Define Useless…

By all accounts, the cardboard “sound amplifier” I made for my phone is useless. It didn’t really make anything louder, and now that I have a new phone (that is larger, so it doesn’t fit) it truly seems like a waste of space.. And yet I feel there was absolutely something gained from making it.

I saw a really cool Instructable that made a cell phone amplifier out of scrap wood, so of course I had to try making it out of cardboard. I know it didn’t really end up working, but I got to practice my new method of adding edges to the previously rough-looking ends of the boxes, and of course, my knife skills.

Even when I realized shortly after starting that all the gaps in the boxes would probably just absorb the sound rather than amplify it, I still saw the project through to completion. Was it useless? No. It was an experience. And experiences are never useless, as there is always something to be gained from each and every one. If not a new functioning amplifier, then a little bit more skill with the materials that will surely come in handy for future projects.

Maybe you prefer drawing, or metalworking, or woodworking, or like me, enjoy making stuff from cardboard. A really great way to branch out is to choose an instructable (or random project) made in a different medium, and try making it in your own. Honestly, it’s something I’ve done twice now, and have loved it both times. (The first time was a park bench in case you were wondering). Maybe give it a shot!