Ever since I first discovered websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo I've been addicted to searching out interesting projects and backing them.

The basic premise of websites like these is using crowd-funding to enable projects to go ahead, products to be developed and new schemes to start up. It's basically what I did with Geometric Beadwork and now with Geometric Beadwork volume 2.

Fortunately so far I've had great luck (apart from Bug-A-Salt coming foul of European laws regarding importing of 'weapons') and it's interesting to follow the development of something and then see the end result arrive at your door.

One project I supported back in August last year was The Porthole- how could I resist? Today my Porthole arrived at my door (along with the additional tumblers which were added to the scheme once a certain amount had been raised) and they're just as gorgeous as I hoped.

I won't get a chance to use them for a few weeks I think but I can't wait to read the recipe cards which were included, brew the also included tea and get making my own beautiful infusions.

I really recommend checking out crowd-funding to see if there's a project you want to back, weigh up the risks and something exciting could get off the ground due to your support.