As an artsy crafty type we (yes all) buy little bits here and their and we hoard samples, yarn ends,ribbon, buttons etc.
And it can be a really inspirational time, going back through remembering what and why you made the sample brought the thing, button?. Heres my example explained. The broach, the pin part I have had for years from hobby craft type store, brought the button in London and then stitched it on a random flower crochet sample I tried to make! and wa!,la.