Handmade Ceramic Bowl

February surprises here at Fair Ivy brought two wonderful handmade gifts—one of which was a gorgeous mini ceramic bowl from White Peach Pottery

This has to be one of the most adorable packages we had the pleasure of receiving….and sending out to all of our surprise subscribers!

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic dish gift wrapping

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic Bowl

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic dish gift wrapping

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic dish gift wrapping

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic Bowl gift wrapping

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic Bowl gift wrapping

Arriving in the most adorable little polka-dot packaging, White Peach Pottery‘s gorgeous handmade ceramic bowl came in a variety of colors (an added surprise!).  The little “brighten-up-your-desk” kit even came with an air plant snuggled right inside.

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic Bowl

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic Bowl

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic dish gift wrapping

Artist's Card

As with all of our handmade monthly surprise gifts for women, this package included an Artist’s Card, with details about the artist, their background and inspiration.  In case it’s hard to read, the text says:

White Peach Pottery
Over at White Peach, artist Marianne Tolosa’s desire for the company is to create pottery that counters the widely available, mass-produced housewares on the market today.  She encourages everyone to invite the handmade into their daily life, as she believes it brings joy to the soul and communicates warmth to those who gather around you.

The tillandsia planter is hand-crafted just for you, by her, at her studio in Virginia. To care for your Tillandsia, simply place it in an area with bright, filtered light.  Then soak it in water for 30 minutes every 2 weeks, and it should be with you for a long time!

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic Bowl

White Peach Pottery - Handmade Ceramic Bowl 

Love this item and want one for yourself?  Head on over to White Peach Pottery.

Did you know? 
We JUST opened up a new subscription option called The Mystery, which is only $16/month and allows you to receive this type of variety item every month!
Check it out by clicking here!

Handmade freshwater pearl strand necklace

Freshwater pearl strand necklace - monthly subscription gifts for women, from Fair Ivy!

January subscribers to all three of our subscriptions (Jewelry, Duet and Original—which is now closed) received this gorgeous pearl necklace, handmade by Just A Charm Jewelry. It’s the essence of class, without being overly fancy (so you can wear it on a regular day or dress up a fancy evening outfit with it!).

Freshwater pearl necklace - monthly subscription gifts for women, from Fair Ivy!

Freshwater pearl strand necklace - monthly subscription gifts for women, from Fair Ivy!

Freshwater pearl necklace - monthly subscription gifts for women, from Fair Ivy!

Freshwater pearl necklace - monthly subscription gifts for women, from Fair Ivy!

The packaging it came in was absolutely wonderful as well.  In a little kraft box with lace-type ribbon and organic twine, it was sealed with a cute circular sticker from the small business.  It felt like very organic gift wrapping–our favorite kind!

Creative gift wrap from fair ivy

Unique gift wrap from fair ivy

Artist's Info card from fairivy.com

Artist's Info card from fairivy.com

The Artist’s Card read:

“We make contemporary jewelry with clean and simple geometries. Each piece is handcrafted in New York City with sterling silver, gold-filled, semi-precious gemstones and delicate charms.  The style is modern, versatile, minimalist and understated.

We couldn’t agree more!

Creative gift wrap from fair ivy

Freshwater pearl necklace - monthly subscription gifts for women, from Fair Ivy!

Want to pick up this lovely pearl necklace as a surprise gift for a friend (or yourself)?  Head on over to Just A Charm’s Shop!

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One Little Mama ❤s Fair Ivy

Blogger One Little Mama loves Fair Ivy’s February jewelry surprise

This month, mom and handmade-loving blogger Kilee from One Little Mama was signed up for Fair Ivy’s Duet Subscription.  And she loved it!

Now, we don’t want to reveal the surprise too soon since February isn’t over yet, but if you are a super curious cat and want to know what the February gift is, click here to see the review and more photos of Kilee with her Fair Ivy monthly surprise gift (the item is hidden in the below picture)!

Review of Fair Ivy surprises
Photo from Onelittlemama.com

Ps.  You should totally check out One Little Mama in general for wonderful diy ideas, thrift store finds and fashion tips!  She also handmakes awesome stuff!

One Little Mama - review

Grapefruit Shea Soap

Grapefruit shea soap - monthly surprise gifts from fairivy.com

January 2014 was the last month of Fair Ivy’s Original Subscription—the one that sent three items per month (including one bath product).  This lovely grapefruit shea soap by Whispering Willow was the final of the bath product surprise gifts sent out—and boy was it lovely!  It not only smelled great, but had a wonderful color and came packaged so beautifully!

Grapefruit shea soap - monthly surprise gifts from fairivy.com

Creative gift wrap from fair ivy

We really liked the packaging—the wrapping paper felt like papier mache!  And the thin gold ribbon was a lovely touch.

Plus, look at that wonderful ingredient list—so clean!

Grapefruit Shea Soap

Ingredients:
Olive Oil
Distilled Water
Coconut Oil
Palm Oil
Sodium Hydroxide
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Unrefined Shea Butter

Creative gift wrap from fair ivy

Unique gift wrap from fair ivy

Artist's Info card from fairivy.com

We love the logo and Artist’s Info card that came with this Artisan Grapefruit scented soap bar.  The card reads:

“Whispering Willow is a small bath & body company in NC made up of Julia & Wayne — a husband and wife team.  Together we handcraft natural bath & body products using organic oils, essential oils and eco-friendly packaging.  Additionally, we commit 10% of our profits to charity.

All of this means you can enjoy our products with peace of mind, knowing that not only are they great for you, but they are also helping to create a cleaner and healthier world for everyone.”

Artist's Info card from fairivy.com  

Grapefruit shea soap - monthly surprise gifts from fairivy.com

Want to pick up a bar of this grapefruit shea soap for yourself?  Or perhaps try a different scent?  Head on over to Whispering Willow’s store!

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Turo Discount Code

Turo Discount Code: Get $25 to rent a car from owner!

Turo is a unique peer to peer car sharing service. Read on to learn how to rent your car out as well as how to rent a car from owner. Plus, get a discount by clicking this Turo Discount Code link.

You can get up to $25 credit per friend referred, plus $75 credit when you rent out your own car. We adore it.

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Turo Discount Code

Start off your Turo adventure with a $25 Turo discount code. Access it by clicking here, or the button below.

Turo Discount Code: Get $25 towards Turo's peer to peer car sharing service!

Additionally, if you sign up via that link, you can score a car owner’s bonus. When you rent your car out to other users, you’ll get a $75 bonus deposited in your account the first time you rent. Two ways to earn extra cash. Actually three if you refer your own friends.

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Peer to Peer Car Sharing: What is it?

If you’ve used AirBnb, you already have experienced the peer to peer sharing economy. It occurs when one person has something to spare (e.g. a bedroom), and someone else needs to borrow it for a bit. I mean, why not—you aren’t using it! Everyone could use a little extra cash.

Side note: There are sharing services for all sorts of things! Our current favorite is hip camping (HipCamp).

Anyway, I digress. Turo is the same thing, but for peer to peer car sharing specifically. Either you have a car and are happy to rent your car out for extra cash, or you need to rent a car from an owner in that city.

Turo.com helps you navigate the car options in your city. You can find anything from a convertible sports car, to a van that includes a mattress in the back.

How Does Turo Work? Rent a Car from Owner

How Does Turo Work? How to Rent your Car and get a $75 bonusRenting a car can be expensive, and complicated. When you borrow a privately owned car, it usually ends up being a lot cheaper and more flexible. Turo connects you with a car owner. Find one you like. Then apply to rent a car from an owner, and together you figure out your pickup location. Sometimes they’ll even deliver it straight to your location (for free or for a small fee).

Together you decide the mileage you’ll be putting on the car. You’ll also both ensure that the car is returned the way it was taken—so take photos! Other than that, you’re good to start driving!

How does Turo work? As in, how do they make money? Well, pretty much the way all the sharing services do. Turo.com makes a profit by being a middle man. They take 25% from the car owner’s earnings.

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Rent your Car Out…and Earn Cash

If you have a car that you don’t use all the time, you may want to consider the option to rent your car out. It’s a great way to earn extra cash. In busy cities, it’s also one way to ensure you don’t need to find a parking spot the entire time you’re on vacation!

Turo obviously isn’t free (if you’re a car owner), as I mentioned before. They skim off 25% of your earnings. So be sure to calculate that in when you’re…calculating stuff. But! If you sign up for Turo via this link, you’ll start with a $75 car owner bonus.

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Don’t Miss the Turo.com Promo Code:

Click here for $25 off a car rental, or a $75 bonus when you list a car

Meet the surprise gift artist: Erin from Lustrous Elements

Meet the surprise gift artist: Erin from Lustrous Elements

In December, subscribers to our monthly gifts for women received this gorgeous pair of handmade gold and silver earrings made by surprise gift artist Erin from Lustrous Elements:

Silver and gold earrings

Everyone went nuts, and it is already one of our more popular surprise gifts of all time!  So we thought you’d perhaps like to learn a little bit more about the wonderful handmade artist who created this lovely surprise gift!

About the Artist: Erin

What’s your background for your art and your business?

I attended the Art Institute of Dallas from 90-92, graduating with a degree in Visual Communications. I studied design, composition, painting photography, and use of color and space. I’ve been working in the  promotional advertising business since 1993. I’m a self taught jewelry & accessories designer, beginning in 2005.

Is your handmade jewelry style the same as what you choose to wear yourself?

Yes, other than my wedding ring the only jewelry I wear is my own. Over time my designs have grown to incorporate men’s jewelry and accessories, of which my husband has been a grateful recipient. I’m a very lucky wife!

What are a few fun facts to help your fans get to know you a bit better?

I love dancing. Starting in 2007 I started taking country western couples dance lessons, and in 2010 I started competing. Yes I know, very quirky. I’m not so great, but don’t need to be because dancing makes me very very happy.

Fair Ivy artist's station

Fair Ivy surprise gift artist hard at work, making a handmade earring item for the monthly surprise packages

Fair Ivy artist hard at work, making a handmade earring item for the monthly surprise packages

Nice to meet you, Erin!  We can’t wait to see more lovely handmade jewelry creations from you!