I’ve had it with teetering around on dangerously tall shoes, squeezing my feet into items that are eerily reminiscent of Medieval torture devices, and dragging my sorry soles back to my apartment after a night out with the girls. I’ll settle for semi-cute, but uber-comfy footwear any day of the week.

But I love the dominatrix stiletto-turned-planter pictured above. It lets me admire a fabulous pair of shoes without the blisters or back pain. Carrie Bradshaw would be proud! (OK, she might be initially horrified about the brutal mutilation of her Manolos, but I think she’d come around.)

If I were craftier, I’d totally turn my torturous footwear into a flower holder.  But I doubt could do as nice a job as Etsy’s giddyspinster. She removed the top of the shoe, sanded it, drilled holes for drainage (natch), and planted a pink a echeveria in the ball of the shoe.
If black isn’t your thing, she has planters available in several other styles and colors.

Now, isn’t this a clever way to reclaim a pair of heels? Or repurpose a single shoe that’s lost its mate? What other uses would you suggest for upcycling shoes?

Say that six times fast, and then find your favorite pair of gardening gloves and let’s play with dirt. These pots are worthy of plenty of playtime.

Whether you want to grow your green indoors or out, the metal spun recycled aluminum Pod by PAD is the perfect planter. It’s sturdy, lightweight and powder coated in a choice of six sexy colors. (Say that six”¦never mind).

The Pod comes in two simple styles (both 16″ D x 10″ H). And if your space calls for it, choose one of the steel stands (15″ or 22″ high) for a layered effect. There’s something seriously eye-catching about these planters.

The Pod was officially unveiled at the Dwell on Design show in Los Angeles last weekend. It’s available to purchase at A + R (online or in the Venice showroom) for $156. The stands are $105 and $110.

I’ve never really thought of planting as playtime, but suddenly I’m feeling inspired.

via Josh Spear

EcoEtsy artists are starting the new year off on the right foot with these imaginative handmade creations.

It sure isn’t the best season to sow your favorite seeds out in the garden, so bring them on in. The Original Folk Art Daisy Painting box makes a perfect planter to brighten bare surfaces with nature’s vibrant hues.

If you’re looking for a sofa accent that looks as cozy as it feels, then the Organic Cotton pillow‘s branch-like wool design is the perfect match for your plush throw blanket.

Want to give your room a makeover without investing in a whole new furniture set? The Genuine Beachstone drawer and cabinet pulls (shown at top) will jazz up that dresser for a whole new look. You can hang your towels with similar stone accents from VivaTerra for a tactile flourish in your bathroom.