New Uses for Old Things

I have found some really good tips for re-using old things, repurposing everyday stuff.  So I thought I would start a thread.  I'm going to list some of the things I do and have found and thought maybe some of you could share things you do.

Contact Lense Case

Use it as a pill case.

Glasses Case

Use it to make up a mini manicure kit

Manicure Kit

Use an old film case, cut up a sponge into pieces to fit into the case; fill the case with nail polish remover.  Just stick your finger in and swish around to remove nail polish.

Cuticle Moisturizer

Rub a bit of lip balm on dry cuticles for a quick and easy way to soften them when you're on-the-go. 

Lunch Box Toiletry Bag

Keep shampoo from crossing unauthorized borders by packing toiletries in a sturdy lunch box in your luggage. 

Zippered Bed Linen Bag

Stash supplies for scrapbooking, knitting, or sewing in one of these sturdy, transparent pouches so all of your materials and tools are in one place.  

Chip Clips

Hold small coats in place on adult-size hangers. Use clips with rubberized grips to help items stay put. Not only will you have an organized coat closet, but you'll save money by not having to buy special kids' hangers.  Picture Frame

Picture Frame

Use an old picture frame (with the glass intact) as a vanity tray.  For a twist, put a bold or abstract picture under the glass to match your decor.

Coverlet as Slipcover

Revamp a sofa that's seen better days. Center the coverlet, leaving at least three inches of fabric puddling on the floor in front of the sofa. Use a wooden spoon to tuck the coverlet deep between the cushions, smoothing as you go. Fold back any excess material at the front edges of the sofa and pin it underneath.  

Colored Electrical Tape

Use it to decorate a childs chair and/or table.

BOOKS

Bookplates

Stick or tape them on anything you don't want to lose: books, magazines, umbrellas, Tupperware containers, cell phones, the stapler on your desk at work. That way your stuff will see many happy returns.  

Placemats

Add some character(s) to a table setting by sandwiching favorite storybook pages between lamination sheets (available at office-supply stores). Catchy text and colorful pictures (think Dr. Seuss and nursery rhymes) are especially attention-grabbing.  This is a GREAT      

This is a GREAT way to repurpose old books that are the worse for wear!

Book Covers

Leave brown paper bags for packing lunches and protect your favorite reads with leftover pieces of wallpaper or pages from a wallpaper book. Added bonus: Many of these book covers are tear-resistant. 

Bookmark

Use a bejeweled hair clip to save your place in the latest thriller. Slide the pin over a few pages (so it stays in place) to mark where you left off.  

Bookends

Prop up your bestsellers with an empty glass vase. Make a quick swap with the fillers for a seasonal update. 

CANDLES

Candle Stands

If you find yourself with a mismatched collection―or without bubbly―flip thick-walled Champagne flutes upside down to create a beautiful grouping of candle stands for a shelf or a mantel. Use heavy wineglasses for table centerpieces, as the wider mouths will provide more stability to withstand bumping. 

Candle Stencil

Repurpose mini alphabet cookie cutters as monogramming tools for pillar candles. Hold the candle steady, position the letter, and tap it lightly with a hammer. Do just an initial or go wild and spell out JOYEUX NOEL or HAPPY HANUKKAH.  

Candlestick Cleaner

Celebrating by candlelight? Spray the inside of a votive holder with a thin coating before dropping in a tea light. After the candle has burned down, the remaining wax will slip out.  

Recipe Card Protector

Make your recipe cards spill-proof by rubbing a thin coat of wax over them. 

Mirror as Centerpiece

Place an inexpensive full-length mirror (the kind you attach to a closet door) atop the dining-room table. Set vases or candles of various heights on the mirror. It's an easy and elegant way to adorn your table 

Sand as Candle Holder

Prevent a half-melted candle from sticking to its glass holder by filling the bottom with a layer of sand. 

Try colored sand to match your decor!

Wine Glasses as Candle Holders

Elevate tealights or plain votives. Place a candle in a thick-walled glass and anchor it with a thin layer of sand or small pebbles for more elegant mood lighting.  

Again, colored sand can make it even more special.

CARS

Glove Compartment Organiser

Store your car insurance, registration, manuals, and maps in a neatly bound holder to avoid an avalanche of papers every time you reach in for your sunglasses. It's the first step to getting your car chaos under control.  

Car Polish as Sink Polish

Polish faucets, sinks, tile, even shower doors with Turtle Wax, which leaves behind a protective barrier against water and soap buildup, so your hard-earned sparkle will last past the next tooth-brushing.  

Drink Carrier as Car Caddy

Stash the compartments with granola bars, hand wipes, tissues, and such, then reach for the cardboard savior when your backseat drivers are steering you toward Crazytown (population: one frazzled mom).  

Rug Pad as Trunk Liner

Keep shopping bags steady on the drive home by lining your trunk with a non-skid rug pad. That way goods won't tumble every time you take a turn.  

Car Wax as Stove Top Polish

Preserve a pristine stovetop by applying a thin layer of car wax, then wiping it off. Future spills will lift off easily. 

I found alot of these at Real Simple online.  I planned on posting more, but haven't had the time yet.  They have a ton of great ideas.