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 You Can Now See Where The Spare Key In My Wallet Is
Image credits: Dizzymo
#2 Very Worn Out Stairs That Have Been In Use For Hundreds Of Years
Image credits: BackOk1502
#3 My Dog Made A Perfect Circle In The Grass From All The Years He's Been Running Around
Image credits: OverDemand2297
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 Well-Sharpened Knife
Image credits: pearcelewis
#5 Stone Steps Outside Of The University Of Cambridge
Image credits: Impossible_Result851
#6 The Multiple Layers Of Floor Worn Through In The Service Bar At This Restaurant
Image credits: iwalktowork
"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 A Heavy Ship Propeller Sinking Into The Soil Over Years And Leaving Its Mark On The Wall
Image credits: twentiesforever
#8 One Headstone In The Graveyard Of The Kirk In My Town Has Completely Worn Through
Image credits: Hyzyhine
#9 Wear And Tear On Hiking Boots. New vs. Old
Image credits: kitsilanokyle
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 13-Year-Old Vader Keychain vs. A New One
Image credits: Slug701
#11 In Downtown Cincinnati, All The Roads Used To Be Cobbled Instead Of Asphalt, And Apparently They Never Tore It Up
Image credits: Kumquat_The_RainWing
#12 My Wife's Old Pair Of Dr. Martens vs. Her New Pair
Image credits: Accr8
"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."
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 The Difference In These Stacks Of $1 Bills That Are Used vs. New
Image credits: CardiganHall
#14 The Counter Of Chet’s Diner In My Hometown In USA
Image credits: KGBspy
#15 A New Trail Marker vs. One That’s More Than 20 Years Old
Image credits: Supmah2007
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 The Difference In My Work Gloves After Using Them For 2 Weeks, One Week And New
Image credits: 8hu5rust
#17 You Guys Have Any Idea What The Code Could Be?
Image credits: Lee_does_stuff
#18 My Boss's Laptop's Trackpad Is Worn Down To The Circuit Board
Image credits: Steven_Ray20
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 A Pitcher After One Day Of Use (In A Bakery) vs. Used For More Than A Year
Image credits: CeriseFern
#20 The Inner Seat On This London Underground Train Is Much More Worn Than The Outer One
Image credits: NameTak3r
#21 How This Wall Has Eroded Over Time
Image credits: IntrepidStatus
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.
#22 These Wall Stains From The Heads Of The Back Row
Image credits: Erkoltz
#23 After 25 Years Of Being Married I Had My Ring Cut Off
Image credits: dvrooster
#24 My Mum Replaced A Wooden Spoon After 53 Years Of Use
Image credits: dr_lm
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 Manifesto, claims 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 My Good Boy Has Been Rubbing Himself Against This Wall Every Day For 3 Years
Image credits: kawaiilovecraft
#26 My Daughter Isn't Walking Yet, So Her Shoes Are Wearing Out Backwards
Image credits: erock1119
#27 You Can See All The Colors Of The Disneyland Teacup Because It's Worn Off Where The Door Closes
Image credits: Sugarmugr
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 Drywall Under The Card Swipe At My Child's Daycare
Image credits: doubleskeet
#29 54-Year-Old Key vs. New One I Just Had Cut
Image credits: CoreyTrevorson123
#30 Cup I've Been Using For A Few Years Shows The Consistency Of Tea Stirring
Image credits: CallumLloyd_13
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 here, here, and here!
#31 This Handle Has Visibly Worn Down The Door Due To Years Of People Turning It
Image credits: TheReddittingHatter
#32 The Pattern This Wire Fence Wore Onto The Rock Over The Years (From A Local Mountain Trail)
Image credits: NatsuDragnee1
#33 2 Identical Hats, But One Was Worn Every Day For A Year
Image credits: vidmantuks
#34 Finally Got Around To Replacing The Brush On Our Floor Sweeper
Image credits: LivingStatue
#35 My Left Shoe Has Developed A Fuzzy Texture Over Time Despite Having The Same Number Of Wears As My Right Shoe
Image credits: Meatball_666
#36 Wear Pattern On Stairs Going Up vs. Down
Image credits: flatoutsportsracer
#37 The Letters On This Bottle Are Falling
Image credits: dracpmurt
#38 Customer Hadn’t Changed Their Water Filter Since 2017
Image credits: SenorKerry
#39 Here’s A Metal Spatula I’ve Used For About 7 Years Compared To Its New Replacement
Image credits: guyfromri64
#40 The Difference In Upkeep On Both Sides Of These Semi-Detached Houses
Image credits: BoldlyGettingThere
#41 New vs. 1-Week-Old Filter In A Fabrication Shop
Image credits: The-Beverage-Man
#42 During The Rain You Can See Where The Tires Typically Are At This Car Park
Image credits: PonySlaystationn
#43 Restaurant's Floor
Image credits: yourmomak
#44 The Difference In Wear On The Toilet Doors In The Pool Club
Image credits: palbryggfjeld
#45 10 Years Of CS:GO On A Mousepad
Image credits: Mysterious_Prune415
#46 My Belt Over A Year Of Weight Gain And Loss
Image credits: Solondthewookiee
#47 Two Identical Wool Blankets: 20 Years Of Use vs. 20 Years In Storage
Image credits: AutomaticNectarine
#48 The Mortar Between The Bricks At My Daughter's School Has Been Eroded By 65 Years Of Children Running Their Hands Through It
Image credits: throwawaybutnotrlly
#49 The Contrast Between My Wife’s Old And New Shoes
Image credits: Karnus115
#50 Subtle Branding And Color Changes In Limoncello Bottles, 6 Years Apart
Image credits: creepydanielle
