I use plastic pill containers for beads, sequins, etc., an old cookie tin for thread, plastic mayonnaise jars for buttons, a lined wicker picnic basket as a sewing basket, plastic sheets used for cutting veggies as template plastic, freezer paper, chop sticks for stillettos, a small paint brush for a machine lint brush, a tiered trouser hanger for lengths of fabric, an oversized mug for pencils, rotary cutters, scissors, etc., a wire flatware basket is tucked inside a drawer at my sewing table: it neatly hold just about anything one can imagine. Color books provide a great source for appliques.
Also, when I sew, I have to pull up an extra chair, cover it with a blanket, and lift Miss Ellie, my precious puppy, onto the chair. She supervises my sewing and is so excited when she gets a new harness!