My
new favorite web site does not instantly offer educational activities. Nor does
this site offer crafting instructions. However, this site does offer the
fruits of those efforts and the inspiration to do more.
The
site to which I am referring is Kickstarter—and I’m hooked!
By
now, anyone connected to the internet, social media, or a television has heard of
the concept of crowdfunding. Kickstarter is an artist and creation-based crowdfunding
web site that helps folks bring their projects to life. The site is a direct
connection to the artists, authors, engineers (yes, engineers!), coders, and
creators of all-things-wonderful. As each campaign begins, backers have the
opportunity to experience the story behind-the-product, the inspiration, and
sometimes even the frustrations faced in completing the project. I think of
Kickstarter as an art fair with a twist—the venue reaching worldwide, not just
a small community.
As
one of my passions is children’s literature and the important message tucked
inside the pages of any children's book, I have naturally spent hours exploring the
many MANY children’s publishing campaigns on Kickstarter. On any given day, I
have discovered book projects that focus on education—teaching youngsters
anything from the alphabet to computer coding, the environment, the beauty of
art—from mosaics to needle felting, and acceptance—of ourselves as well as the
differences in others.
And,
needless to say, my postman will be busy over the next few months delivering
the final results of all of this exploration. Yes—the backers receive these
products some time after the campaign ends (if the goal has been met).
So,
to avoid losing the message in the words, I will simply provide the links to
some of my favorite projects thus far that are still ongoing. I hope you
consider checking them out.
