As promised, this week I have for you another awesome Novica give away, and just in time for the gift-giving season! Whether that gift is for you or someone else is entirely up to you. But if you ask me, I think you deserve it.
If you are unfamiliar with Novica and why I like them so much, here’s the deal – Novica works in association with National Geographic to showcase and sell art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, home décor, corporate gifts and more from artisans from all over the world. Novica ensures the artists receive a fair market value for their work so that they might keep body and soul together, which as an artist and a human being, I really appreciate. (I state this in every Novica post because it is true and I can’t say it any better than I did the first time.)
This time Novica has offered two $75 gift certificates, one for moi and another for one lucky Antique Mommy reader. In addition to a dizzying array of jewelry, they have a huge selection of women’s accessories, like scarves and totes and handbags and even men’s accessories too, like cuff links. Do men still wear cuff links?
I am trying to choose between these two bags. What do you think? Which one?
In my estimation, one cannot have too many bags. I like the yellow one because it is shallow and a too-deep tote is worse than no tote at all because it becomes a big black hole which eats lipstick and important receipts. And I love the color and style. But. I really like the Zapotec wool bag too. It just appeals to the eye. Which one, which one? (insert hand wringing)
If you would like a chance to win a $75 Novica gift card, check out Novica and leave a comment telling me about something you saw that you would like for you or someone you love.
I will draw a comment at random when the mood strikes.
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The mood has struck ~ contest closed! Congratulations to Melanie, commenter #28! Thanks to everyone for your comments and playing along!
CameoRoze says:
OMG! I love the rich colors in the Alpaca wool tapestry, ‘Spirit of Andean Lands’ from Peru. Wow, is that a gorgeous piece! It would be stunning in my family room.
November 22nd, 2011 at 10:47 am
The Bug says:
I LOVE Novica! I love to browse through the jewelry selection, but today I went to the shoulder bag section because you’re so right – you can’t have too many. The problem is that I wanted them all
One of the things I love best is how the merchandise arrives lovingly packaged…
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Me too! I love the little notecards from the person who ACTUALLY made the item. Almost never get that at Walmart…
November 22nd, 2011 at 10:51 am
Sarah S. says:
No. You get “Inspected by #12.” IF you are lucky at Wal-Mart. LURV the yellow one. I know not Novica because I am on a very squeaky budget and I try to steer away from things that would cause my heart to lust for pricey things. But… oh, dear. Lovely…
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:08 am
Gretchen says:
I really like earrings and rings. I poked around and saw a pair of dangly earrings called Empathy. Very delicate and beautiful.
I like the second bag a bit better.
Thanks!
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:41 am
Melissa says:
I desperately need a jewelry box (all my jewelry is laying in a tangled clump in a drawer). I love the ones Novica has, especially the wood and leather one.
Thanks!
November 22nd, 2011 at 11:48 am
Yvonne I. says:
Stone nativity scene, ‘White Christmas’ (set of 8) is just beautiful! Simple yet so elegant. I would probably gived this to my dearest friend.
And for the record, I have no idea which purse I would choose – they are both so pretty! I can see your dilemma!!
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I lovelovelove that nativity set.
November 22nd, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Amy says:
With Thanksgiving just days away, I am finding myself in a wintery mood and was drawn to all of the gorgeous scarves. I didn’t think it would be so hard to pick just one…
November 22nd, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Jeni says:
I would definitely pick the Orchid Ruffles scarf. It’s gorgeous!
November 22nd, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Andrea says:
Oh my goodness, I’m almost scared to win because how do you choose anything from all those gorgeous choices? I browsed handbags, jewelry, and tableware, and WOW. Beautiful. And the first purse is better. In my humble opinion.
November 22nd, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Elaine says:
Oh I can’t decide! Everything is so fantastice but I have been looking for a bracelet for when I ride and the Leather and onyx wrap bracelet, ‘New Tribal’ is perfect!
I like the first bag for you!
November 22nd, 2011 at 1:35 pm
amy sue nathan says:
No lie, I saw a Novica necklace I loved — and didn’t even know what Novica was — then I started seeing it everywhere. Argh, it used to be the front page and now it’s not.
November 22nd, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Kathy says:
I love all of the shawls!! It would be so hard to decide–they are all so beautiful!!
November 22nd, 2011 at 3:14 pm
Angie W. says:
I could get lost in the jewelry section forever and I love the yellow handbag above but I think I’d have to choose the White Christmas nativity set. If one could actually choose…I feel your dilemma.
November 22nd, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Shari says:
I like the second bag best!
I would probably use it to buy a variety of their photo frames. I LOVE unique and different frames, and you’re just not going to find those at Walmart.
November 22nd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Jannette G Eppler says:
Shawl. No, scarves. No, wait, earrings. Actually, a bag. I think. Oh, no, I know, the nativity scene! I like the second bag better–love the design and the colors!
November 22nd, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Julie at Elisharose says:
The beaded black top is gorgeous. But those hemp bags are pretty cool. There might be some hand wringing over here, too.
November 22nd, 2011 at 6:15 pm
emily says:
I’d love to win the Sterling silver floral bracelet, ‘Jasmine in Bloom’ — for myself!
November 22nd, 2011 at 6:34 pm
france59 says:
Oh, my…I fell in love with #1!!! That is a beautiful tote! Love the color, the dangling beads, the straps and the decorative patchwork accent. What isn’t to love about a bag with color, texture and accents without being over the top.
November 22nd, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Deborah says:
I’m loving two sets of earrings, not sure which I would choose. But I do know that I wouldn’t part with them!
They’re “Natural orchid dangle earrings, ‘Twilight’ by Danai (Thailand)” and “Jade dangle earrings, ‘Love’s Riches’ by Jimenez Family (Central America).”
Hey, what do you know–they’re both inexpensive enough that with a $75 gift certificate, I could get both with just a little extra!
And although I think the Zapotec tote is beautiful, the yellow one is gorgeous! I’d go with it
November 22nd, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Michele says:
I have a single, lonely cousin in New York who is going through a difficult time. Would love to get her one of the beautiful tote bags for Christmas!
November 22nd, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Jenny says:
I would go with the first bag. And I lovelovelove Novica. Just don’t have the money for it. I would pick some earrings. But I really want the handmade Oware (mancala)game by Kofi Tall Agudoawu from West Africa.
November 22nd, 2011 at 10:06 pm
edj says:
pearl jewelry set “lunar magic.” just at random. They have TONS of stuff I adore and covet. And go with the first bag–you will like the size better, I think.
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:56 am
Krista says:
I like the first bag!
And I already got my mom a silk scarf from the World Vision catalog… but dang, this site makes it so hard to choose!!!
My dad loves Hawaiian shirts so I bet he’d like one of the cotton Batik shirts!
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:57 am
Brigitte says:
I prefer purse #1!
On Novica, for myself, I’d love one of the ladies tunic tops, but I think it would take me a looong time to decide which one!
November 23rd, 2011 at 4:45 am
Lisa Bosch says:
I love the link bracelet “silver sea” ! It looks like silver coral!
November 23rd, 2011 at 6:18 am
Jackie Hall says:
I love the rose rings. But, I also like some other things as well. Everything I like is way expensive. Cool stuff.
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:09 am
Jackie Hall says:
BTW I like bag #2.
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:12 am
Melanie says:
Well, it would be a hard choice. We just moved (to the Dallas area! hello neighbor!) so I should choose something for our home. BUT, some of the handbags are so fun!
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:38 am
Terri says:
I would have a difficult time choosing, but the Purple Lotus cotton bag was lovely. I didn’t have time to peruse all the goodies, but what I saw was amazing! Good luck with whichever bag you decide on and thanks for introducing Novica to the rest of us.
November 23rd, 2011 at 9:50 am
Cathie says:
I think the “Happy Family” wood statuette. Although if I win, I reserve the right to change my mind.
I like the bag on top better.
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:33 am
Shay Brewer says:
I can’t decide! I really like the nativity set and I don’t have one yet… but I also would love a new pair of earrings or a shawl!
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 am
momof8 says:
I love the way you roll. I would pick the Alpaca blend wrap, ‘Bold Black’ and share it with my daughters. Nah, I’d just keep it for myself.
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:47 am
Janette says:
I’m so excited. I’ve never heard of Novica, but I’m impressed with their purpose. Can’t wait to browse.
Which bag? I like the yellow one!
November 23rd, 2011 at 10:51 am
RosesArePink2 says:
If I were fortunate to win, my choice would be the sterling silver locket pendant, ‘Prayer Box’ by Bhavesk.
Of your two choices, my very favorite is the yellow bag. It is gorgeous!
November 23rd, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Ruth says:
Such beautiful pieces! I have been wanting to try a scarf since they have become so popular. The “Awakening” and “Fantasy in Rose” silk scarveswould be one of my choices.
Thanks for the offer!
November 23rd, 2011 at 1:54 pm
sheilah says:
There are so many beautiful things I have a hard time choosing. I love the beautiful silk scarves and jewelry. Lovely. I also like that you support an artist who is trying to make a living.
November 23rd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Allison B says:
Oh, I would totally buy the Star of Love cedar mirror for myself!!! I have been looking for a great mirror and this is it!
November 23rd, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Karin B says:
I think I would get a chess set for my husband and kids. I guess I would have to learn to play, too!
November 23rd, 2011 at 8:58 pm
judy says:
They have such wonderful things. It would be very hard to decide. On the cuff links my brother-in-law started a new job an the president of the company wants all of the males to ware cuff link shirt.So they still are used.
November 24th, 2011 at 7:19 am
Joni says:
Warm showers necklace from Thialand is beautiful! Love Novica they have BEAUTIFUL things!
November 24th, 2011 at 9:45 am
Lisa Beth W. says:
Not possible to choose, for myself or anyone else, without spending hours on it! I am a notoriously bad “chooser”, esp. when there are that many gorgeous choices!
I like bag #1 b/c of the contrasts and the beads!
November 24th, 2011 at 11:22 am
Melissa B says:
Wow, they really carry a lot of different things! I would consider getting a djembe drum for my husband, who is great at playing, but does not own his own drum, or maybe something decorative for our home.
November 24th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Margaret W. says:
I love the wood carvings. My 90 year old father is an avid woodcarver, and I would love to give him one of the ducks. He loves fine workmanship. Thanks!
November 24th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
Iota says:
First bag. More unusual.
It’s my birthday today, so please pick me, pick me, pick me. I would like to buy something from Ungsumalin – there’s a lovely cotton jacket called “Blue Wonder”. Ungsumalin says
“I come from a conservative family in which Thai customs are greatly revered. For example, seniority is always important for us, so we were taught to bow low when we walk pass older people.”
You have to love a culture that teaches respect for older people (especially on a birthday).
November 24th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Sandra says:
Thanks for this opportunity!
I think I prefer the yellow bag, also. I agree with you about the “black hole” aspect of a deep bag.
November 25th, 2011 at 6:51 am
Donna says:
If I win I will try to pass on all the wonderful earrings in favor of an ankle bracelet. I’ve always wanted one, never had one, and can’t seem to justify spending on something so frivolous. But I still want one. In blue and silver. That makes ever so gentle music when I walk. And draws attention to my ankles.
Not that I’ve spent any time thinking about it.
November 26th, 2011 at 7:31 am
france59 says:
I love totes and handbags…they are always the right size! No dieting needed. So, I would opt for a wonderful wool pink bag, Puno Pink. It may be on backorder, but I can see why. It’s beautiful and so ME! Pink is “my signature color”, as Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias reminded us.
November 26th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Joan Gambill says:
I just bought one, thanks for the link!! I can’t find handbags I like in the stores. And I’ve tried. Joan
November 27th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Sharon m. says:
I love the blue topaz flower necklace and matching earrings. I also love both of those purses, especially the first one. Thank you for introducing me to Novika. I will be back to do some shopping.
November 27th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
mom2spiritedboys says:
I must live under a rock, had never heard of Novica before but those bags are GORGEOUS! I think I would get a shawl – I’ve never had a shawl. I’ve always wanted to be a woman who sat with her glasses perched, typing away with a shawl around my shoulders.
November 28th, 2011 at 7:35 am
Yvonne says:
I’m not a big bag carrier. Grab my checkbook and out the door I go. But the two bags you displayed may get me to change my mind! I went to the Novica sight and was just amazed. Beautiful! I may just have to get an actual bag and enter the world of womanhood! (at 42 it’s not too late is it?!)
November 29th, 2011 at 11:47 am
Crystal says:
It would definitely be one of the nativity sets – maybe “Reverence” with its soft green color. Thank you for enabling me – I didn’t know about this site until today and I think I’ll be back often
I like the first bag – yellow is one of my favourite colors!
November 29th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Deborah says:
Fun! I like the “moment of tenderness” carving/sculpture, but I’m also very tempted by some of the tunics. I’ve been trying to purchase more fair trade items – thanks for the suggestion.
November 29th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
alyssa says:
I love the red floral kimono! I think that my mother would love to wear this in the summer months.
November 30th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
desi says:
Is everything a legit answer??
If pushed, I’d have to say the Zapotec wool bag
November 30th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
merinz says:
I love the bags too, especially the ones from Thailand and this one – Cotton sling tote bag, ‘Hmong Customs’
December 3rd, 2011 at 4:29 pm