I am a self-proclaimed “crazy cat lady.” We have four rescues, including two failed fosters. It should come as no surprise that over the years some of my décor has included cats. My prize collection is a series of wooden cat statues from NOVICA, who partners with National Geographic, UNICEF, and others to “explore, empower, and impact” the lives of artisans around the globe.
What is NOVICA?
NOVICA was founded in 1999 as a way to “spread happiness” by connecting artisans from around the world directly with customers. This concept gives talented artisans a chance to create handmade items and pays them a living wage. In turn, this indirectly and directly helps the artist’s community with more funding for health care, education, and basic needs. It also supports the continuation of dying traditional arts lost in the modern world of cookie-cutter products.
NOVICA also provides a universal guarantee on each purchase. All items will be quality tested and verified by NOVICA’s regional teams, each piece will be fair trade and 100% happiness guaranteed, and pieces will be packed in a certified clean environment.
About Blessings Cat:
The latest addition to my collection of carved cats is “Blessings Cat.” Made from Suar wood, this product has received the Earth Friendly badge because it uses recycled or sustainable materials or techniques. Each figure is hand-carved and, because of this, each piece is unique. Although the pose of a cat in the blessing position remains unchanged from piece to piece, the wood grain, color, and tone will vary. You can see the attention Mr. Sudarsana gives to each piece in the tiny details.
He signs his carvings before they are carefully shipped around the world from the NOVICA office in Bali and Java. The pieces are carefully packaged and loving (and securely!) wrapped to ensure they’ll arrive in perfect condition for gift giving.
Blessings Cats proudly joins my display along with my “Hear No Evil” sculpture, my Kitty Cat Stretch sculpture, and my “Mindful Cat” sculpture, all by the same artisan.
About the Artist:
Nengah Sudarsana is a Balinese artisan who has been interested in nature from an early age. Although he has no formal art training, which is amazing considering his beautiful designs, he creates wildlife and animal themes in an “exact, realistic, and original way.” He refuses to craft anything that he would not display in his own home and it shows in his work.
Here’s how, in his own words, working with NOVICA has changed his life:
“Working with you has created a much better life for me and my family. Before, I could hardly afford to live in a single room home. Now I live in a house with three rooms, and have my own car. Most importantly, I now support many other artisans who work with me. My family and I live a much better life, and five other families now benefit directly from my sales. I’m also able to help my relatives, especially the younger children, who now have shoes, clothes, and an education that they couldn’t have before.”
NOVICA products offer the ability to give someone special a gift that can’t be found in stores along with the gift of love to artisans worldwide. What’s not to love? Do you know someone who would enjoy an item from the NOVICA collection?
And, as a special gift for my readers, NOVICA is offering a chance to win a $50 gift code good on any purchase. You can enter below.
I am in love with the tiger trance necklace. It is stunning.
Love Novica! I would love to get the Hand-Painted Talavera Ceramic Serving Bowl from Mexico, “Raining Flowers”.
Novica products sound like a great gift to give this Christmas. Will check it out.
I’ve been to Bali and bought some handmade arts! I love unique gifts like these.
Novica products could be a wonderful Christmas gift! They are unique!
These are really cute Great giveaway. Hand made is always has special touch and feel.
I love this idea. I’ve never heard of this before but it’s such a wonderful thing and such a great way to spread joy.
I never heard of Novica before but this sounds awesome. I love learning about the artisans behind some of my favorite pieces.
I call myself a crazy cat lady too and I loved seeing all the art and sculptures when I went to Bali and Ghana last year, so I think it’s fantastic that Novica allows me to buy these pieces from home! Thanks for sharing.
Tara | mamasmoneydiary.com
I love cute cat stuffs too. I’d love to have it as well. And this is the first time I’ve heard of Novica. All of those are Incredible and creative in a way.
Wow! I’ve heard of them but did not actually see their wonderful works. This Blessings Cats is really beautiful!
I like the Tie-Dyed Viscose Sundress in Azure from India, “Delhi Azure”
It’s the first time I’ve heard of it. And their products looks great!
I have never heard of Novica but the collection and vibe looks amazing!
I’ve never heard Novica but I love their Crafty artistic products it looks beautiful and creative.
This is a wonderful way to connect artisans with art lovers. This program/company is new to me and I am glad I have made its acquaintance.
I did some Novica reviews in the past. I love their artisan made products.
I’ve never heard of Novica before, but I’m so glad that I found this. I love supporting businesses like this!
This is such a great hobby. It looks like a lot of fun.
This sounds like a shop that would be right up my street – I love buying things from artisans and I love that this brings together ones from across the world.
They have so much amazing handcrafted goods! It would be super hard for me to pick just one! I love all the handmade jewelry, just stunning!
I’ve always loved Novica. They have some gorgeous gift options made by talented people.
I’d like the 4 Hand Painted Plumeria on Balinese Batik 2-Layer Face Masks.
It is fun to have a hobby of collecting and keeping all those cats. That Novica collection looks amazing and so well done.