3. Housewares:
Elevate a plain-Jane glass vase, serving bowl, or mirror from your local thrift shop with the projects in Sonia Lucano's Glass Engraving (Potter Craft). All you'll need is a stencil (or an artistic hand and, instead of an engraving tool, try glass-etching cream ($8.50 for three ounces; etchworld.com).

Not crafty? Artisan Nina Invorm updates vintage ceramics with whimsical illustrations—say, a peacock superimposed over floral china (pieces start at $18; ninainvorm.etsy.com).

Next: Beautiful appliqué