Making something with your hands can be extremely therapeutic. Whether it’s knitting, pottery, woodworking, or painting, it helps to release suppressed emotions and shift one’s focus from stressors and worries. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment and pride one feels when they have a finished project to show for it.
If you’re in need of some inspiration for your next mental health break, look no further. Courtesy of the online community Something I Made, we present you with a list of the most amazing things people created with their own two hands. Scroll down to find them, and don’t forget to upvote the ones you can’t wait to try yourself next!
While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with Ukrainian artist Olga Vyshnyvetska, also known as Mr. Space Lobster, who kindly agreed to tell us all about her love of sculpting fantasy creatures. We also reached out to a maker of tufted rugs and the sole artist behind Gremlyn Rugs, Stephen, who kindly agreed to share more about his art as well.
Photos of their work can be found below, too!
#1 Little Jaguar Sculpture I Made! This Was Carved In Wood And Then Decorated With Thousands Of Crystal Beads, This Art Form Is Native To My Country, Called Huichol Art
Image credits: Mexiart
#2 I Carved A Xoloizcuintle In Wood And Painted It With Colorful Details! What Do You Think?
Image credits: Mexiart
#3 Hand Embroidered Purse Parrot By Me
Image credits: ILWDolls
Olga tells Bored Panda that what led her to make things by hand was the search for a suitable medium to let out her creativity. “I loved nature and fantasy, and I tried a few artistic media before, but nothing clicked.
Then, during the winter holidays in late 2018, I had some free time and decided to buy a pack of clay and a multitool and give it a try. I couldn’t stop after that. Sculpting just worked for me. I was finally able to work on my own designs and had so much fun in the process,” she shares.
#4 Needle Felted Dog Made By Me ?
Image credits: TwoFeltedFox
#5 Cheetah Sculpture I Made
Image credits: Bodnaruc-Sculpture
#6 I Have An Extremely Shaky Arm From Brain Surgery I Had As A Kid, So I Paint With My Left Arm
This isn’t all that great but why not try. Needing to touch up on the windows because they are very straight or maybe I should leave it as is
Image credits: AvailableMud9650
Currently, you can find her immersed in creating a series of sculptures called Grimwood Edge. “Each sculpture has its own story, inviting observers to explore this imaginary world and expand on it with their own imagination,” Olga writes on her website.
“Through my work, I aim to reveal the twilight nature of these mystical creatures, balancing sentimental admiration for nature with the phantasms hidden behind the familiar inhabitants of our ordinary world.”
#7 Berries Barrettes Made By Me From Polymerclay ???
Image credits: Madlenart
#8 Just Finished A Batch Of Leather Bags - My Hands Feel Like They Went Through A Meat Grinder
Image credits: Mrhydez
#9 100 Hours Into This Charcoal Drawing 15 Hours To Go
Image credits: joshconnellart
When Olga creates, she usually goes with the flow. “My projects usually start with a simple idea: "Oh, that would be cool to make." I love starting without much expectation and seeing where the process leads.
Sometimes, I make a rough sketch to calculate dimensions, but I mostly rely on experimenting and improvising. I like to tell a story through my sculpture, letting it emerge naturally, step by step. This approach can lead to difficulties, but it results in a solid story that evolves rather than being forced.”
#10 My Daughters "Sally Witch" Costume I Crocheted
Image credits: RightfullyFr
#11 I Hope You Like My Paintings
Image credits: [deleted]
#12 Fox Made Of Cotton Wool, By Me
Image credits: Augstblue
When asked about her favorite creations up to date, she told us that her most loved projects tend to be her latest ones, as they reflect her current skills and ideas. “While I work on a sculpture, I immerse myself in its story. Once completed, I release it into the world and move on to the next subject, always looking forward to new challenges and inspirations. This cycle works for me, ensuring that each piece holds a special place in my creative journey.”
#13 Charcoal Drawing 55 Hours
Image credits: joshconnellart
#14 This Piece Took 350 Hours And Tells The Story Of Me Leaving Religion, Becoming An Addict, Attempting [Self-Harm], Living In A Shelter, And Finally Finding Myself. All Through Symbolism
Image credits: Rough_Movie1832
#15 Very Elaborate Painting Of This Belgian Tervuren Shepherd (No Im Not Taking Criticism)
Image credits: HolleighLujah
She also kindly agreed to provide some recommendations for those who are just starting to get into handcrafting. “Don't be too hard on yourself and have fun. Life is stressful enough, so let your craft be a safe place where you can explore your inner self and find comfort. Sometimes it takes time to get there, so keep exploring and enjoy the journey!”
#16 I Invented A New Broom Style That Makes Pictures On The Ends Of The Handles. Which One Is Your Favorite? Least Favorite?
Image credits: moreganohh
#17 A Sweater I Knitted A While Back
Image credits: frantibiotico
#18 Jaguar Sculpture I Made! This Was Carved In Wood And Then Decorated With Thousands Of Crystal Beads, This Art Form Is Native To My Country, Called Huichol Art
Image credits: Mexiart
Maker of tufted rugs and the sole artist behind Gremlyn Rugs, Stephen, tells us that he always was drawn to the process of creation, and making things by hand just feels incredibly fulfilling. "It’s the satisfaction of crafting something unique and the joy of working with my own two hands. Plus, there’s something amazing about the act of creating something beautiful out of nothing."
Similarly to Olga, the inspiration for creation usually strikes him from anywhere—nature, art, or even a random thought. "I begin by sketching or jotting down concepts to flesh out the idea. Then I move on to gathering materials and planning the execution," he explains.
"The next step is all about trial and error, adjusting as needed, and refining the details. Once I’m happy with how it looks, I move on to the final step, paying close attention to craftsmanship and quality."
#19 Watercolour And Ink Paintings Of Fairytales In My Style :)
Image credits: BunnyChub
#20 Men’s Purple Leather Loafers I Made For My Client
Image credits: paulparkman
#21 One Of The Camel Wool Hoodies That I Made
Image credits: kozak3
One big challenge that Stephen faces when making his art is managing his time effectively. "The creative process can be unpredictable, and balancing it with other responsibilities sometimes means projects take longer than anticipated.
Additionally, sourcing the right materials can be tricky. Sometimes you have to adapt on the fly if something isn’t available or doesn’t work as planned. Navigating these obstacles requires patience and flexibility, but they also contribute to the growth and learning that come with each project."
#22 How It Feels To Be The Child Of A Hoarder. I Drew This With A Pen I Found On The Ground And A Pencil, I'm Very New So I Know It Isn't Amazing But I Had Fun Making It
Image credits: Shin-yolo
#23 Which Alpaca Is Your Favorite?
Image credits: pinarta
#24 A Chess Set I Whittled
Image credits: Tandizojere
One of his favorite projects up to date is a snail pull-apart rug he created two years ago. "It begins as a snail rug with an intricate shell, dripping details, and lovely shades of blue, pink, and purple. When you pull it apart, it really brings those colors to life, revealing a dynamic and visually captivating design. I love how it combines functionality with interactive visual elements."
#25 My Watercolor Of The Blow Chair!
Image credits: Ok_Field572
#26 I Made Little Elf Dudes!
Image credits: canoihhd
#27 New Sweater And ? Hand Knit (Christmas Gift For My Friend)
Image credits: soulartes
Lastly, some advice Stephen gives to aspiring handcraft artists is to embrace the learning process and not be afraid to make mistakes. "Begin with simple projects to build your skills and gain confidence. Experiment with different materials and techniques to discover what you enjoy most.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the end result, so stay curious and keep exploring. Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity guide you. Every mistake is just a step toward mastering your craft!"
#28 Abstract Painting I Made
Image credits: [deleted]
#29 I Made A Christmas Centerpiece For My Kitchen Table
Image credits: beermemygoodman
#30 I Upcycled A Toy Globe Into A Box And Made A Snail Friend To Carry It As Its Shell ??
Image credits: waximimax
If you’re looking to support more small businesses that care about sustainability, uniqueness, and quality, make sure to check out our previous articles full of amazing artists and crafters!
#31 Here’s A Thing I Made Recently
Image credits: capt_yellowbeard
#32 I Made This To Celebrate Two Years Off Alcohol
Image credits: suzyquakes420
#33 Stained Glass {win}dow Corner
Image credits: bolognasandwichglass
#34 A Guiding Star Necklace I Made With Pigment So It Absorbs Light To Emit Light
Image credits: anicirl
#35 I Made An Engagement Ring Box For My Girlfriend! (She Said Yes :)
Image credits: baselinedesignco
#36 My Collection Of Birds Wearing Band T Shirts
Image credits: spearmintjoe
#37 I Made This Art Toy Set
Image credits: mr_spacelobster
#38 My Husband Made Our Daughter's Cot Using Our Wedding Arch For The Back!
Image credits: seilimide
#39 I Made An Angel Tree Topper
Image credits: groundsquid
#40 I Made A Lot Of Dandelion Spheres To Create Pendants
Image credits: SashaShelest
#41 My First Broom. I Learned A Lot And I’m Excited To Make Another!
Image credits: mutta_fukin_unicorn
#42 One Of The Hoodies I Made For The Summer
Image credits: kozak3
#43 Taught Myself Embroidery This Year. This Is What I’ve Made Since I Started In May
Image credits: rosedaughter
#44 Been Busy Embroidering These Custom Toebeans ??
Image credits: No-Zone-3429
#45 I Transform An Old Hoodie To An “Haute Couture” Hoodie By Hand Embroidery. How Do You Guys Think? Thank You
Image credits: Most_Big_7521
#46 My Latest Autumnal Crochet Make
Image credits: cosycrochetbytasha
#47 I Make Flower Pots From Plastic Bottles To Protect The Environment. Do You Think It's Useful?
Image credits: Top_Individual_1988
#48 My Spiralized Pumpkin
Image credits: the_simple_succulent
#49 I Made This For My Friend’s Birthday. I Can’t Tell If It’s Hideous. First Sewing Machine Project.. Feedback Please
Image credits: [deleted]
#50 Took Me 5 1/2 Hours But My Daughter Absolutely Loved It. I’m Trying To Make Heirlooms While Breaking The Cycle. ?
Image credits: wish_yooper_here
