In with the Old: Ceramic Planters

Among the moderately sized list of things I'm obsessed with is vintage ceramic planters. I'm not really sure when that trend fell to the wayside and people decided they wanted their plants in terra cotta pots rather than bright blue seashells, pink swans and kangaroos on tree stumps, but it's a sad, sad fact that you just can't find anything like them new these days. Thank goodness for Etsy and Ebay, because the supply is plentiful.

Aside from the sheer aesthetic pleasure, they have about a million and one uses! Well, at least ten uses, maybe, but still. They aren't just for plants! Use them to store writing utensils on your desk, odds and ends in your kitchen, toothbrushes, cotton balls or q-tips in your bathroom or supplies in your craft room. Turn one into a pin cushion, use it to catch spare change by the door or hold your keys. You can even use them to serve snacks, dips or candies when you entertain.

Another plus is that they're often very reasonably priced, so you can spruce up your decor or pick up a unique, creative gift for a friend without breaking the bank. Here are a few of my currents favorites to give you a little taste of the variety out there. Click any photo to take you to the item listing and click here and here to find so many more your head may just explode.