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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

OverDemand2297 Report

#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

#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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#5

Well-Sharpened Knife

Well-Sharpened Knife

pearcelewis Report

#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

"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

iwalktowork Report

#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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#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

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."

#10

Wear And Tear On Hiking Boots. New vs. Old

Wear And Tear On Hiking Boots. New vs. Old

kitsilanokyle Report

#11

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

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

KGBspy Report

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POST
Weasel Wise
Community Member
4 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather not hear what it has to say, it's a diner counter top. All of its story are rumors and neighborhood gossip.

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Papa
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The middle of the metal Formica topped table I eat lunch at looks like that, from us playing dominoes on it at lunch for 25+ years.

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

If nobody cares about the look, you can keep it like that or the owner can replace it and give it a new look.

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

So a clean surface isnt important? The worn outer hard layer is compromised.

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

Actually, I'd check with the board if health, but if that formica is that wirn down you are not look at a counter that can get board-of-healt acceptability.

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

I don't see what BP is getting at here. Is it a worn table design or something else?

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

The white is what’s left of the original finish, maybe enamel paint. The brown is the pressed wood that makes up the counter top. Lots of plates, coffee cups and elbows have worn out the finish.

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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

"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

#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

CardiganHall Report

#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

Hyzyhine Report

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

dr_lm Report

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#17

A New Trail Marker vs. One That’s More Than 20 Years Old

A New Trail Marker vs. One That’s More Than 20 Years Old

Supmah2007 Report

#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

Steven_Ray20 Report

#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

#21

How This Wall Has Eroded Over Time

How This Wall Has Eroded Over Time

IntrepidStatus 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

CallumLloyd_13 Report

#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

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

dracpmurt Report

#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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#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

#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

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

#32

These Wall Stains From The Heads Of The Back Row

These Wall Stains From The Heads Of The Back Row

Erkoltz Report

#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

#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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#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

#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

#44

10 Years Of CS:GO On A Mousepad

10 Years Of CS:GO On A Mousepad

Mysterious_Prune415 Report

#45

Wear Pattern On Stairs Going Up vs. Down

Wear Pattern On Stairs Going Up vs. Down

flatoutsportsracer Report

#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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#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

#49

Restaurant's Floor

Restaurant's Floor

yourmomak Report

#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.