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In order to get good at something (anything, really), you need to constantly challenge yourself. There's no way around it. But these challenges also have to be reasonable. You don't want to throw yourself into something too big too soon. Especially at crafts. Otherwise, you might end up featured on the subreddit r/DiWHY.

"Ever try fixing things on your own? Didn't come out the way they were supposed to? Do you stand there questioning your whole life?" the online community asks in its 'About' page. If so, they are inviting you to post the results for everyone to see. But if you come across someone else's do-it-yourself endeavor that shouldn't have seen the light of day, you're welcome to share it on r/DiWHY too.

It's the place for sh***y projects. The ultimate proof that "just because you can doesn't mean you should."

We at Bored Panda already covered the subreddit here and here, but its 1.7 million members keep delivering, so we have to keep up!

#2

Cardening, I Can't Possible See What Could Go Wrong With This, Strange Hobby

Cardening, I Can't Possible See What Could Go Wrong With This, Strange Hobby

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For our earlier article on r/DiWHY, moderator IAMmojo told Bored Panda that they look after the sub every day and, sometimes, things can be a bit overwhelming when there are many reposts to sift through. "It's not too difficult in general, but certain days there are influxes of [crap]posts and reposts which can get crazy. Even with rules, these will continue to happen. It's why i use Automoderator to handle rejections of any new accounts or low karma accounts as a baseline," they said.

My colleague Jonas was curious to get their opinion about what most DIY fails have in common. IAMmojo said: "If you ask the sub, they will surely mention the hot glue gun as the main ingredient. I think most posts in generally have a humor element to it in common."

But the moderator thinks the possibility of failure should not deter any DIY crafters. "Keep working on your craft! What you make today maybe be the next big thing tomorrow! Not everyone is a skilled artisan, we can only try our best."

#3

Trying To Fashion A Face Mask Out Of A Brassiere

Trying To Fashion A Face Mask Out Of A Brassiere

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#5

Guess Someone Actually Watches 5 Minute Crafts

Guess Someone Actually Watches 5 Minute Crafts

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WHAT? Is she wearing a huge pair of undies as a top??? Nooooo, please tell me it's not true.

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During the pandemic, many people have put their hands to DIY, looking to address the parts of their home they have been meaning to fix and improve for some time. One 2020 study, for example, found that an astonishing 81% of Brits believe this was the best chance they have had to carry out some much-needed TLC.

The study also asked participants what were their biggest DIY fails during the lockdown, and the list comes as follows:

  • Laying laminate flooring – 58%
  • Tiling walls/floors – 52%
  • Fitting small bathroom fixtures (e.g. tap, showerhead, sink, etc.) – 47%
  • Plastering walls – 45%
  • Laying decking – 43%
  • Putting up wallpaper – 41%
  • Repairing/fitting doors/windows – 36%
  • Painting walls – 30%
  • Assembling/fitting small furniture (e.g. table, chairs, shelves, etc.) – 24%
  • Fitting new door/window/cupboard/cabinet handles – 19%
#8

This Is So Stupid I’m Actually Mad Rn

This Is So Stupid I’m Actually Mad Rn

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the other hand, when the house is shaking in an earthquake, your china won't rattle about!

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MyJobQuote, the platform that organized the study, suggests these tips for people who want to make the best out of their home projects:

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With the internet providing a wide range of information on just about any topic from various reputable sources, a simple search into Google will be your savior. DIY guides will help you to find the perfect solution to your DIY problems in no time.

If you are a visual learner, you may want to use a video to help you with the DIY task you are having issues with. There are multiple ‘How To' videos available online from industry professionals, especially on video-streaming platforms like YouTube.

#9

Ewwwwwwww

Ewwwwwwww

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Eeeew. Gross. Although if outdoor loo in Siberia you might want this?

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#10

With Just Basic Tools And A Little Paint You Too Can Turn An Old, Unusable Door Into An Ugly, Unusable Table

With Just Basic Tools And A Little Paint You Too Can Turn An Old, Unusable Door Into An Ugly, Unusable Table

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#11

With Some Hot Glue, Tiny Babies, And A Lot Of Time, You Get Baby Tree

With Some Hot Glue, Tiny Babies, And A Lot Of Time, You Get Baby Tree

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Turning to a tradesperson such as a flooring specialist, bathroom specialist, plasterers, or tilers for help could be a quick and easy solution to your problems. Even though they won't be able to come around to help, they should be able to provide some helpful advice via a phone call or a chat over Zoom/Skype.

Watching a few videos or reading a few articles might give you the false confidence to think you can handle any DIY task. Take caution and apply a safety-first attitude – especially when it comes to dealing with complex aspects such as plumbing and heating as well as electricity and lighting. Leave those to the qualified electricians, heating engineers, and plumbers.

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#12

As A Landlord, I Am Constantly Amazed At Some Things My Tenants Do. I Installed New Curtain Rods Before The New Tenant Moved In, But She Still Felt It Necessary To Nail The Curtains To The Wall

As A Landlord, I Am Constantly Amazed At Some Things My Tenants Do. I Installed New Curtain Rods Before The New Tenant Moved In, But She Still Felt It Necessary To Nail The Curtains To The Wall

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carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just because you can pay rent doesn't mean you have a brain or a sewing machine.

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#13

"Upcycled" Knife Block...

"Upcycled" Knife Block...

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lottenkalenius avatar
Lotten Kalenius
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was actually pretty cool. Maybe another solution than that string though

krzysztofmazurkiewicz avatar
Shull GaRett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yes. The possibilities of getting mold on that are endless.

soltor avatar
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Idiots. E. Goudge's book The Scent of Water is brilliant.

lindacowley avatar
Auntriarch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought it was chosen for the word gouge. Which you might do with a knife. I may have the wrong kind of mind

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nikistavrou avatar
8Yorkies-and-63cats
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand there's two schools of thought here. Those who despise this and those who say: "Lighten up! This is cool!" As a book publisher and book lover, I would never do this. A book is like a body to be respected and cherished, a body carrying wishes, and fears and stories from all humanity. This may look like a good idea, but symbolically, it's painful to watch.

cheyennesowders avatar
ChariotLee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You forgot to mention the authors that have poured their heart and soul into crafting each sentence. As someone who eventually wants to get out of my retail job to write books, I would be furious to see my stories treated this way. "Aren't you going to read my book?" "Nah, some vapid-eyed girl on tiktok told me to make a bloody KNIFE BLOCK."

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jeffrequier_1 avatar
Requiem
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isnt upcycling as those books are worth more than t he knives and can just be put back on the shelf and looked at

sulboddie avatar
Su Boddie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The tall red book looks like a copy of Shakespeare (I have a volume that looks identical to this one, except the spine is still legible). If that is the case, this is not only in poor taste but should be classified as a felony, at least.

bdunbarkcls_org avatar
bdunbar@kcls.org
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I quite like that. My knife block is full and I've got some extras needing a new home.

rainkaren62 avatar
Karen Grant
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I own a set of wood-handled kitchen knives that are very sharp. The brand name is the same as my late father's name. My "Dad" knives are stored between the pages of a religious book that was a gift from someone who later tried to destroy my life. It is therapy for me.

izabelaizukulikowska avatar
Isabella
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You clearly have no idea thjen on how bad paper is for blades. THE WORST. Any chef or a seamstress will divorce you if you will use thier main tool of work to cut paper.

erik-granqvist-5 avatar
Erik Granqvist
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Destroying books? That is kind of like clubbing baby seals to death.

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Ragnhild Nilsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a fanatic book nerd and a librarian I can say that: NOT ALL BOOKS ARE WORTH KEEPING. Some are damaged, missing pages, falling apart, others are just not very good books. But storing knives like this will dull the blades and trap moisture so they can rust. Don't do this ^, but for the knives' sake, not for the books.

nicolebaughman2006 avatar
Nicole Tomme
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wet knives and paper do not mix. Scent of Water will quickly become Scent of Mold. And you do not want printers ink on your food.

lpjohnson avatar
Lp Johnson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never, ever, put my knives away without drying them first. And Everything gets a rinse at least before food contact. Anyhoo, because it's Books I can't see doing this.

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First responders hate knife blocks (book knife blocks too), domestic violence cases turn more deadly due to their easy access during an argument. I remember when the blocks first came out and how dramatic the rise in knife violence in the home went up 😢

savannahf avatar
Mesh
Community Member
9 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is cool but maybe hot glue the books together

macforme17 avatar
Lindy Mac
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try a large vase, with straight sides, and fill with rice. It's cheap and so easy to put knives away and grab one when you need it. The only problem I have is with the bread knife which is about 14 inches and my cabinets ( above the counter top) are about that too. I manage.

carofer_gonza avatar
Philenzortia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg this was done in a morning show in my country. The woman that suggested the idea had to apologize because EVRYONE made fun of her because why she dared to damage books for that stupid thing. 😂 https://www.elheraldo.co/sites/default/files/styles/414x310/public/articulo/2020/06/02/fuertes_criticas_a_carolina_cruz_por_convertir_libros_en_porta_cuchillos.jpg?itok=rZnnUl6z

irene_carlyle_39 avatar
Irene Carlyle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is clever and doesnt belong in this group--its useful and creative.

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Toll Tolladay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I quite like this. Good use of really crappy old hardbacks. I'd use old cook books or murder mysteries.

nobletruths4 avatar
Sue Sanders
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dead friend would be furious about that. But now we can do whatever we want with books.

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Pamela Scott
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The bakers thing is a mistake but the rest is a good idea really. Not so sure how that would do as you slip the knife in an out over time you might have to resharpen the knife way more often.

kelly_hartle avatar
Kelly Hartle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get newsletters from DIY Network, HGTV and others, and one of them actually showed how to do this, but they glued cookbooks together for it.

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Lp Johnson
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

lena-flising avatar
Lena Flising
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll pass on that idea to my parents. They wanted a larger knife block and have a house full of old books...

jtmarie64 avatar
Jill Tremblay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this before. I think it's really nice, but I would Gorilla glue the books together....

salladkatt avatar
Potato
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a huge book lover it pleases me to see books getting used for new things instead of thrown away or eaten by rats in some forgotten storage. I know a lot of people thinks unwanted books should be donated for example, but in a lot of places there just isn't anyone who wants them. Better if they can be reused for things like this in that case!

ohjojo62 avatar
Joanna Werman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the titles of the books were more murderous it would be funnier

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Legoinsinööri
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On first glance I thought they were just someone's idea about bookmarks.

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Izzy Curer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, it can't be washed if food gets splashed on it, but if you're going to do it, it would probably be pretty funny and cute with the right books. Maybe some Sherlock Holmes, or something about Ceasar. Anything that involves stabbing.

dande060912 avatar
April Stephens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Intriguing idea. Personally, I don't care for how it looks with the string, and when I imagine how it feels to pull a knife out or put one in, I don't like how it feels, either. But I would have to try it.

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Michael Fuhry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm, I'm wondering how badly the acid in the paper will damage or discolor the knives.

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Yort
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They have knife blocks in thrift stores all the time, wtf

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Nicole Tomme
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the idea but I would take the pages out and replace it with a weather treated wood so bacteria does not build up if the knives are wet. I would also seal the binding to waterproof it in case water or grease splatters the covers, which could look nasty pretty quick. So basically regular knife block with a veneer of sealed book bindingswould work better. And please lose the chain crocheted string. Replace with butcher's twine or raffia or lose completely.

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GoddessOdd
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no no no no no. Too unsanitary for kitchen use. Imagine the top of the books in a couple months.

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Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If those knives are sharp they are going to tear the pages going in and out!

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#14

Why

Why

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Troux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok now that's actually pretty cool. Great way to spread the Converse style.

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Trying but failing is never a bad thing and don't put yourself down. If you think you don't have the confidence or sufficiently understand how to rectify the DIY problem in hand, it may be best to wait until the lockdown is over and then get a reputable professional to sort it out.

Happy crafting!

#15

What

What

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Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like someone moved the tables to the swingset. This is not how the Dept. of Parks & Rec. wanted it.

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#17

This Dread Bed

This Dread Bed

My friend got his dreads cut off, his mom turned them into a cat bed.

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#19

I Have No Words For How Strange And Mildly Disturbing This Is

I Have No Words For How Strange And Mildly Disturbing This Is

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#20

Cow Tag Earring

Cow Tag Earring

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8Yorkies-and-63cats
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Was it done as a form of activism for the humane treatment of cows? Because it's different in this case.

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#21

My Heart Aches For The Waste Of A Beautiful Antique

My Heart Aches For The Waste Of A Beautiful Antique

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Buren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom has this gem, it's older than me and works better than me. What a waste

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#22

Time To Ruin Some Artwork For The *~aesthetic~*

Time To Ruin Some Artwork For The *~aesthetic~*

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#23

The Paint Job In My Apartment Hallway (Its The Whole Building)

The Paint Job In My Apartment Hallway (Its The Whole Building)

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#27

Hmm

Hmm

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#29

Bring The Great Outdoors In!

Bring The Great Outdoors In!

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#30

Someone Decided This Is How You Should Show Off Your Plants.... And Dolls

Someone Decided This Is How You Should Show Off Your Plants.... And Dolls

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#31

Making A Tie-Dye Carpet

Making A Tie-Dye Carpet

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C. Wade
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Umm, it's a little girl's room, it looks amazing. The carpet looks more like roses and leaves rather than a trashy tie-dye.

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#32

It's Probably Very Dependable

It's Probably Very Dependable

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#33

Harry Potter, But With Human Teeth Instead Of Glasses

Harry Potter, But With Human Teeth Instead Of Glasses

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#36

Run Out Of Clips? Use An Old Glasses Case

Run Out Of Clips? Use An Old Glasses Case

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Raksha swami
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's ok I guess, chip bag is gonna be eaten soon anyway and most probably this person couldn't find clip to seal it right away.

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#37

I Heard You Guys Like Hot Dogs In Epoxy. Here's My Dad's Trophy Dog That He's Had For Nearly 20 Years

I Heard You Guys Like Hot Dogs In Epoxy. Here's My Dad's Trophy Dog That He's Had For Nearly 20 Years

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ZAPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in 100 000 years our ancestors will cut this open to see what it is, and unleash a new plague, wiping them out.

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#40

This Looks Exactly Like A Mirror Covered In Insulation Foam

This Looks Exactly Like A Mirror Covered In Insulation Foam

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Note: this post originally had 66 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.