ADVERTISEMENT

When was the last time you created something with your hands? Like a cake, a painting, or a pair of socks? Do you remember the feeling you had after finishing it, the satisfaction you got even if it wasn't "perfect"?

Handicrafts can be an excellent way to experience flow, decrease stress, and relieve anxiety. However, when you're, for whatever reason, a bit lost in the quest for a balanced life, it can be quite difficult to choose a project that would suit you.

For that, let's take a look at the subreddit 'Something I Made.' As its name suggests, this online community unites people who are proud of the fruits of their labor and want to show them off to others, congratulating each other on a job well done and encouraging people to keep at it.

So, continue scrolling to check out their top recent posts, and fire up our earlier publications on the subreddit here and here if you want more.

#1

Pencil Portrait I Drew Few Weeks Ago. (Pencils On Paper)

Pencil Portrait I Drew Few Weeks Ago. (Pencils On Paper)

fojteflon Report

#2

I Did A Shirt! This Is The 3rd One I've Made And I'm Super Pleased With How It Turned Out, Despite The Wobbly Top-Stitching On The Pocket

I Did A Shirt! This Is The 3rd One I've Made And I'm Super Pleased With How It Turned Out, Despite The Wobbly Top-Stitching On The Pocket

Dudderz_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
jakobawallmeier avatar
Jakoba Wallmeier
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is awesome. The fabric ist splendid and the light blue looks quite perky with it ;) Nice one.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

As postdoctoral researcher, editor, and former journalist Natascha Chtena pointed out in Inside Higher Ed, people who spend a good amount of time creating with their hands – be it cooking, growing vegetables, building, knitting, or any sort of working with raw materials really – describes the process as “therapy” and as essential to their well-being.

Additionally, research actually confirms that making things with your hands is a large part of finding your flow, and flow is highly correlated with happiness. Unfortunately, our modern world often makes it very hard to find that rhythm where we can, free of distraction, just focus on the task at hand – where we can just turn off our minds (and phones) and be present in the moment.

#4

I Designed A 3D Printed Mirror Array To Propose! The Mirrors Are Angled So That Just Before Sunset, They Reflect The Sunlight To Spell “Marry Me?”

I Designed A 3D Printed Mirror Array To Propose! The Mirrors Are Angled So That Just Before Sunset, They Reflect The Sunlight To Spell “Marry Me?”

bencbartlett Report

#5

A Mailbox I’m Building. Steel And Copper

A Mailbox I’m Building. Steel And Copper

sludgefudge Report

However, don't confuse handicraft with chores. "Making, as wide a spectrum as it can encompass, isn't about routine chores or tasks. It’s about the love of the craft – the pure joy of creating something from zero," Chtena said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"There’s a difference between rushing home after a day in the lab to throw together a quick dinner before you faint, and savoring the experience of baking the best banana pie you can possibly bring into existence. The same goes for making your own home repairs to save money versus making your own home décor crafts to add personal accents to your place."

#6

I Made My Daughter This Armor From Leather, Wood, Plastic, And Brass And Foam Sheet

I Made My Daughter This Armor From Leather, Wood, Plastic, And Brass And Foam Sheet

UptonDide Report

#7

I Made A Portrait By Smashing Glass!

I Made A Portrait By Smashing Glass!

NiallShukla Report

#8

Painting I Did Like Looking Through The Rainy Window Of A Car

Painting I Did Like Looking Through The Rainy Window Of A Car

jer_088 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Wife Wanted A Greenhouse. Repurposed Wood And Windows

Wife Wanted A Greenhouse. Repurposed Wood And Windows

Jbruno08 Report

If all of this sounds like fun but you don't know where to start, it might be a good idea to choose something relevant to you. "If you just pick an activity because it sounds cool in theory, you likely won’t be able to stick with it very long," Chtena said.

"Instead, take a look at your life and think about parts you’d like to improve. Are there things you enjoy but can’t afford readymade? Are there products you’re using that aren’t quite meeting your needs? Things you’d like to improve? For instance, I met someone at a party recently who started brewing their own beer because they were after a flavor they couldn’t find in stores. Similarly, I have a friend who uses her handmade jewelry as a personal trademark and sells them for some extra cash. Another friend, to whom living an environmentally friendly life is very important, makes her own natural cleaning products."

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

I Made A Dress For My First Day Of Work

I Made A Dress For My First Day Of Work

QueenAkemii Report

Add photo comments
POST
kirstin-peter avatar
Minath
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get teacher vibes from her. Whatever her job is, she has done a beautiful job with her outfit.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

I Handcut Playing Cards Into 3D Art Using An Xacto Knife

I Handcut Playing Cards Into 3D Art Using An Xacto Knife

DoctorPaulGregory Report

#12

I Made This Sweatshirt Out Of A Blanket I Got At My Local Thrift Store And It’s Probably My Favorite Thing I’ve Made So Far

I Made This Sweatshirt Out Of A Blanket I Got At My Local Thrift Store And It’s Probably My Favorite Thing I’ve Made So Far

reillyfitz Report

#13

Latest Finish, Wild Thing Denim Vest! About 6 Months Of Work

Latest Finish, Wild Thing Denim Vest! About 6 Months Of Work

FaerieBomb Report

You might also want to keep it simple. At least in the beginning. "Making your own furniture sure sounds fulfilling and all, but it’s also massively time-consuming and difficult to try out without making a huge investment in tools (unless you’re lucky to live near a maker space with woodwork equipment, of course)," Chtena said.

Similarly, winemaking is something you probably can’t pull off if you live in the city but alternative wines, like elderflower or walnut, are easy to make without any fancy equipment and they add a nice touch to social gatherings.

#15

The Diamond Engagement Ring I Made For My (Hopefully) Soon To Be Fiancée. In 18k Rose Gold

The Diamond Engagement Ring I Made For My (Hopefully) Soon To Be Fiancée. In 18k Rose Gold

Mercury-Hg80 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#16

2.5 Years Sober Tomorrow; I Painted This For An Art Auction Benefiting A Local Sober Living Facility

2.5 Years Sober Tomorrow; I Painted This For An Art Auction Benefiting A Local Sober Living Facility

jasmin_cage_art Report

Add photo comments
POST
alanwatkiss_1 avatar
Alan Watkiss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Great work on the art, and great work on the 2.5 years of being sober. Both fantastic achievements

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

A Painting I Did For My Fiancé. It's Him And His Oldest Son

A Painting I Did For My Fiancé. It's Him And His Oldest Son

DarkAndraRivers Report

Generally speaking, baking, brewing, gardening, DIY, body-care, home crafts and accessories are all good (realistic) starting points for most of us.

Remember, when you start small, you will eventually get the hang of it, and can always move on to making bigger and more elaborate things in the future.

#18

“Holding Hands” Silver Ring Made By Me

“Holding Hands” Silver Ring Made By Me

Hendrix0 Report

#19

I Made These Huge Paintings For My First Solo Exhibition

I Made These Huge Paintings For My First Solo Exhibition

KingSteven11 Report

#20

I Previously Posted This Elsewhere But Kept Being Told To Post It Here. So Here Is My Alien Abduction Outfit. I Made The Top, Skirt And Necklaces

I Previously Posted This Elsewhere But Kept Being Told To Post It Here. So Here Is My Alien Abduction Outfit. I Made The Top, Skirt And Necklaces

love_wear Report

#21

Some Of My Favourite Hand Embroidered Landscapes

Some Of My Favourite Hand Embroidered Landscapes

jadeillustrates Report

"I got started by brewing my plain kombucha, then I added a second fermentation where I started infusing the brew with herbs and fruits, and then I slowly moved on to other fermented drinks and vegetables," Chtena described her own journey.

ADVERTISEMENT
#24

Just Finished My Biggest And Most Difficult Backgammon Board So Far, Made With Real Fern Leaves And Flowers

Just Finished My Biggest And Most Difficult Backgammon Board So Far, Made With Real Fern Leaves And Flowers

nukulele145 Report

#25

Finally Completed The Mosaic In My Mom’s Shower! 5000 Individually Cut Tiles And A Year Of Work

Finally Completed The Mosaic In My Mom’s Shower! 5000 Individually Cut Tiles And A Year Of Work

artguydeluxe Report

As it so often is, the most important thing is to simply get started. Try whatever it is that attracts you once, take it slow, and don’t be intimidated if it doesn't immediately work out. You'll get there!

#26

One Of My Favorite Rings I’ve Made

One Of My Favorite Rings I’ve Made

magick_alchemy Report

#27

I Won First Place At The Fair This Weekend For My Cross Stitch!

I Won First Place At The Fair This Weekend For My Cross Stitch!

Andromeda321 Report

#28

I Made This Embroidery As A Gift To My Religious Grandma And She Loved It!

I Made This Embroidery As A Gift To My Religious Grandma And She Loved It!

rebordacao Report

Add photo comments
POST
franziska-birk avatar
Francis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i need this as a sticker! :D i wanna plaster my city with this sticker :D

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

My Mother Crocheted This Blanket From Over 800 Small Flowers. She Doesn’t Even Has Facebook So I Thought I Would Post It For Her Because It’s Such An Awesome Piece

My Mother Crocheted This Blanket From Over 800 Small Flowers. She Doesn’t Even Has Facebook So I Thought I Would Post It For Her Because It’s Such An Awesome Piece

Nicop0l Report

#31

I Made These Ceramic Ghost Buddies With Tea Lights!

I Made These Ceramic Ghost Buddies With Tea Lights!

happyclaypot Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#33

Incense Burner I Made For My Girlfriend

Incense Burner I Made For My Girlfriend

naaiiilllll Report

#34

I Made This Pumpkin Kitty Out Of Polymer Clay. I Wanted It To Look Like He Was Wearing A Costume And I Think It Turned Out So Cute!

I Made This Pumpkin Kitty Out Of Polymer Clay. I Wanted It To Look Like He Was Wearing A Costume And I Think It Turned Out So Cute!

rebekkacaptures Report

#35

Beaded Pin Inspired By Vermeer’s Girl With The Pearl Earring

Beaded Pin Inspired By Vermeer’s Girl With The Pearl Earring

chaevskaya Report

#36

I Made Cellular Biology Stained Glass To Hang Behind Me For My Work Zoom Calls

I Made Cellular Biology Stained Glass To Hang Behind Me For My Work Zoom Calls

Greenwing Report

#37

My Daughter Wearing The Coat That I Made For Her

My Daughter Wearing The Coat That I Made For Her

Archivarianne Report

#38

My Playful Red Brooch. Made Entirely Of Polymer Clay

My Playful Red Brooch. Made Entirely Of Polymer Clay

TristaniaHand Report

Add photo comments
POST
sineadk130 avatar
jakobawallmeier avatar
Jakoba Wallmeier
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This ist soo well made. I tried my hand on polymere clay myself a while ago and is was harder than it looks. To capture the different texture you are a clay master.

brookeleahy avatar
Potterhead 0-0
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really have no idea how people do things like this with polymer clay cause it’s a huuge pain in the butt (at least for me)

myaarmstrong avatar
Mya Armstrong
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

did you cut off your lips for a brooch? that is very realistic!

polysammo avatar
Samantha Will
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. It looks like it came right off the rocky Horror Movie Screen

webb440 avatar
Mel in Real Life
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Michael Rennie was ill.... The day the Earth stood still... But he told us where we stand...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

I Made This Lingerie Set For A Friend’s Birthday!

I Made This Lingerie Set For A Friend’s Birthday!

reddit.com Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#42

I Made A Big Fruit/Salad Bowl From The Root Of A Black Walnut Tree

I Made A Big Fruit/Salad Bowl From The Root Of A Black Walnut Tree

The_Magic_Wood_Bus Report

#43

Almost Finished Making This Chefs Knife. Just Need To Sand The Handle A Bit More. Love To Hear What You Think Of It

Almost Finished Making This Chefs Knife. Just Need To Sand The Handle A Bit More. Love To Hear What You Think Of It

Studio_OOOMS Report

#44

I Make Canvas Bags, Here's My Latest! Naturally Dyed With Madder Root And Cochineal

I Make Canvas Bags, Here's My Latest! Naturally Dyed With Madder Root And Cochineal

Safielx Report

#45

Candy Corn Ghost! A Happy Little Experiment!

Candy Corn Ghost! A Happy Little Experiment!

allisaur_ Report

#47

A Feltart Embroidery Of Spirited Away Train Scene That I Made, Trying To Build A Wall Of Ghibli Feltart For Myself

A Feltart Embroidery Of Spirited Away Train Scene That I Made, Trying To Build A Wall Of Ghibli Feltart For Myself

heartfeItloves Report

Add photo comments
POST
jakobawallmeier avatar
Jakoba Wallmeier
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this! The tanslucent fabric for No-face is awesome. A Wall of Gihbli feltart would be a joy to look at.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

I Made This Little Pastel Green Polymer Clay Stegosaurus!

I Made This Little Pastel Green Polymer Clay Stegosaurus!

AMajesticPoro Report

#49

An 8x8 Witch Cottage I Designed/Built For My Backyard! First Major Construction Project

An 8x8 Witch Cottage I Designed/Built For My Backyard! First Major Construction Project

tunabuttons Report

#50

S’more Making Dinosaur! What Should We Name It?

S’more Making Dinosaur! What Should We Name It?

Ashley_b_making Report

Note: this post originally had 88 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.