This is such a brilliant concept — well actually, two brilliant concepts. Firstly, the website Kickstarter: I’ll let their little spiel give you all the info you need (or better yet, visit their site to see how it all works).

Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every month, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.

A new form of commerce and patronage. This is not about investment or lending. Project creators keep 100% ownership and control over their work. Instead, they offer products and experiences that are unique to each project.

All or nothing funding. On Kickstarter, a project must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. Why? It protects everyone involved. Creators aren’t expected to develop their project without necessary funds, and it allows anyone to test concepts without risk.

Each and every project is the independent creation of someone like you. Projects are big and small, serious and whimsical, traditional and experimental. They’re inspiring, entertaining and unbelievably diverse. We hope you agree… Welcome to Kickstarter!

I think it’s unreal, because it allows people with ideas to be connected with people who want to be a part of something new and exciting, and are willing to pay for the privilege. And it doesn’t have to be an exorbitant amount of money either — a spare fifty bucks can be enough! Apart from pledging their dollars, the most important role the investor can play is to spread the word.

One in particular that caught my eye, is a lass (I was a tad confused by the name Kyle, which I assumed was reserved for boys. Apparently not) who intends to set up a portable printing press in the back of a bakery truck and travel the US, educating people at schools and community markets on this old art form. She’ll be currently packing her bags, as the project will be funded today (well, tomorrow technically — Portland is 19 hours behind Melbourne). She has secured double her pledge goal, a whopping $15K. I definitely recommend you watch the little video, and check out the project link above. What fun! You can also visit the Power & Light Press website here, though ’tis new, and doesn’t have much content yet… but her Etsy site does!

Speaking of an old letterpress — a mate of mine, Linda, has recently scored a press from the 1880s and is presently gathering all she needs (supplies and know-how) to get it working. I can’t wait to head on over to her place for a tutorial! I’ll keep you posted on that one…