bitbox crafting 1!

I've never been good at throwing things away and have got various boxes full of off cuts of paper and card, tiny bits of ribbon, odd bits and bobs which have been left over from other projects etc. Also, whenever I try out a new technique,  a new stamp, die, embossing folder or other product I throw the results of these experimentations in one of the boxes too as I don't usually have a project in mind - I'm just having a play!! The other things I end up with are loads of  'moppings up' - inks from my craft mat - I usually mop up with an ATC or a plain serviette then chuck them in the boxes too.

Anyway, I felt it was time to get these boxes out and see what I could create - some of the results are completely random where I've closed my eyes and chosen a few items then put them together to make a card which is why some of you will think "I wouldn't have put those colours together" - it was completely spontaneous! At the first 'bit box session' I made seven cards in about 40 minutes which is unheard of for me - I usually procrastinate for hours over colours and styles so it was quite therapeutic for me to do this!! Here are a few of the results - I allowed myself to use bits from my embellishment box that I rarely venture into either and some inks for edging with but not much else:

Above is a kraft card with a Graphic 45 image which was left over from my Steampunk Debutante pad  with a TH ticket which I removed from the packet and then didn't use. I coloured the ticket to match the image and stuck a piece of faux stitching along the bottom - simple eh!

My background for this one was a 'mopping up' and a piece of Retro Grunge paper - I'd been playing with the Sewing Room alteration and had several of these die cuts in various papers. I've added them along with a few buttons, fibres and a rub on - I realised I had a friend's 40th coming up so I've added the numbers and will be sending it soon! 

This is a distress ink blended background with a Non-Sequitur stamped image which I'd created for a card a while ago and then decided the colour wasn't right. I've added a bit of sheer red ribbon and a playing card charm and on a black background I'm really pleased with it! Hope this inspires you to get your bit boxes out - I know you've all got one (or more). Happy crafting. JulieD