Skip to content

Top Navigation

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Food
  • Home
  • Life
  • Health
  • Money
  • Style and Beauty
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • News
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Real Simple

Real Simple Logo Real Simple Logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    • How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home

      Try one of these three easy methods to make sure your ring fits perfectly, every time. Read More
    • Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Here's the Right Temperature for Your Refrigerator and Freezer (Because a Few Degrees Makes a Difference)

      Keeping foods chilled properly helps them last longer and stay fresher. Sticking to the ideal refrigerator temps can help you avoid potential foodborne illnesses, too. Read More
    • 34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

      This list has you covered, no matter how you're feeling. Read More
  • Food

    Food

    See All Food
    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    9 Cheeses You Can Eat Even If You're Lactose Intolerant

    Not all dairy is created equal. 
    • Recipes
    • Real Simple Cooking School
    • Cooking Tips & Techniques
    • Shopping and Storing
    • Kitchen Tools and Products
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Gardening
    • Home Improvement
    • Green Living
    • New Uses for Old Things at Home
    • Quick Fix
    • Real Simple Home
  • Life

    Life

    See All Life
    • Family
    • Entertainment
    • Technology
    • Wedding Planning
    • Travel Ideas
    • Career
    • Get It Done
  • Health

    Health

    See All Health
    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Feel Like You Don't Enjoy Anything Anymore? There's a Name for That—Here Are 8 Ways You Can Break Through It

    Mental health experts explain anhedonia and how you can bounce back from this joyless state of mind.
    • Preventive Health
    • Mental Health
    • Health Coach
    • Crisis Coping
    • Fitness & Exercise
    • Sleep
    • Healthy Eating
    • Well Fed
  • Money

    Money

    See All Money
    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Are You Keeping Too Much Money in the Bank? Here's How to Tell

    Putting money in the bank is smart, but too much cash savings can actually be a poor use of that money.
    • Money Confidential Podcast
    • Saving Money
    • Money Planning
    • Money Confidential
    • Spending
    • Money Etiquette
    • Invest Better
  • Style and Beauty

    Style and Beauty

    See All Style and Beauty
    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    How to Measure Your Bra Size at Home

    All you need is a tape measure and a little free time.
    • Clothing
    • Skincare
    • Shoes
    • Hair
    • Clothing Care
    • Makeup
    • Hair Body Face
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint Parties Are the Party Trend You Have to Try: Here's How to Host One

    PowerPoint nights are the new fun way to party together—even when you're far apart.
    • All Holidays
    • Gifts
    • Father's Day
    • Passover
    • Entertaining
    • Home for the Holidays
    • Come Together
    • Hanukkah
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • News
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • My Account
  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Free Organizing App this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Real Simple
  2. New Uses for Old Things
  3. New Uses for Accessories

New Uses for Accessories

By Real Simple Editors Updated March 10, 2015
Skip gallery slides
FB Tweet
Glass Vase as Belt Corraller
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran
Accent pieces work double time with these creative twists.
Start Slideshow

1 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Glass Vase as Belt Corraller

Glass Vase as Belt Corraller
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

It's a cinch to keep belts organized and visible: Coil them into spirals and stack them on top of one another in a large clear vase. (Put favorite belts at the top for easy access.)

1 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Button as Apron Hook

Button as Apron Hook
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

Cooking up a storm? For easy access, attach a button to the front of an apron so you can hang a pot holder or a looped dish towel from it.

2 of 82

3 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Glasses Case as Makeup Organizer

Glasses Case as Makeup Organizer
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Kristine Trevino

With the cameras flashing and all eyes on you, there’s a lot of pressure to look your very best. Stash extra makeup—think lip gloss and concealer—in an empty glasses case and tuck in your purse for quick touch up’s throughout the day.

3 of 82

Advertisement

4 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Brooch as Bouquet Embellishment

Brooch as Bouquet Embellishment
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Whether you’ve held onto your grandmother’s keepsake or purchased something special for this occasion, add some bling to your bouquet. The flowers may last only a few days, but you’ll always have the pin—and the memories that go along with it.

4 of 82

5 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bobby Pin as Small Nail Holder

Bobby Pin as Small Nail Holder
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

When working with a too-tiny-to-grip nail, slide it into the grooves of a bobby pin, then hold the end of the bobby pin as you hammer.

5 of 82

6 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hanger as Ribbon Organizer

New use: hanger as ribbon organizer
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Turn a tangle of ribbons into a neat presentation. Hang coordinating colors over the prongs of a tie hanger.

6 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tulle as Votive Embellishment

Tulle as Votive Embellishment
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Add a feminine and romantic touch to the reception by illuminating tables with an array of small glass votives wrapped in delicate white tulle.

7 of 82

8 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cotton Balls as Shoe Resizer

Cotton Balls as Shoe Resizer
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

Give roomy heels and ballet flats a perfect fit (so you don't pull a Cinderella) by filling in the toe area with some cotton balls.

8 of 82

9 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ribbon as Shoelace

New use: ribbon as shoelaces
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Let everyone know you march to the beat of your own drum; use colorful ribbon in place of shoelaces. Change when the mood strikes.

9 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Gift Box as Sugar Holder

New use: gift box as sugar box
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

More lovely to look at than the branded box from the store, but it still slides easily into the pantry for storage.

10 of 82

11 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bobby Pin as Gift-Card Clip

Bobby Pin as Gift-Card Clip
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

More than just a hair accessory: Attach a note to a ribbon with a colorful or bedazzled bobby pin.

11 of 82

12 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hair Clip as Shoe Embellishment

Hair Clip as Shoe Embellishment
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Are those comfy pumps in need of something special for your big day? Attach your favorite sparkly hair clip to add just the right amount of flair.

12 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Rubber Band as Jar Opener

New use: rubberband as jar opener
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

Get a grip on a tricky top; wrap a rubber band around a slippery or sticky lid to give yourself some extra oomph.

13 of 82

14 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Jewelry Box as Coaster

New use: jewelry box top as coaster
Credit: Nicole Hill Gerulat; Styling: Kristine Trevino

A pretty jewelry box top is the perfect size for most wine glasses. Decorate the inside or add some confetti for a party.

14 of 82

15 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Shoe Boxes as Drawer Dividers

New use: shoe boxes as drawer dividers
Credit: Levi Brown

Time for your lingerie drawer to step into line. Cut shoe boxes in half, along the length or width, and fill the resulting compartments with folded briefs, socks, or stacked bras.

15 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Candlestick as Bracelet Holder

Candlestick as Bracelet Holder
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

Bangles bulging out of your jewelry box? Slip them over a candlestick and let them accessorize your dresser.

16 of 82

17 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Socks as Floor Protector

Socks as Floor Protector
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Protect wood floors. Slide socks onto the legs of chairs and tables so they don’t scratch the floor when you rearrange the room (yet again).

17 of 82

18 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Button as Earring Holder

Blue buttons and earrings
Credit: Levi Brown

Travel is best done in pairs (think of Lewis and Clark or Thelma and Louise). To keep a set of earrings together on your next overnight jaunt, fasten them to a button so they won’t get lost in your suitcase pocket.

18 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Contact Lens Case as Travel Spice Holder

Contact Lens Case as Spice Holder
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Pack small amounts of salt, pepper, and spices for a camping trip.

19 of 82

20 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Panty Hose as Candle Cleaner

Panty Hose as Candle Cleaner
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Revive a forgotten flickerer. Slide a dusty candle inside a stocking and roll it around.

20 of 82

21 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Felt Pads as Clothing Securer

Felt Pads as Clothing Securer
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Help strappy garments stay on hangers. Affix a circle to each end.

21 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Q-Tip as Makeup Brush

Q-Tip as Makeup Brush
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Artfully dab on costume makeup without getting your good makeup brushes dirty.

22 of 82

23 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Felt Pads as Cutting Board Anchor

Felt Pads as Cutting Board Anchor
Credit: Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Anchor a cutting board’s corners to make prep work easier and safer.

23 of 82

24 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cornstarch as Makeup Protector

Cornstarch as Makeup Protector
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Balance the oiliness of moisturizing makeup. Brush on a thin layer as a finishing touch.

24 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Deodorant as Blister Preventer

Deodorant as Blister Preventer
Credit: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Make breaking shoes in less of a pain. Rub clear-gel deodorant on spots prone to blistering before you step out in a stiff new pair.

25 of 82

26 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Button as Necklace Pendant

Button as Necklace Pendant
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

Have one special button? Thread it onto a thin chain or a delicate piece of ribbon for a standout necklace.

26 of 82

27 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sandpaper as Knit Depiller

Sandpaper as knit depiller
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Wipe fine-grit sandpaper over a sweater in one direction—gently!—to lift pesky pills.

27 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Belt Hanger as Kitchen Towel Hooks

Belt hanger as kitchen storage
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Hook extra dish towels and pot holders on a belt hanger for easy retrieval.

28 of 82

29 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Plastic Drinking Straw as Knot Preventer

Plastic drinking straw as tangle preventer
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

For tangle-free jewelry during your travels, unclasp the chain, thread it through a plastic drinking straw, and reclasp. For a shorter chain, cut the drinking straw to the desired length.

29 of 82

30 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hair Elastic as Tights Bundler

Hair Elastic as Tights Bundler
Credit: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

Roll up pairs of stockings or leggings and wrap hair ties around them to keep the rolls from unraveling. It will be easier to find a specific pair on mornings when you're, well, tight on time.

30 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lint Roller as Handbag Cleaner

Lint roller as handbag cleaner
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Quickly clean the interior of your purse by running a lint roller over the lining. Submitted by: Dotchie

31 of 82

32 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tissue Paper as Purse Shaper

Tissue paper as shape saver
Credit: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Help a purse or boots to keep its shape with tissue stuffed inside.

32 of 82

33 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Brooches as Refrigerator Decoration

Brooches decorating a refrigerator door
Credit: Kana Okada

Instead of tossing out seldom worn or broken brooches, remove the pins with a wire cutter, glue a magnet to the back of each, then use them to mount postcards, children’s artwork, or this week’s grocery list.

33 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Post Earring as Eyeglasses Screw

Post earring to fix eyeglasses
Credit: Burcu Avsar

Use a spare post earring to fix broken spectacles (without resorting to tape). If the tiny screw that connects the arm to the frame of your glasses goes missing, replace it with a stud and secure it with the back for a temporary solution.

34 of 82

35 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hair Clip as Towel Securer

Hair clip towel holder
Credit: Formula Z/S

Maintain some modesty in the locker room. Hold towel in place with a clawlike clip post-shower.

35 of 82

36 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Baby Oil as Necklace Detangler

Baby oil used to untagle necklace
Credit: Rick Lew

Rub a few drops of baby oil into each knot and work them gently free with a straight pin.

36 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bobby Pin as Bookmark

Bobby pin used as bookmark
Credit: Frances Janisch

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.

37 of 82

38 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bracelet as Napkin Ring

Bracelets used as napkin rings
Credit: Mark Lund

When a plain napkin simply won’t do, break out the bangles and dress up a place setting.

38 of 82

39 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Brooch as Sweater Securer

Broach used to reshape cardigan
Credit: Jim Franco

Adjust the fit of—and add a touch of sparkle to—a loose blouse or shirt by pinning it in back with a brooch. Or turn a cardigan into a form-fitting wrap sweater: Pull one side across the body and pin it in place.

39 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Dental Floss as Umbrella Mender

Floss used to mend umbrella
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

If your umbrella has detached from its metal spines, tie or sew it back together with waxed floss, which will endure longer than regular thread.

40 of 82

41 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hair Dryer as Eyeglasses Fitter

Hair dryer used to reshape sunglasses
Credit: Ellen Silverman

Give store-bought plastic eyeglasses a custom fit. Heat them with a dryer, then mold them to suit your face.

41 of 82

42 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Jewelry Box as Drawer Organizer

Jewelry box used to organize a drawer
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Those little boxes are so sturdy and tidy that you hate to throw them out, so don't. Instead, clip them together to create a neat divided storage area for pens and pencils, lipsticks, plastic flatware—whatever it is that clutters your drawer.

42 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Nail Polish as Snag Preventer

Nail polish used to stop snags
Credit: Christopher Coppola

Keep a snag in your stockings from growing by dabbing it with clear nail polish.

43 of 82

44 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Newspaper as Shoe Deodorizer

Newspaper used to keep shoe's shape
Credit: John Dolan

Help shoes keep their shape and smell fresh by stuffing them with newspaper after wearing them.

44 of 82

45 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Panty Hose as Candle Duster

Panty hose used to clean candles
Credit: Annie Schlechter

Remove dust from candles by running it through the leg of an old pair of panty hose.

45 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

46 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pencil Eraser as Earring Securer

Pencil eraser used to secure earring
Credit: Paul Wicheloe

If the backing for one of your studs goes AWOL, slice off a disk-shaped wedge from an eraser. The earring will stay put, even if your pencil looks denuded.

46 of 82

47 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Photo Box as Jewelry Organizer

Photo box used to store jewelry
Credit: David Prince

47 of 82

48 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Plastic Trays as Boot Holders

Plastic trays used to contain wet boots
Credit: Mark Lund

Contain rain-boot runoff by placing a tray near the entryway when wet weather descends.

48 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

49 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sock as Wine Bag

Sock used as wine bag
Credit: Jim Cooper

Slip a (clean) patterned kneesock over the bottom of a bottle, then knot the top to create a decorative carrier. Better yet, offer your hostess two bottles so she can later enjoy toasty toes.

49 of 82

50 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Soda Bottle as Boot Supporter

Soda bottle used to shape boot
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Insert an empty one-liter plastic bottle into a tall boot to keep it from sagging, creasing, or toppling over. Bonus: Upright boots create space on your closet floor to fill as you please (hmm…more boots?).

50 of 82

51 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Step Stool as Shoe Organizer

Step stool used to store shoes
Credit: Annie Schlechter

Rest your soles. Store shoes on the tiers of a stool in the closet.

51 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

52 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tape as Shoelace Aglets

Transparent tape used to fix frayed shoelace
Credit: James Wojick

Seal the end of a frayed shoelace rather than running out for a replacement.

52 of 82

53 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Vitamin Organizer as Travel Jewelry Box

Vitamin holder used to contain jewelry
Credit: James Wojick

Pack enough jewelry for a week away. The individual compartments are the perfect place to keep earrings, necklaces, and rings safe and tangle-free.

53 of 82

54 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Wine Bottle as Boot Supporter

Wine bottle used to shape tall boots
Credit: James Wojick

Preserve the shape of tall leather boots by placing a bottle into each one's shaft for reinforcement.

54 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

55 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Wristband as Coffee Sleeve

Wristband used to wrap hot beverage
Credit: James Wojick

Protect your hands from an extra-hot latte by stretching a wristband around the coffee cup so your fingertips don't get burned. (Your tongue is another matter, so sip with care, for goodness' sake.)

55 of 82

56 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Wristwatch as Earring Holder

Wristwatch used to secure earrings
Credit: Antonis Achilleos

Keep track of your earrings while you hit the gym (or the spa). Place the studs through the holes on the watch strap and then attach their backs.

56 of 82

57 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Paper Towel Tube as Wrinkle Preventer

Paper towel tube used for scarves
Credit: Aya Brackett

Ward off wrinkles in silk scarves by wrapping them around the tube between wearings.

57 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

58 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hosiery as Hairbrush Cleaner

Pink hairbrush lying on a white towel
Credit: Anna Williams

Prevent gunk from settling into your hairbrush by pushing a swatch of stocking fabric over the bristles, so it rests on the base. When the brush needs cleaning, remove the swatch and hair and product buildup will go with it.

58 of 82

59 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ice-Cube Tray as Jewelry Storage

0410jewelry-box
Credit: Alexandra Rowley

Each ring, necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings gets its own cubby when you use an ice-cube tray to organize your baubles. Trays can be stacked in a drawer for a multitier alternative jewelry box.

59 of 82

60 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mailing Tubes as Fabric Smoothers

Fabric wrapped around mailing tubes
Credit: James Baigrie

To keep a scarf or tablecloth wrinkle-free roll the fabric around the tube then run a length of ribbon through it and tie a bow.

60 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

61 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Mitten as Sunglasses Protector

Mitten as a sunglasses holder
Credit: Sang An

Save your shades from scratches by slipping them into a spare mitten before stashing them in your purse or glove compartment.

61 of 82

62 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Nail Polish as Screw Securer

0509glasses-nail-polish
Credit: Formula Z/S

After tightening the loose screw, dab polish across the top for a longer-lasting fix.

62 of 82

63 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cooking Oil as Shoe Polish

Vegetable oil and patent leather shoe
Credit: Burcu Avsar

Use a damp cloth to wipe away dirt, then apply a small drop of oil to a soft cloth and rub the surface to remove scuff marks.

63 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

64 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Plastic Bag as Shoe Protector

Woman wearing shoe stepping into bag
Credit: Kana Okada

It will never be a fashion trend, but tying bags over your shoes can keep you from tracking mud into the house when you come in, or protect slippers from dirt, snow, or rain when you run out to fetch the paper from the front lawn. (Be careful when walking on smooth surfaces, as the plastic won't give you any traction.)

64 of 82

65 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ribbon as Umbrella Tie

0605umbrella
Credit: Ellen Silverman

A rainy day equals wanting to stay in bed, under the covers. That’s rarely possible, but there is a silver lining. You can brighten up a decidedly utilitarian umbrella by tying a pretty bow on it.

65 of 82

66 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ribbon as Cuff Link

0605french-cuff
Credit: Ellen Silverman

When you’re wearing a French-cuffed shirt, substitute a snip of ribbon for cuff links to keep your sleeves closed. Just slide a piece of ribbon through and tie a knot on each end. They’ll stop your arms from getting a chill and add a little color to a wardrobe staple.

66 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

67 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Rubber Band as Earring Backing

Earing with rubber band backing
Credit: Jim Cooper

When you’ve lost (another) backing to the Bermuda Triangle of jewelry, mosey on over to the junk drawer and cut out a small square from a thick rubber band.

67 of 82

68 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Scarf as Christmas Tree Skirt

Tree skirt made of old scarves
Credit: Annie Schlechter

If each member of your family has, oh, four or five scarves, put some of them to work as a tree skirt. Arrange in a pinwheel fashion around the base of the tree and secure with safety pins.

68 of 82

69 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Shower Curtain Hooks as Handbag Storage

Handbags stored on shower-curtain hooks
Credit: Burcu Avsar

Place hooks on a closet bar and hang purse handles from them to keep your carry-alls at eye level. Say goodbye to a mess of accessories on your closet floor.

69 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

70 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Toilet Paper Tube as Hair Accessory Holder

0705water-tap-bangles
Credit: Monica Buck

Store hair accessories on an empty TP tube by stretching elastics around the roll and sliding clips and bobby pins on one end.

70 of 82

71 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Trouser Sock as Cord Organizer

Trouser sock used as a cord holder
Credit: Amy Wilson

Contain computer or television cords inside a stretchy trouser sock with the toe cut off.

71 of 82

72 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tube Socks as Wiper Protectors

Tube socks as wiper protectors
Credit: Charles Masters

Come on―when was the last time you wore them, anyway? Instead, slip a pair over your windshield wipers on the eve of a storm so you won’t have to deice the blades in the morning.

72 of 82

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

73 of 82

FB Tweet
Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Zippered Plastic Bag as Jewelry Storage

Jewelry in a zipper-seal bag
Credit: Quentin Bacon

Snack-size bags are perfect for packing a weekend’s worth of jewelry. Bag silver jewelry to reduce tarnishing. Dedicate a bag to extra earring backs.

73 of 82

74 of 82

FB Tweet