Creative Tithing : July

Usually, I wait until the end of the month to share my creative tithing purchase, but I just couldn't wait to tell you all about what I did this month, even though I have nothing to show for it yet... Because I chose to back Jessica Swift's Kickstarter project to launch a line of patterned rainboots! For those not in the know, Kickstarter is a platform for artists and creatives that allows them to seek funding for their creative dreams through willing supporters. The project only goes forward if the backing amount is reached.

I was admittedly putzing around on Twitter as work wound down tonight, and I saw a flurry of chatter surrounding Jessica's project. It turns out she was lingering right at $17,950, just $50 short of her Kickstarter amount of $18,000. I don't think I've ever whipped out my credit card faster. The idea that I could really help someone who was so close to achieving their goal gave me serious goosebumps, so I pledged $100 towards her project, selecting to receive a pair of boots of my choice once the line is complete. How cool is that?! I don't think I ended up being the person who helped her hit her goal since the total was up to $18,100 when I finished paying... BUT! It's still hella cool to take part in, and I'm going to get a SWEET pair of boots out of it :)

I know $100 is a lot more than I typically spend on my tithing project each month, but I really feel that there was more "meat" to this project. While supporting Etsy artists each month is an awesome practice, I love that I could contribute even more directly to an artist by donating through Kickstarter, which I have never done before. I've been a quiet admirer of Jessica since back when she was Jessica Gonacha and I had discovered her through Art Wall when I won a free print through the site. Her patterns and colors are totally captivating, and I honestly cannot wait for my rainboots (which I do happen to need anyways!).

Although Jessica's Kickstarter project is fully-funded now, you can still pledge if you'd like. She mentioned on Twitter that any additional funds would allow her to offer even more patterns for the initial line. I've already checked the page a dozen times, trying to narrow down which pair I dream of :)

Isn't she so stinkin' cute?? {RSS/Google Reader subscribers: Click through to my blog to watch her video}

Jessica's website | Jessica on Twitter | Jessica's Kickstarter Page