Ztampfilicious

We all know that Internet is such a wonderful tool to fold the distance between people all around the world. Many good causes have been benefited from it. Now… I’m sure at least some of you have heard about KickStarter.com.Those who haven’t might wonder what it is all about. Well, in a nutshell, it is a crowd-funding website for creative projects. We all know there are a lot of creative people with amazing, imaginative ideas out there. A lot of them are committed to realize their dreams and would work really hard for it. Unfortunately, funding doesn’t come easily for most of them. Now, this is where KickStarter.com makes a difference.

From Wikipedia:

Kickstarter is an online threshold pledge system for funding creative projects. Kickstarter has funded a diverse array of endeavors, ranging from indie film and music to journalism and food-related projects.

One of a new set of fundraising platforms dubbed “crowdfunding”, Kickstarter facilitates gathering monetary resources from the general public, a model which circumvents many traditional avenues of investment. Project owners choose a deadline and a target minimum of funds to raise. If the chosen target is not gathered by the deadline, no funds are collected (this is known as a provision point mechanism). Money pledged by donors is collected using Amazon Payments, and initiating projects requires a U.S. bank account.

Kickstarter takes 5% of the funds raised; Amazon takes an additional percentage (around two). Unlike many forums for fundraising or investment, Kickstarter claims no ownership over the projects and the work they produce. However, projects launched on the site are permanently archived and accessible to the public. After funding is completed, projects and uploaded media cannot be edited or removed from the site.

What do you think? Isn’t it such a super brilliant idea? And it works too! There many excellent projects succeeded with the help of people who believed in their creators. Currently only those with US bank account can submit/start projects, but there is no country limitation to back a project! I believe most of us can afford to spend a few dollars here and there (most accept donation for as low as $1). There are unique rewards as a token of gratitude for the Backers too – depending on how much is pledged. Here are the projects I am currently backing up:

Seed | http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/653079247/seed

When I Die... | http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/773243090/when-i-die-please-send-me-home

Weighted | http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/590535029/weighted-the-movie

iPhone4 Photog Kit | http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/187916848/un01-iphone4-photography-kit

But there are a lot more out there! Check it out and help some creative people out there realizing their dreams!

Learn something new every day: be curious. That’s the theme of the essays that I was assigned to illustrate for Patti Digh’s latest book: “What I Wish For You“. I used my own ceramic work from the Dream Archives series, combined with my digital Ztampf! works to create the illustration. Can you tell just from the photo below from which kits are they? The elements I used here came from 2 obvious kits. The first 3 persons who got it right will receive $3 coupon to Studio Ztampf! Shop ;). Post your answer in the Comment field of this blog post. You have until noon time of Monday, 25 April 2011 (US EST/ New York Time Zone) to post in your answer!

What I Wish For You - Patti Digh

Now, the wonderful little book itself is filled with heartfelt insights for any age, old and young, at any stage in their life. As her older daughter prepared to graduate from high school and fly away to lead a new life as a college student Patti reached out to readers of her popular blog, 37days.com to gather wisdom from the far corners of the earth to help guide her. She asked: “What advice do you wish you had heard – really heard – when you were graduating from high school or college? What words could you benefit from hearing again?“. The result is this book, an invaluable collection of poignant wisdom from regular people from all walks of life for every one. Get yours now!

I have also been one of the contributing artists for two of her previous books:

Thrive is the name of the new series that I’ve been working on!

Sooo… the 3 people who have guessed it right are: Lisa Hoffers, Olga Biddiscombe and Cynthia Dugan! Congratulations, Ladies – check your facebook inbox for the coupon to download the main kit for free and a 60% OFF coupon for the Thrive Bundle should you want it (it comes with an exclusive bonus Pack!). ENJOY!!!

Thanks for everyone who has participated too! I really enjoy reading all your guesses and some of them are really great too! Each one of you will receive a little something from me soon… So stay tuned!

Now… Please welcome Thrive:

Automatically Save $7 and Get an Exclusive Bonus Pack when you get the Bundle Saving!

And… special for you Ztampfilicious blog readers:
Use this Coupon Code : thrivingonblog to receive a further 20% off saving when you get the already great deal Bundle Saving
Valid through Monday, 18 April 2011 (US EST). Don’t miss it!

Separate packs are also available:

REMEMBER: Use Coupon Code : thrivingonblog to receive a further 20% off saving when you get the already great deal Bundle Saving
Valid through Monday, 18 April 2011 (US EST). Don’t miss it!

Don’t forget:

Come join me for the super fun Chat with Games and Prizes and Special Gift today,
Tuesday, 12 April at 9 p.m. EST/New York (Wednesday, 13 April at 9 a.m. Hong Kong Time).
Confused with the Time Zone difference?
Just go to http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html to find out!
Mark the time and be sure to be there!

Yeah… It’s Play Day for Studio Ztampf! as the Designer of the Week at SBG! Check it out at SBG Blog here! Read what they have to say about Ztampf! and get inspired by many fabulous layouts created by the Crew!

An exciting brand new series is currently brewing!
Guess what is the name?

The first 3 persons who got it right will receive the main kit for free!
So… guess away! You have until Thursday, April 14th noontime (US EST) to post your answer
on Ztampf! Facebook Page. Have fun!!!

Studio Ztampf! is Designer of The Week at SBG for the week of April 11th!
Come join me for the super fun Chat with Games and Prizes and Special Gift this Tuesday, 12 April at 9 p.m. EST/New York (Wednesday, 13 April at 9 a.m. Hong Kong Time). Confused with the Time Zone difference? Just go to http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html to find out! Mark your calendar and be sure to be there!

Oh and I have set many items on special pricing for the week so check it out!