NOVICA: A small piece of National Geographic in your hands

I have a new obsession and its called NOVICA - in association with National Geographic and to put it simply, it is like putting a small piece of National Geographic in your hands.  Their philosophy is to create a bridge between us and the many artisans from around the globe.  NOVICA wants us know who we're buying from, feel attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.

I didn't quite get the experience until I started window shopping on the site.  Each piece has detailed information - size, weight, material and my favorite --- a picture of the artisan, a small bio and story behind the piece.  It took me a week to finally decide on the pieces I wanted.  After all there are over 30,000 handcrafted works of art.  While I was narrowing down my choices I curated a collection of my favorites.  You can curate your own collection board and enter to win a trip to Machu Picchu!    

I am a huge fan of little details and the FREE gift wrapping on my Valentine's Day gift to Chris (and one I chose for both of us) was exquisite.  The pieces were securely wrapped with bubble wrap and cardboard.  I was beyond impressed.  Even more impressive?  They each came with a postcard!

I can't say enough about NOVICA, all around impeccable and this is where you need to spend your money to impress someone with a unique gift.  If you aren't sold yet, I don't know what to tell you --- Here are my pictures to seal the deal.

Get social with NOVICA:  @NOVICA on Twitter / NOVICA on Facebook

Disclosure: I was provided with a gift card to review products.  All opinions are my own.  

Heart of Haiti: A Gift That Gives Back

I received this Heart of Haiti bracelet to review, I'm not sure I can say anything to do it the justice it deserves but I'm going to try.  This bracelet is stunning, high quality and more importantly, handcrafted.  It is a true piece of art.  Because these pieces aren't made on an assembly line, there are tiny variations that make it truly one-of-a-kind and limited edition.  It made me wonder why more people don't know about this program... Heart of Haiti has something for everyone - These are the types of unique gifts I love to give and receive!

Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and despite the devastating earthquake, people there are filled with hope and a desire to improve their lives through employment.  The Heart of Haiti initiative provides artists with an opportunity to make a living feed their families and pay their children’s school fees. Already, The Heart of Haiti collection has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,000 people in the country.

The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings. The craftsmanship and technique behind these works of art, ranging from papier-mâché vases to hand cut metal frames & wall hangings, is truly remarkable.  The collection is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums & local gommier wood. Sharing a “gift that gives back” is a great way to raise awareness and celebrate artistry and regrowth. Heart of Haiti products are available exclusively at 25 Macy's stores around the country and on www.Macys.com/Haiti.

Get Social with Heart of Haiti:  @HeartofHaiti on Twitter / Heart of Haiti on Facebook

Painstakingly cut, hammered and varnished by hand, this meaningful picture frame displays your favorite people and places in the tree of life. Steel from recycled barrels gives each one-of-a-kind piece a rustic beauty perfected by Haiti's master artisans.

• Recycled steel
• Handcrafted in Haiti
• Holds 4" x 6" photos
• 9" x 11.5"
• Because each item is a unique work of art, variations in size and color will occur
• Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
• Signed by the artisan
• Artisans receive half the wholesale price for each item sold

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I was provided with product to review and for giveaway.  All thoughts are my own.