Party Favorites

 

1. Blue Ribbon goblets from NOVICA Live  

2. Bird Tart Warmer from Scentsy  

3. Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix from Tastefully Simple  

4. Mineral Eye Color Quad in Black Ice from Mary Kay

5. Stoneware Deep Dish Pie Plate from The Pampered Chef  
6. Necklace from Premier Design
7. Sugar & Spice from Jamberry
8. Owl Wallet from thirty-one
9. Sewing Machine Charm from Origami Owl

Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix

 

 

Key Lime Cheese Ball Mix

Rings, NOVICA Live Feature

I love rings!  I don't have enough fingers when it comes to rings.  This is a collection of my favorites from NOVICA Live artisans.

Sterling silver band ring, 'Classic Passion'

This ring by Kenari is crafted with classic Balinese styling. Graceful sterling tendrils flow elegantly around the band while minuscule spheres and braids frame them. Made of .925 sterling silver.  10mm width.

Chrysocolla cocktail ring, 'Universe'

Mesmerizing with its nuances of color, chrysocolla centers a sterling universe. Patricia Jara (Andes) showcases the stone in a bold, handcrafted ring. The gem is associated with peace and serenity. Chrysocolla is believed to foster meditation, intimacy and unconditional love.  Made of .925 sterling silver.

Amethyst cocktail ring, 'Lilac Frangipani'

Adorned by frangipani blossoms, this design is the creation of Buana in Bali. Crowning ornate sterling silver settings, a faceted amethyst (my mom's fave) of 3.5 carats takes center stage in a ring of feminine elegance.  Made of .925 sterling silver.

Citrine solitaire ring, 'Feminine Charm'

Nestled amid sterling arabesques, a single citrine (my own birthstone) graces this lovely ring. It totals some 1.5 carats. Kenari (Bali) crafts a very feminine design in finely worked .925 sterling silver.

Brazilian drusy agate stacking rings, 'Samba Dazzle' (set of 3)

Mined in Brazil, drusy agate is dazzling. The sparkling gem in dark steel gray finds a showcase in a trio of rings. From Novica's Gemstone Jewelry of Southern Brazil collection, the set of three can be worn together or separately.

Amethyst stacking rings, 'Mystical Muse' (set of 3)

Believed to be the gem of mystical wisdom, amethyst cabochons crown stacking rings by India's Mahavir. The set includes three handcrafted .925 sterling silver rings, featuring one florid engraved band and two hammered rings. The stylish trio can be worn together or separately.  (I love silver stacking rings most of all!)

Even more fabulous rings available at NOVICA Live. 

Autumn Scarves: NOVICA Live Feature

100% Alpaca Scarf, 'Andean Twilight'

"The colors of the firmament, when the sun finally bids day farewell, inspire the vibrant design of this alpaca scarf. Fernando Cano (Andes) creates vibrant patterns as he knits the scarf in shades of plum, orange, green and brown. Alpaca has been prized in the Andean region for centuries thanks to its warm and lightweight fleece."

Alpaca Blend Scarf, 'Silver Gift of Warmth'

"Fashion and tradition combine in an exquisite scarf by Isidoro C'cahuantico (Andes). Crafted of an alpaca blend in silvery gray, it adds elegance to the winter wardrobe. Lightweight alpaca is a luxurious fleece renowned for its warmth."

Silk Batik Shawl, 'Carnelian Mums'

"Colorful chrysanthemums cover a radiant shawl of orange silk. Working with traditional batik techniques, Yuni Kristina (Java) creates a wrap of graceful femininity."
"My mother is my inspiration. She and I still design together, especially the floral and bird motifs that are typical in Pekalongan batik," - Yuni

Cotton Scarf, 'Orchid Fiesta'

"A creation by Andres Perez, this festive scarf is woven by hand on a traditional Guatemalan loom. Cotton strands in rich shades of rose, lilac, purple and orange are woven with spaces between the weft, or horizontal threads, for a loose and open weave that drapes beautifully. Its luscious fringe is knotted by hand."

Silk and Wool Shawl, 'Natural Radiance'

"The quiet shimmer of natural silk meets hand loomed textures in virgin wool for a shawl of extraordinary elegance. By Imtiyaz (India), the lovely wrap combines enticing colors to wear with everything."

Cotton Blend Kente Cloth Scarf, 'Koforidua Flower

"'The women from Koforidua (Ghana) are renowned for their beauty, and are therefore regarded as the 'flowers' of the village. This kente scarf is designed in their honor,' says designer Deborah Osei Boakye. According to tradition, each color has a meaning and pink symbolizes the feminine essence of life; yellow stands for wealth, preciousness, vitality and fertility."

Framing School Pictures: NOVICA Live Feature

Did you get you child's school photos yet?  Aren't they treasures?  Now you need a treasure to frame them with.  Here are some beauties from worldwide artisans from NOVICA Live.

Coconut Picture Frame, "Cinnamon Swirls"

"A handsome crackled finish suggests tree bark or tortoise shell. It is neither. Creating an elegant mosaic, Ketut Kartika discovers the intriguing textures of natural Balinese materials. He patiently applies cinnamon bark to coconut wood and adds a circular medallion with rings of bamboo. The resulting picture frame is original and beautiful"

Aluminum picture frame, 'Mughal Memento'

"Evoking a cherished antique, this picture frame displays a favorite 4 by 6-inch photograph. Sameer and Sunil design the photo frame, which skilled artisans carry out. Handcrafted aluminum repoussé features flourishing flowers and woven textures."

Brass picture frame, 'Royal India Heritage'

"Lavish flowers and ornate medallions adorn an opulent picture frame that recalls ancient palaces. Working in repousse, skilled artisans create a design by Sameer and Sunil. Handcrafted brass repoussé surrounds a favorite 4 by 6-inch photograph with luxury."

Marble mosaic photo frame, 'Mountain Trail'

"Evoking the myriad brown tones of the winter sierra, this picture frame comes from Vidri Arte, Mexico. Artisans work in marble mosaic, patiently placing each stone by hand. The frame stands on wrought iron legs."

Nickel and wood picture frame, 'Serpentine'

"Wittaya (Thailand) designs a photo frame of dazzling beauty, where swirling serpentines fall from florid mosaics. The illusion is captivating and enhanced by nickel's glistening texture. Carved of raintree wood, the photo frame features a glass pane for protection."

 I hope you enjoy these fabulous frames.  Your children's school pictures with shine in any of them.  My fave?  'Serpitine'  Order yours at my NOVICA Live site.

Mexico's Blown Glass Artistry: NOVICA Live Feature

Since the 1990s, Javier Gutiérrez and Efrén Canteras have worked together to preserve Mexico's blown glass artistry. "This type of work is a beautiful craft. I love blown glass because of the pure imagination poured into every piece created," confides Efrén.

champagne flutes, Multi-color Specks, set of 6

"Even though the art of blowing glass originally came to Mexico from Spain, and it is practiced all over the world, Mexico's blown glass artistry is unique," says Javier enthusiastically.

Drinking Glasses, Lime Twist, set of 6

 "I was 15 years old when I began blowing glass. Now I have the opportunity to teach the art of blowing hot glass to other young artisans. I start by employing people as my assistants, but I aim to train them to be experts, glass blowers equipped with a beautiful and useful skill.

Blown Glass Pitcher, Confetti Fiesta

Working as a team, Javier specializes in the design of the pieces, and Efrén transforms the designs into a reality. "Efrén and I make a great team. Over the years we have worked hard to design truly original styles with a distinctly Mexican accent."

Blown Wine Glasses, Crimson Serpentines, set of 6

Javier and Efren work with lead-free, un-tempered and recycled glass, which is melted at very high temperatures. They use a long steel blowpipe to pick a glob of molten glass and, holding the pipe with one hand, they masterfully start shaping the desired piece by blowing through the other end of the pipe using tools with their free hand. They must work fast, while the molten glass is still hot, adding color and other desired effects.

Margarita Glasses, Ruby Afternoon, set of 4

  When the piece is ready, they cut it off the pipe leaving a pontil on the bottom indicating the piece is mouth blown. It is placed in a tempering kiln for several hours and then left to cool.

Blown Glass Goblets, Night Sky, set of 6

Given the handcrafted nature of the process, there will never be two completely identical pieces. Air bubbles are often present as a result of this technique, adding to the admirable uniqueness of this legendary art form.


These beautiful, handmade glass pieces and more are all available at my NOVICA Live website.

Raul Ulloa Baylon: Tarma Muse

"For a while, I thought I might not be able to make my dreams come true, and to provide for my little son. My son is now seven, and it has been seven years since I joined Novica - seven years since I realized that dreams can be more than just dreams. Today I have my own home, and my own workshop. My family is doing well, and I have the energy to continue exploring my creativity because I'm sure that Novica will be there to protect us. When I joined Novica, I lived in a rented house with just one loom, my wife, and our newborn baby. Today, I have three looms and have invited other weavers to help weave my designs. Best of all, I can provide for my son the way I dreamed of doing so when he was born."

Raul grew up in the country near Tarma, Peru which in the central Andes, a region considered the "cradle of flowers." The floral beauty of Tarma inspires his works and his frequent portrayal of flowers and other images of local cultural importance.
 

"Tarma Muse" was originally stylized after the messenger bags used by Inca chasquis (messengers). They are traditionally used to carry post as well as "snacks" for the journey. Woven of wool on a pedal loom, each bag is embroidered by hand in Ayacucho style. It is fully lined with two handy pockets. 

 

"I love to paint and I love to weave. They are both a form of expression and often, after I explore a theme in my weaves, I will repeat them on the canvas.  I inherited my passion for art from my father, who wove beautiful tapestries," Raul says with pride. "I began weaving smaller pieces when I was 12 years old with the techniques from San Pedro de las Cajas. My tapestries have now gone beyond our borders.

Bring some Andean culture to your living room...

No need for an aquarium if you have this...

You know I love birds...I want this one!...

What other international treasures will you find at NOVICA Live?

"Bright Hope and Change" by Neide Ambrosio

Such a simple little thing.

We throw them in the recycling bin.

We throw them in the trash.

We want our 5 cents back when they are empty...

To most of us soda (also known as pop) cans just mean a caffiene kick or an alternate to coffee or tea.  To Neide Ambrosio of São Paolo, Brazil, they mean an outlet for a crocheting hobby and passion to recycle.  

Neide isn't looking for the 5 cent deposit either.  She is looking for the tab on the top of the can.  You know, the ones we used to wear on necklaces in middle school?  

 (image from Nancy's Gone Green)

Neide enjoys her walks on the beach in Rio de Janeiro collecting these treasures while keeping the busy area clean.  "I decided to use soda pops because Brazilian people consume a lot of canned drinks," she says, "and in the beaches all over Brazil you can find many soda pops."

What does she do with all that "trash"?  After learning to crochet from a friend in Rio, she decided to crochet together the soda can tabs into fashion accessories.  This is Neide's colorful wristlet called "Bright Hope and Change."

All of her handbags are fully lined and have a zipper closure.  They are beautifully made.  Upon first receiving mine I had to sit and marvel over the workmanship.  Sometimes I still do.  They are lovely inside and out.  She makes all sizes including cell phone cases...

Shoulder bags...

and even full size purses that measure approximately 10" x 13" x 3"

One of the best things about these bags, other than the obvious environmental impact, is that the aluminum is actually very light weight.  It looks like heavy metal but is very easy to carry an sturdy.

Neide's collection can be found at NOVICA Live! along with other artisans from around the world.  It's like shopping local in a global marketplace.

Talent Tuesday: Nareerat

"I would like people to know me as an artist and designer who creates handmade jewelry. To shoppers from all over the world, I'd like to say that there are still many quality artists waiting to be discovered."  -  Nareerat 

NOVICA Live Jewelry Artist

Nareerat, or Lek, was born in Trang province, southern Thailand. She is the youngest child of six and her family members are merchants.  After grade nine she moved to Bangkok where she was a secretarial major at the Convert of the Holy Infant Jesus School. She worked at a foreign trading agency as a buyer and an enamel company in their marketing department before she got married. 

Lek's hobbies include origami which she did constantly while pregnant with her first daughter, Ice. That made her appreciate art. Three years later she had twin sons, H and OAT. She quit working again and devoted all her time to them. After moving to a new house, she became terribly bored.  She wanted her own small business and began looking for products at the big Bangkok market.  She liked jewelry so she bought some to sell at her sister's shop. The feedback was great, so she decided to start designing her own jewelry in 2004.

"I prefer to design and craft the jewelry myself. I wanted to make something different from what you find in the market. So I bought a book about making jewelry and the processes. I started from the beginning. It was so hard before I finished and it took me long time to make the first piece. When I knew the basics and the process, I started to design by myself. I tried for long time until I got better. Finally, in September of 2005, I opened my own small shop.

"I have faith and believe in God, and I want to look after my three children so they grow up to be good people. I also want to make jewelry. At present, I live with my husband and our children, and I do my jewelry by myself. 

"The greatest challenge in my life may not be exciting but it is challenging to me. It is making jewelry and presenting my ideas through my designs. One of my best memories is when I sold a necklace I named 'Green Silk Curtain' to my first customer. It was the first necklace I designed and crafted by hand.  I love all of my work. I am satisfied and happy when I see my others appreciate my designs. This inspires me to make more beautiful jewelry. 

"To create my jewelry, I like to sit in the middle of the materials – colorful stones and pearls in many shapes. My inspiration tells me what kind of design to create or what kind of material to use. Nature is a reference for my designs. " - Lek

I am so glad to have discovered Lek's work at NOVICA Live.  If you host an online Trunk Show and your sales total $250 or more, you will receive the first TWO pieces shown here by Lek absolutely FREE (multi-strand necklace and turquoise earrings).