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With the worldwide pandemic ravaging the world, many people find more free time on their hands than they can remember. After all, going out is not really an option at the moment, and nobody knows when it will be.

But it turns out, idle hands are capable of incredible things. And thanks to the subreddit “Something I Made,” which has people sharing their most incredible pieces of work, we now have a full collection of handmade goodness for our eyes to feast on.

From an incredible dinosaur costume built from PVC pipes and foam and a "Game Over" cross-stitch piece, to pants purposefully constructed with pockets deep enough to fit a TV remote and beer, these are some mad DIY skills that may spark your inner go-doer and maker that has been deep asleep all this time.

#2

I Made A Portrait Of German Shepherd With Soft Pastels And Pastel Pencils. What Do You Think?

I Made A Portrait Of German Shepherd With Soft Pastels And Pastel Pencils. What Do You Think?

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#3

My Parents Planted An Apple-Tree When I Was Born. Sadly, The Tree Died A Few Weeks Ago, So I Made A Bookshelf Out Of It

My Parents Planted An Apple-Tree When I Was Born. Sadly, The Tree Died A Few Weeks Ago, So I Made A Bookshelf Out Of It

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The worldwide pandemic which has been ravaging the globe has not been the brightest thing in recent memory for most of us. With so many people left jobless and struggling to find hope that everything will get back to normal eventually, it’s only normal to feel more anxious and low-spirited than usual.

But engaging in DIY activities can not only give your idle hands something to work on, it can have some seriously positive effects on mental health. To find out more about the positive effects DIY activities and art-making have on our minds, Bored Panda reached out to Liza Hinchey, a psychologist, art therapist, and a doctoral researcher at Wayne State University.

“Art-making has the special power of getting our minds into what’s called 'the flow state.' If you’ve ever been doing something and found that hours went by without you even noticing, you were in the flow state of mind! Research has shown that the more time people spend in the flow state, the happier they are on average.”

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#4

My Mom Is Learning How To Sew. This Chair-Cover Cooking Set Is Her Latest Creation

My Mom Is Learning How To Sew. This Chair-Cover Cooking Set Is Her Latest Creation

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#5

I Run An All-Volunteer Trail Crew That Specializes In Good Old-Fashioned Technical Stonework. Here Is What We Make!

I Run An All-Volunteer Trail Crew That Specializes In Good Old-Fashioned Technical Stonework. Here Is What We Make!

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#6

I Painted A Whole Bunch Of Rocks During Quarantine!

I Painted A Whole Bunch Of Rocks During Quarantine!

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Moreover, Liza told us that art-making can reduce anxiety by “improving 'mindfulness'—known as a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment.” It’s “because anxiety is often characterized by thinking about the future,” explained Liza, but “focusing on the present moment is a natural antidote to anxiety.”

The psychologist added that art-making activities that “involve repetitive, similar motions (like coloring or doodling a pattern)” are particularly helpful since they “can help reduce anxious thoughts and bring us back to the present.”

#7

My Mom Hand Cut And Stained All The Pieces For This Wall. I Think It's Beautiful And She Deserves Some Props

My Mom Hand Cut And Stained All The Pieces For This Wall. I Think It's Beautiful And She Deserves Some Props

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#9

I Finally Finished My Giant Stained Glass Hippo And I'm Dying Because It Looks So Good!!

I Finally Finished My Giant Stained Glass Hippo And I'm Dying Because It Looks So Good!!

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And since art-making for many people brings enormous benefits for their mental health, art therapy can be useful for anyone. “While art-making outside of therapy has enormous benefits for mental health, creating art under the guidance of an art therapist can be especially helpful.”

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Liza said “it’s great for small children who may not have the vocabulary to express their emotions yet, and can therefore represent them better through art; it’s used to treat trauma in adults, as traumatic memories are often most active in visual centers of the brain, so art can help people process these memories when talking about them doesn’t suffice (not to say that talk therapy is not helpful for trauma—it often is!); it’s used to treat anxiety, grief, depression, and so many other concerns.”

“One of the most powerful things about art therapy is that it can really be adapted for anyone, and requires absolutely no artistic 'skill.' The point isn’t to make a 'masterpiece,' but to explore yourself as a human being,” the psychologist concluded.

#11

My Heart Was Heavy The Past Few Weeks And Naturally That Pours Out Into My Work And Made This Dress. I Hope Everyone Is Hanging In There Mentally, Change Will Come Here In Africa ❤️ #endinjustice

My Heart Was Heavy The Past Few Weeks And Naturally That Pours Out Into My Work And Made This Dress. I Hope Everyone Is Hanging In There Mentally, Change Will Come Here In Africa ❤️ #endinjustice

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Meanwhile, a study from Heather L. Stuckey, a professor at the Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, and Jeremy Nobel from Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, suggests that crafting and engaging in creative activities may help decrease anxiety, stress, and mood disturbances, as well as improve well-being and quality of life.

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Over the past decade, health psychologists have cautiously begun looking at how the arts might be used in a variety of ways to heal emotional injuries, increase understanding of oneself and others, develop a capacity for self-reflection, reduce symptoms, and alter behaviors and thinking patterns.

#13

After Searching For A Contractor For Months And Getting Bids At 10k Plus I Decided To Attempt This Myself With No Tools And Experience. Cost Me $2500 In Materials And $500 In New Tools. It’s Not Perfect But Am Super Proud Of The Results.

After Searching For A Contractor For Months And Getting Bids At 10k Plus I Decided To Attempt This Myself With No Tools And Experience. Cost Me $2500 In Materials And $500 In New Tools. It’s Not Perfect But Am Super Proud Of The Results.

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#14

I Wanted To Paint My Cat, But Doing All Of Her Seemed Hard, So I Just Did The Easy Parts

I Wanted To Paint My Cat, But Doing All Of Her Seemed Hard, So I Just Did The Easy Parts

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#15

My First Attempt At Making A Leather Handbag. The Hand Stitching Took Forever!

My First Attempt At Making A Leather Handbag. The Hand Stitching Took Forever!

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Sweetie Dahling
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hand stitching is a pain in the derrière with regular fabrics, but on leather! Wow! My hand cramps up just thinking about it! Also: anything with sharks is cool 👌

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

If that's your first attempt, I'd love to see your second, third and fourth.

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

Beautiful! Don't be surprised if you get commissions to create other leather handbags!

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Amy Jo Buchanan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow! I really think this is a good idea to gift to someone especially if they are marine lovers

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lunanoire
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks like machine stitching tbh. Hand stitching (I'm a professional seamstress) would not be so precise on a material such as leather. Awl holes or not.

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I I
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i admire anyone who can make something with their own hands

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Bubble Gum Bandit
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again on Reddit before Covid Subreddit Icon r/somethingimade •Posted byu/Saggy_Tackle 2 years ago My first attempt at making a leather handbag. The hand stitching took FOREVER!

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Brandi VanSteenwyk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How far did you get before running back to the store for heavy-duty thimbles? From personal experience, it took weeks for the deep holes in my fingertips (due to the force necessary to push the thick needle through the hide) to heal.

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Merrill N. Munro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are tools, such as awls, that can be used to make holes in the leather, making it easier to sew.

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ZenitaBonita
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Another study published in 2020 looked into the connection between arts and mental health, functioning, & life satisfaction. The study authors came to a conclusion that “frequent arts participation and cultural attendance were associated with lower levels of mental distress and higher levels of life satisfaction, with arts participation additionally associated with better mental health functioning.”

#16

An Origami Koi Fish That I Made With A US $1 Bill For My Tip Jar At Work

An Origami Koi Fish That I Made With A US $1 Bill For My Tip Jar At Work

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#17

I'm A 16 Yr Old Blacksmith And I Forged This Whale Bottle Opener :) Hope You Like It!

I'm A 16 Yr Old Blacksmith And I Forged This Whale Bottle Opener :) Hope You Like It!

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#18

My Goal For This Year Was To Finish This Painting, And I Did Took Me 3 Months. I Know It’s Not 100% Perfect But I’m A Bit Proud

My Goal For This Year Was To Finish This Painting, And I Did Took Me 3 Months. I Know It’s Not 100% Perfect But I’m A Bit Proud

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#19

The Bridge, Another Cat Tree I Just Finished

The Bridge, Another Cat Tree I Just Finished

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#21

I Made This Needle Felted Albino Bat

I Made This Needle Felted Albino Bat

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#22

I Made A Stained Glass Of My Friend's Watercolor Painting

I Made A Stained Glass Of My Friend's Watercolor Painting

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#23

I Built This For A Family In Columbus Oh, But I’m 100% Going To Build A Full Sized One As My House Next

I Built This For A Family In Columbus Oh, But I’m 100% Going To Build A Full Sized One As My House Next

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#24

I’m Only 16 But I Built A Hardwood Desk Out Of 2 Sheets Of 4x8 Maple Plywood.

I’m Only 16 But I Built A Hardwood Desk Out Of 2 Sheets Of 4x8 Maple Plywood.

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#25

Made A Purple Ombre Wisteria Mobile Out Of Felt

Made A Purple Ombre Wisteria Mobile Out Of Felt

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#27

I Make Layered Animals Out Of Birch Wood. This Is 7 Layers. Hope You Like

I Make Layered Animals Out Of Birch Wood. This Is 7 Layers. Hope You Like

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Nathan Pogorzala
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brain doesn’t have enough forethought to make sure my underwear is inside out and you think up this 7 layers deep. Magical.

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#28

My Wife Asked For A Gold Bicycle. I Bought An Old 70’s Ross Kids Bike And Turn It Into A Low Rider.

My Wife Asked For A Gold Bicycle. I Bought An Old 70’s Ross Kids Bike And Turn It Into A Low Rider.

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#29

Wire And Clay Whippet I Just Finished - With A Heart Of Gold

Wire And Clay Whippet I Just Finished - With A Heart Of Gold

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Mz Phit
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gorgeous! I have a pit bull/whippet mix, (a "Bull Whip" ) and she absolutely has a heart of gold. You really caught the anima of this wonderful breed

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#30

I Repainted A Cabinet (I Got For Free!) And Wanted To Share

I Repainted A Cabinet (I Got For Free!) And Wanted To Share

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Phoebe Bean
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and now it belongs in a palace!!! I love how the cabinet looks in blue.

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#31

My Husband Snores And My Daughter Rotates In The Bed So I Haven’t Slept Well In Four Years...converted The Closet In The Office Into My Own Personal Bed

My Husband Snores And My Daughter Rotates In The Bed So I Haven’t Slept Well In Four Years...converted The Closet In The Office Into My Own Personal Bed

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#32

I Made Something Horrible, Or Awesome. I Honestly Can't Tell

I Made Something Horrible, Or Awesome. I Honestly Can't Tell

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#33

My Daughters "Sally Witch" Costume I Crocheted

My Daughters "Sally Witch" Costume I Crocheted

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#34

After Being Laid Off In April I Spent The Last 2 1/2 Months Building This Playhouse For My Kids. I Have No Construction Experience, Just A Lot Of Youtube Tutorials. I’m Very Happy With How It Turned Out.

After Being Laid Off In April I Spent The Last 2 1/2 Months Building This Playhouse For My Kids. I Have No Construction Experience, Just A Lot Of Youtube Tutorials. I’m Very Happy With How It Turned Out.

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#35

I Really Wanted Wallpaper In Our Bathroom, But I Couldn’t Afford It...so I Painted It! I Used Leftover Paint Samples From Another Project. I Hand Sketched The Flowers Based On A Marimekko Pattern

I Really Wanted Wallpaper In Our Bathroom, But I Couldn’t Afford It...so I Painted It! I Used Leftover Paint Samples From Another Project. I Hand Sketched The Flowers Based On A Marimekko Pattern

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Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this will be much more water resistant than wall paper!

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#36

I Made 3-Prong Wooden Hair Fork With Cat Ears Headband

I Made 3-Prong Wooden Hair Fork With Cat Ears Headband

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#37

After 40 Hours And A Lot Of Black Embroidery Floss, I Finally Finished This Crow Embroidery!

After 40 Hours And A Lot Of Black Embroidery Floss, I Finally Finished This Crow Embroidery!

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#38

Partner And I Hand Made A Sliding Door Over The Weekend! What Do You Think?

Partner And I Hand Made A Sliding Door Over The Weekend! What Do You Think?

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#39

Made This Beautiful Vintage Dress For My Engagement Photos And Just A Mini Shoot! Aiming To Make My Entire Wardrobe To Be Vintage

Made This Beautiful Vintage Dress For My Engagement Photos And Just A Mini Shoot! Aiming To Make My Entire Wardrobe To Be Vintage

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#45

Made These Glass Piano Jewelry Boxes A Bit Ago In Support Of Pride!

Made These Glass Piano Jewelry Boxes A Bit Ago In Support Of Pride!

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#46

I Made A Phone Stand To Turn Your Smartphone In A Cozy Fireplace

I Made A Phone Stand To Turn Your Smartphone In A Cozy Fireplace

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#48

Bragging About My Mugs

Bragging About My Mugs

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#49

I Made A Dress Out Of The Leaves In My Garden. It Was Either This Or Rake Them All Up, Seemed A Shame For Them To Go To Waste.

I Made A Dress Out Of The Leaves In My Garden. It Was Either This Or Rake Them All Up, Seemed A Shame For Them To Go To Waste.

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#50

Finally Had Success With Resin Lacing!

Finally Had Success With Resin Lacing!

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