Thursday, June 28, 2012

Win-Win-Win Novica Giveaway!

UPDATE --This giveaway is now closed -- Congratulations Suzy!

I interrupt this extended blog silence to bring you a fantastic giveaway.  


I was recently contacted by Novica--a business/website that works in association with National Geographic to promote and support artists from all over the world. 


I was intrigued from an artist's point of view -- I know what it's like to be passionate about creating things and wanting to sell them.  Unfortunately, people with the creative genes and skills don't usually get blessed with the business genes/skills.  Hence the term "starving artist".  

When I first started making jewelry I decided to pop into a little boutique around the corner to see if they would like to sell my jewelry.  I was absolutely shocked to find out that ALL retail has at least a 50% mark up.  So, in order to make my designs accessible, and to continue doing what I love to do I would mark my prices so low (basically breaking even). 

So I haven't made a fortune in the jewelry design business. Luckily, my livelihood doesn't depend on it. 

What does this have to do with Novica and you, you might be asking?.... Well they find artists around the world and promote their wares through the website Novica.com. Artists that the rest of the world would never know about are now being marketed around the world. When you shop the site you see a picture of the person who made it. And, you can read their story-- I love that. 

They've got everything for men and women from clothing to housewares.  

For example, if I needed a walking stick. Or knew someone who did, I'd for sure grab up this one 





although they've got all kinds of cool sticks to choose from. West African walking sticks




If I didn't make my own jewelry, I'd buy this one. In fact, I might just grab it for myself, because I couldn't create it for less than they're selling it for -- so cute! 

I love any of the clothing designs from India and after I purchased this, 

I saw this. 


and this





Did I make the right choice? I don't know, but I can come back right?.... 



Finally I had to turn away from the women's clothing, because everything was just too beautiful. But my shopping experience didn't end there, 


You know I love a pretty table.  So, I admired these for a while. 








Then, as I started to wind down my day, I thought, how great would it be to soak in a hot tub or take a nice hot shower and wrap myself in this beautiful robe. 


I have a lot of traveling in my future and I decided a shawl is the perfect accessory to have with you in a car with A/C blasting or on a plane, where you never know what you'll be dealing with. So, I ordered this 

And I can't wait to get it.  Silk and wool and the colors say year round to me and the design says personality! 

So by now I'm sure you're thinking, "well good for Julie, but what does that have to do with me? And, didn't you say something about a giveaway?...."

Why yes I did!  

Here's what you have to do to enter the giveaway for a $50 gift certificate (which is plenty to find something great!). 

Just tell me what you would buy if you win the gift certificate. That's all, no strings attached. 

Check out Novica.com. Leave a comment. 

Every comment gets you an entry.

Now go get yourself a little visual stimulation and a chance to win something really beautiful!


Winner will be announced July 3rd. 

http://clothing.novica.com/womens/loungewear/batik/womens-batik-robe-tropical-sea/47710/   (robe) http://www.novica.com/itemdetail/index.cfm?pid=135494

15 comments:

Betsy Brock said...

well, I think if I were to win, I'd apply the gift certificate to that gorgeous amethyst pendant called 'purple blossom'. Stunning!

Thanks for the chance to win! Love your blog as always!

seashoreknits said...

I love Novica! I ordered a leather cuff from there a couple of years ago that I just love - so unique and just what I had been looking for. I see a pair of pearl dangle earrings and a beautiful aqua and rose shawl - so many pretty things! Thanks for the generous and fun giveaway!

Bonnie said...

Okay, but before I go check out Novica, I have to tell you I have missed your post. I hope you are back. Now I will exit to go browse. Bonnie

Bonnie said...

Oh there is a lovely silk shawl called Java Sea. The prettiest blue. You are so very generous. Consider these two comments as one. Hugs! Bonnie

Mary Ann Pickett said...

I like that pink batik silk scarf...what a GREAT GIVE-AWAY. I am bookmarking the Novica site.

crunicorn said...

I think I'd have to go for one of the leather wrap bracelets but I can't decide between Fuchsia Whisper or Autumn Leaf..

onnery said...

I love some of the art, specifically, the floral watercolors. I would have to purchase one of these! When we lived in Southern California there were Bird of Paradise growing everywhere and we just loved them so it would probably be that!
Thanks for sharing the Novica website Julie!

SolDucky said...

It is beautiful!
Their hammocks are really neat too.

Suzy said...

So many lovely things! The women's silk caftan caught my eye! But there are also other beautiful things - I like your scarf/wrap! That's incredible! Thanks for sponsoring this giveaway.

Unknown said...

Wow! What a great site you have Julie - - I would like to create a sun room like yours.
Anyway, without a doubt, I would order one or two of the "Brown Riddles" or "Red and Brown Riddles" men's bracelet for my son who finally graduated from college (hooray!). I have order things from the Nat Geo catalog and found them great.

Unknown said...

You don't need to count this as a second post, but can I post you a question on two about the sunroom back in your 2010 blog or somewhere else? Thanks! Rachel

Lynda Del said...

Love Novica! If I won, I'd get the Cotton beaded shoulder bag, 'Tropical Bouquet'.
lyndadawinda1074 at yahoo dot com

Alaine88 said...

I'd get the Bubbles vase from Bali!
family74014 at gmail dot com

the gardener's cottage said...

julie i love the orange dragonfly caftan. i have an imaginary picture of me wearing it drinking something tropical and lounging by a pool. this is a great site and there are tons of gorgeous things on it. the jewelry is so beautiful too. how have you been. i've been in a slump blogwise but good irl. talk to you soon. xo janet

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

I love the wrap you bought. I would most likely go for a wrap in one of the solid colors you featured.
Stay cool!