I made mine out of containers I had around the house that were just sitting on a shelf. For both of them I cut a piece of material big enough to wrap around the batting inside. I then folded the fabric over the stuffing and used a safety pin to hold it together. Then I stuffed it all down inside the containers. They look so pretty sitting on my shelf now and soooo useful. :-)

I've done this, too!! I made cushions that were around 3" square and the walnut shells will keep pins sharp! I've seen small packages (enough for 1-2 cushions) at various LQS for $4-$5... but the large bag of walnut shells I found at an aquarium/pet store was $10 (if I remember correctly) and I've made at least 8-10 cushions and have enough shells to make that many more! They make lovely little gifts and everyone loves how the cushions are weighted and good for pins!

I made this one for my secret pal at quilt retreat:

http://www.connectingthreads.com/cfB...wer-pincushion
- bottom is a flowerpot, so nice and stable. I found another pattern that makes little pies. We are having a pincushion swap at retreat, I will see what everyone makes and see if there in a good "workhorse" option for you. I wouldn't be averse to trying to make you one based on how you describe your original, PM me.

I seldom use a pin cushion but I keep my pins in the plastic top of a Q-Tips package. You can stack them and have different size pins in each different top.

Thank you all for your help with this. It may seem like a small issue but it is a pesky one. I have had several offers and there is currently a tuna can pin cushion on its way from a board member out west. This board is so amazing and I can personally attest that we take GOOD care of each other and the needs posted here. My DH can't get over how good quilters are!
I know that some are wondering why I resist making one myself. I was widowed quite suddenly when my adored first DH left to play handball and died on the court. I have moved several times and remarried since and have purged down to only quilting essentials. No other craft tools are in my arsenal. Since learning that life can change suddenly, I resist replacing those things as quilting is all I REALLY want to do. My current adored DH (a scandalous fabric enabler) is so good to me that I'd rather he spend that money on bait and gas for his boat than buy supplies I won't use again.

;o) you just know some of us have to hear the story behind "cow" magnets...pleeeeeeeeese!