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As kids, we often want to show off the cool things we make, be it a sandcastle, a LEGO house, a drawing, or something else. In such a situation, we’d find a person dear to our hearts at the moment—a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, or a stranger passing by on the street—and show off what we made, often adding a quite expressive “I MADE THIS.”
Well, as adults, people also create cool things all the time, though they might refrain from stopping strangers passing by to show it off. Luckily, there’s a place on Reddit where people are not only free to, but are invited to show off the things they make, fittingly titled ‘Something I Made.’ On the list below, you can find some examples of things netizens have created and shared with fellow community members. So, wait no longer—scroll down to marvel at them, and make sure to upvote your favorites. Happy scrolling!
Below, you will also find Bored Panda’s interview with Dirk de Waal, educator at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University, who was kind enough to share some of his thoughts on making things with your own hands with us.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Just Made A “Friend” For The Cat
Falafal salad 1 year ago
I first thought they’d just made the frame for the cat to sit in! I still can’t quite believe that is not a real cat!
Jane No Dough 1 year ago
So cute, and super realistic, but I want the whole cat, not a wall mounted trophy. Makes me sad even though I know in my head it was never real.
Ornery Owl 🦉 1 year ago
Who is this artist? We would love to have a piece done of our sweet cat, who just passed away.
April Pickett 1 year ago
I'm with the rest of the people commenting below. I thought it was a real cat. It's so realistic, that I had to look again and read all the comments to find out it was needle-felting. You are extremely talented, and doing beautiful work.
RELATED:
#2
I Knitted 0.08 Micron Thin 999k Pure Silver Wires With A Needle, Made A Bracelet And Oxidized Them
Greyskull 1 year ago
I like it, but op should have used a banana for scale as there's no way that was 0.08 micron wire.
roddy 1 year ago
As a knitter, I don't think this is knitting. Looks as if it's braided. Very nice work, though.
#3
Avid Reader, A Little Laser Cut Woodwork Designed And Made By Me
Just like the people on this list, every once in a while, I, too, get this urge to make something – usually something crochet that rarely ever materializes into something useful. But if you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes, the process can be more enjoyable than the end result. (In that regard, crocheting is very much like building jigsaw puzzles – another pastime perfect for those who enjoy working on things, only to tear them apart.)
Nowadays, many people seem to have found themselves hooked on some sort of a hands-on activity. According to Statista, in the last couple of years, roughly a quarter of Americans engaged in DIY and arts and crafts as a hobby.
#4
My Recent Sunset Painting (Acrylics)
#5
Painted My White Headphones!
If you’re wondering what kind of hobbies people in the US engage in the most, as of September 2024, cooking and baking topped the list, followed by reading. (The list also included being preoccupied with pets, playing video games, and enjoying outdoor activities.) According to data from the same year, the younger generations seemed more interested in DIY and arts and crafts as hobbies than those over 50 years of age.
#6
A Recently Completed Piece—how Closely Do You Think It Resembles The Original?
Auntriarch 1 year ago
I know! Every time I find myself thinking, what kind of a maniac traps their pets in a picture frame 🤣
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Kirsten Kerkhof 1 year ago
Haha, you can't fool me! That's just the real doggie in a frame! No, but honestly now, that is amazing needle felting work!
Grace Note 12 months ago
I love how amazing really talented needle felters can make things like this that are so realistic. I'm definitely going to have a go at it knowing full well that to be this good takes thousands of hours of practice and I'm hoping just to make something "quite nice".
#7
My New Oil Painting
#8
I Made Frames From Real Dried Flowers. And Don't Worry, Butterflies And Dragonflies Are Also Made From Dried Flowers
Auntriarch 1 year ago
The butterflies manage to look more like butterflies than butterflies do!
Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
A new kind of "Stained Glass" window hangers. Imagine the beautiful sunlight passing through.
Patricia Bell 10 months ago
You need a better picture with an artistic background. Very nice though
Over the last half a decade, many people seem to have acquainted themselves with DIY and all sorts of arts and crafts projects. Studies found that between 2019 and 2021, for instance (when, likely evoked by the Covid lockdown, people’s interest in DIY projects seemingly skyrocketed), people’s spending on DIY projects grew by 44% and reached a record height of $66 billion.
With so many people taking part in all sorts of crafty activities, it’s safe to assume that at least some of their projects ended up on the ‘Something I Made’ subreddit.
#9
I Have A Black Belt In Monopoly Piece Making. Its A Very Niche Market Haha. Very Very Niche, Me And One Other Guy
#10
I Carved A Wooden Fox That Was Fishing
Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
This proves that even things not reproduced realistically are still so beautiful in their own way.
chickpea me 1 year ago
A lot of skill went into this but I suspect it could also be very therapeutic.
#11
My Dragon
Suzanne Rust 1 year ago
What he said below! Hell, yes! If I thought I could afford it....! Wow.
Discussing DIY in a recent interview with Bored Panda, educator at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University, Dirk de Waal, noted that the DIY motivator framework consists of eight reasons for and the benefits of a DIY project. “Firstly, DIY activities are motivated by product and service evaluation and identity enhancement,” he said.
“From a product and service perspective, DIY activities allow for customization, diversity of product or service, better quality, and saving money by doing it yourself. DIY activities also allow the DIYer to feel empowered and fulfilled by making something themselves, which is unique, but also the sense of community and sharing knowledge within the DIY movement is important.”
#12
Finally Finished This Bobbin Lace!
Auntriarch 1 year ago
I've got a tangled knot in my brain just from looking at it
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Joanne Earle 1 year ago
This is just amazing. I could never keep all of those straight and untangled!
#13
Handmade Stained Glass Book Ends With Mushrooms
Ron Man 1 year ago
Looks cool, but not actually stained glass. This is from a kit you can get at a craft store. It's plastic, and on the back you use felt tip pens (you can see the pen strokes) to color it in, and then it looks like that in the front. I bet the person who made this one cut it out from a square piece to fit the book end so well.
Avoidance_Panda 1 year ago
I'm glad you said this, having done full lead stained glass. I've been looking at it like how the F did they do that?...
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#14
I Made A Children’s Horror Series. After 4 Years Of Writing, A Company Bought A Bulk Order Of My Books To Sell In Their Store! They Sent Me This Picture A Few Days Ago!
chickpea me 1 year ago
It’s nice to know your imagination and hard work turned out to be a succes.
With so many things nowadays happening in the online world or with the help of the almighty internet, it’s no surprise that people turn to it when they need help with their projects, too.
Covering some interesting statistics, Gitnux pointed out that close to half (47%) of DIY consumers rely on YouTube for instructions on how to carry out certain projects. It also found that throughout the span of two years, more than 53% of homeowners in the US have taken on a DIY project.
#15
I'm A Stained Glass Artist, Here Is My Latest Piece
Avoidance_Panda 1 year ago
Think they've painted the glass, the background sky and ground looks good, the rest is painted.
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#16
Do You Like My Cat Paintings?
Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
Took me a moment to find the title character. I was wondering if there was an unspoken meaning.
#17
My First Crochet Project Ever
bigfoot 1 year ago
There's no way that's your first... would take me like 50 failed pairs of mittens to get to that level
Susan 1 year ago
I thought the same. The center is where you would have to start and those are too uniform and tight to be the first someone ever did.
Load More Replies... Broadredpanda 1 year ago
Why can’t people just believe others? Because it’s amazing, it can’t be the first project? Crazy!
In addition to being fun, arts and crafts can also be satisfying. A study on how arts and crafting influences subjective well-being found that such kinds of activities provide a greater sense of satisfaction than employment.
According to the lead author of the study, Helen Keyes of Anglia Ruskin University, in addition to providing us with a sense of achievement, crafting can be “a meaningful route to self-expression,” which is not always provided by employment.
“There is certainly something immensely satisfying about seeing the results of your work appear before your eyes,” Forbes cited Keyes saying. “It feels great to focus on one task and engage your mind creatively.”
#18
I Made Some Goblins For My Families Christmas Stockings This Year
Ashley Shelton 8 months ago
Omgosh I just love these little things. I would love to have a few of them there so darn cute
#19
Cozy Cardigan For The Colder Months
Patricia Bell 10 months ago
It's nice work, don't care for the colors and it looks a little grandmotherly on her, but, hey!, if she likes it, that's all that matters.
Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
Love the giant, bat sleeves! They add to the comfort snuggability.
Renee Smith 1 year ago
Beautiful!! I also crochet. It is so fulfilling when a project comes out so nice!! Great work!!
#20
Custom Dr.martens I Painted For My Mom’s Birthday
Bay Bo 1 year ago
U custom made tank girl Dr Marts for ur mom?!?! I'm so jelly I'm gunna go show this to my daughter!!
Brittania Kelli 1 year ago
Most likely Angelus Leather Paints, they're the preferred paint for people who paint leather bags, gloves, jackets, etc.
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 1 year ago (edited)
Oh goodness I've just realised why my nephew's wife has this cartoon on her profile pic - he's in a tank regiment...
Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
I have some white clod-hopper boots that are just aching for adornment. I just lack the talent and the relation to anyone that has it.
Bearing in mind that crafts can provide a greater sense of satisfaction than employment, it might come as no surprise that even such hobbies as the aforementioned crocheting can positively affect one’s personal well-being. Studies suggest that many people even use crocheting as a way to manage mental health conditions and life events, such as grief, chronic illness, and pain.
One famous crochet aficionado, 11-year-old Jonah Larson, who became an internet sensation because of his skills, shared that for him, this particular type of craft helps with hand dexterity (as he’s planning to be a surgeon) as well as with his financial goals. Needless to say, learning DIY and crafting skills can come in handy in numerous ways.
#21
We Made A Tea Cabinet Out Of A Useless Wine Rack
Debby Keir 1 year ago
I think that's a brilliant idea but as a Brit, the one thing we do with our tea, is store it in an airtight container as it loses taste and zing once the pack is opened. That's why tea caddys were invented.
#22
A Little Dude For My Brother's Big Birthday
#23
I Made A White Lion Bag And Carving Lion Fur Is Always The Most Time Consuming And Labor Intensive Job
Illustrious G 11 months ago
Thanks for the recommendation! Definitely worth it!!
Load More Replies... Talking about what he enjoys most about DIY projects, Dirk de Waal shared that it’s the sense of knowing, the accomplishment, and gaining skills that he appreciates the most.
“By knowing exactly what goes into the project, you have a deeper understanding, appreciation and connection to the project. The sense of connection means the project will be cherished, thus making it more sustainable,” he added.
#24
I Made These Stained Glass Pieces This Week!
Auntriarch 1 year ago
The nice thing about iridescent glass is that it stays interesting at night when it's lit from the front by the room lights
Cheryl Robinson-Atwood 1 year ago
I'm working on a piece right now that just didn't look right until I added an irridescent. Now it's gorgeous.
Load More Replies... #25
I Embroidered This Mushroom Cardigan
Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
Such a cute idea to upcycle a plain/older cardigan. Even new ones would glow.
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
Thank you for the "heads up". Now don't do stuff like this anymore . . . take up stamp collecting.
#26
This Dress From A 1957 Vogue Pattern
Pamela Christie 1 year ago
Bring back the boatneck! Such a flattering look for women of every age!
Suzanne Rust 1 year ago
Think that was the original bateau neckline...my mother made one and looked beautiful.
One thing about learning any kind of skill or craft is that it’s impossible to master something without making mistakes. But most creators would likely agree that practice makes perfect. “Failing is not a negative; it is an opportunity to consider a different approach or perspective and to learn new skills,” de Waal said.
So, whenever you create something, be proud as you say, “This is something I made,” and know that the next time, it will turn out even better. Just stick to it!
#27
Made This Sunflower Dress
Auntriarch 1 year ago
I hate to be picky but I agree. There are so many better ways the pockets could have been done, even still outside. As it is, they just look like they crash landed there
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April Pickett 1 year ago
That is a beautiful dress. You should be proud of this dress (as you are), you did a great job. The fabric is pretty also.
#28
I Made A Stained Glass Winged Scarab
#29
I Made A Single Person Park Bench. Otherwise Known As A Really Heavy Chair
Pamela Christie 1 year ago
Beautiful. Proportions relative to each other are just right. And somehow it looks more comfortable than a regular bench. You should sell these!
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
Looks substantial to hold up to the most obese fata-s! Nice job ..
#30
Hand Tufted Rug, By Me
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
I like those tufts in the middle . . . looks like dog s**t left as a commentary on what they thought about the rest of your butt ugly "creation." I wouldn't brag about stuff like this . . .
#31
I Made Shopping Bags Out Of Rice Bags
Karynne Williams 1 year ago
I just emptied a rice bag like that and placed it in my sewing room for this very purpose.
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
So . . . tell me you have waaaay too much time on your hands without telling me you have waaaaay too much time on your hands, Sweetheart.
Bored Trash Panda 10 months ago
Who hurt you... some of your comments I've seen are very rude.
Load More Replies... #32
Toad Bag!
#33
I Make Puking Christmas Tree Earrings
#34
Ceramic Trays I Made
Patricia Bell 10 months ago
Hard to believe that people really panned these items. I like these bowls, especially because they are a little asymmetrical
#35
Glass Snails I've Been Making Lately
Dee Rutherford 1 year ago
Fantastic! I’d have these in every plant in my house. And there are lots!
#36
Total Newbie Sewer, Kid Wanted A //Yellow Triceratops// Plush For Christmas…
Kelly H. Wilder 1 year ago (edited)
I had to read that first part twice. My brain read sewer, as in the dwelling place of the TMNT, not sew-er, a person who sews.
Pamela Christie 1 year ago
No, no - they said they wanted a yellow tricycle! This is stunning, though.
#37
Colorful "Spilled Potion" I Made (Then Dropped And Broke)
Jeff White 1 year ago
Have to agree. This is brilliant, please make more.
Load More Replies... Brandi VanSteenwyk 11 months ago
It would have to be very balanced in order to prevent it working it's way off of the counter.
#38
Very Proud Of Myself For Making This Monstera Out Of Pipe Cleaners!
Pamela Christie 1 year ago
Beyond wonderful! (Didn't know they still made pipe cleaners.) Needs a banana for scale.
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
Take up smoking a pipe and use them to clean it . . . this sucks big time.
#39
'pink Heart Shaped Balloons', 2024, Painted By Me In Acrylics
#40
Made A Painting
Deannamite 1 year ago
This is AI; OP did paint a version of it. I have to deal with this as an educator - students generating an AI image, copying it in a physical medium, and claiming it as "their" art. I don't understand the desire to allow tech to replace our own creativity and self-expression.
#41
I Made Some Not Very Fast Food, A Tortise Burger!
#42
A Fun Mug I Made
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
Ummmm ... really looked at the photo hard and long. Not seeing the "fun". Nice work tho.
#43
I Made More Worry Stones! These Ones Are Veggie-Themed
AnnaB 1 year ago
Here's the link to her shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mapleghoulstudios/?etsrc=sdt
Pamela Christie 1 year ago
THERE they are! Bubblegum Princess has posted missing person notices for these guys! Send them home this minute!
Holly Herr 1 year ago
These are AWESOME! I used to use worry stones as a teen, but these are way cuter!
Kelly H. Wilder 1 year ago
This may be the first thing on BP that I actually do want. These are lovely!
#44
Made These Paper Flowers For My First Market! Hope People Enjoy Looking At Them
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
Wow . . . what fun dusting a bunch of those tchotchkes every week!!
#45
My Wife's Newest Designs For Christmas
The Other Guest 1 year ago
Is it my imagination, or is the tree shaped like a Star Trek communicator? So cool!
#46
I Made This Skirt!! Aaaand It Has Pockets!!
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
Holy C**p . . . you riding a horse under all that material, Honey? BTW . . .breasts can use a bit more uplift bra.
#47
I Made This Little Guy Running With His Loaves
#48
Cardboard Casio Watch I Made For Class
Frederick Hippchen 1 year ago
I notice it's not analogue because yours is the dumb AF generation that needs digital or they can't tell time . . .
#49
Stained Glass Stand Mixer Mirror I Made
#50
Designed And Tufted A 3 X 2ft. Mothman Rug
#51
I Haven’t Seriously Drawn Since Second Grade When A Teacher Used My Drawings As A Bad Example. Recently Tried Drawing Some Fish. I Kind Of Like Them
Angarade 1 year ago
Never stop doing what you love as long as you having fun ! My GF loved sculpting but her teacher said she didn't have any talent (she was 11). She hadn't sculped anything since. Art is not about perfection, it's about expressing yourself and having fun doing so. And your fish is really cool !
Deborah 1 year ago
Maybe you'll never make anything worthy of a gallery. So what? If you enjoy it, do it. And the more you do, the better you'll become.
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 1 year ago
Naive art (not an insult, it is a thing) is very popular. And your teacher is an ignoramus
#52
A Drippy Bowl I Made
#53
A Leather Portrait I Made To Honor A Memory
#54
1940s Inspired Suit I Made!
#55
I Made A Little Mushroom Bag!
#56
Mushroom Spoon
MyWeird “WolvesGoTo” DailyLife 1 year ago
So cute! But I can’t imagine having sensory issues and having to use it lol
#57
I Became Obsessed With (Nerdy) Tapestry Crochet This Year
#58
I Made A "Dinner Decider"
ElfVibratorGlitter 1 year ago
If this is what I think it is, this could be really useful. My partner and I can spend forever deciding on dinner.
#59
I Made A Rug Representing “Hypervigilance”
#60
Mosaic Guitar Out Of Costume Jewelry. Love How It Turned Out
Seán Baron 1 year ago
Sophie Ellis Bextor, sometime pop princess, sometime Kitchen Disco Hostess and daughter of much revered Blue Peter presenter Janel Ellis, got a guitar specially made for her husband. It’s made from a large model of the Millennium Falcon. And it looks so awesome.
#61
I Spent An Embarrassing Amount Of Time Making 60 Feet Of Giant Christmas Lights (That Actually Light Up)
Jane No Dough 1 year ago
Saw this pic here last month as "what I ordered vs. what I got" or something like that...
Upstaged75 1 year ago (edited)
No, it was "show us your Xmas decorations". She made it and there are pics of her doing so. Why is everyone upvoting a lie???
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luci (he/fae) 1 year ago
said the person getting that EPIC DUNK on ppl on the internet
Load More Replies... #62
I Painted A Bridge In My City
#63
Not Me But My Very Clever 14yr Old Daughter Made This Lolly Dispenser In Woodwork
#64
I Hand-Stitched Some Animals With A Mix Of Cute And Bold Vibes. Which One Is Your Favorite?
StarCrossedFriday 1 year ago
It’s actually a pretty fun collection, if you click on the link…personally I like the black cat one
zims 1 year ago
There's even more stuff if you follow their etsy link! Including some risque stuff. "Gates of paradise" indeed.
Load More Replies... #65
I Made This Bedazzled Breakfast Themed Purse
luci (he/fae) 1 year ago
because it's a better pastime than making fun of people on the internet
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#68
I Hand-Embroidered Some Stuff That A Few Of You Can Relate To
#69
Brand New Miniature Portraits
#70
A 70’s Inspired Mushroom Cardigan I Knit
#72
I Made A Rug A Titled “I’m Not Actually Angry"
#73
Working On Some Textile Food Home Decor
#74
I Made A Drop Down Table Painting For My Wife To Do Her Puzzles
#75
Is This Okay As A Gift?
#76
Made A Leather Satchel For My Mom For Christmas But I Might Just Keep It
#77
This Was One Of My Biggest Projects. Very Proud
Tamra 1 year ago
Why would they show the before photo, before the stones were actually placed in their settings?! Weird choice.
Whatshername 1 year ago
Or, people, hear me out, instead of downvoting...why not explain Tamra what yóu see. Tamra, I think it's a finished project made with a lot of these necklace closing pieces. Quite creative I think. And if you were joking, I take my hat off.
Load More Replies... Karen Krause 1 year ago
The finished project is truly gorgeous. https://preview.redd.it/this-was-one-of-my-biggest-projects-very-proud-v0-wikeupamh07e1.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=77aef6eeac530cb0d8f87a0336e6960646608f2a
#78
Some Small Oil Paintings Inspired By The Christmas Season :)
#79
Teckdecks Are Cool At My Son's School ATM, So I Made Him A Halfpipe
Chippy Chap 1 year ago
Its for a tiny skateboard that you ride with your fingers. I don't get it, but the kids do.
Load More Replies... #80
I Made An Anglerfish For My Air Plant
Bored Retsuko 1 year ago
BP why didn't you choose one of the pics that actually show the plant? 🤦
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What do you think ?
zims 1 year ago
Mushroom hats are the new big thing at the Renaissance Faire, so many redcaps walking around.
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zims 1 year ago
Mushroom hats are the new big thing at the Renaissance Faire, so many redcaps walking around.
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