Nuts & Bolts – Update Winter Holiday YEAR specific cards
Nuts & Bolts – Update Winter Holiday YEAR specific cards
It’s nearly July and mid-year is a great time for getting holiday cards ready for sale. Get a head start on updating holiday cards! Do you offer Year Specific designs? Be sure not to miss out on sales or worse, have your card taken offline because you’ve neglected to update it for the new year.
Not only should images be updated but also card titles, keywords and artist notes. This even applies to custom front designs to make them more marketable and avoid shopper errors.
Please add this to your to do list and begin to update cards while you have time well before the holiday season.
Christmas cards should reflect the current year (2025) and New Year cards should reflect the coming or new year (2026). Please take the time now to update your designs before 8/. After 8/1, GCU will take any outdated cards offline.
TIP: A quick way to pinpoint the bulk of your related cards is to search your storefront by entering in the search box “<holiday name year>” ie: “christmas 2024”, “new year 2025”.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Wanted Cards – National Guacamole Day Sept 16
Wanted Cards – National Guacamole Day Sept 16
If you have a passion for avocados and are ripe to celebrate National Guacamole Day on September 16th, consider creating new cards for the delicious dip’s observation day.
These cards should go here:
Holidays >> National & International Days >> National Guacamole Day / Sept 16 cid#28370
And while were talking avocados, also consider cards for
Holidays >> National & International Days >>National Avocado Day / July 31 ci#39324
Note: cid# is the speed entry method of adding a category to your card via category id number (cid#) vs using search terms or click and hunt. See here on the blog:
To expedite the review of these cards, please check Fast Track Review on the card image details page when you create your card and add a Note for Reviewers like “for BLOG– Wanted Cards”.
Consider using Stock Card Creations to create new cards quickly. These cards are automatically set for expedited review so no need to Fast Track. Remember, when you’re submitting your new stock card, add a little note about the intended category in your Notes to Reviewers.
Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Nuts & Bolts – Reminder June 2025 Design Challenge.
Nuts & Bolts – Reminder June 2025 Design Challenge
Monday, June 30th is the last day to submit your entries for June’s Stock Card Creations DesignChallenge.
See here:
Theme: Food Puns
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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New Card Category Alert: Encouragement for Those Caring for Elderly Parents
Caring for an aging parent or parents is one of the most compassionate and selfless roles someone can take on. It’s often full of emotional ups and downs — filled with love, stress, exhaustion, patience, and bittersweet moments. These caregivers may not always hear “you’re doing a great job,” even when they’re giving everything they’ve got. That’s where your cards can make a meaningful difference.
GCU is looking for cards that support and uplift people who are navigating this challenging chapter. Whether they’re tending to a single aging parent or both, your cards can serve as a much-needed reminder that their efforts are seen, appreciated, and deeply valued.
These cards belong in:
Occasions > Encouragement Cards > For Caregivers > Aging / Ill Parents
(Consider both “parent” and “parents” versions!)
📝 Front & Inside Text Ideas
🌿 Gentle Affirmation
Front:
You’re doing so much.
Inside:
Even on the days it feels like too much — you are doing an incredible job.
You’re showing up with love, and that matters more than you know.
💛 From the Heart
Front:
Being there for them says everything about you.
Inside:
Your love, patience, and strength don’t go unnoticed.
You’re making a difference, every single day.
🌄 For the Tough Days
Front:
Some days feel heavier than others…
Inside:
But your heart keeps showing up.
That’s the kind of love that changes the world.
👩👩👧 From a Friend
Front:
I see you. I admire you. I’m here for you.
Inside:
You’re doing one of the hardest jobs with so much love.
Don’t forget to care for yourself, too.
🕊 For Faith-Based Cards
Front:
God sees the care you give.
Inside:
Every act of love, every sleepless night, every prayer whispered in silence —
He sees it all, and you are not alone.
💡 Design Themes to Consider:
- Peaceful nature scenes (to reflect quiet strength)
- Caregiver imagery (e.g. hands holding, blanket over shoulders, tea and tissues)
- Subtle religious symbols (for spiritual encouragement)
- Clean, comforting fonts and muted color palettes
- Simple florals or calming home scenes
💬 Keywords & Phrases to Use:
- Caregiver strength
- Love in action
- Selfless devotion
- Tending with love
- Holding space
- Sandwich generation
- Daily grace
- Heart of gold
- Quiet hero
- Encouragement for the long haul
💌 Card Category Reminder:
Submit your designs to:
Occasions > Encouragement Cards > For Caregivers > Aging / Ill Parents
Cards like these are soul-boosters. They help people feel seen, appreciated, and less alone during one of life’s more demanding journeys. Now’s a wonderful time to lend your creative voice to this deeply meaningful theme.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted Cards – Taking Care of Elderly Parent(s) Encouragement
Finding yourself at a time in life when your parent(s) need help as they age can be rewarding yet challenging. Tending to the physical, mental and social needs are tireless acts of love. Create cards to encourage and lift up someone taking on this role who may need to hear that they are doing a great job!
These cards should go here:
Occasions > Encouragement Cards > For Caregivers > Aging / Ill Parents cid#1720
Consider versions of cards that speak to “parent” and “parents”.
Note: cid# is the speed entry method of adding a category to your card via category id number (cid#) vs using search terms or click and hunt. See here on the blog:
To expedite the review of these cards, please check Fast Track Review on the card image details page when you create your card and add a Note for Reviewers like “for BLOG– Wanted Cards”.
Consider using Stock Card Creations to create new cards quickly. These cards are automatically set for expedited review so no need to Fast Track. Remember, when you’re submitting your new stock card, add a little note about the intended category in your Notes to Reviewers.
Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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🎨 Understanding GCU’s AI Art Submission Policy: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
As AI tools become increasingly popular among artists and designers, Greeting Card Universe (GCU) has updated its submission policy to clarify how AI-generated artwork can be used. The key? AI-assisted collaboration — not one-click, unmodified images.
GCU is committed to protecting original content and intellectual property rights, whether work is made by hand, digitally, or with the help of AI. So, what does that mean for artists using generative AI?
✅ What You Must Do When Submitting AI-Assisted Artwork
To have your AI-assisted designs approved on GCU, make sure your submission meets all of the following:
- List the AI tool you used (e.g. Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Creative Fabrica) in the “Note to Reviewers.”
- Use a paid version of the AI program — free versions are allowed only if your own editing and enhancements are significant.
- Add real artistic value. Your own pre- or post-processing must be visible — no raw, untouched AI images.
- Ensure commercial usage rights are granted by the AI tool (check licensing/Terms of Use).
- Include a direct link to the original AI image before your enhancements.
- Explain your artistic contribution. Detail what you changed or added to the image in the Note to Reviewers.
Remember: GCU is not accepting “as-is” AI art. The final design must reflect your creative input.
🚫 What’s Not Allowed
GCU strictly prohibits any generative AI artwork that mimics or references living or copyrighted artists whose work is not in the public domain.
That means:
- Do NOT use prompts like “in the style of [modern artist name]”
- Do NOT create art that closely resembles the work of artists who are still under copyright
- Do NOT upload unedited or lightly edited AI-generated images from free platforms with no added artistic value
This mirrors GCU’s long-standing policy: If it wouldn’t be legal to paint or trace, it’s not legal to prompt.
Example by Doreen Erhardt©
🆗 Prompt Examples: What You Can & Can’t Say
Here are a few examples to help clarify acceptable prompts:
| ✅ Allowed Prompt | 🚫 Not Allowed Prompt |
|---|---|
| “Vintage botanical illustration with warm tones and detailed linework” | “In the style of William Morris” |
| “Fantasy forest scene with glowing mushrooms, soft lighting, painterly brushstrokes” | “Painted like Studio Ghibli background art” |
| “Cute cartoon animals in a flat, colorful vector style” | “Drawn like Mary Blair’s work” |
| “Art deco style pattern with geometric gold elements” | “Like Erté’s fashion illustrations” |
Tip: Focus on descriptive elements — color, composition, era, technique — rather than specific names.
Here are two links to prior guest posts from Stephanie Laird and me about our use of AI when designing cards:
🖌️ Final Thoughts
If you treat AI like a collaborator rather than a shortcut, you’re already on the right track. GCU celebrates creativity, but it must be yours — even when using advanced tools.
Happy creating — and keep those notes to reviewers clear and detailed!
Corrie
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Wanted Cards – Father to Be Father’s Day Relationship Specific
Too late for this year but we’ll be ready for next year! Consider creating new relationship specific cards for an expectant dad or father to be on Father’s Day. Consider custom front text designs allowing the shopper to customize the relationship.
These cards will go here in this category as a catch-all until we decide to breakout by relation:
Holidays >> Father’s Day >> Father to be cid#1069
Note: cid# is the speed entry method of adding a category to your card via category id number (cid#) vs using search terms or click and hunt. See here on the blog:
To expedite the review of these cards, please check Fast Track Review on the card image details page when you create your card and add a Note for Reviewers like “for BLOG– Wanted Cards”.
Also consider using Stock Card Creations to create new cards quickly. These cards are automatically set for expedited review so no need to Fast Track. Remember, when you’re submitting your new stock card, add a little note about the intended category in your Notes to Reviewers.
Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Wanted Cards – Master of Science in Software Engineering and Data Analytics
In the past couple of years, we have certainly had to find the humor of the countless “you can’t make this stuff up” circumstances. One current head scratching phenomenon is the soaring price of eggs.
Please consider creating humorous Easter cards regarding the high price of eggs. They should go here:
Occasions >> Congratulations >> Graduation >> Grad / Graduate >> Master of Science – Software Engineering cid#39200
as well as another new subcategory in need of cards:
Occasions >> Congratulations >> Graduation >> Grad / Graduate >> Master of Science – Data Analytics / Data Science cid#39202
Note: cid# is the speed entry method of adding a category to your card via category id number (cid#) vs using search terms or click and hunt. See here on the blog:
To expedite the review of these cards, please check Fast Track Review on the card image details page when you create your card and add a Note for Reviewers like “for BLOG– Wanted Cards”.
Consider using Stock Card Creations to create new cards quickly. These cards are automatically set for expedited review so no need to Fast Track. Remember, when you’re submitting your new stock card, add a little note about the intended category in your Notes to Reviewers.
Be inventive, be clever, be creative. Go for it!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Design Challenge Extra
🎨 Monthly Design Challenge: Pun Fun 🧠💥
Calling all wordplay wizards and clever card crafters—this month, it’s time to Pun and Done!
The June design challenge theme is all about punny perfection. Whether your cards bring groans, giggles, or guffaws, this is your time to shine with text ideas that twist words and tickle funny bones.
Pun cards are evergreen sellers—perfect for birthdays, love, holidays, pets, food, and even sympathy (yes, punthapy is a thing). The key is a strong visual hook and a line that makes people say, “Oh no… I love it.”
(let’s avocuddle)
🛠️ Card Text Ideas by Theme:
🎂 Birthdays
- Front: “Have a GOUDA birthday!”
Inside: “You’re really aging to perfection.” - Front: “You’re one in a MELON.”
Inside: “Hope your birthday is JUICY with fun!” - Front: “Turtley awesome!”
Inside: “Slow down and enjoy your special day!”
❤️ Love & Romance
- Front: “I lava you.” (with a cute volcano couple)
Inside: “You make my heart erupt.” - Front: “You’ve stolen a pizza my heart.”
Inside: “Extra cheese, extra love.” - Front: “Let’s avocuddle.”
Inside: “We’re the perfect pear.”
🐾 Animals & Pets
- Front: “Pawsitively the best!”
Inside: “I’m not kitten—you’re awesome.” - Front: “Whale you be mine?”
Inside: “Sea-riously.” - Front: “You’re claw-some.”
Inside: “Sending purrs and high fives.”
🎄 Holidays
- Front: “Fleece Navidad!” (with a festive sheep)
Inside: “Hope your holidays are woolly wonderful!” - Front: “Frankincense and puns.”
Inside: “It’s how I roll at Christmas.” - Front: “Hey ghoulfriend!”
Inside: “Have a fang-tastic Halloween!”
😢 Sympathy / Encouragement
- Front: “This totally STINKS.” (skunk with tissues)
Inside: “But I’m here for you. No ifs, ands, or butts.” - Front: “Lettuce be sad together.”
Inside: “I’ll bring the snacks.”
🖼️ Tips to Win with Puns:
- Pair the pun with strong visuals – The sillier, the better.
- Use universal humor – Keep jokes family-friendly and widely understandable.
- Think cross-category – Puns work for birthdays and congratulations, Valentine’s and get well.
- Keep it short – A snappy punchline makes it memorable (and easier to design around).
(this totally stinks)
Ready, set… pun! 🧀🐢🍕👻
Note: remember this challenge is being Stock Card Creations (bigstock) only.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Let’s have some PUN fun creating a stock card this month!
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Theme: Food Puns
Requirements:
- Create a new stock card, judges will weigh heavily on how well your pun, wording and image fit the category choice along with great typography choices and added value.
- ONLY Big Stock cards will be accepted in this challenge.
- The judges will be looking for professional quality text layout, typography placement and font combinations.
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Entry Deadline: Monday, June 30th
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How to Enter: Post the PID (card number) and the URL (public storefront link – please WAIT for the card to be available in the public marketplace, please DO NOT post a link to your Manage Cards area) as a post in the challenge blog. We’ll forward your entry to the jury.
NOTE: Submissions will appear immediately in your Private gallery as they await review. If approved, the reviewer will move them to the public gallery – they will then become ‘live’ in the marketplace within 24-hours or so just like regular submissions. Be patient and wait.
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Category:
Any category.
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Rules:
- Submission must meet GCU’s Submission Guidelines and be Approved through the usual Review Cycle. Big Stock creations are automatically identified as Fast Track – please add in the Notes to Reviewer: June Stock Challenge Submission here is the link to the blog post: (include THIS blog post URL)
- Only ONE card per artist per challenge.
- Submissions must be NEW, no existing designs.
- Your entry must meet the Challenge Requirements and Theme or it will not be included in the challenge.
- Big Stock Card Creations ONLY will be accepted.
- Your designs should differ from those already offered in the categories above to offer shoppers a variety of choices, not more of the same.
- No BLANK cards will be accepted.
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BLIND Judging: We hope each of you enters every month. Entries are submitted anonymously for judging by the GCU Challenge Jury which means that before and during the challenge, judges do not have any way of knowing what artist is behind each entry. This eliminates any and all concerns with ‘favoritism’. Results will post on the Community Blog. The jury will judge the entries on the following criteria:
- How well the card meets the Challenge Requirements and Theme.
- How well the card speaks to the Category the artist chooses for the card submission.
- Creativity, Execution and Marketability. Your overall ‘added value’ determines this.
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Winners: 1st Place:
- The winning designer’s card and store will be featured on the GCU Public Blog – the blog which customers view and follow.
- As well as featured on the GCU Public Facebook Page – nearly 58,000 followers, now THAT’S exposure!
- The winning card will be Design of the Day following the announcement of the winners (within 48-hours).
EXCEPTION: Horizontal (landscape) cards may not be featured as DOD due to GCU Home Page space restrictions. In these cases, GCU will choose a different vertically oriented card from your store to feature as DOD. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for this limitation.
- The winning card will be added to the Greeting Card Universe Design Challenge Winners Pinterest Board – currently GCU’s Pinterest Page followers: 12.9K!
- The winning card, should the artist choose, may be referenced in a new series by the winning artist and he/she may Fast Track all cards in the new series (being sure to give the Challenge URL and winning card PID in your Notes to Reviewer for each card in this series).
- Winning card will be included in a marketing email to over 100,000 customers!
- GCU will create a Meet the Team board for the winning artist under the Pinterest GCU account where the winning artist will be able to pin and promote her own storefront and all that makes them a unique card designer and one of GCU’s artistic community team member.
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Winning card will be posted on GCU’s Instagram with 2,000 followers and counting!
- GCU will create a Meet the Team board for the winning artist under the Pinterest GCU account where the winning artist will be able to pin and promote her own storefront and all that makes them a unique card designer and one of GCU’s artistic community team member.
- 10 free greeting card credits added to your GCU account. Apply them at checkout and they never expire.
- A Design Challenge GCU digital award for 2025!
2nd Place:
- Your submission will be Design of the Day the following week of announcing the Challenge winners (within 7-days).
EXCEPTION: Horizontal (landscape) cards may not be featured as DOD due to GCU Home Page space restrictions. In these cases, GCU will choose a different vertically oriented card from your store to feature as DOD. Thank you for your understanding and apologies for this limitation.
- Your card will be added to the Greeting Card Universe Design Challenge Winners Pinterest Board.
- Winning card will be included in a marketing email to over 100,000 customers!
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Winning card will be posted on GCU’s Instagram with 10.8k followers and counting!
- 5 free greeting card credits added to your GCU account. Apply them at checkout and they never expire.
- A Design Challenge GCU digital award for 2025!
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Tips:
- Visit all the available tips, tricks and guidelines offered on the Big Stock Creation blog page!
- 200 Tasty Food Puns That’ll Make You Laugh by Samantha Lee
Doreen Erhardt – Exclusive Creations
GCU Community 