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Monthly Maker Challenge

Monthly Maker Challenge

Ever walk into the space and think, “I want to make something, but I have no idea what?”

The Reforge Monthly Maker Challenge is here to fix that. Every month, we announce a theme — and you have the full month to design, prototype, and build your vision using any tools and skills in the shop. Whether you’re a master welder or picking up a soldering iron for the first time, this challenge is for you.

How It Works

  • A new theme drops every month in our #monthly-challenge Slack channel
  • Build whatever you want — as long as it fits the theme
  • Use any area of the shop: 3D printers, CNC, laser cutter, woodshop, metal fab, electronics — mix and match
  • Share your progress and finished projects in Slack
  • All skill levels welcome — there are no wrong answers

Why Join?

  • Beat creative block — a theme gives you a starting point when inspiration is low
  • Try something new — step outside your comfort zone with a low-pressure excuse
  • Connect with other makers — see how others interpret the same theme
  • Build your portfolio — monthly projects add up fast

🔥 Current Challenge

✨ Bright Ideas ✨

February 1 – March 31, 2026 (2-month kickoff!)

Our inaugural theme is all about light. If it glows, shines, illuminates, or dazzles — it counts. Go functional, go artistic, go weird. Here’s the only rule: make it bright.

Project Ideas to Get You Started

Beginner-Friendly

  • LED Name Sign — Laser-cut or 3D-print your name, add an LED strip behind it. Instant wall art.
  • Mason Jar Lantern — CNC or laser-cut a decorative wooden or acrylic sleeve, drop in a battery-powered LED candle.
  • Light-Up Coasters — Acrylic edge-lit coasters with engraved designs. The laser cutter does the hard part.
  • Glow Jar / Fairy Light Terrarium — 3D-print a decorative base, fill with fairy lights and moss.

Intermediate

  • Custom Neon-Style Sign — Bend EL wire or LED neon flex into a custom shape, mount on a CNC-cut backer board.
  • Smart Desk Lamp — 3D-printed or wood-turned body with an ESP32 controlling RGB LEDs. Add WiFi dimming.
  • Infinity Mirror — Two-way mirror + LED strip + a frame you build in the woodshop. Mesmerizing depth effect.
  • PCB Art Light — Design a custom circuit board that doubles as art — solder on LEDs for a functional light sculpture.
  • Shadow Box Nightlight — Layered laser-cut panels that create a 3D scene when backlit.

Advanced

  • Welded Metal Lamp Sculpture — Fabricate an industrial or artistic lamp from steel, copper, or brass in the metal shop.
  • Interactive LED Wall Panel — Grid of LEDs behind a diffuser, driven by a microcontroller — reacts to sound, touch, or motion.
  • CNC-Cut Geometric Pendant Light — Interlocking wood or acrylic pieces that cast intricate shadow patterns.
  • Fiber Optic Star Ceiling Tile — Drill a panel, thread fiber optic strands, backlight with a single LED. Portable constellation.
  • Light-Up Wearable / Jewelry — Combine 3D printing, tiny LEDs, and soldering for glowing rings, pendants, or badges.

Ready to jump in? Join the #monthly-challenge channel on Slack for updates, inspiration, and to share your progress. Can’t wait to see what you build. 🔥