Soda bottles / water bottles are also a good material to work with because they're usually so plentiful.
Here's an idea to take a clean and empty soda bottle, cut it off at the top, punch holes around rim, and thread ribbon around it. You can also forego the ribbon, for a less frilly version.
The little compartments at the bottom of the bottle make a good spot to hold various household supplies - like paperclips, safety pins, etc. Or you could use it as a candy dish. Soda is usually full of sugar anyway. Why not fill it back up with sugar?

Here are more detailed instructions:
http://www.replayground.com/pages/diy/candydish1.asp