We asked readers to send in photos and stories about how they’re putting old things to work in new ways, and the responses did not disappoint. As you’ll see on these pages, North Carolinians are masters of artfully putting seemingly worthless items to work. These are a few of our favorites.

New Window Views

Mary Zio, Carolina Shores, a member of Brunswick Electric

From Kids to Crops

Dean Johnson, Ivanhoe, a member of Four County EMC

Belted Seat Back

Lyn Hunt, Clayton

Floor Tile Mosaic

Mary Savitsky, Emerald Isle, a member of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

For the Birds

Jill Sykes Shoneman, Hillsborough, a member of Piedmont Electric

Sentimental Shadow Box

Brian Faircloth, Autryville, a member of South River EMC

Comfort by the Barrel

Daisha Gaines, Goldston, a member of Randolph EMC

It Gets Great Reception

Robert and Betty Watkins, Hillsborough, members of Piedmont Electric

Saw Blade Scene

Claire Louise Witmore, Pembroke, a member or Lumbee River EMC

Eclectic Lighthouse

Patsy Fletcher, Vilas, a member of Blue Ridge EnergyEclectic Lighthouse

Bird on a Line (Insulator)

William Ivey, Marshville, a member of Union Power

Grand Little Library

Kelly Puglisi, Nebo, a member of Rutherford EMC

New Life for an Old Lane

Natalie Grengs, Voluntown, a member of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative

Reclaimed Screened Door

Gordon Byrd, Pembroke, a member of Lumbee River EMC

Outdoor Ambience

Kim Smith-Nagel, Asheboro, a member of Randolph EMC

Sewing the Fields

C. Sherlon Wheeler, Statesville, a member of EnergyUnited

One Fancy Birdhouse

Ralph Allen, Lumberton, a member of Lumbee River EMC

Tire Wall

Norman Walls, Creedmoor, a member of Wake Electric