Explore this New Year!

Happy New Year! We made it to 2021! Whew... that was a close one. Now to start the new year off on a good note. Hi everyone, this is Julissa of Paper Gems by Jules and I'm so honored to be the first blog of the new year! Today I had a few things in mind... I wanted to use one of my first Unity stamps called "Journee Girl". Not sure if it was a post on Instagram or Facebook, but the Unity Girls are definitely what lead me to this amazing company. I also wanted to use something new like the "Explore" background stamp. This beautiful new addition is great for travel journals, masculine cards, scrapbooks and even gifts. I love the vintage vibe it gives too.

I chose to mix these two stamps for a couple reasons.

1. I think, more than ever, we need to make use of the wonderful crafty things we have. So I encourage all of you to shop your stash! We've all fallen in love with so many of these beautifully crafted red rubber stamps, but are we giving them enough ink? Let's bring back some of these classic stamps and give them new life with these newer stamps.

2. The sentiment from Journee Girl is perfect. We need to "trust the magic of new beginnings." Have faith in better days... and then go out and make those days better!

3. The "Explore" background stamp reminds me of how much I miss traveling. In 2019, I turned 40 and decided that I would travel to various states in the US to mountain bike with my guy. Well, at least I got one year out of it! Doubt it'll happen next year, but that's okay. Hopefully, when this is all over, those trips we take will be even more magical!

I encourage you to make magic happen this year. Make the best of your stash by introducing it to your new finds! Make the best of your days by celebrating your accomplishments and creating new adventures in life. And every day... count your blessing. Life is good.

Wishing each of you a very wonderful start to a new year and new beginnings!

Happy crafting!

Jules