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50 Times People Failed At DIY So Badly, They Just Had To Share The Results Online
Creating something from scratch is an enriching experience. Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, or getting your hands dirty while shaping a new idea out of clay, any craft-based activity serves as an antidote to the stresses of daily living. It’s amazing to see people rocking their inner craftsperson and creating whatever their minds dream up. But at the same time, every enthusiast knows how easy it is to get caught up in the joy of the process.
Like any art, you get super excited when starting a new project — burning with passion, hope, and expectation — only to see how it turns into a hilarious disaster! Yet, some people set out to go all the way and share their funny mishaps with everyone online. And here are the results — the internet has become packed with unfortunate handmade projects that probably looked great on paper but went way, way wrong.
Our craft-loving team here at Bored Panda has scoured the web to bring you a list of pictures that showcase the most memorable fails of the handmade world. So continue scrolling, upvote the best of these questionable gems, and be sure to share your own goofy blunders down below in the comments!
Then if you’re interested in even more do-it-yourself endeavors that should have never seen the light of day, check out our earlier posts here and here.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Probably Should Have Said Something After The First One
#2
The Pillow My Mom Made Me Really Ties The Room Together
#3
My Sister Legitimately Tried To Paint A Picture Of Stevie Wonder For My Dad On His Birthday
LoudMansLover 2 years ago
Not gonna lie, I find this amusing as heck. Although I question her choice of skin tone? It looks more like a warped Freddie Mercury...lol
Ristina Nielsen 2 years ago
Yes, the motif might be better placed a bit more to the right. Otherwise it is just a good kind of quirky. Catches his style, and that is more interesting than painting like a camera..
M. William Bell 2 years ago
Are you sure Stevie Wonder didn’t paint a picture of your dad for your sister’s birthday?
Hello it Smee 2 years ago
I thought it was Freddie Mercury at 1st. Pretty good, I like it. Even if I guest the wrong celebrity 🙂 lol
Sergio Bicerra 2 years ago
I love this, don't like Stevie in particular, but love the drawing.
ThreeAngryLlamas 2 years ago
I would buy this in a heartbeat, if I didn't know it was supposed to be Stevie Wonder. It's hilarious.
Gina Mangin 1 year ago
Keep on keeping on..you definitely have a style that could really be something 🤩
grafxgal60073 2 years ago (edited)
I actually kinda like it. It's probably a good thing Stevie will never see it.
Creature Cargeaux 2 years ago
Can I send her some more inclusive skin tone matching markers? Lol.
I'm Definitely Not A Robot. Nothing Shady Going On Here. 2 years ago
Stevie Wonderwhathappened
Daycare Attendant Sun 2 years ago
That masterpiece belongs in the foyer, right across from the front door.
WeatheredRobot 2 years ago
Did she do the book cover of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas? 🤔 https://images.app.goo.gl/sbytHtCEJ8D1sCDz8
Nick McAlinden 2 years ago
It's as if Stevie Wonder and Freddy Mercury had a baby. And they were related .
Chris Bastedo 2 years ago
If by "Legitimately tried to paint Stevie Wonder" you mean "made a funny picture," sure, that's what happened.
First off, let’s give a big round of applause to these wholesome people who decided to entertain everyone by sharing their funny masterpieces online. Because poking fun at your blunders is an excellent way to show that humor is a powerful tool that can boost your mood in no time. And crafting is a complicated business — only dedicated crafters succeed in creating flawless objects on their first try. So seeing the funny side of the handmade world can immediately lift the weight off any enthusiast's shoulders.
To learn more about the most common crafting mistakes and how to keep the creativity flowing, we reached out to Emma Jewell, a Cricut expert and all-around craft lover who shares inspiration and knowledge to help people in their crafting journey. "A lot of common crafting mistakes I see are not having everything you need at the start of a project," Emma told Bored Panda.
After all, it’s easy to get caught up in the joy of making new objects and fail to notice you’re bound to end up with a questionable product. "I often see projects that have gone wrong because they are using the wrong type of glue for the material used or the wrong type of paint, it just ends up in a bit of a mess! Make sure to read the bottle and get clued up on what kind of materials you are working with before you start."
#4
My Husband Said: "Stay Still. I'm Going Try To Draw You." Then He Showed Me This. I Laughed So Hard I Almost Threw Up. Look At The Feet
#5
This Clay Sculpture Fell Perfectly Flat On Its Face And Looks Not Happy About It
#6
My Wife Knitted A Hat For Our Bull Terrier, But I Think It Works Better On The Whippet
With so many mishaps floating around online, it’s clear that some enthusiasts bite off more than they can chew. According to Emma, people sometimes tend to overestimate their abilities.
"As crafty-minded people, our first thought is always 'I can make that!' So wading into a project that might be way above our capabilities happens a lot," she said. "But that’s also the fun of crafting — having a go, and finding out if it’s going to be a success or not!"
"I think a lot of crafters are winging it, but that’s where the joy is, in the making part — even if the finished project isn’t what you set out for it to be, you still had a lovely time making it," Emma told us.
#7
My 4 Year Old Found Permanent Markers And Is So Proud That He Is Now Darth Maul
#8
My Boyfriend Painted Our Dog
#9
My Mum Tried To Make My Sister A Teddy Bear. I Present Quasimodo In Bear Form
But some people can’t help but feel discouraged if their project didn’t turn out as expected. After all, even the smallest crafts can take us hours, days, or weeks to finish, so it’s perfectly normal to get bummed out when your expectations swiftly fall apart. And the digital world doesn't make it any easier.
You rarely see the weird and the ugly side of failed attempts at making craft projects. As our Instagram feeds are filled with carefully curated and choreographed finished products, looking at these messes is a refreshing sight. Thankfully, lists like this one provide us with a slight sense of relief by reminding us that, in reality, everyone can make a mistake. Because crafting isn’t always pretty, and it’s absolutely fine.
#10
I Named Her Barry B. Benson
I realized 3 things while making this bee. 1) Don’t buy jumbo size yarn. 2) The magic ring is hard to do with jumbo size yarn. 3) Free-handing a project will get you drastically different results. She kinda looks like a bee and a caterpillar.
#11
Tried To Crochet My Mum A Frog And Everything Went Wrong
#12
After Numerous Failed Projects, Finally A Success. A Slipper That Would Fit An Elephant. Now I Just Have To Acquire An Elephant
Emma pointed out that if you ever feel hesitant to continue elevating your craftwork after a hilarious disaster, just keep going. "Part of the skill in crafting is creative problem solving, so finding a way to switch up the project halfway through or finding a creative way to cover up a mistake is part of the fun!"
"A lot of the time as adults, we haven’t crafted since school, so don’t be hard on yourself. You are flexing a muscle that you haven’t used for a while," she added.
#13
Make A Beret But Fail So Marvelously It Makes You Look Like An Angry Mushroom From Mario
#14
I Took My Art Very Seriously In High School And Thought I Was Pretty Good. Looking Back At This Piece, I May Have Been In Denial
JayhawkJoey 2 years ago
This reminds me of the Napoleon Dynamite scene about the mustache shading.
#15
All I Know Is That Somewhere Along The Line A Mistake Might Have Been Made
Moreover, we sometimes forget that even the most minor tweaks and changes can make a huge positive impact on our projects. "I always say that there is no such thing as too many embellishments, adding a bit of sparkle has helped me disguise many a mistake," Emma told us. "There is always something small you can do to cover up a mistake or level up the finished project, be it adding a pom-pom or flipping the project over to show its good side."
Emma was kind enough to offer a few pieces of advice: "Always have fast-drying glue to hand, a glue gun is my weapon of choice as that will stop you from getting into a gluey mess. Take time to enjoy the process and the problem-solving aspect of the craft, and don’t be too hard on yourself! We all started somewhere!"
#16
The Top Is Pottery That My Mom Got In Germany, The Bottom Is My Attempt To Make It In My Ceramics Class
JayhawkJoey 2 years ago
I did this! My husband loves it so much, he took it to work for his desk!
#17
They Stand Up On Their Own. i Have Brought Shame To My Knitting Name
#18
I Tried To Paint My Girlfriend
#19
Some Interesting Face Paint I Had Done As A Child
When you do pick up a new form of art, you’ll see the benefits in no time. Working with your hands and engaging in creative and meaningful occupations has the special power of getting your mind into the flow state. And there’s an abundance of evidence suggesting that it leads to countless physical and mental health benefits.
A worldwide online survey of over 3,500 knitters found respondents reported they derived a wide range of perceived psychological and social benefits from the practice that contributed to their quality of life. The majority said they felt relaxed, relieved from stress, and got a boost of creativity and a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, there’s a significant relationship between knitting frequency and feeling calm and happy.
#20
Clearing Out Some Old DVDs And Found This Custom Case I Hand-Crafted Myself
#21
Cat Found A New Scratch Post In My Latest Portrait. Lesson Learned = Never Leave A Clay Portrait In The House With A Cat. Make A Good Horror Sculpture Though
#22
Clay Monstrosity
"Crafting can help move people from inactivity to engagement and it tends to make them feel good," Gayle Torres, a board-certified art therapist at Cancer Wellness at Piedmont, said. "While it isn’t art therapy, crafting does offer stress reduction."
Torres explained a few physical benefits our bodies feel when we carry out activities involving repetitive, similar motions. "Crafting projects can help the brain send signals to the body that all is well. Blood pressure and tension are reduced, resulting in a sense of well-being."
#23
My Friend Got Married Yesterday And Was Gifted A Handmade Quilt
Little Wonder 2 years ago
Omg, i thought they were saying it's too small and was about to be all "Well quilts take forever!" but I see now. Oh no.
#24
My Friend Got His Dreads Cut Off, His Mom Turned Them Into A Cat Bed
#25
My Friend Just Knitted A Fox Cowell Hood. Expectations vs. Reality
The next time you feel anxious or think the world around you is too much to handle, try turning to crochet, fabric work, or any other craft you find pleasing. It’s nice to participate in activities that engage our imagination, bring us back to the present moment, and allow us to come up with something beautiful. Or utterly hilarious! Whatever makes you happy, we’re not here to judge.
#26
Failed Rug. I Did Not Sew It On A Flat Surface So I Couldn’t See I Was Wrapping Each Round Too Tight, And Now It Won’t Lay Flat. At Least The Cat Likes It
#27
So My Girlfriend Attempted To Sew Me A Monkey
#28
Not All My Crafts Turn Out How I Imagine Them
#29
DIY Cat Tent
#30
When You Find Out Yarn Weight And Needle Size Matter In A Pattern
#31
The First Sweater I Ever Made
I knew nothing about sizing and was so nervous it'd be too small so it ended up being HUGE, but also, the neck was so small I could barely squeeze my head into it. I've since taken this sweater apart and make a throw blanket I love with it. Live and learn!
#32
This Painting My Grandmother Copied
#33
It Has Pockets. 38 Of Them
#34
My Daughter Says I Look Like I Should Be Singing In The Church Choir. My Second Attempt At A Dress, Second Fail
#35
Condom Beanie? Top Is What I Made, Bottom Is What It's Supposed To Be. Oops
#36
I Made A Replica Of My Ear Out Of Boredom
#37
I Tried Making My First Pair Of Pants Today. I Goofed, But The Result Was Hilarious (I Fixed Them And Finished)
#38
My Grandmother Took Various Socks From My Laundry Basket And Sewed Them Into A Pair Of Tiny Rugs. I Have No Clue Why
#39
A Friend Of Mine Tried Painting A Rock Like The One She Saw Online
#40
I’m Known Far And Wide For My Incredible Sculpting Abilities. The Next Michelangelo, They Call Me. I Am A Play Dough Artiste And Joan Rivers (RIP) Is My Muse
#41
These Blue Jeans Were My Favorite. However, Bleach Got On The Bottom Of It. Since I Had Left Over Fabric, I Got The Bright Idea To Create Bell Bottoms Out Of It
#42
My Wife Is A Talented Artist, So She Wanted To Make The White Owl Instead Of Buying It Pre-Made
#43
She's Taken Up Crocheting. I Have No Words
#44
First Time Trying To Make A Bunny Didn't Turn Out The Way I Expected
#45
Beanie Fail. Can You Tell This Is My First Time?
#46
What It Was Supposed To Look And What I Did Crocheted
#47
Tried To Make A Hiding Place In A Book
#48
Tried A New Craft
Little Wonder 2 years ago
You gotta use a glass cutter, and they take forever to sand smooth because if you sand too quickly they shatter. Basically, as much as I love craft and DIY - buy some someone else made!
#49
Fail: Beanie I Was Making, Apparently For A Cone Head. I Started Over After Pic
Add New Image
What do you think ?
My Full Name Is Way Too Long 2 years ago
I mean at least they tried? :) Try, fail, try again, you know.
Natalia Maciel 2 years ago
Practice! That is the key. Not letting mistakes stop you and learn from them
Load More Replies...
LillieMean 2 years ago
Everyone starts as a novice. I tried to crochet facial cleansing pads. I even had the yarn recommended in the instructions. The first one turned out to be half smaller than in the picture. I tried again with a bigger hook and the same thing again. Then I gave up and crocheted two more layers and now they are the right size. Such mistakes are inspiring because you have to be able to laugh at mistakes.
Beth 2 years ago
None of these are fails. I see someone who took their time and effort to create something. No one failed here at all.
K-Hey 2 years ago
Thank you! I get that it's emotionally safer to put yourself out there as a funny fail, but let's all not be so down on ourselves! These were great, and as other people have said, everyone has to starts somewhere- and personally, I find it more satisfying to trial and error, than not try at all.
Load More Replies...
Ivo H 2 years ago
They can be the most talented humans in existence, but crafts need a lot of hard work to refine. No one is just born ready to paint sistine chapel without training. :)
Load More Replies...
Raccoon panda 2 years ago
Failure is how success is learned and earned. It’s a good thing in many situations. We have much in common with the AI that constantly fails to do things, to hilarious degrees.
katarina 2 years ago
everything nazis used for the propaganda used to be positive and popular before them. practically they misuse nice pieces of art, symbols etc. lili marleen is another example
ispeak catanese 2 years ago
I enjoyed this post so much because I love to sew, crochet and needle felt even though I suck at it!!! It's fun to do and a bonus when my results turn out!
Michelle A 2 years ago
Some of these had me lmao! I appreciate everyones efforts and willingness to laugh at themselves.
K-Hey 2 years ago
Is working on a craft not "doing it yourself"? I'm struggling to see the difference?
Load More Replies... My Full Name Is Way Too Long 2 years ago
I mean at least they tried? :) Try, fail, try again, you know.
Natalia Maciel 2 years ago
Practice! That is the key. Not letting mistakes stop you and learn from them
Load More Replies... LillieMean 2 years ago
Everyone starts as a novice. I tried to crochet facial cleansing pads. I even had the yarn recommended in the instructions. The first one turned out to be half smaller than in the picture. I tried again with a bigger hook and the same thing again. Then I gave up and crocheted two more layers and now they are the right size. Such mistakes are inspiring because you have to be able to laugh at mistakes.
Beth 2 years ago
None of these are fails. I see someone who took their time and effort to create something. No one failed here at all.
K-Hey 2 years ago
Thank you! I get that it's emotionally safer to put yourself out there as a funny fail, but let's all not be so down on ourselves! These were great, and as other people have said, everyone has to starts somewhere- and personally, I find it more satisfying to trial and error, than not try at all.
Load More Replies... Ivo H 2 years ago
They can be the most talented humans in existence, but crafts need a lot of hard work to refine. No one is just born ready to paint sistine chapel without training. :)
Load More Replies... Raccoon panda 2 years ago
Failure is how success is learned and earned. It’s a good thing in many situations. We have much in common with the AI that constantly fails to do things, to hilarious degrees.
katarina 2 years ago
everything nazis used for the propaganda used to be positive and popular before them. practically they misuse nice pieces of art, symbols etc. lili marleen is another example
ispeak catanese 2 years ago
I enjoyed this post so much because I love to sew, crochet and needle felt even though I suck at it!!! It's fun to do and a bonus when my results turn out!
Michelle A 2 years ago
Some of these had me lmao! I appreciate everyones efforts and willingness to laugh at themselves.
K-Hey 2 years ago
Is working on a craft not "doing it yourself"? I'm struggling to see the difference?
Load More Replies... 
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