During this fall's Netroots Nation auction, I made the confession that I'm a crafter. That admission brought all the creative Kossacks out of the closet and in the comments, person after person volunteered their talent. So many in fact, that the smart organizers at Netroots Nation figured we could have an entire auction made up entirely of these hand-crafted products.
And so they have, with the first ever Netroots Nation Holiday Bazaar. These are some really stellar offerings. I keep going back to the food and drink page. For instance, my mouth has been watering for two days at the thought of Kat's Dark Mexican Chocolate Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream frosting. Or the Italian crostada? Good thing there aren't any calories associated with looking!
The Saturday Morning Garden Blog crew will appreciate this offering of heirloom tomato seeds. Just a look at the available varieties is enough to get your green thumb twitching: from Absinthe to Yellow Pear, some of the tastiest tomatoes around whether you're looking for slicers, paste, or cherries. If you're more into the already processed fruits of the garden, maybe some homemade jelly, or pickled hot cherry peppers would be more appealing. How come I keep going back to the food page?
I'm in awe of the quilters, tatters, carpenters, and potters whose handiwork makes my own look a little less than ambitious. And it's not Christmas without jewelry, including this amazing piece that has graced the pages of Vogue, worn by Iman. Wow.
Just as striking, though you can't hang it around your neck, is this incredibly poignant photograph of Ted and Caroline Kennedy from Mona Brooks, the only photographer permitted on the podium area at the Denver DNC.
Of course, if you're planning a more modest holiday, there's plenty more to choose from. Particularly intriguing is MeteorBlade's walnut and red oak puzzle. And what self-respecting Kossack doesn't want a "Pie" button, in appropriate orange. Who wouldn't want to find that in their stocking Christmas morning?
All in all, there are 115 items, something for everyone on your holiday list, and the vast majority of them under $20. On top of that, it's for a fantastic cause. In three four (already?) short years, Netroots Nation has become the premiere annual gathering for progressives. Proceeds from this auction will go toward Netroots Nation '10, and to the series of regional salons that happen throughout the country during the year.
Did I already mention the truffles? Tempting, huh? Well, you have to act now. The auction ends next Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 10:00 pm, eastern.