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As you get older, you realize one harsh truth about life: time passes, whether you want it to or not. Parents get old, children grow up, and your favorite sneaker will get worn down to the point that it looks like a slipper.

Here, we have a list of interesting things that show just how much time affects the things we use. Some of these we might not even think about, like the floors we walk on and the counters we eat on. But isn't it sometimes intriguing to take a look at how things look after years and years of daily wear and tear?

Bored Panda reached out to Shelly Kannagh, a recycling artist, master thrifter, and DIY decorator who shares her creations on YouTube. We talked with Shelly about reusing and repurposing old, worn-down things, and she even shared some tips for those who might be new to the repurposing game. Read her thoughts below!

More info: Repurposed My Way | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

#1

My Dog Made A Perfect Circle In The Grass From All The Years He's Been Running Around

My Dog Made A Perfect Circle In The Grass From All The Years He's Been Running Around

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The Phantom Stranger
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Usually see that with dogs that have been chained to a post. Glad to see that in this case it just seems to be natural enthusiasm!

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    #2

    Very Worn Out Stairs That Have Been In Use For Hundreds Of Years

    Very Worn Out Stairs That Have Been In Use For Hundreds Of Years

    BackOk1502 Report

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are conspiracy theorists on YouTube who see stairs like these and think we must have had advanced heat weapons in the past, or nuclear bombs centuries ago. You can learn so much on YouTube.

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    #3

    You Can Now See Where The Spare Key In My Wallet Is

    You Can Now See Where The Spare Key In My Wallet Is

    Dizzymo Report

    You've probably heard the saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure." It's especially relevant in the current climate where overconsumption is rampant. When an item gets old and unattractive, we usually just throw it in the trash, not thinking about how we're contributing to the ever-growing global waste crisis.

    But, perhaps, some things really do reach their end date when they're incredibly worn down? We asked Shelly Kannagh, a recycling artist, thrifter, DIY enthusiast, and the creative mind behind the Repurposed My Way channel to weigh in on the debate. Can we really try to reuse all things or do some of them truly belong in the trash?


    #4

    Stone Steps Outside Of The University Of Cambridge

    Stone Steps Outside Of The University Of Cambridge

    Impossible_Result851 Report

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    #6

    A Heavy Ship Propeller Sinking Into The Soil Over Years And Leaving Its Mark On The Wall

    A Heavy Ship Propeller Sinking Into The Soil Over Years And Leaving Its Mark On The Wall

    twentiesforever Report

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    Linda Gilliam
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to know how the grass is perfectly mowed around it and behind it 🤔??

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    "I think there is almost always a way to reuse or repurpose an item," the master of reusing and repurposing items Shelly Kannagh tells us. "I especially like rusty metal and weather-worn wood that people toss to create many upcycled and renewed projects."

    Granted, repurposing materials like wood and metal comes with its challenges. "Items like wood can be a challenge when it's rotten in spots and crumbles. Most times you can cut out the bad spots if they don't work for your vision. As far as fixing or embracing imperfections, it goes on an item-by-item basis for me," Shelly adds.

    #7

    The Multiple Layers Of Floor Worn Through In The Service Bar At This Restaurant

    The Multiple Layers Of Floor Worn Through In The Service Bar At This Restaurant

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    #8

    13-Year-Old Vader Keychain vs. A New One

    13-Year-Old Vader Keychain vs. A New One

    Slug701 Report

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    GenuineJen
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The older one is more canonically accurate! He doesn't have legs and it looks like he's been... burned.

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    #9

    In Downtown Cincinnati, All The Roads Used To Be Cobbled Instead Of Asphalt, And Apparently They Never Tore It Up

    In Downtown Cincinnati, All The Roads Used To Be Cobbled Instead Of Asphalt, And Apparently They Never Tore It Up

    Kumquat_The_RainWing Report

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    The Phantom Stranger
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fairly typical to just pave over old roads with a new top layer. There are red brick cobbles showing through some of the downtown streets in my town.

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    For those who are looking to start their recycling and reusing journey, Shelly has some words of encouragement about where to start. "Find things that are pleasing to your eye," she says. "The color may be wrong, but that can always be changed. Try to keep organized, metal pieces, frames, like items, etc. make things easier when you are in the middle of creating."

    #11

    The Counter Of Chet’s Diner In My Hometown In USA

    The Counter Of Chet’s Diner In My Hometown In USA

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    #12

    The Difference In My Work Gloves After Using Them For 2 Weeks, One Week And New

    The Difference In My Work Gloves After Using Them For 2 Weeks, One Week And New

    8hu5rust Report

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    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Checked OP, they are part of a backcountry chainsaw crew working in conservation.

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    "Try to envision what you could do with the item, and how you can create with it," Shelly adds. "When thrifting, put it in your cart if it's something you might want. Give yourself time to think about your final decision. You can always put it back if you don't want it."

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    The most important thing, according to Shelly, is to get creative. "Don't be afraid to get dirty and to put things together that you might normally overlook. Have fun with it!"

    #13

    My Good Boy Has Been Rubbing Himself Against This Wall Every Day For 3 Years

    My Good Boy Has Been Rubbing Himself Against This Wall Every Day For 3 Years

    kawaiilovecraft Report

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

    I have a similar mark on the wall inside my back door from my dog who died a few years ago. I'm just leaving it there.

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    #14

    The Difference In These Stacks Of $1 Bills That Are Used vs. New

    The Difference In These Stacks Of $1 Bills That Are Used vs. New

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    #15

    One Headstone In The Graveyard Of The Kirk In My Town Has Completely Worn Through

    One Headstone In The Graveyard Of The Kirk In My Town Has Completely Worn Through

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    Just because an item is old and worn down doesn't mean we can no longer use it. Clothes, for example, nowadays are made from cheap materials and don't really last that long. Experts say that it's because of consumerism. The pressure to supply more stuff results in lower-quality garments, and we all want more clothes for cheaper, right?

    #16

    My Mum Replaced A Wooden Spoon After 53 Years Of Use

    My Mum Replaced A Wooden Spoon After 53 Years Of Use

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    #18

    My Wife's Old Pair Of Dr. Martens vs. Her New Pair

    My Wife's Old Pair Of Dr. Martens vs. Her New Pair

    Accr8 Report

    Well, not necessarily. Lately, the concept of visible mending has been trending. Apparently, extending a garment's life just by nine months can reduce its environmental impact by 20-30%. UK-based department store chain John Lewis also reported a sold-out situation of darning needles in 2022. Sales of products like patches and repair tape also more than doubled, as they went up 61%.

    #19

    My Boss's Laptop's Trackpad Is Worn Down To The Circuit Board

    My Boss's Laptop's Trackpad Is Worn Down To The Circuit Board

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    #20

    You Can See All The Colors Of The Disneyland Teacup Because It's Worn Off Where The Door Closes

    You Can See All The Colors Of The Disneyland Teacup Because It's Worn Off Where The Door Closes

    Sugarmugr Report

    The Japanese art of visible mending 'sashiko' is similar in its philosophy and execution to 'kintsugi.' Both are about embracing the transcience and imperfection of things with the passage of time. But where kintsugi is about repairing broken pottery with gold, sashiko is about mending fabric with geometrical patterns.

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    #22

    My Daughter Isn't Walking Yet, So Her Shoes Are Wearing Out Backwards

    My Daughter Isn't Walking Yet, So Her Shoes Are Wearing Out Backwards

    erock1119 Report

    #23

    Cup I've Been Using For A Few Years Shows The Consistency Of Tea Stirring

    Cup I've Been Using For A Few Years Shows The Consistency Of Tea Stirring

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    Ali H M Salehuddin
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is my tea spoon. Worn from rubbing against the rim of my mug. There are two separate pairs of the worn marks because my original mug fell and broke into pieces. 1000000326...081ac4.jpg 1000000326-67024fc081ac4.jpg

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    #24

    You Guys Have Any Idea What The Code Could Be?

    You Guys Have Any Idea What The Code Could Be?

    Lee_does_stuff Report

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    Fishpanda (fish/panda/it)
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are at around 256 possibilities for this code if you assume its a four digit code. And it only gets higher from there. Edit: this is if the numbers can be repeated. Four to the fourth is 256

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    Those who want to make art out of mending usually use sashiko sewing kits. But that doesn't mean that all visible mending has to be that way. Kate Sekules, the author of Mend!: A Refashioning Manual and Manifestoclaims that everyone and anyone can do it. "Visible Mending is for everyone, including the unvisual and the cack-handed and the non-sewer. It's experimental stitchery, mending improv, fun with thread."

    #25

    The Letters On This Bottle Are Falling

    The Letters On This Bottle Are Falling

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    Cat Palmer
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I found a bottle like this at my mum's house: I kept finding random letters on my hands and it too me quite a while to work out where they were coming from!

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    #26

    After 25 Years Of Being Married I Had My Ring Cut Off

    After 25 Years Of Being Married I Had My Ring Cut Off

    dvrooster Report

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    The Phantom Stranger
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At first I thought this was a picture of someone who'd lost their fingers below the knuckle!

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    #27

    2 Identical Hats, But One Was Worn Every Day For A Year

    2 Identical Hats, But One Was Worn Every Day For A Year

    vidmantuks Report

    The goal of visible mending is to highlight the imperfections in a creative, eye-catching way. According to the Embroiderers' Guild of America, people can use visible mending for many issues: "To repair upholstery, fabric or canvas bags, knitted or crocheted accessories or any other items that are constructed from fabric, denim or fibers."

    #28

    The Inner Seat On This London Underground Train Is Much More Worn Than The Outer One

    The Inner Seat On This London Underground Train Is Much More Worn Than The Outer One

    NameTak3r Report

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    Sedona
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never understood why they make fabric seats. Wouldn't wood be better and easier to clean? To me it always feel a little icky.

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    #29

    Finally Got Around To Replacing The Brush On Our Floor Sweeper

    Finally Got Around To Replacing The Brush On Our Floor Sweeper

    LivingStatue Report

    #30

    My Belt Over A Year Of Weight Gain And Loss

    My Belt Over A Year Of Weight Gain And Loss

    Solondthewookiee Report

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    G A
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine does this. Fortunately I had to make some new holes as it was getting loose...

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    So, Pandas, what are the items that have been with you for many years and that you're the most proud of? Let us know what interesting things you own or have come across that reflect the inevitable and relentless passing of time. And if you'd like to see some more cool worn-down things, you can head down herehere, and here!

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    #31

    A Pitcher After One Day Of Use (In A Bakery) vs. Used For More Than A Year

    A Pitcher After One Day Of Use (In A Bakery) vs. Used For More Than A Year

    CeriseFern Report

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    Skogsrået
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it might have to do with the quality of the water they wash it with.

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    #32

    These Wall Stains From The Heads Of The Back Row

    These Wall Stains From The Heads Of The Back Row

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    #33

    The Pattern This Wire Fence Wore Onto The Rock Over The Years (From A Local Mountain Trail)

    The Pattern This Wire Fence Wore Onto The Rock Over The Years (From A Local Mountain Trail)

    NatsuDragnee1 Report

    #34

    The Difference In Upkeep On Both Sides Of These Semi-Detached Houses

    The Difference In Upkeep On Both Sides Of These Semi-Detached Houses

    BoldlyGettingThere Report

    #35

    Drywall Under The Card Swipe At My Child's Daycare

    Drywall Under The Card Swipe At My Child's Daycare

    doubleskeet Report

    #36

    Two Identical Wool Blankets: 20 Years Of Use vs. 20 Years In Storage

    Two Identical Wool Blankets: 20 Years Of Use vs. 20 Years In Storage

    AutomaticNectarine Report

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    #37

    During The Rain You Can See Where The Tires Typically Are At This Car Park

    During The Rain You Can See Where The Tires Typically Are At This Car Park

    PonySlaystationn Report

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    #38

    New vs. 1-Week-Old Filter In A Fabrication Shop

    New vs. 1-Week-Old Filter In A Fabrication Shop

    The-Beverage-Man Report

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    lovemy suffolk
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. And that's why wearing proper PPE is mandatory. All that junk would be directly in the mask wearers lungs otherwise.

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    #39

    Here’s A Metal Spatula I’ve Used For About 7 Years Compared To Its New Replacement

    Here’s A Metal Spatula I’ve Used For About 7 Years Compared To Its New Replacement

    guyfromri64 Report

    #40

    54-Year-Old Key vs. New One I Just Had Cut

    54-Year-Old Key vs. New One I Just Had Cut

    CoreyTrevorson123 Report

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    Emma London
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is why you might not get a working key if the only one to cut it after is a worn one.

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    #41

    Customer Hadn’t Changed Their Water Filter Since 2017

    Customer Hadn’t Changed Their Water Filter Since 2017

    SenorKerry Report

    #42

    The Mortar Between The Bricks At My Daughter's School Has Been Eroded By 65 Years Of Children Running Their Hands Through It

    The Mortar Between The Bricks At My Daughter's School Has Been Eroded By 65 Years Of Children Running Their Hands Through It

    throwawaybutnotrlly Report

    #43

    This Handle Has Visibly Worn Down The Door Due To Years Of People Turning It

    This Handle Has Visibly Worn Down The Door Due To Years Of People Turning It

    TheReddittingHatter Report

    #45

    Wear Pattern On Stairs Going Up vs. Down

    Wear Pattern On Stairs Going Up vs. Down

    flatoutsportsracer Report

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    The Phantom Stranger
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because you tread more heavily going up than down. Both sides look like a slip hazard, though.

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    #46

    My Left Shoe Has Developed A Fuzzy Texture Over Time Despite Having The Same Number Of Wears As My Right Shoe

    My Left Shoe Has Developed A Fuzzy Texture Over Time Despite Having The Same Number Of Wears As My Right Shoe

    Meatball_666 Report

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    The Phantom Stranger
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Likely from different fabric/dye lots. Quality controls on modern manufacturing are almost non-existent. I had the same thing happen with a pair of dress shoes--no matter what type of polish I used, one shoe was always half a shade lighter than the other.

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    #47

    The Contrast Between My Wife’s Old And New Shoes

    The Contrast Between My Wife’s Old And New Shoes

    Karnus115 Report

    #48

    The Difference In Wear On The Toilet Doors In The Pool Club

    The Difference In Wear On The Toilet Doors In The Pool Club

    palbryggfjeld Report

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    The Phantom Stranger
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Having had to service both during my career, I can say that contrary to popular belief, the inside of the ladies room is probably far filthier than the men's.

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    #49

    Restaurant's Floor

    Restaurant's Floor

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    #50

    Subtle Branding And Color Changes In Limoncello Bottles, 6 Years Apart

    Subtle Branding And Color Changes In Limoncello Bottles, 6 Years Apart

    creepydanielle Report

    Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.