Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

Bored Panda

Entertainment

Indrė Lukošiūtė

114 DIY Projects That Started With Big Dreams And Ended With Results Nobody Could Have Predicted

DIY Mark Travers IKEA

Human beings are remarkably good at solving problems. We will find a solution, no matter the cost. But for many folks, “solving the problem” and “solving the problem well” are two very different things.

These are the people whose work is likely to be featured on the DiWHY subreddit. The page profile pretty much explains what they are all about: “Where (subpar) projects from DIY live prosperously.” Sure, the efforts are commendable. The outcomes? That will probably leave you with mixed feelings.

Scroll through to see what the great people of the internet have come up with.

#1 I'm No Electrician, But I Think I've Solved The Mystery Of Why Changing The Lightbulbs Didn't Work

#2 My Friend's Phone's Touchscreen Stopped Working So He's Using A Mouse

#3 I’m Scared

You have to tip your hat to people who will choose to DIY something even when they lack the skill for it. That’s because creating something by hand is known to bring happiness and improved mental health.

According to psychiatrist and author Dr. Carrie Barron, creating or repairing something makes us feel vital and effective.

#4 This Is How My Wife Decided To Fix The Leaky Tap

#5 My Parents: We Don't Need A Paint Roller

#6 Roommate Painted The Toilet Seat And Lid I Don't Know Why

“It isn’t as much about reaching one’s potential as doing something interesting–less about ambition and more about living,” Dr. Barron explained. “When we are dissolved in a deeply absorbing task, we lose self-consciousness and pass the time in a contented state.”

Dr. Barron adds that creating something with your hands not only fosters pride and satisfaction, but also “channels inner stirrings” and fosters growth.

#7 My Uncle's Christmas Tree

#8 Man Laptops Are Getting Hot

#9 Going Home For Thanksgiving Never Ceases To Amaze Me At What My Father Can Come Up With

It is also expected that you'll show more appreciation for something you’ve created, even if you know deep down it isn’t up to par with normal standards.

Marketing professor Utpal Dholakia calls this the “self-creation” effect, where people not only admire what they made more, but also approach it more mindfully when consuming it.

#10 This Absolute Monstrosity

#11 I Present You - The Mailwave!

#12 My Dad Painted The Light Yellow

“When we make things, we become active creators, which leads us to consume these products prudently and consciously, to enjoy the consumption experience to a greater degree, and to add to our happiness,” Dholakia explained.

#13 We'll Use Liquid Nails To Put This Mantle On The Wall For Our TV, And It Should Be Perfect

#14 Too Broke And Lazy To Buy Shower Curtain Rings When I Moved Into My Apartment, So I Present To You My Solution. Zip Ties

#15 When The Builder Decides The Toilet’s The Perfect Place To Rinse Off His Tools

Meanwhile, there is also the IKEA effect. And yes, it is named after the world-renowned Swedish furniture retailer.

Like the self-creation effect, the IKEA effect occurs when people see increased value in things they partially created. But according to psychologist Dr. Mark Travers, it is primarily driven by cognitive biases.

#16 You Had One Job… And Somehow Still Missed It

#17 Dearly Beloved, We’re Gathered Here Today… To Figure Out What’s For Dinner Lmao

#18 My Mom Tried To Make A Cane For My Dad

“This increased valuation is not merely a sentimental attachment—it has been associated with a measurable increase in how much individuals are willing to pay for their self-made creations compared to similar pre-assembled items,” Dr. Travers wrote.

#19 That Is An Actual Piece Of Bread.. Covered In Cement, Being Used As A Table Coaster

#20 This Is So Stupid I’m Actually Mad Rn

#21 So I Posted This On Pics And I Was Really Proud Of It And Someone Said This Is Bad I Should Feel Bad And Post It Here. So Here I Am

Dr. Travers reiterated that such efforts are never in vain, no matter how “silly” the project may seem. As “questionable” as many of these projects may seem, it is always worth recognizing the work behind them.

“Each endeavor, no matter how small, has the potential to become an invaluable source of pride and joy,” Dr. Travers wrote.