I make cute pincushions with coffee mugs from the thrift shop. I find nice ones, usually solid colors but some with designs. I fill them with plaster of Paris to about 1/2 inch from the top and let it harden. I use a circle of fabric, at least twice the diameter of the mug. Run a basting stitch around it, fill with stuffing. I sometimes use very fine steel wool in with the stuffing.....sharpens pins. Sometimes I put cute buttons on top, or I make the fabric ball look like an apple with a leaf and stem of felt. I use gem tack white glue to attach the fabric ball, stuffing it into the top of the mug. They are great on the cutting table, don't tip over, hold lots of pins. Melinda in Virginia.