GCU Community

Wanted Cards Extra – International Tea Day & National Tea Day
Pinkies up, artists. It’s steeping season.

There are days for fireworks, days for chocolate, days for dressing like a pirate… and then there are the beautifully civilized days dedicated to tea. Two of them, in fact.

International Tea Day – May 21st celebrates tea’s global impact, from hillside plantations to kitchen tables. It honors the farmers, the cultures, and the everyday ritual of pouring comfort into a cup.

National Tea Day – April 21st (UK) is a particularly British affair. Think afternoon tea, tiered trays, clinking china, and that gentle pause in the day where the kettle becomes the main character.

For Greeting Card Universe artists, this is a charming niche with enormous creative potential. Tea is not just a beverage. It is mood. It is memory. It is aesthetic. And best of all, it translates beautifully to our single folded 10 x 15 format, whether portrait elegance or landscape tea-party spread.

Let’s explore what could be brewing.

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Design Directions to Consider

1. Classic & Elegant

Fine bone china, floral patterns, lace tablecloths, scones, lemon slices. Soft pastels or rich heritage tones. Ideal for UK-focused National Tea Day cards.

Ideas:

• Victorian-inspired afternoon tea table
• English garden setting with teacups and roses
• Stately teapot portraits as the hero object
• Typography styled like vintage tea tins

Front-of-card style works beautifully here, since our standard card stock prints crisp detail and soft watercolor textures exceptionally well.

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2. Cozy & Comforting

Tea as self-care. Tea as emotional support. Tea as “sit down and breathe.”

Ideas:

• A steaming mug in oversized hands
• Rain on the window, teacup on the sill
• Cat curled beside a teapot
• Blanket, book, and chamomile moment

This category pairs perfectly with gentle encouragement messages or light humor.

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3. Playful & Punny

Now we stir in the fun.

Tea puns are endless and surprisingly marketable:

• “You’re My Cup of Tea”
• “Spill the Tea”
• “Sip Sip Hooray!”
• “You’re Tea-rific”
• “Let’s Par-tea”

These work well in bold typography designs or with whimsical illustrated characters. Think smiling teabags, gossiping teacups, or a flamboyant teapot wearing a crown.

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4. Global Celebration (International Tea Day Focus)

Highlight tea cultures around the world:

• Japanese matcha ceremony
• Indian chai stall scene
• Moroccan mint tea with ornate glasses
• Chinese tea ceremony table
• British afternoon tea

A tasteful, respectful approach here can broaden appeal and give artists room for beautiful pattern work and cultural details.

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5. Tea & Friendship

Tea is rarely a solo act in greeting card land.

Design ideas:

• Two teacups leaning toward each other
• Best friends at a tea table
• Mother & daughter tea date
• Long-distance “Wish we were sharing tea”

This could cross into Birthday, Thank You, or Just Because subcategories later on.

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Text Suggestions for International Tea Day (May 21st)

Front-of-Card Ideas:

• “Happy International Tea Day”
• “Celebrating the World, One Cup at a Time”
• “May Your Cup Be Full Today”
• “Steeped in Tradition & Comfort”
• “Here’s to the Leaves That Bring Us Together”

Inside Text Ideas:

• “Wishing you warmth, comfort, and a perfectly brewed moment.”
• “Today we celebrate the simple ritual that connects cultures and hearts.”
• “Pour yourself a cup and savor the pause.”

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Text Suggestions for National Tea Day (UK – April 21st)

Front-of-Card Ideas:

• “Happy National Tea Day!”
• “Keep Calm and Put the Kettle On”
• “Time for a Proper Cuppa”
• “Pinkies Up!”
• “A Very British Celebration”

Inside Text Ideas:

• “Wishing you scones, clotted cream, and the perfect brew.”
• “May your tea be strong and your biscuits never soggy.”
• “Here’s to tradition, comfort, and a well-timed kettle whistle.”

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Humor Card Ideas

Front-of-Card:

• “I Run on Tea and Mild Sarcasm.”
• “Tea First. Everything Else Later.”
• “This Meeting Could Have Been a Teatime.”
• “My Blood Type Is Earl Grey.”
• “Let’s Steep It Real.”

Inside:

• “Refill required.”
• “We take our tea seriously.”
• “Some like it hot. I like it steeped.”

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Design Tips for GCU Artists

• Our standard folded format means bold focal points shine. A beautifully illustrated teapot centered in portrait orientation can be incredibly striking.
• Keep metallic effects illustrated rather than relying on print finishes. Faux gold detailing works wonderfully.
• Consider typography-forward designs for quick-to-produce additions to the category.
• Tea lends itself beautifully to both watercolor softness and crisp vector art, so lean into your strengths.

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Why These Categories Matter

Tea is universal. It crosses age groups, cultures, and occasions. It can be elegant, funny, comforting, or celebratory. And both of these subcategories are still growing, which means opportunity.

So put the kettle on, gather your sketchbook, and let your creativity steep just long enough to be perfect.

Because in the greeting card world, there is always time for tea.

Happy Designing!

Corrie

🍀 Wanted Cards Extra: First / 1st St. Patrick’s Day

There is something especially charming about a “first.” First coffee in a new kitchen. First road trip in a new car. First holiday with a brand-new title attached to your name.

And when that holiday happens to be St. Patrick’s Day, well… now we’re sprinkling a little extra emerald glitter on the memory. ☘️

From a first St. Patrick’s Day as a couple to a first one as grandparents, these milestones are full of sentiment, pride, humor, and fresh beginnings. That makes them perfect inspiration for GCU artists. Remember, our format is the classic folded 10 x 15 inch card, landscape or portrait, so think bold focal imagery, strong typography, and room for heartfelt or playful messages inside.

Let’s explore the lucky firsts waiting to be designed.

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🍀 1st St. Patrick’s Day Alone / Divorced

Category: Holidays >> St. Patrick’s Day >> 1st / First St. Patrick’s Day >> Alone / Divorced 1st / First St. Patrick’s Day cid#39654

This one can lean empowering, supportive, or gently humorous. It is a new chapter moment.

Design angles:
• A single bold shamrock with the message “Still Lucky.”
• A rainbow leading to a pot labeled “New Beginnings.”
• Confident, stylish figure in green raising a toast.
• Cozy self-care theme with tea, books, and clovers.

Text Suggestions:
Front:
• “Still Lucky. Still Strong.”
• “New Chapter. Same Magic.”
• “Who Needs a Leprechaun? You’ve Got Yourself.”
• “Your First St. Paddy’s Day — All Yours.”

Inside:
• “May this year bring freedom, fresh joy, and all the luck you deserve.”
• “Here’s to independence, green horizons, and brighter days ahead.”

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💚 1st St. Patrick’s Day as a Couple / Engaged

Category: cid#39656

This is sweet, romantic, and just a little playful.

Design angles:
• Two shamrocks forming a heart.
• A rainbow connecting two hands.
• Subtle nod to a Claddagh ring symbol.
• “Lucky in Love” typography as the focal point.

Text Suggestions:
Front:
• “Lucky in Love — Our First St. Patrick’s Day.”
• “Two Hearts. One Rainbow.”
• “Engaged & Emerald Bright.”

Inside:
• “Here’s to building a lifetime of lucky moments together.”
• “Our first of many St. Patrick’s Days side by side.”

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👶 1st St. Patrick’s Day as a Mom / Dad / Parents

Categories:
As a Dad / Father cid#39658
As a Family / Parents cid#39660
As a Mom / Mother cid#39662

These are pure charm and keepsake material.

Design angles:
• Tiny baby booties with clover patterns.
• “Our Lucky Charm Arrived.”
• Matching green family shirts.
• Gold coin footprints leading to a crib.

Text Suggestions:

As Mom:
Front:
• “Your First St. Patrick’s Day as a Mom.”
• “Blessed with the Sweetest Lucky Charm.”

Inside:
• “Motherhood is the greatest treasure of all.”

As Dad:
Front:
• “Dad’s First St. Paddy’s Day!”
• “Officially the Luckiest Guy Around.”

Inside:
• “That little smile is better than a pot of gold.”

As Parents:
Front:
• “Our First St. Patrick’s Day as a Family.”
• “New Baby. New Traditions.”

Inside:
• “May your home always be full of love, laughter, and a little Irish luck.”

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👩‍🦳 1st St. Patrick’s Day as Grandparents

Category: cid#39664

Grandparent pride meets Irish sparkle.

Design angles:
• “Promoted to Lucky Grandma & Grandpa.”
• Three-leaf clover turning into a family tree.
• Generational rainbow imagery.

Text Suggestions:
Front:
• “Your First St. Patrick’s Day as Grandparents.”
• “Twice the Love. Double the Luck.”

Inside:
• “This new little blessing makes the whole family glow green with joy.”

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 1st as an Aunt or Uncle

Categories:
As an Aunt cid#39668
As an Uncle cid#39670

Fun, playful, and a little mischievous in the best way.

Design angles:
• “Coolest Aunt in the Clover Patch.”
• “Uncle: Professional Lucky Charm.”
• Cartoon leprechaun boots next to baby booties.

Text Suggestions:
As Aunt:
• “First St. Paddy’s Day as an Aunt — Lucky You!”
• “Officially the Fun One.”

As Uncle:
• “Uncle Status: Legendary & Lucky.”
• “This Little Leprechaun Picked the Best Uncle.”

Inside options:
• “Get ready for a lifetime of spoiling and giggles.”
• “Your lucky charm has arrived.”

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Design Tips for GCU Artists

• Use bold greens with pops of gold for strong contrast on our single cardstock option.
• Keep typography readable and celebratory. Hand-lettered looks work beautifully here.
• Offer sentimental versions and humorous versions within each category.
• Consider both portrait and landscape compositions to broaden search appeal.
• Add “1st St. Patrick’s Day” and the specific role into your keywords for maximum visibility.

And remember, you can quickly add categories using the cid# speed entry method described here:
https://gcucommunity.com/2022/06/10/nuts-and-bolts-new-artist-enhancements/

There is something magical about a first celebration. It is a bookmark in someone’s life story. And what better day to mark it than one filled with shamrocks, rainbows, and just a hint of Irish sparkle. 🍀✨

Now go sprinkle a little luck into the marketplace.

Happy Designing!

Corrie

January 14 marks National Ratification Day, a quietly powerful milestone in American history.

On January 14, 1784, the United States was formally recognized as an independent and sovereign nation. After years of revolution, diplomacy, and paperwork that involved far more quills than fireworks, the young nation finally stepped onto the world stage as its own political entity.

This day doesn’t come with parades or marching bands, but its importance is immense. Ratification was the final stitch that held together years of struggle, negotiation, and hope. It’s a moment about legitimacy, unity, and the idea that a group of colonies could become something new, deliberate, and lasting.

For greeting card artists, National Ratification Day offers a thoughtful alternative to louder patriotic holidays. It’s reflective rather than rowdy, historic rather than flashy. That makes it perfect for cards that feel educational, dignified, or quietly celebratory.

This category works well for history lovers, educators, civic-minded senders, and anyone who enjoys marking meaningful “did you know?” moments on the calendar.

Please consider creating new cards for this category:

Holidays >> National & International Days >> National Ratification Day
cid#39634

Design ideas for GCU artists

Because GCU prints on one standard folded card with no foils, embossing, or specialty finishes, designs that rely on strong illustration, texture, and typography tend to shine here.

Visual directions to explore:

• Parchment-style backgrounds with handwritten or calligraphic text
• Illustrated historical documents, quills, wax seals, or early flags
• Minimalist typographic designs focusing on the date: January 14, 1784
• Subtle red, white, and blue palettes without heavy flag imagery
• Vintage or sepia-toned illustrations inspired by the late 18th century
• Symbolic imagery like linked states, stars, or scrolls representing unity

Tone-wise, this category leans more thoughtful pride than fireworks and confetti. Quiet confidence works beautifully.

Text suggestions for the front of the card

• “January 14, 1784”
• “National Ratification Day”
• “The Day Independence Became Official”
• “A Nation, Formally Recognized”
• “When the United States Took Its Place”
• “From Colonies to Country”
• “History Worth Remembering”
• “A Defining Day in American History”

Inside text ideas

• “Today we remember the moment the United States was formally recognized as a sovereign nation. A quiet milestone with a lasting legacy.”
• “National Ratification Day honors the paperwork that made independence real.”
• “Freedom was fought for. Ratification made it official.”
• “January 14, 1784: when a new nation stood on its own.”
• “Some moments don’t shout. They endure.”
• “A reminder that history is shaped not only by battles, but by agreements.”

Short, modern inside sentiments

• “History matters. Today proves it.”
• “A small date with a big impact.”
• “Proof that signatures can change the world.”
• “Here’s to unity, perseverance, and progress.”

National Ratification Day is a niche but meaningful category that rewards thoughtful design. Cards here don’t need spectacle. They just need respect for the moment and a clear visual voice that lets history speak.

Happy Designing!

Corrie