Sometimes I stumble upon a great project and am surprised to see that it has a small funding goal, or a short duration, or both. Then I realize that these mini projects often embody the essence of what Kickstarter is all about: giving a bit of momentum to a unique, creative idea, no matter how small. In a sea of impressive, large-scale initiatives, we take equal pleasure in the compact, bite-size ones. Below are a few fun ones going on right now.

veloysnth, $500 goal, 14 days

Velosynth, an open-source bicycle interaction synthesizer, interprets the speed and acceleration of a bicycle into expressive audio feedback. Backers can pledge just a few dollars to get an mp3 of velosynth sounds, invest in a personal DIY kit, or splurge on a hand-built velosynth complete with support service. Project creators EFFALO hope that their kits end up in the hands of creative, self-starting individuals keen on sharing their ideas and documenting their work. I love the collaborative atmosphere going on here!

Cooking Class in a Box [Exotic Cuisine Edition], $200 goal, 25 days

Jonathan Soma will put together a package for you containing some exotic recipes, their hard-to-find ingredients, and some cards detailing the hows and whys of the cuisine you pick. Featuring Thai, Korean, Ethiopian, Lebanese, Sichuan Chinese, Polish, and other international cuisines, this cooking class in a box will transport your taste buds across the globe.

f.ART Magazine: Issue 1, $500 goal, 45 days

The first issue of f.ART, a new collage-based art magazine, will feature fish tanks, famous celebs, worst fears, fingers, feet, food, a full-color poster with nudity, and much more. On top of that, all reward options come with chocolate. What’s not to get excited about?

Fuel the Dragon Wagon, $500 goal, 23 days

Christian Breeden is chopping up his grandmother’s Grand Marquis, welding a 20’ dance floor on top of it, attaching a mechanized dragon head, covering the thing in aluminum scales, and installing propane so that it breathes fire. Backers get their names or favorite phrases and poems carved into the side, promising telepathic participation when the dragon heads to the Transformus and Floydfest festivals this summer. Says Christian: “Why get published in print when you could be printed on mythical beast?”

Looking forward to more Kickstarter shorts from everyone.