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Some people love doing DIY projects. The sense of accomplishment, the pride, even the process itself. For some, it's a hobby. For others, it's a lifestyle. When it comes to DIY projects at home, 44% of Americans say they prefer to do it themselves over hiring a professional.

But every DIY project can't be a winner. Many of us have probably made a stinker of one of our first DIY projects. That's where the DiWHY community comes in. They share the most hilarious and questionable cases of DIY, and, of course, they ask: "Why is this a thing?"

This time, we're featuring the cream of the crop of the subreddit: the best of all time DiWHY posts!

#1

Trying To Fashion A Face Mask Out Of A Brassiere

Trying To Fashion A Face Mask Out Of A Brassiere

ajfoucault Report

As we're celebrating the best of all time pictures the DiWHY subreddit has to offer, it's only fair to give it a proper introduction for those who might not be familiar with it. It's a community that celebrates (and sometimes mocks but mostly in good faith) bad DIY jobs.

The subreddit invites people to share their DIY projects gone wrong. "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? If so, post your results here to DiWHY," the sub's bio claims. "Where [bad] projects from DIY live prosperously."

#5

Biblically Accurate Furby

Biblically Accurate Furby

Christinedrink Report

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#6

This Guy Built A Mini-Door Complete With Doorknob Into The Front Door At The Place He’s Renting, For His Cat Stanley

This Guy Built A Mini-Door Complete With Doorknob Into The Front Door At The Place He’s Renting, For His Cat Stanley

BurritoBoy11 Report

The DiWHY subreddit has a whopping 3.6 million members and only one moderator, u/IAMmojo. The Redditor has previously spoken with Bored Panda in 2020, back when the community had only 1.1 million followers.

Although DIY encapsulates all kinds of jobs, from crafting to home improvements, the subreddit's logo is a glue gun. Its moderator, u/IAMmojo, explained to us before that the hot glue gun is probably the main common denominator in almost all bad DIY projects that get featured on the sub.

#7

I'm No Electrician, But I Think I've Solved The Mystery Of Why Changing The Lightbulbs Didn't Work

I'm No Electrician, But I Think I've Solved The Mystery Of Why Changing The Lightbulbs Didn't Work

gardenpea Report

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#9

Because It Gets Hot In The Workshop And There’s No Ac

Because It Gets Hot In The Workshop And There’s No Ac

neuroticsmurf Report

We like doing DIY projects, even if we know we might fail. The editor of Make magazine and author of Made by Hand: My Adventures in the World of Do-It-Yourself claims that DIYing gives us the courage to screw up. "DIYers not only accept the inevitability of mistakes, they welcome them, because they know that mistakes are a source of inspiration and the most effective way to learn."

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#11

My 9 Year Old Daughter Bedazzled Our Remote. It's Very Pretty But Quite Challenging To Find The Button You Need

My 9 Year Old Daughter Bedazzled Our Remote. It's Very Pretty But Quite Challenging To Find The Button You Need

spankybianky Report

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Firstname Lastname
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is intentional, so that you can't quickly change the channel on her while she watches her show.

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However, some folks prefer to do a one-step DIY: open their wallets. As evident from this list, DIY projects can often go south pretty quickly. Things might get a little bit more serious when it comes to home improvement projects. While it's generally a good idea to paint your walls yourself, doing your own electrical work might be a bad idea.

#15

Found On R/Mildlyinteresting Thought It Belonged Here

Found On R/Mildlyinteresting Thought It Belonged Here

i_am_chewbacca Report

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The pandemic was a catalyst for many people to start doing things themselves. Some started baking bread, and others ambitiously set out to redo their kitchens. Do-it-yourself and home furnishing sellers saw a boom in profits that year. Sweden's home improvement product provider BHG, for example, saw a 58% growth in the second quarter of 2020.

#16

Came Across This Picture And Wanted To Share

Came Across This Picture And Wanted To Share

MissouriFred Report

#17

Can Someone Explain This One?

Can Someone Explain This One?

PineappleLife3 Report

#18

My Baby Skull Desert Roses Are Coming In Pretty Nice

My Baby Skull Desert Roses Are Coming In Pretty Nice

tommeland Report

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michael Chock
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know, fruit grows to fill whatever container you put them in. Have you considered baby skull apples?

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Bloomberg reported in 2022 that the surge in house repair and renovation projects was slowly fading. Stanley Black & Decker's profits lowered almost by half, and they predicted retail purchases to go back to 2019 levels. To offset inflation and lower demand, they have raised their tool prices, prompting some people to put off their DIY projects for later.

#19

Just Because You Can Quilt It, Doesn't Mean You Should

Just Because You Can Quilt It, Doesn't Mean You Should

van_bh Report

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#20

Preserving Those Childhood Memories

Preserving Those Childhood Memories

Goobersita Report

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michael Chock
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not right. They should be stored on a metal shelf in a dark basement with dark backlighting. Maybe some antique sewing equipment and a barbers chair laying around for atmosphere.

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#21

Airbag Accessories

Airbag Accessories

MannequinFactory Report

So, what's the psychology behind doing it ourselves? For some, it's about saving money. In a survey where Clover asked 1,000 homeowners why they chose the DIY route, 85.2% claimed that it's cheaper. And, sometimes, it makes sense. Like when you need to unclog a toilet. The same survey calculated that the average price of unclogging a toilet yourself is $5. If you call a professional to do it, it can cost anywhere from $85 to $520.

For those who don't feel discouraged by this list or the dangers of DIY projects, many experts recommend starting small. DIY home improvement blogger Angela Rose suggests painting tile floors, installing floating shelves, or updating closet doors. "All of [these projects] majorly changed the look and feel of the room they were done in," she writes.

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#25

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

anon Report

#27

Now It Looks Cool

Now It Looks Cool

Deepthrusting99 Report

There's also a satisfying sustainability element in DIYing for the eco-conscious. Reusing and repurposing things like furniture or decor items can be great do-it-yourself projects for beginners. Content creator and DIYer Shelly Kennagh told Bored Panda in a previous interview how everything we own deserves love and attention. That's why she uses the term 're-loved.'

#28

This Motorcycle Was Made Into An 18-Wheeler… Type, Thing

This Motorcycle Was Made Into An 18-Wheeler… Type, Thing

READlbetweenl Report

#29

She May Be Trashy But At Least She Recycles

She May Be Trashy But At Least She Recycles

heretik Report

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Even if we sometimes fail at DIYing, there are still benefits to doing it. When we're doing something with our hands, we're preventing and building resilience against depression and other mental health disorders. It also gets us away from devices and keeps us engaged in the present moment.

Also, the more DIY projects you do, the better you gradually get. So, don't get discouraged by these DIY fails, Pandas! Grab those power tools or a paintbrush and tackle your first simple project with confidence.

#31

Upcycling A Toothpaste Tube

Upcycling A Toothpaste Tube

reciclagemearte Report

#33

The Toilets That Await You In Purgatory

The Toilets That Await You In Purgatory

Machinefun Report

#34

Bumper Rockery

Bumper Rockery

the123king-reddit Report

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Arkham Wohlfert
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they made the change a little more seamless, as in rounded off the edges, and painted the covering to match or something, it would be beautiful. I like it as is, it's pretty genius really, I wouldn't mind planters on my car.

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#35

Found On Facebook Marketplace

Found On Facebook Marketplace

BQJJ Report

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#36

"Does It...work?" "You're Darn Tootin'!"

"Does It...work?" "You're Darn Tootin'!"

PM_ME_KITTYNIPPLES Report

#37

Just Gonna Leave This Here

Just Gonna Leave This Here

jeuv Report

#39

Feeling Insecure About How Unoriginal And Boring Your Bathroom Tile Grout Is? Want To Make A Statement? Simply Just Cover It Up With Some Glitter Glue!

Feeling Insecure About How Unoriginal And Boring Your Bathroom Tile Grout Is? Want To Make A Statement? Simply Just Cover It Up With Some Glitter Glue!

dtx1984 Report

#40

Beautiful Wood Paneling

Beautiful Wood Paneling

OrthodoxWarlocks Report

#41

Just Wait Until The Airbag Pops Out

Just Wait Until The Airbag Pops Out

daisykills Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

DO NOT DO THIS! It's super dangerous. Also don't keep heavy things on your dashboard. People die that way.

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#42

Porcelain With Handpainted Ants

Porcelain With Handpainted Ants

FoRealDoh Report

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Show Thyself
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not DIY (And most definitely not a failed project). These items are part of a collection by the artist Evelyn Bracklow - https://www.evelynbracklow.com

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#43

This Chair Is Upholstered In Old Jeans

This Chair Is Upholstered In Old Jeans

iamrealsmart Report

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#44

Cow Tag Earring

Cow Tag Earring

oliveio Report

#45

"Upcycled" Knife Block

"Upcycled" Knife Block

mrssupersheen Report

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Chocolate llama
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree. And also not the knives..!! I don't care if the paper goes parallel to the blade...if you'd stab into paper with my good kitchen knives like that, I might as well stab you o.O

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Nina
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1. Thou shall not devile books 2. Ew, that's really unhygienic

Heffalump
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't mind the idea of using old books this way, but i recently sold a copy of 'Reach for the sky' (book on the left) in similar condition to this one for more than the cost of a knife block. Just saying.

Ray Carrillo
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bastards, how dare you do that. Use celebrity chef biographies instead.

ॐBoyGanesh
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve a friend with one of these, but it’s fabricated to look like books. They’re also all religious tomes, covering all the majors.

Nina
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would at least be more hygienic than using actual books. And I like the stab at religions ^^

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Jaya
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get why people get so dramatic about books being destroyed for DYI things. There are billions and billions of books on earth, and realistically a lot of them will never get read again.

PFD
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every now and then I read about how secretive libraries have to be about turnover because some people go ape when they see books being thrown away.

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Shaunn Munn
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The left book is a bio of Douglas Bader. He was a RAF hero who piloted his planes with prosthetic legs. Whoever did this to that book should be banned!

Pat Curran
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez, buy a freakin' knife block! They're not THAT expensive and it'll look a lot better than this!

Fat Harry (Oi / You)
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We actually have one of these. Not my doing, the daughter brought it back from university with her. I hate the idea!!

Jason Abreu
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least they won't find a roach nest in the bottom of it. I bought one in a yard sale and I needed an exterminator to get rid of them.

Willow
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No because my parents did this and it's actually kind nice.

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

When you've got absolutely nothing to read, go to the knife block!

TennesseeHomesteadUSA
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Reach For The Sky" !! A travesty for such a wonderful book ! Call the police -- we need help !

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

Cruel use of a book but I doubt that is good for the knife blades either!

laura lee
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LEAVE THE BOOKS ALONE I mean read them, but don't destroy

DC
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is downcycling. But, ... books ... there have been those clubs and mailorders and such where you could buy incredibly cheap books. I have about 13 boxes of about 16...20 kg each from my mother that are full or rubbishy books that were incredibly cheap, and none of the resale places buy them. The ones they bought are off already, that was about half a box and returned me some 20€. What am I to do with them? The thermal approach doesn't ring well with me, but ... after all, just want them gone. Esoteric BS that she never even was into, and such, ...

Weaponized Beef
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kinda cool. Just make sure the knives are really dry before putting them away.

Regina Holt
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You would have to wash your knives when you got them out of this monstrosity. There is no way this is hygienic.

Anna Drever
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother, who loves Elizabeth Goudge books, would be horrified.

Analyn Lahr
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is The Scent of Water like a precursor to The Shape of Water? ;)

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#46

Faux Library

Faux Library

pobody-snerfect Report

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Iampenny
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And again.... Noooooo!!! Not the books..... !!!! What kind of monster does this?

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#48

This Is So Stupid I’m Actually Mad Rn

This Is So Stupid I’m Actually Mad Rn

pirateanimal Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These were part of an art installation by Dewi van de Klomp. I've seen them before. Think real hard about using ONE HAND to take a cup out and knocking the whole thing down. The term faceplant comes to mind.

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#49

If Someone Could Explain This To Us We Would Greatly Appreciate It

If Someone Could Explain This To Us We Would Greatly Appreciate It

lexakookie Report

#50

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

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

reddit.com Report

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Blue Bunny of Happiness
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have no idea why you’d do this, but if you HAVE to, at least get the paint edge straight!

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#52

Can’t Say I’ve Seen Something Like This

Can’t Say I’ve Seen Something Like This

Zzazy1 Report

#53

“Can You Pass The Salt Before It Falls Into The Trough Again Please”

“Can You Pass The Salt Before It Falls Into The Trough Again Please”

libertetrading Report

#54

I Made A Ram Guitar Pick

I Made A Ram Guitar Pick

BlackAngus03 Report

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TheDag
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP missed a trick by filing off the connectors, think how much more grip you would have with some spikey bits piercing and gripping through the skin

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#55

A Woman On My Timeline Has A "Remote Stick", Because Her Family Loses The TV Remote So Often

A Woman On My Timeline Has A "Remote Stick", Because Her Family Loses The TV Remote So Often

Skytrip Report

#56

Make An Upcycled Hose Rug For An Outdoor Space Using Old Garden Hoses And Zip Ties!

Make An Upcycled Hose Rug For An Outdoor Space Using Old Garden Hoses And Zip Ties!

bad_fake_name Report

#57

Excuse Me I Need To Ride My Piece Of Wood To School

Excuse Me I Need To Ride My Piece Of Wood To School

The-Quantum-Man Report

#58

This Showed Up At My Work Today. It’s Hand Made From Old Cans Of Fanta

This Showed Up At My Work Today. It’s Hand Made From Old Cans Of Fanta

Silverslade1 Report

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't like this, but someone at my high school made a ballgown out coke cans, plus a matching umbrella, and it looked so good it has been on display there for at least 20 years!

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#59

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

gedaliyah Report

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#60

Kitchen Counter/Stairs Hybrid

Kitchen Counter/Stairs Hybrid

ShadowsGirl9 Report

#61

This Monstrosity

This Monstrosity

TargaryenPie Report

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michael Chock
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like a game to see if you will go to prison for arson or a mental institution for thinking it was a good idea.

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#62

I Never Thought I’d See Anything Like This In My Own Town

I Never Thought I’d See Anything Like This In My Own Town

darrenja Report

#63

Who Walks Away From This And Says That's Exactly What I Wanted?

Who Walks Away From This And Says That's Exactly What I Wanted?

Starscream79 Report

#65

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

psancez47 Report

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#68

Someone Was Throwing Away This Custom Lamp. No Idea Why They Didn't Want To Stick With It

Someone Was Throwing Away This Custom Lamp. No Idea Why They Didn't Want To Stick With It

SeriousMichael Report

#69

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

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

AcceptableDebt Report

#73

So Do You Have To Take Your Pants Off To Rob The Bank?

So Do You Have To Take Your Pants Off To Rob The Bank?

reddit.com Report

#75

Hundreds Of Pounds Of Steel And It Doesn’t Even Spin… Not A Big Fan

Hundreds Of Pounds Of Steel And It Doesn’t Even Spin… Not A Big Fan

PatPetPitPotPut Report

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#76

Spaghetti Balls??

Spaghetti Balls??

ctibu Report

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Little Wonder
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yanno, I once saw someone seal his dead turtle in resin and it didn't end well. I mean it didn't START well either.

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#77

This Is How My Father Has Decided To Rig Up The Router

This Is How My Father Has Decided To Rig Up The Router

Waffles_and_Waffles Report

#78

Tesla Model Why

Tesla Model Why

hjras Report

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Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this one before and I'm fairly convinced it's photoshopped. How do you even get in the doors? If it was real, it would be undrivable.

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#81

How About This Centrepiece, Seen At A Dentist's Office?

How About This Centrepiece, Seen At A Dentist's Office?

TypicalCricket Report

#82

My Friend Went To Look At An Apartment Today And This Was The "Shower"

My Friend Went To Look At An Apartment Today And This Was The "Shower"

chinchillen Report

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Ace
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly? I've seen worse. The cupboard door mounting is novel I grant you.

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#83

This Dread Bed. My Friend Got His Dreads Cut Off, His Mom Turned Them Into A Cat Bed

This Dread Bed. My Friend Got His Dreads Cut Off, His Mom Turned Them Into A Cat Bed

Dry-Context-3590 Report

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#85

Harry Potter, But With Human Teeth Instead Of Glasses

Harry Potter, But With Human Teeth Instead Of Glasses

krakenkun Report