NOVICA GIVEAWAY - BLACK AND WHITE WEDNESDAY #26

If you know me and have read my blog for a while, you must have seen that I associate myself with businesses and brands I feel comfortable with and only accept to advertize for them if I can relate to what they are doing as well as fully appreciate the products they put out on the market. I regularly turn down offers as I'm very exclusive in my selection and my aim is not to brainwash you with cheap adverts for useless knacks or cheap bric-a-brac. I want to showcase items that have a real value to my eyes and which I can present to you without feeling dishonnest or like a vulgar whore running after a few easily earned coins. This is absolutely not my kind...

So, when NOVICA contacted me again and proposed to organize another giveaway, there was no way I was going to refuse the opportunity of making one of my readers a lucky winner and treating myself to a few of their exquisite and irresistible objects.

Their way of doing business is totally adequate with my beliefs. What I really like about them is that they are different and fight to promote an alternative. NOVICA wants to provide us with access to unique, hard-to-find items at bargain prices that only the Internet infrastructure can allow. Their aim is to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform where they can express their true artistic talents as well as spur their creativity and create a bridge between them and buyers. It is important to NOVICA that we know about who we are buying from in order for us to feel an attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

In association with THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, this fairtrade and eco-friendly organization's purpose is to create a revolutionary system through which the artists and artisans (the team comes from different cultures, countries and language sets - Andes, Bali & Java, Brazil, Central America, India, Mexico, Thailand and West Africa) can display their fine works to an international audience of prospective customers.

 
NOVICA does not charge artists any fees for listing their items on the website. Furthermore, they remain fully independent (free to raise or lower their prices and remove their items from the website). By cutting out the long strings of middlemen, NOVICA allows both consumers and artisans to get the most out of each and every transaction. Besides, they also give the customer the chance to help the artists by making a free of interest loan (microfinance service) directly to craftspersons.

They sell a vast array of products ranging from home decor (furniture, tableware, tapestries, etc...), jewelry & apparels (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, women's accessories, men's accessories, cufflinks, men's scarves, women's scarves, walking sticks, etc...) to paintings (abstract, religious, landscapes, etc...) and also specialise in corporate as well as green gifts.

Lately they have launched a new division giving consultants* the opportunity to showcase beautiful gifts and jewelry through home parties in an entertaining way, while supporting the people who create them. In case you would be tempted to host an event (Novica Live), then I recommend you to visit their Home Party Opportunities page or if home based selling interests you, then please view their Home Party Consultant page.

As you can imagine it was very difficult for me to choose from their catalogue as there are so many wonderful items on offer. Anyway, being a foodie and loving handmade tableware I decided to order another batch of bowls as the first one had given me full satisfaction.

I've always been a big fan of Southest Asian art, so it was all naturally that I ordered two pairs of delicately manufactured ceramic bowls made by Putu Oka Mahendra from Bali: "Lithe Gecko" and "Frangipani Flowers".

I placed my order on a Monday afternoon and both my items arrived at the same time, on Friday of the same week. What a fast shipment considering the fact that the merchandise came directly from the artists' place in Indonesia! Everything was well-packed and came to destination in perfect condition.

When I discovered my items I was totally blown away by their sheer perfection, refinement, elegance and beauty. In front of me were bowls that were extremely splendid and gorgeously executed. They are even nicer than on the photo (and the photos were good)! No need to say that I am incredibly pleased with my gifts. What a delight for the eyes and senses. The perfect addition to my table!

*  The starter kits are only $199 and have over $400 worth of samples and $150 in business materials. They have a lot of promotions going on for our early consultants, including anyone that becomes a Director this year will go to Bali next year.

GIVEAWAY

1x 50$ gift certificate.

Rules and Entry Details:
- You must leave a COMMENT in the comment section of this post (one entry per person).
- Winner will be chosen using the "hat method".
- Winner will be notified via email (please leave your e-mail adress if you don't have a blog).
- This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE (please check NOVICA's International Shipping Table to know if they can ship to your country).
- The contest closes on Wednesday, January 25th, 2012 at Midnight, 12:00am CET.

Statement:
This giveaway is provided to you by NOVICA. Please note that I only promote things that stay true to my tastes, convictions and interests. The opinions expressed on Rosa's Yummy Yums are purely my own and based upon my personal experiences with NOVICA. I was given a gift certificate, however I was not paid to publish a positive review.
Thank you NOVICA for sharing your wonderful tableware with us!

All three black and white pictures were submitted to "Black & White Wednesday", an event created by Susan at "The Well-Seasoned Cook".