Removing default icons

How does one get rid of the default set of desktop icons/shortcuts? I like a clutter free desktop and I can't seem to get rid of Control Panel, IE, Network Places, My Computer, and the Recycle Bin. I really just want to use bumptop for one or two of my own shortcut icons along with photo frames and sticky notes without the aforementioned items taking up space.

I use Vista Home Edition 64 bit.

Much thanks.