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Challenge: Make Something New

It's so easy to get into a rut and sometimes it's necessary to shake yourself out of it. So I'd like to issue a challenge to everyone to Make Something New.

So here's what I'm proposing. You have until Sept. 21 to make something new for you and document it with a slideshow, video, or Instructable here on Instructables. Show what you've made and provide an explanation of how it's new for you.

Reward: An achievement patch.

So what is "new"?
Anything you make right now will be new, but "new" here is talking about the experience of making the item. You can do something that's been done before by others, but the goal is to stretch yourself in a new direction. I don't know what everyone has done before so we'll be relying on the honor system, but I'd like you to push yourself.

If you're always sewing clothes and are simply trying a new pattern that may be a little new to you, but it's not much of a stretch because you're using the same materials, tools, and skills that you already know. But if you've never done any metalwork and were to weld together a bike frame that would be very new.

In your explanation of how your entry is new, be sure to talk about those things. What new materials, tools, skills, or designs are you using that you've never used before? How different is this from what you usually make?

OK, to sum it up:
- Make something new
- Document it and post it on Instructables by 9/21
- Post a new comment here with a link to your post

makenew.gif
145 comments
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1-100 of 145next »
Nov 23, 2009. 7:10 PMZaphod Beeblebrox says:
i wish i was here when this happened......wil there be another anytime soon?
Nov 23, 2009. 4:07 AMGoodhart says:
my cordless drill holder was a step in a new direction for me, for sure.
 
Nov 20, 2009. 1:13 PMgaiatechnician says:
My new instructable is about designing new kinds of collectors for solar cookers with very cheap equipment.
Anyone can join in
But I have a problem. How do I keep the plastic reflective strips in place when I am making and adjusting the model? (See the last steps of the instructable).

http://www.instructables.com/id/Method-for-designing-reflectors-for-unattended-sol/
And for a vague idea what the finished products might look like, check here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmdel_Horn_Antenna
Brian
Nov 20, 2009. 1:21 PMlemonie says:
Blu-Tac / Plasticine / double-sided tape?

L
Nov 20, 2009. 2:30 PMgaiatechnician says:
Sorry, I meant something for behind as I adjust the curves. 
double sided tape is certainly an option for sticking the mylar onto the thick bendy plastic of the strips though.
Double sided tape might also work for holding them to whatever "scaffolding" I put behind, come to think of it. 
Blu-tac? might be worth a try to stick the back of the strips to the "scaffold.
I thought something would come to me over time. It didn''t.
thank you.
Brian
Oct 30, 2009. 7:47 PMBigev says:
It's not on time, but I'm proud of it nonetheless.

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Chicken-Hat/

 
Sep 30, 2009. 4:07 PMGoodhart says:
I didn't get to finish mine, even now *sigh*
Sep 26, 2009. 2:27 AMjames.mcglashan says:
there verry new to me..
Sep 26, 2009. 2:24 AMjames.mcglashan says:
they are all new for instructables too.
Sep 26, 2009. 2:23 AMjames.mcglashan says:
they all have the same theem but they are the group i entred as new as they can be and plus

("NEW") Geocache-Log-Container
Sep 20, 2009. 11:46 PMknex_mepalm says:
This is my one: Linkhttp://www.instructables.com/id/Salivating-Powder-Powder-that-makes-you-have-sali/

Going into the kitchen and dfoing things were new to me!
I posted a link yesterday, but it went unnoticed
Sep 21, 2009. 11:04 PMknex_mepalm says:
Thx! Its nice of you to do these competitions about "not usual" things!
Sep 21, 2009. 7:41 PMGoodhart says:
Blast, every time I try something, something else gets in the way....this time it was my back problems.....I just can't win it seems....
Sep 20, 2009. 3:41 PMwenpherd says:
building a boat was new to me

link
Sep 21, 2009. 10:30 AMwenpherd says:
woot thanks!
Sep 8, 2009. 6:14 PMEmsaid says:
Patched!... ... i think...
Sep 18, 2009. 12:55 AMGorfram says:
But if you can't patch yourself, what happens if you spring a leak? :)
Aug 17, 2011. 11:57 AMGoodhart says:
Well, that just Depends on the type of leak LOL
Sep 10, 2009. 2:43 PMEmsaid says:
yeah, but do you get one?
Sep 21, 2009. 11:05 PMknex_mepalm says:
what does that mean Sisyphean
Sep 20, 2009. 12:25 AMknex_mepalm says:
So thiz comp is about posting somethign you've never done before. And stretching your limits! I posted a reply because I didn't want to post a new comment, saving that for my entry
Sep 12, 2009. 8:41 AMDJ Radio says:
Oh, you can't win because you're an admin!
Sep 11, 2009. 7:41 AMEmsaid says:
that stinks
Sep 5, 2009. 11:53 AMGoodhart says:
I am fairly awkward with mechanical things, mostly because I have so few tools for it and so have not really done much in this area, and so I will need to be very eclectic when it comes to putting things together that didn't go together before. If I can find a small toy motor, I think I have something right up this alleyway :-)
Sep 17, 2009. 4:32 AMGoodhart says:
I found my motor, and a few gears, if I can get everything to fit into the toy (since this is all mechanical, and just barely electrical) it would qualify I think, BUT I may not be able to finish it in time, and I would rather have accomplished something new, then just made the attempt.
I am having troubles with my back, and I can't sit, stand, nor lie down for any real lengths of time....the pain killers aren't helping, and the insurance company has delayed the tests that will tell the docs what they need to know as far as treating this.

Sep 12, 2009. 6:27 PMThe Ideanator says:
Ok, food isnt necessarily my forte, but here goes: Omelets and burgers.
Sep 14, 2009. 3:11 PMThe Ideanator says:
Sweet! Thanks!
Sep 13, 2009. 11:27 PMzieak says:
I made a bottle opener out of a bicycle crank arm.

This was new in a few ways.

I have co-owned a small bike shop for over two years and have been meaning to reuse some of the parts that we end up throwing away or recycling in a manner that is fairly fast to make.

I have never used a cutting wheel in my angle grinder. It was WAY faster and easier than using the sawzall.

I have never used video to document the process. I was torn on if i should do the whole thing in video and just use clips or if i should use stills. I used both...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Bicycle-crank-arm-bottle-opener/
Sep 13, 2009. 6:18 PMSpl1nt3rC3ll says:
This is my first time making a music video. Audio is a beach to work with. :P

Youtube probably butchered the quality, why did metacafe lower the limit to 100MB?!

Sep 7, 2009. 5:28 AMEvilDefman says:
How about a Poor Man's Ultrasound Teeth ReGenerator which heals our teeth and gums, no more dental decay, no more cavities. How about this idea? Wouldn't you like to kiss your old dentist goodbye? Wouldn't this be fantastic? In fact, I'll bet this device will be so cheap, so affordable that all fo us will have one and use everyday and pretty soon, all dentists goes out of business. No more pain in our mouths and in our pockets (wallets, purses, bank acounts). Eheheh. This sure is something NEW.
Sep 13, 2009. 4:45 PMLuminousObject says:
I would say goodbye to my dentist, not kiss him goodbye.
Sep 13, 2009. 2:11 AMKryptonite says:
After you make it. :D
Sep 10, 2009. 9:48 AMLowney says:
This was completely new to me as it was my first ever independent electronics project. When I say independent I mean everything else electronic related I had made had been 1 very simple kit, whereas I made this one COMPLETELY from scratch, even the circuit board! So within the confides of my Dad's shed I threw this together! I just want to thank my dad for letting me use his tools and of course Wikipedia (that reliable tool for us all!) for this project.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Electronic-Light-Sensor/
Oct 20, 2008. 11:06 AMLowney says:
Yay!
Sep 9, 2009. 7:54 PMGarbageMan500 says:
I was irritated by lack of time and bad quality sound from the external speakers on my iPod touch, so i quickly made these http://www.instructables.com/id/PortaSpeakers/
I didn't really care about looks, just functionality.
They also work really well-great quality sound and really loud.
Apr 23, 2011. 12:06 AMGarbageMan500 says:
yay!
Sep 10, 2009. 8:09 AMjessyratfink says:
I'm making my first wallets ever right now, and I should be posting an instructable soon. :)
Sep 9, 2009. 12:55 PMsharlston says:
after a boost in my computer skills i learned basic batch so i made a ible about it here wtcha think good enough for a patch?
Sep 7, 2009. 1:20 AMJayefuu says:
I love cooking but I never make desserts, I leave that up to my other housemates. I decided to try baking a cake my mum used to make a lot to use up courgettes.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Deliciously-Moist-Courgette-Zuchini-Cake-with-Or/

Enjoy!
Sep 9, 2009. 12:44 AMJayefuu says:
thanks!
Sep 7, 2009. 11:56 PMEmsaid says:
My camera wouldnt focus when i wanted to get close up pics so i made these macro lenses, Enjoy! http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Make-a-Macro-Lens/
Sep 8, 2009. 6:14 PMEmsaid says:
sweet thanks!
Sep 8, 2009. 5:38 AMjeff-o says:
My Thingamaplush Robot was certainly new to me. It is the first plush toy I've ever designed, and I learned very quickly what you can and can't do with fabric! I'm used to working with harder materials like plastic, wood and metal. I also tried my hand at sewing for the first time since high school - that went OK, but I know it's a skill I need to work on...
Sep 8, 2009. 10:20 AMjeff-o says:
Yay, thanks! :D
Sep 8, 2009. 6:44 AMSpl1nt3rC3ll says:
Just started mine! Very convenient timing. :D
Sep 3, 2009. 1:01 PMDJ Radio says:
It can be ANYTHING??? Even a knex gun? ;-)
Sep 6, 2009. 12:58 PMZaphod Beeblebrox says:
and youve done that before. do a muffin ible or something.....
Sep 6, 2009. 6:08 PMmangomango says:
Thats sounds so stupid, but I love muffins so I think it would be cool. some one SHOULD make a muffin 'ible
Sep 7, 2009. 9:37 AMDJ Radio says:
I suck at baking.
Sep 7, 2009. 5:50 PMmangomango says:
I didn't say you had to.
just saying that....nevermind.
Sep 7, 2009. 6:31 PMDJ Radio says:
yeah nevermind.
Sep 6, 2009. 3:12 PMDJ Radio says:
Seriously, please stop replying to every single comment I make.
Sep 3, 2009. 5:59 PMmangomango says:
seriously? I think there's enough K,NEX guns on here.
Sep 6, 2009. 5:47 PMZaphod Beeblebrox says:
too many knex guns i lie mangoes
Sep 3, 2009. 1:19 PM=SMART= says:
Dj seriously.. the contest is called "Make Something New" sooo uh maybe make something new ?
Sep 3, 2009. 1:26 PMDJ Radio says:
like a new knex gun?
Sep 6, 2009. 12:59 PMZaphod Beeblebrox says:
NO NOT A BLOODY K'NEX GUN AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sep 6, 2009. 3:10 PMDJ Radio says:
NO NOT A BLOODY KNEX HATER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, stop it, its f**king annoying.
Sep 6, 2009. 4:32 PMZaphod Beeblebrox says:
fine.....
Sep 6, 2009. 4:32 PMZaphod Beeblebrox says:
there are just so many of them.........................................
Sep 6, 2009. 5:32 PMDJ Radio says:
What? You think this site will be overrun by the sheer numbers?
Sep 6, 2009. 8:56 PMThe Ideanator says:
Too late, already has been.
Sep 7, 2009. 12:32 AMDJ Radio says:
Yay!
Sep 16, 2009. 11:53 AMRMConstruction says:
Yay! All knex lovers who see this reply to this comment with a 'Yay!'
Sep 16, 2009. 12:53 PMDJ Radio says:
yay!
Sep 7, 2009. 7:17 PMThe Ideanator says:
Oh Noes!
Sep 6, 2009. 5:46 PMZaphod Beeblebrox says:
yes....
Sep 6, 2009. 6:29 PMDJ Radio says:
Well, think again.
Sep 3, 2009. 1:34 PMKiteman says:
No, it means use a completely different skill-set.

If I made a K'NEX gun, that would be new. You should make something out of card, or electronic etc.
Sep 3, 2009. 2:52 PMDJ Radio says:
I thought fungus said the definition of "New" is completely up to the person. My definition of "New" is something that is recent and fresh.
Sep 12, 2009. 8:42 AMDJ Radio says:
So If I made anything else out of knex, like a ball machine or a dock, it would be new? =P

Nah, just messing. I'm gonna make me a PVC air rifle.
Sep 9, 2009. 3:27 PMsmilee says:
If i don't make a knex gun does it count?
Sep 3, 2009. 3:23 PMDJ Radio says:
dangit. What would make you do that other than the fact that you are an admin and you can do what you want?
Sep 4, 2009. 9:41 AM=SMART= says:
Because all knex guns are the same ! Its a gun made of knex that shoots other bits of knex. A new trigger isnt original. Thats why everyone hates knex guns, They are all the same !
Sep 13, 2009. 2:09 AMKryptonite says:
Except for that one that shoots the shooter. That's one a lot of K'nex addicts should use.
Sep 4, 2009. 1:02 PMDJ Radio says:
You do not know how wrong you are.... There are many different types of guns, from mag fed to semi auto to cannon gun.
Sep 11, 2009. 10:37 AMTom Buckey says:
DJ I no this is a little late but what your doing now is making these people hate knex ...... we dont want that.
Sep 6, 2009. 1:01 PMZaphod Beeblebrox says:
i know how right =SMART= is .
Sep 6, 2009. 3:10 PMDJ Radio says:
Wow do you have anything better to do than to hate on my comments? Get a life.
Sep 13, 2009. 2:10 AMKryptonite says:
Following your comments is funny, especially the use of grammar.
Sep 13, 2009. 7:29 AMDJ Radio says:
I don't get it? =P
Sep 13, 2009. 5:10 PMKryptonite says:
Never you mind...
1-100 of 145next »

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