and even more wonderful items! The artistry is amazing. The Watch Cat door knocker captured my eye and heart. Thanks so much for introducing me to this wonderful site!

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  16. What an amazing site! I found so many things there I'd love to get either for myself or as gifts. The silk batik scarves are breathtaking! Since I've never owned one, I think that's probably what I'd have to get...unless I decided I needed some lovely jewelry instead. ;)

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  17. There are so many things! I love the silk scarves. Your scarf is beautiful. Lucky you!

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  18. Linda,
    I will go there. everything looks beautiful and I am pretty sure I have received their catalogue, which usually is around for a long time because it is touching and beautiful.

    Thanks so much for visiting my blog. Things are a little tough right now and I appreciate it so much.

    xo,
    Suz

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  19. What a wonderful site. I haven't even begun to look at everything. But when I saw the nativity scenes from the Andes I stopped there. I would have to select one of their wonderful Nativities. I collect Nativities and this would be a beautiful addition. That would be my choice, but then I may change my mind, too many to pick from.

    Kris

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  20. I'd get a set of Andean panpipes.

    I follow on gfc

    lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

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  21. Linda your scarf is beautiful and NOVICA has so many wonderful things to choose from. If I'm lucky enough to win I would buy the sterling silver drop earrings by Star World produced in Bali and Java.

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    Kat :)

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  22. I'd get one of their beautiful vases.

    hewella1 at gmail dot com

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  23. I do like places like this that support the artisans.
    Brenda

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  24. Looks like a great company. I'd love a new bag! So many to choose from.

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  25. Linda,the work of these artisians is simply beautiful.I adored the marcasite bracelet from Thailand..What a worthwhile company.I l thoroughly enjoy following your blog..xx

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  26. Hi Linda,

    What a great giveaway! There sre so many things. I really appreciate you sharing this site.
    I am loving the Royal Java Blue Batik scarf.
    Have a beautiful day!

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  27. Linda,
    Wow what a great website with a wonderful cause behind it. (hey how come no one ever offers me free stuff, whine whine) I will certainly go check them out & tell them you sent me. I've been so out of the blogging loop these weeks. My kids have just passed strep, flu & every other bad thing back & forth since Christmas. I got your awesome package. I order teeny $2 beads & you send me an amazing box of goodies! You rock girl. I can't wait to use those little beads on a collage. I'm always looking for stuff like that. Your shop is one of my absolute faves. Hope winters being good to you.
    Lisa

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  28. Hi Linda! I just came back from the Novica site and I think I would have to treat myself to maybe a wrap bracelet or a necklace! I don't usually splurge on jewelry for myself. What a wonderful site, you must be thrilled that they asked for your opinion! Thanks for the chance! xoxo

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  29. Sounds like a great cause and what a generous giveaway! I love the shawls, it's going to be hard to decide which one I 'need' when I win!
    Thanks in advance, Susanne.

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  30. What lovely items at NOVICA and for such a worthy cause! You showcased their site so well!

    How fun would it be to walk in the garden with a kimona batik robe! I'd feel so international!

    Thanks Linda, for showing me another place to shop!

    Hugs ~~ Connie

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  31. I would get one of their hobo handbags they are so beautiful. I've never heard of this organization either, but how great are they!

    I'm having a giveaway too, come by soon.

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  32. Oh my what gorgeous creations. I could spend a day looking. I did see gorgeous blown glass goblets in Aqua that would make me swoon! Thanks for the chance to win a GC. I am already a follower of your blog. I'm going back to look some more at their beautiful crafts. The scarf you have is beautiful! ~~Linda

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  33. What a wonderful give-away and website! About 6 years ago I fortunate to take a trip to Guatemala to work with an organization there, Common Hope. While I was there I bought a dozen scarves from a women's weaving group there and gave them as gifts when I returned, yours is beautiful! (And I brought down some of those sweet little worry dolls for my girls) Thanks for sharing the NOVICA website with us!
    :)Heidi

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  34. Goodness, I can't
    believe I almost
    missed this generous
    giveaway, Linda! Like
    you, I believe in
    supporting retail that
    in turns supports the
    people that make the
    items, so I just love
    this! {As a matter of
    fact, the company behind
    my giveaway also donates
    towards micro-loans.}
    I would choose the silver
    stacking "together" rings,
    as my first baby turns 16
    on March 3rd and she would
    love these!
    xx Suzanne

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  35. Oh my goodness, so much to choose from! I love the gourd art and jewlry for starters! lol Pick me, pick me! :)
    'hugs from afar'

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  36. Wonderful giveaway and a great shop!!
    I am loving all of the shoulder bags!
    This one is cute and a great price!
    Hemp shoulder bag, 'Midnight Blossom'

    by Anchalika Chamnan

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  37. I've never heard of this-it's wonderful-I'll be sure to check it out!

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  38. I went to Novica, and Linda love the shawls. Perfect to throw on those cool spring nights!

    Come and enter my Artful Offering and read a great Interview!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  39. Such a wonderful giveaway. I could get lost in all their beautiful items. I really like the handbags and always need them big. There's a blue floral cotton bag that is just perfect.

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  40. You chose a beautiful scarf! I love Novica and I can spend hours looking at their items! I have always wanted a pashmina and would choose the ...Silk and pashmina shawl, 'Casual Ivory'! You can leave a comment or click on my profile to write to me...if I was lucky enough to win! Thank you! ♥

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  41. Oh my, they have SUCH pretty stuff. I especially love the plates and vases.

    Thanks for the chance to win!


    Kelly

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  42. What a unique site...and a great cause...love it thanks for the discovery!

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  43. What a wonderful organization, and they have so many beautiful things! They've got an amazing selection of scarves, which I really like wearing, so I'd love a chance to win their Jade Jasmine scarf!

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  44. Hi Linda!

    I can't tell you one thing that I would choose. I spent a long time looking around and saw many items of interest.

    I am a follower. La

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Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I love hearing from you and always enjoy reading your comments!