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

Not a bad idea. Just needs some improvement on the design.

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

It's not ugly, but it needs a glass top, so you can actually put stuff on a smooth surface.

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

Noooo! Wait, please! This is great! We've turned a door like this into a table, when we were "poor students"! We painted the door blue, filled the gaps with little pebbles and seashells and put an old glass door on top of it. It was quite stylish for us then ;-)

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

The ad said, “room and board, so, naturally I thought I’d have my own board”.

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

I mean, I don't find this bad actually. It's not unusable imho.

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

Difficult to set things down on an uneven table. If you're not paying attention, you could easily spill from any plate, bowl or glass.

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

"Who's there?" "Door." "Door who?" "Dora the Explorer!" (I'll see myself out thru the real door.)

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

Good thing the floor is easy to clean, with the uneven surface, no doubt dinner and drinks are going to be on the floor

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L.a. Williams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good idea but you need to fix it so people oh great were eating on a door. Start by using different color paint or staining it. Next fill in groves contrasting wood or resin something to even it out so someone doesn't spill their drink. Just two ideas to help. Thanks for reusing.

elle_jaye_love avatar
Mermaid Elle-Jaye
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean if it had a glass top and maybe a border edging with matching legs colours…. Maybe

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

Actually that is really an awesome idea. Good thing to reuse and repurpose something.

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

You'd have thought they might have put a layer of plywood over the top, at least.

cazoverll avatar
Caroline Overill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you just put a glass top then it's fine. Might even sell it for a fortune

jmiller_2 avatar
j miller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's some kind of cabinet or wardrobe door---too narrow and seemed to have skipped sanding, polishing the edges!?

joolee avatar
Julie Bradley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, I went to a cafe that had done this. It kind fit their aesthetic

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

I like paneled doors, but as a table top, this set needs a little more acceptable creativity.

palomavita avatar
Paloma Vita
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hide the screws and stick a glass pane on top and this could work!

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

That's a bi-fold door, so it can't carry much weight or the hinges or the other side will give way.

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

My college roommate used a desk made out of a door and cinderblocks for two years.

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

Needs to be topped with a piece of glass. I've seen that before.

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

NY Mom took a door very similar to this but wider and removed the 6 panels and added chicken wire in their place hung the door sideways about the little room our washer and dryer was in and filled in the chicken wire with seasonal flowers. This time of year it would have been pwices of pine garland and poinsettias. She always wanted a way to define the scape more so it didn't feel like the water and dryer were in the kitchen. It actually worked way better than this.

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

From the looks of the lamp on the desk, this is not his/her first fail at DIY

ivariddle avatar
Iva Riddle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Didnt the Romney's whine they had to 'use a door for a table' when they were in school?

hubris62 avatar
Johnny Guido
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You missed the opportunity to stain the door to look more table-like.

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

Unbalancing certainly won’t be an issue. [sarcasm, obviously]

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

When the soup spills it’ll be contained in each individual trough. One for each person…. It’s brilliant.

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

Honestly it doesn't look that bad, and it's more eco-friendly than buying a new table.

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

Those panel indentations are gonna be a nightmare when setting the table.

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

Perfect for people who yearn for flipping their dinner into their lap while cutting something up

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

The position of that lamp tells you everything you need to know about the table project.

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

Fill up the groves with resin, with or without color, and the table will be more usable.

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

Just no! One wrong placement of a cup or bowl would ruin meal time.

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

Looks like the lampshade is going to get a fine burn hole in it, if it stays at that amgle.

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

I wouldn't mind this. Pretty cool. Big business here turning pallets and cable spools into furniture. Recycling yes..

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

At my first job, my desk was a door laid across 2 gunky old filing cabinets. I worked there more years than I'll admit.

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

The legs used to be banister on the stairs; so tread carefully.

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

Oh it's usable, those indents will collect all the food kids drop lol

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

I really like it.Just put glass on top and improve the finish, and it is a lovely dining table.

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

This is not a bad thing. They should have taken the hinges off and the screws out, a proper sanding and re-paint, but it works

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Lady of the Mountains
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably use a flatter door. Too much of that table is unstable for drinks

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

Its attached to the desk behind. Some ***hole expects 4 people to sit there for a meeting with them. Can't take notes and every coffee spills since its not flat.

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

I used to go to a coffee shop where all the tables where repurposed doors and the chairs were all mismatched. I really liked it.

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

this just needs a glass table top and it's perfect

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

Using doors as tables is nothing new. As just one example, I have the 1968 ARRL Radio Amateurs' Handbook and in the section about making your radio station, it shows how to use a door for a table.

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

Why is it "unusable"? And most tables you can buy ready-made are far uglier. Seems to me to be just a case of individual taste than bad design (but many people can't seem to grasp the concept of "individual taste")

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

With a whimsical color this could look very "Mad Hatter's tea party". Which with an eclectic array of dishes and tea sets would look amazing.

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

Not bad. Just needs a better paint job after some serious sanding and a glass top to make it level. Good idea, just poor execution.

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

With proper execution, doors make very nice tables. This looks like some sort of DIY conference room nightmare... the desk and lamp at the end look homemade, also without much skill. The whole room looks like some sort of Disney-esque executive suite at the salvage yard. It looks a lot better if you imagine it filled with cartoon junkyard dogs. The visible screw really sets it off nicely.

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

Looks like the hinges are left on - looks like it could be a bifold door kick a leg and supper in your lap!

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

Place glass over the top to prevent spills and uneven plates and it's not a ....terrible.... idea? lol

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

They need to: 1) Take off the hinges 2) finish screwing in that bolt and putty over it 3) cover it with a glass top Then it’ll be all good!

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

My parents have a table made from an old door with peely paint and “Ladies Room” stenciled on it and a glass top. It looks AWESOME.

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

I was in a cafe where the tables were like this, it looked great and worked fine

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

recycling. don't waste anything. i don't care if it's not pretty, as long as it's functionnal

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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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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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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

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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.