Join our FREE personalized newsletter for news, trends, and insights that matter to everyone in America

Newsletter
New

41 Times People Made Something So Cool, They Had To Share It (new Pics)

Card image cap

A scrap of yarn can be handwoven into a tiny strawberry or a block of mud can be transformed into a glowing lamp. In a world full of fast, cheap, mass-produced items, it is extraordinary to see people using their bare hands to turn ordinary materials into something beautiful. These creations just need a bit of imagination, patience, and effort.

Because no matter how advanced artificial intelligence gets, it cannot replace artists and craftspeople who bring a human touch — the choices, the imperfections, and the emotions — that machines simply cannot replicate.

From crochet to clay, there is a whole community of DIY artists out there doing just this and even better, sharing their work with the world on r/somethingimade.

Discover more in 44 Times People Made Something So Cool, They Had To Share It (New Pics)

Click here & follow us for more lists, facts, and stories.

#1 Humpback Whale Ceramic Lamp I Made

© Photo: KUSTceramics

#2 Dress I Made For Renfaire 2025

692d6d5441aa5_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: RileyGranger

#3 I Make Tiny Sculptures Of Abandoned Places :)

692d6c4cdb3eb_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: Gomanvongo

Arts and craft are not just hobbies, they can also offer ways to cope with stress, anxiety and other mental health problems.

That is exactly what Viktor Kushchenko, a ceramic artist from Ukraine, feels when he works on his sculpted lamps.

“Ceramic art and DIY projects are deeply meaningful to me. They help me cope with the depression and stress that the war has brought into our lives. We are also creating art-based rehabilitation programs for both military personnel and civilians to help them adjust to life off the frontlines,” says Kushchenko, who also runs a ceramic studio in Kyiv.

He posts under the name KUSTceramics on Reddit to showcase his work and is a frequent contributor to the ‘something i made’ community.

“The idea of sculptural lamps grew from my love for combining sculpture with light. My first lamps were abstract forms where I experimented with different ceramic structures and illumination. Then I created my first Whale Lamp — and it quickly became popular on Instagram.”

#4 Can’t Stop Crocheting Strawberries Lately!

692d6d033086c_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: JUXIAOXAIO

#5 I Made Space Theme Hanging Suncatcher

68a8ab17d7d6f_7ehvm47vfkkf1-png__700.jpg

© Photo: Odd_Beyond6809

#6 Some Flowers I've Drawn????????????????

692d6bd3467a2_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: zannatsuu

There is also evidence that DIY projects have deeper psychological and social benefits. With the rise of AI and ChatGPT, both millennials and GenZ are turning more towards slow pastimes as a form of digital detox.

According to a 2025 survey done in Great Britain, 30 percent of Gen Z participate in crafts for mental wellbeing — more than double compared to older age groups.

It also notes that crochet is becoming popular among the younger generations, a craft traditionally linked with older generations. This is mostly “fuelled by the popularity of handmade fashion, TikTok tutorials and mindful hobbies.”

A report in 2023 found that the European crafts market is worth around €50 billion, which proves that it isn’t a niche market at all and there is a large consumer base for it.

#7 I Made This Expressionism-Inspired Self Portrait

I am a partially blind visual artist. I have severely reduced vision because of a condition called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. I use a bunch of different adaptive strategies to create my work

6894ad12bdfd3_00adw7qv2jhf1__700.jpg

© Photo: Joey-h-art

#8 Finished Painting This Little Cloud For Someone Special

692d6bc9681b5_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: Amazing-Market-609

#9 I Made Stained Glass Hydrangea Lights

diy-crafts-something-i-made-2-692d6c124a

© Photo: seastainedglass

DIY projects also help build support networks as younger generations are finding new ways to connect and share creativity online.

A study from March 2025 notes that community-based craft programs can increase people’s sense of belonging and social connection, helping with their overall mental well-being.

Speaking about the role of technology and online platforms in his work, Kushchenko says sometimes his clients use the internet along with their own creativity to create sketches for their work.

“Recently, I released my first online video sculpting course, where I teach how to create dynamic, expressive animal sculptures.”

The artist believes that the internet is a powerful tool as “it can be used to showcase and promote your art. You just need to use it properly, and you can share your vision, skills, and creations with the world.”


#10 Stained Glass Memorial For A Friend's Hedgehog

692d6b6587b53_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: olwenglass

#11 My Latest Acrylic Cat Painting Series

692d6cd7f0c7e_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: vallancet

#12 Bear Fence

The installation was a family project, but I cut every piece myself with a DeWalt cordless cut-out tool. Our last name is related to bears, and my father-in-law made the original fence (painted brown). I started with his bear design and add my own elements to create the new fence.

If you are from Western Wa, you might recognize the mountain

692d6e87ce80b_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: Gail_the_SLP

#13 3D Octopus Rug I Made

diy-crafts-something-i-made-4-692d6eeac4

© Photo: User

This boom in the craft industry is being felt across the world, not just on the Old Continent.

In the US, the overall craft industry hit about US $51 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $87.38 billion by 2035. The report says ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, more people have been ditching mass-produced items and getting back into making things by hand partly for the fun of it and sometimes for creative expression.

The analysis states about “71% of US consumers now identify as crafters, with approximately 85 million active creatives across the United States and Canada.”

#14 Stained Glass Bookends ????

692d6d72f24a4_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: jelly_unicorn_

#15 Made A Dress Out Of Scalemail

68b8ec733f8c4_434jabe8jxmf1__700.jpg

© Photo: LyrasWinter

#16 A Couple Cat Ghosts I Carved Recently ???? ????

diy-crafts-something-i-made-3-692d6e0a95

© Photo: Martiandrive

#17 Deer Skull That I Carved From Deer Antlers

68c6c3e8dec31_hu7lofsiixof1-jpeg__700.jp

© Photo: Independent_Poem5901

As many studies suggest, the lockdowns during the pandemic also had a major role to play in this boom. Engaging in DIY projects during that time was associated with reduced anxiety and depression.

It also helped people regain a sense of control when they felt overwhelmed by news and isolation. When everything went online — school, work and even friendships — turning to arts and crafts was a way to bring a touch of physicality back into life.

Suddenly, crafts were not seen as something you have be perfect at. People who had not drawn since childhood were sketching again while people who had not touched yarn ever were suddenly learning to make cardigans.

DIY projects acted like anchors, helping pull people out of the mindless doomscrolling on their phones. But at the same time, sharing their artwork online also helped people feel connected to each other and less lonely.

Many people, as indicated by several surveys and studies, chose to stay on this path long after the pandemic and through these examples we can see just how much they have mastered their skills.

#18 Really Proud Of This. It Took Me Forever And I’m Really Glad It’s Done

6887636ae0e07_jxd8plxtt4ef1__700.jpg

© Photo: ReclamationDress

#19 My Newest Set Of Stained Glass Butterfly Bookends!

6887638f62400_h4dh0fulppef1__700.jpg

© Photo: EHglazz

#20 I Made This Mouse Mug

692d6e17b48f8_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: User

Another major advantage of DIY projects is that people often try to use upcycled or recycled products, which makes them more sustainable. And with the younger generations leading the way in environmental awareness, it is also an alternative to fast, disposable consumer culture.

In a recent survey done in the US, about three out of four Gen Zers said they prefer sustainable products over buying from big brands. “As champions of sustainable consumer practices, Generation Z’s views also influence other age groups to change their buying behaviour.”

#21 I Make Small Street Dioramas Inside Old Spray Cans

692d6bb35f487_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: Significant_Home5736

#22 I Made These Lamps

68966ff07c8a1_svaqdhdtyshf1-jpeg__700.jp

© Photo: MrTuxedoWilliams

#23 I Made This Yawning Cat Lamp From Ceramic. It’s Meant To Make People Feel Sleepy

692d6dac8689e_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: The_Hlyna

#24 New Beaded Plant I Made!

688f9ece52a89_1ej3g952cpgf1__700.jpg

© Photo: User

One of the most exciting things about the DIY boom is how people share their creations online. Many of them are now teaching skills on the internet that once required attending a physical class or going to a studio. As soon as someone posts a nice ceramic cup or a crocheted blanket, there are several comments below asking for tips and techniques.

The internet may be a chaotic place, but communities like these show that curiosity and creativity still thrive online.

#25 My Beaded Puffer Fish Friends!

68c7a5cbee8ad_o656osgks2pf1__700.jpg

© Photo: BrotherResponsible50

#26 I Made Leather A Pen Case That Can Also Be Used As A Pen Stand

692d6dbc7e24c_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: SnooCheesecakes3985

#27 I Made This 6’ Tall Steel And Stone Dancer

692d6ec4d3c91_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: mccallistersculpture

#28 I Made A Sun Catcher From Glass And Stone Beads And Empty Insulin Vials

6887635938b1e_pj4em6k54zdf1__700.jpg

© Photo: sophie_cmv

#29 Let Me Take You To The World Of Wavy Impressionism With My Watercolor Paintings

68bca8c3c5957_1gwy2c4eeknf1__700.jpg

© Photo: Tanbelia

#30 My Friend Cut Off His Thumb Right Before My Wedding. So, I Built Him A Gallery Of Potential New Thumbs As A Gift For Helping At The Reception

6898d9581e5de_mu1dgn6mz6if1-jpeg__700.jp

© Photo: User

#31 I Made A Ring Box For My Engagement This Weekend! She Said Yes!

68b56a839089a_ibhnl9f4yfmf1__700.jpg

© Photo: figure--it--out

#32 A Ceramic Burger I Made Recently

68b6f3bc54a5b_jw2yrjjw4jmf1__700.jpg

© Photo: bubbelplast39

#33 Made My First Piece Of Clothing: A Chore Coat For Fall

688947fa25e38_8jtz8n0wvuff1-png__700.jpg

© Photo: Lord_Tiny_Hat

#34 Here's A Recent Shirt I Made That Combines Three Separate Techniques - Mandala, Geode, And Honeycomb

68b21f1a792f5_uohwys4hwulf1__700.jpg

© Photo: 49th_vibration_dyes

#35 Took Months, Pleased With It

692d6d68d5177_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: Emptyhandedpain-ter

#36 Bastet Necklace

diy-crafts-something-i-made-5-692d6f64a9

© Photo: Natalyjewellery

#37 Freehanded Owl Made With Thrifted Scrap Fabric On A Thrifted Sweater

67d7ca60d10db_tyewfazi83pe1__700.jpg

© Photo: renoods

#38 My First Ever Clay Sculptures Made From Air-Dry Clay (They're Ugly On Purpose). I Recently Made Them A Trio By Adding A Sleepy Star✨

68a4ef486559b_nsdp7rxu4zjf1__700.jpg

© Photo: Spiritualmoth

#39 I Designed A "Habit Tablet" To Help Keep Track Of Daily Routines

68b6f3b5a31a2_xhkfiagzwimf1-png__censore

© Photo: maker_nathan

#40 I Made This David Bowie Costume For My 4 Year Old

6897f816ae1b0_rgwzp2npz1if1-jpeg__700.jp

© Photo: beezkneez415

#41 Fiancé Took Me To A Tufting Workshop For The First Time

692d6dd25a5e2_diy-crafts-something-i-mad

© Photo: dakatzpajamas

You might also like: 50 People Who Tried To Be Creative With Their Homes And Failed (New Pics)