You are so right!! these just have ooodles of potential to become something useful/cute! my first thought is to maybe pad the lid so it can be a pin-cushion and that leaves room to stow thread and small items inside..looks like it might even hold a pair of the small trim scissors, a thimble, etc. great for travel/classes! it also looks like it could be turned into a "mushroom" if you can get the top really rounded to mimic that shape. without the lid, it def looks like a flower pot! i'm just positive you'll get some great ideas for it here!