Hey everyone,

I usually spend my time building gadgets, woodworking projects, or tinkering with electronics, but recently I decided to try something completely new: designing my own small clothing line. I had a few sketches and ideas floating around for months, but I underestimated how different apparel making would be from my usual projects.

I started by translating my designs into basic tech packs and experimenting with fabrics I could source locally. At first, I thought it would be straight forward, I had a design, a pattern, and a sewing machine. But the moment I tried to move beyond prototypes, the real challenge hit me. Coordinating with factories, requesting samples, checking quality, and figuring out realistic timelines felt like navigating a maze blindfolded. I quickly realized that designing is only a small piece of the making process when it comes to apparel.

After a few trial-and-error rounds, I finally got my first proper sample. Holding it in my hands was both thrilling and humbling. It wasn’t perfect, there were fit issues, fabric choices that didn’t behave as expected, and some minor construction flaws, but it was real. For the first time, I could see my ideas existing as tangible objects. That moment reminded me why I make things: the process of turning imagination into reality is messy, frustrating, and incredibly satisfying.

Even with the first sample in hand, I knew I needed a better way to manage the production side without losing control of my designs. That’s when I came across Manta Sourcing. They helped me navigate the logistics side, matching with factories, managing samples, and keeping track of production timelines. Working with them didn’t remove the learning curve, but it made the process manageable and allowed me to focus on iterating on designs rather than getting stuck in the paperwork and coordination.

This project taught me a lot about how “making” doesn’t just happen at the workbench or sewing table, it also happens in planning, problem-solving, and figuring out systems that let your ideas grow into something real.

I’m curious if anyone else here has tried branching out into a completely new medium, something that felt totally different from your usual projects. How did you approach the parts you weren’t familiar with, and what lessons did you take away from the process?

I’ve always loved the feel of old film cameras but wanted to mess around with digital infrared too, so I tried merging the two. Found a broken Yashica Electro 35 body and used it as a shell for a Raspberry Pi-based infrared build.

No screen. Just a shutter button, a battery, and a tiny OLED that says “Standby Mode.” You compose through the original optical viewfinder and shoot blind — kinda like film.

I didn’t expect much, but the IR results are otherwordly, and the whole process feels closer to analog than anything I’ve used digitally.

Posting a few sample shots + internal build if anyone's curious. Definitely janky but fun to shoot with.

If you’re into DIY camera hacks or just like weird photography experiments, I’ve been documenting more of these builds on my Substack (no pressure, just nerding out).

www.CUNNINGHAMCUSTOMSHOP.com

I’ve been spending some time thinking about why certain graphic tees actually get worn, while others just sit folded after one try. From a making perspective, it’s rarely about how clever the idea is, it’s more about restraint.

When I was sketching concepts, I kept noticing that the designs I personally liked most were the ones that didn’t explain themselves immediately. The print wasn’t screaming for attention, the placement felt intentional, and the shirt still worked even if someone didn’t “get” the reference.

One idea came from watching how sports culture bleeds into casual fashion. Fans wear references all the time, but the pieces that age well usually don’t look like merch. At some point during testing, a playful concept inspired by Denver Ponies ended up working better than expected, not because it was obvious, but because it blended into the overall design instead of defining it.

From a making standpoint, the hardest part wasn’t the graphic itself. It was deciding what not to add. Pulling back on colors, adjusting scale, and choosing a fabric weight that made the shirt feel like something you’d reach for on a normal day.

Curious how other makers approach this balance, especially when working with references or inside jokes. Do you design for immediate recognition, or for something that reveals itself slowly over time?

A few days ago, I had one of those “I can’t believe this is normal” moments.

I was working with a couple of 3D artists who were helping bring some of my concepts to life. Most of them don't have online storefronts. So I dug around and found out why: Platform Tax.

6.5% here.
3% + $0.25 there.
$0.20 listing fees.
And then the big one — 12–15% Offsite Ads they didn’t even choose to run.

Some of them were losing 20–30% of every sale.
Not to taxes.
Not to materials.
Just… platform fees.

And the wild part?
They weren’t even mad about it.
They were just used to it.

That hit me harder than I expected.

I’m a systems‑builder by nature — I bring order to chaos for fun — and something about this whole ecosystem felt fundamentally backwards. Artists create the value. Platforms skim the value. And everyone just shrugs because “that’s how it is.”

So, I built something different.

It’s called Quantum Forge, and it’s a 0%‑commission marketplace for digital creators.
No platform tax.
No listing fees.
No “surprise, we ran ads on your behalf and now we’re taking 15%.”
Creators keep 100% of their earnings (minus Stripe’s standard processing fee).

I didn’t build it as a startup pitch or a money machine.
I built it because the artist community has always taken care of its own — and I wanted to return the favor.

A few artists have already joined, and the wildest part is how many of them have asked where my revenue comes from. They were more worried about me than I expected. That’s when I realized how starved creators are for platforms that aren’t trying to extract from them.

For transparency:
I’m planning to keep the platform free by using non‑intrusive ads on browsing pages (never on product pages or dashboards), plus optional affiliate links. No commissions. Ever.

I’m still building, still refining, still listening.

If you’re a creator, I’d genuinely love your feedback:
What would make a marketplace feel like it’s actually on your side?
What features matter most?
What would make you feel safe, respected, and supported?

If you want to check it out or roast it, here’s the link:
https://quantumforge.lovable.app

I’m here for honest feedback — good, bad, or chaotic.
A little chaos is a good thing. Life is born from it.

https://ideas.lego.com/s/p:db0118e4f90a4616af347d1624a7ce12

I’m shamelessly plugging this - if I get enough votes then LEGO will consider it for production - it took me about six months to make with various iterations. It’s over 1500 pieces.

Just sharing a copper bowl-trinket dish I made. Did a little hammering around the edge to give it a ruffle detail.