Mnemonics IN Japanese

I generally dislike mnemonics, especially when they are unrelated to the true etymology or kanji origin, but I'm starting to wonder if it might not be helpful to use mnemonics that are actually in the Japanese language.

For example, if you are trying to remember the word for nose, just remember that you use it to smell a 花（はな）. Or, if you can't remember what 杉 means, just look at those lines going up, to show you that it's the tree that SURPASSES all others...過ぎる -> すぎ. If you want to remember the word for shallow, remember that the Asahi Shinbun is known for writing terribly shallow articles...they aren't really, but あさひ -> あさい.

I'll be the first to admit that those are stupid, but they give me the benefit of reviewing two words simultaneously, which is pretty great. What are your thoughts? Are these more harmful than helpful? Do you have any J-J mnemonics that you'd like to share?