One Object, One Story

Instructions for the Project

Project

Choose one ordinary object you own and share both its story and its possibilities.

Photographs should be in focus and the object clearly identifiable.

Deadline to submit is June 30, 2026.

Submit

1. One photograph: Take a photo of an everyday object you own. Be sure that the image is clear.
2. A short written response (2–5 sentences):
- What is the object?
- Why does it matter to you?
- What memory, history, meaning, or feeling does it hold?
- Could it become something else? If it had another life, what would it be used for? How else could it be useful?

Tone and Approach

Your response can be personal, practical, imaginative, playful, sentimental—or all of the above.

Possible objects

old key
mug
shoe
toy
handwritten note
broken object
kitchen tool
piece of fabric
container
something found in a drawer or garage
something you’ve kept for years

You may choose any object, not just those on the list.

All submissions must be rated PG as this is a family-friendly project. We reserve the right to not include any item we feel is inappropriate for the project.

Questions to consider

Where did it come from?
Why have you kept it?
What story does it carry?
What does it represent to you?
If it no longer served its original purpose, what else could it become?
Could it be repaired, reused, repurposed, or transformed?
If this object had a second life, what would it be?

Keep in mind

The object does not need to be valuable or beautiful.
Everyday objects often carry extraordinary stories.
There are no wrong answers.
Photos do not need to be professional.
Short responses are welcome.
One object. One story. Many possibilities.

Every object holds a past—and maybe a future we haven’t imagined yet.

Full Name

First NameLast Name

Mailing Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip CodeCountry

Email Address

example@example.com

Telephone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

I confirm that I am over 18 years old

By providing contact information, I understand that my child's work will include their name.

Parent/Guardian mailing address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / ProvincePostal / Zip CodeCountry

Parent/Guardian email address

example@example.com

Parent/Guardian telephone number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Participant age

Upload your artwork (PNG or JPG only)

Description for the artwork

Tell us the story behind why you chose this object

How do you think that this object could be useful in other ways?

Submission Permission & License
By submitting images and content to this project, I confirm that:

The submitted work is my original creation.
I own the rights to the image(s) submitted.

I understand that my name and city/state/country may appear along with my artwork.
I grant Second Make permission to display, publish, reproduce, and promote my submitted work and images in connection with this project, including on the website, social media, printed materials, exhibitions, and promotional materials.
I understand my work may be included in books, prints, catalogs, merchandise, or other fundraising materials related to the project.
I retain ownership of my original artwork unless separately agreed in writing.

By submitting this form, I understand that I am subscribing to receive updates, emails, messages and information from. Second Make about this and other projects and programs.

Date

Signature of participant or guardian/parent if under 18