I find vintage planters at thrift stores and estate sales all the time, but I feel sort of bad using them as actual planters.
And a lot of times there are hairline cracks in them or they are in somewhat precarious condition, so I love to give them new life by using them in different ways.
Can you fetch me the remote?
I found Rex at a thrift store and decided that he would like to carry remote controls in his back. He's a helper dog, after all.
I love finding vintage planters and using them for things other than they were intended. Why get them all dirty when I have all this stuff around here that needs organized?
And honestly, a lot of the ones I find look fine on the outside, but may not hold water and dirt very well on the inside.
I have these planters on my kitchen counter to hold coupons, kitchen clutter and pens.
Some charger cords are stored in this Hull planter that I bought for $1.00 last year. That furry item in the background is Lacey sleeping behind the table.
My little vintage McCoy bird planter tends to be used as a purely decorative piece. A tchotchke, I guess.
As is my fun deer planter. When he's not holding a big number K made out of an old Reader's Digest, he's holding mail.
At Christmastime I actually sort of used a vintage planter for what it was intended. I have a piece of florist's foam in the bottom of the deer and stuck some greenery from the yard in it.
And this swan planter holds succulents, so again, sort of like it was intended.
And just when I thought I was done showing you planters and I was getting ready to hit POST on this story, I noticed this planter sitting on my desk right next to my computer screen! It was just begging to be photographed.
I use it to hold notepads and other crap on my desk. There is no markers' mark on the bottom, but it looks McCoy-ish to me.
These types of planters are fairly cheap at thrift stores, garage sales and even antique stores and if memory serves me right, I didn't spend more than $5.00 for any of them.
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Lately, I've been organizing and putting my junk into something not-so-pretty. Gallon size zip lock bags. I think your idea is much easier on the eyes. Woof. :@
Donna
Your lassie is so cute. He is the perfect holder for a remote.
Laurel@chippingwithcharm
I have vintage planters all over my house too...you've put yours to great use! LOVE your "helper dog"...clever! Laurel
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions
Great idea, Pam! I love the bird you have holding your pens. I seem to use clearance tumblers {for the bathroom} quite a bit to hold pens and scissors.
susie @ persimmon moon cottage
Great way to use those cute vintage planters and have them out to be seen. I'll be bringing mine out of storage to be used. You have such creative ideas about ways to display our finds.
Tricia
You're just so clever, Pam. I loved the comment about the helper dog, by the way. When my daughter was born, one of my friends gave me a cute, pink and green vintage duck planter...it was filled with baby q-tips 🙂
Keeping it Cozy
What a great idea! It's always fun coming up with new uses for vintage items.
Olive Cooper
Brilliant use of planters Pam. I always pick them up when I see them too-I can't help it.
Happier Than a Pig in Mud
Bet no one forgets where to keep the remote with fido in the room! Fun idea:@)
NanaDiana
I have a couple of planters that I use like that, too. One stores scissors and one stores my readers. Love your pieces. I don't think I have ever seen a dog planter before- xo Diana
Linda @ A La Carte
I love planters and use them all over my house to store things in also. They are so pretty and perfect for that. I also use baskets and vintage refrigerator dishes to store items in. Crazy but it's way to make my collections useful.
hugs, Linda
Veronica
What a great idea! I have several of these vintage planters in the garage! Will bring out this weekend to use as "holders" around the house! Thanks Again! 🙂
Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME/Doublewide Decor
They look great....I gotta do something like that for our pens...
Joanne Noragon
I watch out for old napkin holders. They hold things like my checkbook, bills t pay, address labels. Stuff that would lay all over my desk is held upright.
Kim K.
How fun! I especially love how Rex is helping with the tv remote. Brilliant idea, Pam.
Ann@A Sentimental Life
I love your Rex! I have a large selection of planters..and you are so right about other uses. I also think bone dishes make great places to hold my reading glasses.