UNDISCOVERED Artisan Box is a quarterly subscription service offered by NOVICA that showcases a curated selection of authentic artisan treasures from a different region worldwide. Each box has a $200+ value and you can fully customize it or let NOVICA surprise you. You'll discover one-of-a-kind products and insider tips as you explore a new region each time led by the local Artisan Guide.
Subscribers will gain access to NOVICA's UNDISCOVERED Add-On Market and will enjoy significant discounts on every item they purchase. This virtual international marketplace is filled with hidden gems and offers an incredible way to explore and shop for various arts and cultures of the world.
This review is of the Premium UNDISCOVERED Artisan Box by NOVICA. This box features 5 handmade creations per season, including one valued at over $50. It costs $59.99 each quarter and shipping starts at $3.99 per box.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes).
What's Inside The Box
NOVICA took me on a tour of Armenia this quarter! The Artisan Guidebook introduced me to the artisans Shahe Harutyunyan and Kristine Safaryan who are located in Yerevan, the ancient capital of Armenia. They run their family business where they showcase pottery that reflects the culture and traditions of Armenia.
When selecting my items for this quarter's box, I chose a mix of functional and decorative items. Most of the pieces I selected were for my kitchen, whereas others may visit a few areas of the house before I decide on their final destination.
Let's see what was inside my box!
The Unboxing Process
1 of 3
I just wanted to quickly mention that NOVICA does a wonderful job carefully packaging their artisan items. Every item comes individually wrapped in several layers and is then contained inside a larger, more secure box.
Artisan Guidebook
1 of 3
The Artisan Guidebook showcased the natural beauty of Armenia along with some of its traditional architecture and decorative arts. I was provided with a recipe for yogurt soup that I plan on making this week for my husband's birthday, and I think I'll go with the chilled version since it features dried mint and Armenian yogurt.
Traditional Handcrafted Beechwood Phone Holder, "Ancestor's Blessing" by Artashes Sarkhoshyan (Retail Value: $45.95)
1 of 4
I'm totally that person who loses their phone 24/7, so this was a must-have item this quarter. I also enjoy listening to podcasts and music while I cook, clean, and chase after the kids, so this phone holder is definitely going to rack up daily mileage. It's crafted with sturdy beechwood, can be positioned for vertical or horizontal use, and is super lightweight (only 0.2 lbs).
How beautiful and functional!
Classic Hand-Carved Light Brown Beech Wood Cross, "Sylvan Holiness" by Artashes Sarkhoshyan (Retail Value: $39.95)
1 of 6
I love buying Christian decor and goods whenever I can, so when I saw this beautiful cross online I instantly added it to my cart. Just like the phone holder, this cross is also made from beechwood and is as light as a feather sitting at a mere 0.99 oz. While it's not large enough for a centerpiece display on a dining room table, it's perfect to place on a bookcase, desk, or nightstand.
I think I'll keep it up on my hightop where I work for now... until my husband sneaks it away to his work desk.
Hand-Carved Beechwood Bowls and Honey Dipper (3 Pieces), "Sweet Custom" by Hayk Amirkhanyan (Retail Value: $69.95)
1 of 9
Full disclosure, I've never actually used a honey dipper before...but why not start now? I'll most likely save this for special occasions when I whip out a charcuterie board for friends and family who come to visit. I've also never made a charcuterie board before...but there's a first for everything!
Pomegranate-Themed Painted Beige Ceramic Spoon Rest, "Romance Flavors" by Arsen Badalyan (Retail Value: $45.95)
1 of 6
Every time I cook, I remind myself how my poor, dirtied stove top seriously needs a spoon rest. Yet, here I am finally getting around to owning one. This charming spoon rest is quite beautiful, but a bit smaller than I had imagined. Despite its size, I will certainly use it regularly, especially when I make soups and sauces.
On the plus side, being smaller helps this piece not get in the way of my other clutter on the kitchen counter that I really need to do something about one of these days. 😅
Handcrafted Striped Terracotta Decorative Flower Pot, "Lines of Nature" by Vazgen Gevorgyan (Retail Value: $39.95)
1 of 6
I can always use another terracotta pot in my life. However, this one does not come with drainage, so I'm torn being placing decorative floral arrangements inside or drilling a small hole so I can place my mini succulents inside. Either way, isn't this pot adorable?
Value
The retail value of these 5 items is $241.75 which is roughly 4 times the price of this box. So monetarily, the value you get is huge. However, if it wasn't clear earlier, the value that I got from having someone curate household items for me is priceless.
The Verdict
Once again, I loved every artisan item I received and can't wait to use them throughout my home. While it's hard to choose a favorite piece, I think the phone stand was the winner this time due to its functionality. However, the wooden cross was a close second because of its simple beauty and symbolism.
Until next time!
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.