39 Times People Made Something So Cool, They Had To Show It Off

In a world where mass production has made the quality of many items abysmal, handcrafted goods seem to become an alternative for a lot of people. When it comes to gifts, for example, people say they prefer handmade items and are even willing to pay 17% more, according to a 2015 study. 

Whether it's to get something unique, more durable, or of better quality, items crafted by hobbyists and professionals should be celebrated. That's why communities like r/SomethingIMade are so important. And, with its three million members, it seems that there's no shortage of people appreciating and creating handmade stuff.

In 2016, a survey revealed that people are no strangers to buying handmade items. In fact, 30% said they purchase handmade goods all the time, and 40% said they have done so once or twice. Accessories like jewelry are the most popular item, as 51% of the respondents admitted to buying them. But another 46% also said they have bought handmade home items.

The reason why people choose to buy something handmade is usually to get something unique. Others also do it to support small businesses, and some also believe that they're better quality. Sometimes, people even say they save up when buying handmade things. 58% of the respondents of the same poll believed that handmade items are of higher quality than mass-produced items, and 55% also said they're more stylish.

Craftsmanship seems to be trending in many ways. Interior designers note that people are turning back to artisanal, handmade or DIYed elements of decor. From bespoke pottery, handwoven rugs, embroidered or hand-sewn tapestries and cushions, and hand-blown decorative glass, to custom shelves, wood paneling, and wood frames, many homeowners are looking for something more durable, exclusive, and culturally or personally significant.

Craftsmanship is making its way to fashion as well. Young designers are looking back to the past and bringing back techniques such as embroidery, hand appliqué, and, most importantly, hand work. One such designer, Roising Pierce, whose white dress was worn by Alexa Chung during the 2023 Met Gala, thinks the techniques are almost sociopolitical statements.

Pierce explained to Harper's Bazaar how, for a long time, embroidery was coded as an art form done only by women, and, therefore, thought of as "lesser than." "I see these crafts as being both oppressive and liberating to women – oppressive due to the political and religious regimes they were created under, and liberating due to their position as a tool for financial freedom during times of hardship. I'm interested in that delicate balance, and telling the stories of female resistance and endurance."

But it's not just professionals who are bringing craftsmanship back. The young generation is giving it a go too, with people turning to hobbies where you can actually make something with your own hands. Embroidering in particular seems to have captured Gen Z's attention, as they are looking for ways to be more sustainable with their clothes.

Repair consultant Tessa Solomons explained to the BBC that mending and embroidering clothes shows that a person has a personal relationship with their garments. "You're stepping outside consumer culture, and identifying yourself as somebody with a relationship with their clothes and that you're prepared to invest in that ongoing relationship. And it's fun to take something that was mass produced and bring your own personality to that."

But sustainability isn't the only thing that attracts hobbyists to craftwork. Some use it as a form of meditation. In fact, when you take a craft of any kind as a hobby, you don't even need to be good at it to reap the benefits for your mental health. A 2019 study found that even doodling for 10 minutes can improve your mood.

If you're hesitating about whether it's worth picking up that brush, crochet hook, or chisel, let us quell your doubts. "When we come back from doing leisure, we're often re-engaged, we're better able to concentrate and we're in a better mood, so the first thing is to give yourself permission to do it," Associate Professor of Health Psychology Matthew Zwadzki explained to The New York Times. 

"Write yourself a prescription that says, 'I'm going to take 10 minutes, three times a week. That is my time.'"

What do you think about the wonderful DIY projects in this list, Pandas? Don't be shy and show these talented people some love! And if you're a crafty Panda yourself, share your arts, crafts, and DIY projects with us too! And if you'd like to see more incredible creations from the r/SomethingIMade community, check out our previous articles here, here, and right here!

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