My mantra: old things, new uses! There are so many inspiring vintage treasures out there just waiting to be re-purposed. Coming up with clever ways to use them is one of my favorite challenges. All we need to do is keep our eyes open and learn to see things not just as they are, but as they could be. Giving new life to old things is a form of creative recycling that is gentle on the environment, too. These well-loved items have good karma, so be on the lookout for whatever tickles your fancy. Like the sunflower, if we keep our faces turned toward the sun and let the world wash over us, the possibilities are endless.

Listed left to right, top to bottom:

An old doll dresser drawer, complete with tiny knobs and 1940's decal, holds large spools of thread.

In the home office, vintage ceramic planters are a pretty way to neatly hold your mail or scrap paper.

Treasures from the sea: an aqua pottery bowl with an interesting scalloped design displays a collection of seashells and coral.

Small handpainted tole trays rest on the wood trim above wainscotting. Be sure to group like items together for more impact.

Before you recycle those shelter magazines, tear out your favorite photographs and put together your own Inspiration Book.

This little yellow McCoy flower pot with an embossed leaf design keeps colorful paper clips close at hand.

A handmade folk art recipe card holder is in the shape of a rooster. His clothespin "beak" can hold a note or a favorite photo.

This stack of colorful floral tablecloths are "cutters" with small imperfections from years of use; perfect to sew into cloth napkins.

An antique book is on display propped inside a pretty art pottery planter with a shiny green glaze.