a good project " without instructions " ?

hmmm-
yes, as stated above-
Play around with random objects or creations, this way you become familiar upon using your tools and then my advise is:

your local bookstore or online store for a copy of a student learning Maya book of what ever version you have, etc.
I have several from that i've saved from my classes but they do come in handy.

or again-
refer to your maya tutorial links