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When was the last time you created something with your hands? Like a cake, a painting, or a pair of socks? Do you remember the feeling you had after finishing it, the satisfaction you got even if it wasn't "perfect"?

Handicrafts can be an excellent way to experience flow, decrease stress, and relieve anxiety. However, when you're, for whatever reason, a bit lost in the quest for a balanced life, it can be quite difficult to choose a project that would suit you.

For that, let's take a look at the subreddit 'Something I Made.' As its name suggests, this online community unites people who are proud of the fruits of their labor and want to show them off to others, congratulating each other on a job well done and encouraging people to keep at it.

So, continue scrolling to check out their top recent posts, and fire up our earlier publications on the subreddit here and here if you want more.

#1

Pencil Portrait I Drew Few Weeks Ago. (Pencils On Paper)

Pencil Portrait I Drew Few Weeks Ago. (Pencils On Paper)

fojteflon Report

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    #2

    I Did A Shirt! This Is The 3rd One I've Made And I'm Super Pleased With How It Turned Out, Despite The Wobbly Top-Stitching On The Pocket

    I Did A Shirt! This Is The 3rd One I've Made And I'm Super Pleased With How It Turned Out, Despite The Wobbly Top-Stitching On The Pocket

    Dudderz_ Report

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

    It is awesome. The fabric ist splendid and the light blue looks quite perky with it ;) Nice one.

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    As postdoctoral researcher, editor, and former journalist Natascha Chtena pointed out in Inside Higher Ed, people who spend a good amount of time creating with their hands – be it cooking, growing vegetables, building, knitting, or any sort of working with raw materials really – describes the process as “therapy” and as essential to their well-being.

    Additionally, research actually confirms that making things with your hands is a large part of finding your flow, and flow is highly correlated with happiness. Unfortunately, our modern world often makes it very hard to find that rhythm where we can, free of distraction, just focus on the task at hand – where we can just turn off our minds (and phones) and be present in the moment.

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    #4

    I Designed A 3D Printed Mirror Array To Propose! The Mirrors Are Angled So That Just Before Sunset, They Reflect The Sunlight To Spell “Marry Me?”

    I Designed A 3D Printed Mirror Array To Propose! The Mirrors Are Angled So That Just Before Sunset, They Reflect The Sunlight To Spell “Marry Me?”

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    #5

    A Mailbox I’m Building. Steel And Copper

    A Mailbox I’m Building. Steel And Copper

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

    Beautiful. Sort of arte nouveau. Make sure no one can steal it.

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    However, don't confuse handicraft with chores. "Making, as wide a spectrum as it can encompass, isn't about routine chores or tasks. It’s about the love of the craft – the pure joy of creating something from zero," Chtena said.

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    "There’s a difference between rushing home after a day in the lab to throw together a quick dinner before you faint, and savoring the experience of baking the best banana pie you can possibly bring into existence. The same goes for making your own home repairs to save money versus making your own home décor crafts to add personal accents to your place."

    #6

    I Made My Daughter This Armor From Leather, Wood, Plastic, And Brass And Foam Sheet

    I Made My Daughter This Armor From Leather, Wood, Plastic, And Brass And Foam Sheet

    UptonDide Report

    #7

    I Made A Portrait By Smashing Glass!

    I Made A Portrait By Smashing Glass!

    NiallShukla Report

    #8

    Painting I Did Like Looking Through The Rainy Window Of A Car

    Painting I Did Like Looking Through The Rainy Window Of A Car

    jer_088 Report

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    #9

    Wife Wanted A Greenhouse. Repurposed Wood And Windows

    Wife Wanted A Greenhouse. Repurposed Wood And Windows

    Jbruno08 Report

    If all of this sounds like fun but you don't know where to start, it might be a good idea to choose something relevant to you. "If you just pick an activity because it sounds cool in theory, you likely won’t be able to stick with it very long," Chtena said.

    "Instead, take a look at your life and think about parts you’d like to improve. Are there things you enjoy but can’t afford readymade? Are there products you’re using that aren’t quite meeting your needs? Things you’d like to improve? For instance, I met someone at a party recently who started brewing their own beer because they were after a flavor they couldn’t find in stores. Similarly, I have a friend who uses her handmade jewelry as a personal trademark and sells them for some extra cash. Another friend, to whom living an environmentally friendly life is very important, makes her own natural cleaning products."

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    #10

    I Made A Dress For My First Day Of Work

    I Made A Dress For My First Day Of Work

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

    I get teacher vibes from her. Whatever her job is, she has done a beautiful job with her outfit.

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    #11

    I Handcut Playing Cards Into 3D Art Using An Xacto Knife

    I Handcut Playing Cards Into 3D Art Using An Xacto Knife

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    #12

    I Made This Sweatshirt Out Of A Blanket I Got At My Local Thrift Store And It’s Probably My Favorite Thing I’ve Made So Far

    I Made This Sweatshirt Out Of A Blanket I Got At My Local Thrift Store And It’s Probably My Favorite Thing I’ve Made So Far

    reillyfitz Report

    #13

    Latest Finish, Wild Thing Denim Vest! About 6 Months Of Work

    Latest Finish, Wild Thing Denim Vest! About 6 Months Of Work

    FaerieBomb Report

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    You might also want to keep it simple. At least in the beginning. "Making your own furniture sure sounds fulfilling and all, but it’s also massively time-consuming and difficult to try out without making a huge investment in tools (unless you’re lucky to live near a maker space with woodwork equipment, of course)," Chtena said.

    Similarly, winemaking is something you probably can’t pull off if you live in the city but alternative wines, like elderflower or walnut, are easy to make without any fancy equipment and they add a nice touch to social gatherings.

    #14

    One Of My Works About Humpback Whales

    One Of My Works About Humpback Whales

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    #15

    The Diamond Engagement Ring I Made For My (Hopefully) Soon To Be Fiancée. In 18k Rose Gold

    The Diamond Engagement Ring I Made For My (Hopefully) Soon To Be Fiancée. In 18k Rose Gold

    Mercury-Hg80 Report

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    #16

    2.5 Years Sober Tomorrow; I Painted This For An Art Auction Benefiting A Local Sober Living Facility

    2.5 Years Sober Tomorrow; I Painted This For An Art Auction Benefiting A Local Sober Living Facility

    jasmin_cage_art Report

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

    Great work on the art, and great work on the 2.5 years of being sober. Both fantastic achievements

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    #17

    A Painting I Did For My Fiancé. It's Him And His Oldest Son

    A Painting I Did For My Fiancé. It's Him And His Oldest Son

    DarkAndraRivers Report

    Generally speaking, baking, brewing, gardening, DIY, body-care, home crafts and accessories are all good (realistic) starting points for most of us.

    Remember, when you start small, you will eventually get the hang of it, and can always move on to making bigger and more elaborate things in the future.

    #18

    “Holding Hands” Silver Ring Made By Me

    “Holding Hands” Silver Ring Made By Me

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    #19

    I Made These Huge Paintings For My First Solo Exhibition

    I Made These Huge Paintings For My First Solo Exhibition

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    #20

    I Previously Posted This Elsewhere But Kept Being Told To Post It Here. So Here Is My Alien Abduction Outfit. I Made The Top, Skirt And Necklaces

    I Previously Posted This Elsewhere But Kept Being Told To Post It Here. So Here Is My Alien Abduction Outfit. I Made The Top, Skirt And Necklaces

    love_wear Report

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    POST
    Jakoba Wallmeier
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, it is blinding. With this outfit you would be the alien queen in no time.

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    #21

    Some Of My Favourite Hand Embroidered Landscapes

    Some Of My Favourite Hand Embroidered Landscapes

    jadeillustrates Report

    "I got started by brewing my plain kombucha, then I added a second fermentation where I started infusing the brew with herbs and fruits, and then I slowly moved on to other fermented drinks and vegetables," Chtena described her own journey.

    #23

    I Made Every Part Of This Outfit, Corset And Petticoats Included!

    I Made Every Part Of This Outfit, Corset And Petticoats Included!

    ZetaMakesThings Report

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    #24

    Just Finished My Biggest And Most Difficult Backgammon Board So Far, Made With Real Fern Leaves And Flowers

    Just Finished My Biggest And Most Difficult Backgammon Board So Far, Made With Real Fern Leaves And Flowers

    nukulele145 Report

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    #25

    Finally Completed The Mosaic In My Mom’s Shower! 5000 Individually Cut Tiles And A Year Of Work

    Finally Completed The Mosaic In My Mom’s Shower! 5000 Individually Cut Tiles And A Year Of Work

    artguydeluxe Report

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

    I love making mosaic tile tabletops. Always wanted to try something bigger!

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    As it so often is, the most important thing is to simply get started. Try whatever it is that attracts you once, take it slow, and don’t be intimidated if it doesn't immediately work out. You'll get there!

    #26

    One Of My Favorite Rings I’ve Made

    One Of My Favorite Rings I’ve Made

    magick_alchemy Report

    #27

    I Won First Place At The Fair This Weekend For My Cross Stitch!

    I Won First Place At The Fair This Weekend For My Cross Stitch!

    Andromeda321 Report

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    #28

    I Made This Embroidery As A Gift To My Religious Grandma And She Loved It!

    I Made This Embroidery As A Gift To My Religious Grandma And She Loved It!

    rebordacao Report

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

    i need this as a sticker! :D i wanna plaster my city with this sticker :D

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    #29

    My Mother Crocheted This Blanket From Over 800 Small Flowers. She Doesn’t Even Has Facebook So I Thought I Would Post It For Her Because It’s Such An Awesome Piece

    My Mother Crocheted This Blanket From Over 800 Small Flowers. She Doesn’t Even Has Facebook So I Thought I Would Post It For Her Because It’s Such An Awesome Piece

    Nicop0l Report

    #31

    I Made These Ceramic Ghost Buddies With Tea Lights!

    I Made These Ceramic Ghost Buddies With Tea Lights!

    happyclaypot Report

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    #33

    Incense Burner I Made For My Girlfriend

    Incense Burner I Made For My Girlfriend

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    #34

    I Made This Pumpkin Kitty Out Of Polymer Clay. I Wanted It To Look Like He Was Wearing A Costume And I Think It Turned Out So Cute!

    I Made This Pumpkin Kitty Out Of Polymer Clay. I Wanted It To Look Like He Was Wearing A Costume And I Think It Turned Out So Cute!

    rebekkacaptures Report

    #35

    Beaded Pin Inspired By Vermeer’s Girl With The Pearl Earring

    Beaded Pin Inspired By Vermeer’s Girl With The Pearl Earring

    chaevskaya Report

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    #36

    I Made Cellular Biology Stained Glass To Hang Behind Me For My Work Zoom Calls

    I Made Cellular Biology Stained Glass To Hang Behind Me For My Work Zoom Calls

    Greenwing Report

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    #37

    My Daughter Wearing The Coat That I Made For Her

    My Daughter Wearing The Coat That I Made For Her

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    #38

    My Playful Red Brooch. Made Entirely Of Polymer Clay

    My Playful Red Brooch. Made Entirely Of Polymer Clay

    TristaniaHand Report

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    #40

    I Made This Lingerie Set For A Friend’s Birthday!

    I Made This Lingerie Set For A Friend’s Birthday!

    reddit.com Report

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    #42

    I Made A Big Fruit/Salad Bowl From The Root Of A Black Walnut Tree

    I Made A Big Fruit/Salad Bowl From The Root Of A Black Walnut Tree

    The_Magic_Wood_Bus Report

    #43

    Almost Finished Making This Chefs Knife. Just Need To Sand The Handle A Bit More. Love To Hear What You Think Of It

    Almost Finished Making This Chefs Knife. Just Need To Sand The Handle A Bit More. Love To Hear What You Think Of It

    Studio_OOOMS Report

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

    Nicceee! I would buy it but I don't actually cook. lol!

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    #44

    I Make Canvas Bags, Here's My Latest! Naturally Dyed With Madder Root And Cochineal

    I Make Canvas Bags, Here's My Latest! Naturally Dyed With Madder Root And Cochineal

    Safielx Report

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    #45

    Candy Corn Ghost! A Happy Little Experiment!

    Candy Corn Ghost! A Happy Little Experiment!

    allisaur_ Report

    #47

    A Feltart Embroidery Of Spirited Away Train Scene That I Made, Trying To Build A Wall Of Ghibli Feltart For Myself

    A Feltart Embroidery Of Spirited Away Train Scene That I Made, Trying To Build A Wall Of Ghibli Feltart For Myself

    heartfeItloves Report

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

    I love this! The tanslucent fabric for No-face is awesome. A Wall of Gihbli feltart would be a joy to look at.

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    #48

    I Made This Little Pastel Green Polymer Clay Stegosaurus!

    I Made This Little Pastel Green Polymer Clay Stegosaurus!

    AMajesticPoro Report

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    #49

    An 8x8 Witch Cottage I Designed/Built For My Backyard! First Major Construction Project

    An 8x8 Witch Cottage I Designed/Built For My Backyard! First Major Construction Project

    tunabuttons Report

    #50

    S’more Making Dinosaur! What Should We Name It?

    S’more Making Dinosaur! What Should We Name It?

    Ashley_b_making Report

    Note: this post originally had 88 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.