Dash of Inspiration: APRIL 2025 STOCK Design Challenge
Let’s have some fun creating a stock card this month!
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Theme: Teacher Appreciation Day
Requirements:
- Create a new stock card, judges will weigh heavily on how well your words and image fit this category 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: Wednesday, April 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:
Holidays > Teacher Appreciation Day Cards > General Teacher Appreciation Day
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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: April 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!
- Teacher Appreciation Day – visit to learn more
Doreen Erhardt / Exclusive Creations
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Wanted Cards – Baby Boy 1/2 Birthday.
Wanted Cards – Baby Boy 1/2 Birthday
A half birthday falls on the six month mark after a birthday. For a newborn, their very first half birthday will fall on the 6 month mark of their age, even before their first birthday.
Please consider creating cards for a little boy’s first 6 months that should go here:
Birthday >> Half Birthday >> For Him cid#27140
Speaking of babies there are many baby milestone subcategories in need of cards, see below:
Occasions >> Congratulations >> Baby Milestones / Firsts …
>> Baby 1st / First Smile cid#27574
>> Clapping / Pattycake cid#27578
>> Laugh / Laughing cid#27582
>> Pointing cid#27576
>> Rolling Over cid#27584
>> Sitting Up cid#27586
>> Wave / Waving cid#27580
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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Wanted New Cards Extra – New Baby Themes.
New Design Trends and Colors in Baby Cards for 2025
As we step into 2025, the world of baby cards is evolving with fresh design trends and vibrant colors that reflect the latest in nursery aesthetics and graphic design. Whether you’re a greeting card artist or simply looking for inspiration, here’s a rundown of what’s trending this year.
Graphic Design Trends for Baby Cards
- Inclusivity and Interactivity: Incorporating diverse models and using augmented reality (AR) to allow users to interact with designs can add a modern twist to traditional baby cards. This trend combines inclusivity with cutting-edge technology, making cards more engaging and personalized.
- Sustainable Materials: Eco-friendly materials like recycled paper and minimalist layouts are becoming popular in print designs. These elements not only reduce environmental impact but also add a tactile dimension to cards.
- AI Collaboration: Leveraging AI in design can help create unique and innovative card designs. This collaboration allows for experimenting with new styles and themes that resonate with modern sensibilities.
Color Trends in Baby Cards
Inspired by nursery color palettes, baby cards are embracing a range of hues that reflect warmth, vibrancy, and timeless appeal. Here are some of the top color trends for 2025:
- Earthy and Natural Tones:
- Warm Neutrals: Beige, taupe, and muted sand tones create a soothing backdrop for baby cards.
- Olive and Sage Greens: These earthy hues bring a calming effect and are perfect for gender-neutral designs.
- Terracotta and Clay: Add warmth with shades of burnt sienna and soft terracotta.
- Vibrant and Playful Palettes:
- Sunshine Yellow: Brightens up cards with a cheerful and gender-neutral vibe.
- Sky and Denim Blues: Deeper blues like denim and powder blue offer a fresh yet classic touch.
- Peach and Apricot Tones: Softer alternatives to traditional pinks, these hues add warmth and coziness.
- Richer, Pigmented Hues:
- Deep Forest Green: Luxurious and nature-inspired, pairs well with brass accents.
- Navy and Ink Blue: Timeless and sophisticated, ideal for creating a modern look.
- Industry Color Picks:
- Pantone’s Mocha Mousse: A warm and welcoming color perfect for creating a nurturing atmosphere in baby cards.
- Sherwin-Williams’ Chartreuse: Adds a joyful, tropical brightness that can be used for bold accents.
Most Popular Baby Card Designs for 2025
As we explore the latest trends in baby card designs for 2025, several themes and styles stand out as particularly popular:
- Humorous and Relatable Themes:
- Cards like “Get Ready To Talk About Poop Every Single Day” and “Don’t Worry. It’s just the first 18 years of parenting that are the hardest” are gaining traction for their humorous take on parenting.
- These designs resonate with new parents by acknowledging the challenges and humor in parenthood.
- Personalized and Customizable Cards:
- Personalized cards, like those available on Etsy, allow for customization with specific details such as the baby’s name or birth year.
- This trend caters to those seeking unique and personalized messages for new parents.
- Cute and Whimsical Illustrations:
- Cards featuring adorable animals, like baby koalas eating watermelon or origami elephants, are popular for their playful and endearing designs.
- These illustrations add a touch of whimsy and delight to the cards.
- Celestial and Modern Themes:
- Cards inspired by planets and modern graphics, such as those found on Thortful, offer a fresh and contemporary approach to celebrating new arrivals.
- Cards inspired by planets and modern graphics, such as those found on Thortful, offer a fresh and contemporary approach to celebrating new arrivals.
- Interactive and Informative Designs:
- Cards that document the growth of a baby through comparisons with fruits and vegetables are both educational and engaging.
- These unique designs make the cards memorable and fun for expectant parents.
Overall, the most popular baby card designs for 2025 combine humor, eco-friendliness, personalization, and whimsical illustrations to create a diverse range of options that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted New Cards – New Baby Themes.
Wanted Cards – New Baby Themes
Trends in colors and design will pop up in not only baby nurseries but also in the themes for baby showers and stationery.
Please consider creating cards for baby in new and fresh themes.They should go here accordingly:
Invitation >> Baby Shower (see many subcategory choices)
Congratulations >> New Baby (see many subcategory choices)
Occasions >> Welcome to the Family >> Baby Boy
Occasions >> Welcome to the Family >> Baby Girl
Occasions >> Welcome to the Family>> General / Baby
Occasions >> A Gift for You >> Baby Shower Gift
Occasions >> A Gift for You >> Baby Gift
See here for an example of nursery trends in colors and design.
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
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Celebrating April Fools’ Day: A Look at Its History and Fun Ideas for Greeting Cards
April Fools’ Day, celebrated on April 1st, is a time for playful jokes, pranks, and laughter. Whether you’re a master prankster or just enjoy the lighthearted spirit of the day, April Fools’ Day offers a unique opportunity to connect with friends and family through humor and creativity. In this post, we’ll delve into the history of April Fools’ Day and provide some fun text ideas for greeting cards to make your celebrations even more special.
The History of April Fools’ Day
The origins of April Fools’ Day are not well-documented, but several theories attempt to explain how this tradition began:
- Tudor and Roman Influences: Some historians suggest that April Fools’ Day may have roots in ancient Roman festivals like Hilaria, which involved merriment and pranks. Similarly, during the Tudor period in England, the calendar change from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar might have played a role, as those who continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st were teased by their peers.
- Medieval New Year’s Celebrations: Another theory points to medieval Europe, where the New Year was celebrated on different dates. Those who celebrated on January 1st would tease those who still observed the old date, calling them “April Fools”.
- Literary References: The first recorded reference to an April Fool’s prank is from a 1561 poem by Flemish writer Eduard de Dene. This early mention highlights the long-standing tradition of playful deception on this day.
Fun Text Ideas for Greeting Cards
April Fools’ Day greeting cards are a great way to share in the fun and spread laughter. Here are some playful ideas for your cards:
- “Happy April Fools’ Day! You’re the best fool I know.”
- “On this special day, remember: it’s okay to be a little foolish!”
- “Wishing you a day filled with laughter and only a few good pranks!”
- “You’re not just a fool on April 1st; you’re a fool all year round, and I love that about you!”
- “April Fools’ Day is the one day where being silly is mandatory. Enjoy!”
- “Thanks for being my partner in crime on April Fools’ Day and every other day!”
- “If you’re reading this, you might already be pranked. Happy April Fools’ Day!”
- “April Fools’ Day is just an excuse to remind you how much I appreciate your silly side.”
Conclusion
April Fools’ Day is a celebration of humor and camaraderie, offering a chance to bring joy and laughter into our lives. By understanding its history and embracing its playful spirit, you can create meaningful connections with those around you. Whether you’re a seasoned prankster or just enjoy the lighthearted atmosphere, April Fools’ Day greeting cards are a thoughtful way to share in the fun and make the day unforgettable for your loved ones. So, get creative, have fun, and remember: on April Fools’ Day, everyone is a little bit foolish!
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Nuts and Bolts – Reminder March 2025 Design Challenge.
Nuts & Bolts – Reminder March 2025 Design Challenge
Monday, March 31st the last day to submit your entries for March’s DesignChallenge.
See March’s 2025 Design Challenge here.
Theme: Sisterhood
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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Wanted New Cards – Birthday Bloodhound Dog.
Wanted Cards – Birthday Bloodhound Dog
Shoppers love to find their favorite animal breeds – especially dog lovers.
Please consider creating birthday cards featuring bloodhounds. They should go here:
Birthdays >> Animals / Pets >> Dogs >> Bloodhound cid#11977
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:
Remember to fortify your meta-data for breed, see here.
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
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Dash of Inspiration: 2024 Founders’ Choice Awards.
Honorable Mentions Best New Artist:
Fransmey Freitas of Feira Pop
and Gwen Vann-Horn of Coastal South Studio
Honorable Mentions Hottest Seller – Christmas:
Doreen Erhardt of Salon Of Art Greetings – PID# 1881852
and Nancy Mink of Nancy Mink Studios – PID# 1886558
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4. Hottest Seller – Chinese New Year
Doreen Erhardt of Salon Of Art Greetings – PID# 1889694
Honorable Mentions Hottest Seller – Chinese New Year:
Laurie Schneider – PID# 1822114
and Teri Nelson Kuster of Che Bella Nota – PID# 1882380
5. Hottest Seller – Birthday
Cathy Sudzius of Cedar Rue – PID# 1870150
Honorable Mentions Hottest Seller – Birthday:
Ron Kanfi of NobleWorks Cards – PID# 1821588
and Cathy Sudzius of Cedar Rue – PID# 1836802
6. Hottest Seller – Thanksgiving
Michelle Lanoue of Illustrations by Michelle – PID# 1886072
Honorable Mentions Hottest Seller – Thanksgiving:
Cathy Sudzius of Cedar Rue – PID# 1802702
and Jon Carter of CarterToons – PID# 1885754
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7. Hottest Seller – Halloween *NEW*
Makiko Kimura –PID# 1881566
Honorable Mentions – Hottest Seller Halloween:
Michelle Lanoue of Illustrations by Michelle – PID# 1881830
And
Lisa Griffin of La Belle Paperie – PID# 1864184
8. Best New Series
Heather Kerr of Dreaming Mind Cards – PID# 1842770
Honorable Mentions – Best New Series:
Stephanie Laird of Stephanie Laird Creatives – PID# 1817644
and Teri Francis of Squirrel Hugger Greeting Cards – PID# 1881706
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9. Best Custom Front (Text):
Ron Magnes of Creative Greetings – PID# 1832936
Honorable Mentions Best Custom Front (Text):
Ramelle Richardson of Eloquence by Ramelle – PID# 1818366
and Annie Lang of Whimsical Designs by Annie – PID# 1826458
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10. Best Custom Front (Image)
Teri Francis of Squirrel Hugger Cards – PID# 1881642
Honorable Mentions Best Custom Front (Image):
MoGreetings – PID# 1867438
And Cisillia Tay – PID# 1815222
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11. Best Business Logo and/or Name (no cards recognized this year)
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12. Funniest Card
Ron Kanfi of NobleWorks Cards – PID# 1825058
Honorable Mentions Funniest Card:
Doug Hill of Laughing Hippo Studio – PID# 1865374
and Corrie Kuipers – PID# 1854858
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13. Most Creative Stock Card Creation (BigStock)
Doreen Erhardt of Exclusive Creations – PID# 1874936
Honorable Mentions Most Creative Stock Card Creation:
Mo Greetings – PID# 1828480
and Mo Greetings – PID# 1824114
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14. Rising Star
Sandra Rose of Sandra Rose Designs – PID# 1817926
Honorable Mentions Rising Star:
Farida Greenfield of Farida Gallery – PID# 1838060
and Cathie Richardson of Country Garden Cards – PID# 1887216
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15. Custom Request – Nailed it
Gail Pepin – PID# 1864692
Honorable Mentions Custom Request – Nailed It:
Christie Black of Creations from the Heart – PID# 1871860
and Teri Nelson Kuster of Che Bella Nota – PID# 1884158
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16. Best Uncommon Card
Gwen Vann-Horn of Coastal South Studio – PID# 1858664
Honorable Mentions Best Uncommon Card:
Cisillia Tay – PID #1886136
and Gail Pepin – PID #1846572
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17. Best Design Challenge Submission
Betsy Bush of Dragonfire Graphics – PID #1877652
Honorable Mentions Best Design Challenge Submission:
Robin Chaffin of Rycky Creations – PID #1875066
and Rhea Eason of Sun at Night Studios – PID #1859378
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18. Simply Clever
Corrie Kuipers of CorrieWeb Store – PID #1831628
Honorable Mentions Simply Clever:
Greetings from Anne – PID #1892142
And Ashley Lucas – PID #1828448
19. Reviewers’ Choice
Fiona, Reviewer #825 – Amber Sudzius of Cedar Rue – PID #1888184
Mackenzie, Reviewer #528 – Lisa Griffin of La Belle Paperie – PID #1872950
Desiree, Reviewer #121 – Caryn Brame of The Kedge Anchor – PID #1831322
Phoebe, Reviewer #443 – Cathie Richardson of Country Garden Cards – PID #1892408
John, Reviewer #233 – Cyndy McAtee of Cyndy’s Photography & Designs – PID #1892288
Catherine, Reviewer #871 – Jean Okada Arts – PID #1879482
Victor, Reviewer #992 – Garrett Overheul of GRObot Greetings – PID #1841224
Regan, Reviewer #379 – Christina Yee of Cyee Art – PID #1872552
Anne, Reviewer #127 – Diane Turpin Design – PID #1889802
Jessica Renee, Reviewer #937 – Michelle Downs of MimmyD’s – PID #1893732
Shelley, Reviewer #155 – Dale Simpson Design – PID #1873680
Daisey, Reviewer #892 – Christie Black of Creations from the Heart – PID #1879138
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Always a sentimental and impressive year in review! We are grateful for this gift of reflection. Your creative works continue to knock the socks off of shoppers’ and honestly chronicle the small moments of their lives and the big world around us. Thank you for your commitment to GCU, your community spirit, and for your apparently endless creativity. We at GCU are immeasurably grateful and proud for your contributions in keeping Greeting Card Universe the destination for Any Card Imaginable.
Mindy – GCU Community Manager
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Nuts and Bolts – Graduation 2024 to 2025.
Nuts & Bolts – Graduation 2024 to 2025
Let’s be ready for graduation card sales for the class of 2025. Many college and high school graduations are in May. There are hundreds of graduation cards on the site dated 2024. This includes Congratulations, Announcements, and Invitations. Not only should card images be updated but also card titles, keywords, and artist’s notes accordingly. This even applies to custom front design to make them more marketable and avoid shopper errors.
Thank you to those artists who have already updated their designs for 2025 – we appreciate you stepping up to the front of the class!
Search results for “Graduation 2024“
Tip: A quick way to pinpoint the bulk of your related cards is within your Manage Store >> Manage Cards and locate cards searching with keywords “graduation 2024”.
While graduation is on your mind, consider adding new designs to the collection to offer fresh choices to shoppers. See here about adding fresh designs to a saturated category.
Please take the time now to update your designs before 4/7/24. After 4/7/24, GCU will take any outdated cards offline.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted Cards – St. John the Baptist Feast Day (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day)
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (French: Fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste, la Saint-Jean, Fête nationale du Québec), also known in English as St John the Baptist Day, is a holiday celebrated on June 24 in the Canadian province of Quebec. It was brought to Canada by French settlers celebrating the traditional feast day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. It was declared a public holiday in Quebecin 1925, with publicly financed events organized province-wide by a Comité organisateur de la fête nationale du Québec.
Please consider creating new cards. They should go here accordingly:
Holidays >> St. John the Baptist Feast Day / Saint Jean Baptiste Day …
>> General cid#38488
>> Birthday on St. John the Baptist Feast Day cid#38490
>> Non-English / Other Languages cid#38492
>> Other cid#38486
Note: the guidelines for supported characters in the inside verse here.
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
GCU Community 