Wanted New Cards Extra – Heartstrings and Ink: Crafting Perfect Valentine’s Day Messages for Daughters.
Valentine’s Day Card Ideas for Daughters
As a greeting card artist, creating heartfelt messages for Valentine’s Day cards can be both rewarding and challenging. Today, we’ll focus on crafting touching sentiments for daughters, from both dad and mom. These ideas will help you design cards that capture the special bond between parents and their daughters on this day of love.
From Dad to Daughter
Heartfelt Messages:
- “To my little princess, you’ll always be the queen of my heart.”
- “Watching you grow has been life’s greatest adventure. Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart.”
- “No matter how old you get, you’ll always be my baby girl. Love you to the moon and back.”
Humorous Notes:
- “Thanks for letting me be your first Valentine, kiddo. Don’t tell your mom!”
- “To my daughter: I promise to scrutinize all your future Valentines. It’s a dad’s job, after all!”
Inspirational Messages:
- “You make me proud every day. Keep shining bright, my beautiful daughter.”
- “Your smile lights up my world. Never stop being the amazing person you are.”
From Mom to Daughter
Loving Sentiments:
- “From the moment I held you, you’ve held my heart. Happy Valentine’s Day, my sweet girl.”
- “You’re not just my daughter, you’re my best friend. Love you always and forever.”
- “To the daughter who stole my heart: You’re my greatest love story.”
Supportive Messages:
- “You’re strong, beautiful, and capable of anything. I’m so proud to be your mom.”
- “Remember, you’re braver than you believe and loved more than you know.”
Playful Notes:
- “Roses are red, violets are blue, I’ve got the world’s best daughter, and that daughter is you!”
- “To my mini-me: Thanks for being my favorite shopping buddy and secret-keeper.”
Remember, the key to a great Valentine’s Day card for a daughter is to convey unconditional love, support, and pride. Whether you’re crafting messages from dad or mom, focus on the special bond that exists between parent and child. These heartfelt messages will surely resonate with your customers and help them express their love on this special day.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted Cards – Thank You Hat Maker / Milliner.
Wanted Cards – Thank You Hat Maker / Milliner
Hats may be making a comeback for special occasions and everyday fashion. They can be handmade, custom sized, and even personalized or accessorized on the spot like at a “hat bar’.
Please consider creating cards to thank a hat maker or milliner. They should go here:
Occasions >> Thank You >> Occupation Specific >> Hat Maker / Milliner cid#38448
Also consider invitations to a Hat Bar Event / Party, these cards should go here:
Invitations >> Party by Theme >> Hat Bar Party cid#38450
Remember the suggestions for Invitation Inside Text here: https://gcucommunity.com/2016/10/21/nuts-and-bolts-invitation-inside-text/
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 and Bolts – 2024 1099-NEC Form (MISC)
Nuts and Bolts: 2024 1099-NEC Form (MISC)
Form 1099-NEC will be mailed by January 31st to all U.S. based artists who were paid more than $600.00 in 2024. Forms will be e-filed this year. This means you will receive a notification from Quickbooks that you can view your 1099 online. If you do not receive an email, do not worry, paper copies will also be mailed by the 1/31/2025 deadline.
When you receive your Form 1099-NEC, please review the information and let us know ASAP if there are any errors.
All corrections or questions should be sent to accounting@gcuniverse.com
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted New Cards Extra – Unlucky or Lucky? Celebrating Milestones on Friday the 13th.
When it comes to special occasions, Friday the 13th might not be the first date that comes to mind. However, for those born or married on this intriguing day, it’s a unique opportunity to embrace both the mystique and the joy of their personal milestone. Let’s explore some creative ideas for Friday the 13th greeting cards that celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with a twist of humor and charm.
Birthday Wishes with a Dash of Superstition
For those turning 13 on a Friday the 13th, it’s a double dose of excitement. Here are some playful messages to include in their birthday card:
- “13 on the 13th? You’re not just lucky, you’re legendary!”
- “Happy 13th Birthday! May your day be filled with black cats, broken mirrors, and tons of cake!”
- “Congrats on your 13th! You’ve officially hit the jackpot of cool birthdays.”
For other ages celebrating on this special day:
- “Another year older on Friday the 13th? You must have some serious good luck charm!”
- “Happy Birthday! Here’s to defying superstition and embracing your awesome day.”
- “Wishing you a birthday as extraordinary as its date. Happy Friday the 13th Birthday!”
Anniversary Toasts with a Lucky Twist
Couples celebrating their anniversary on Friday the 13th have a unique story to tell. Here are some heartwarming messages for their cards:
- “Your love story is proof that Friday the 13th is the luckiest day of all. Happy Anniversary!”
- “To the couple who turned an ‘unlucky’ day into a lifetime of happiness. Cheers to your anniversary!”
- “May your love continue to defy superstition and grow stronger with each passing year. Happy Anniversary!”
Designing Your Friday the 13th Card
When creating your greeting card, consider incorporating these elements for a thematic touch:
- Color Scheme: Black and white with pops of red or gold for a dramatic effect.
- Imagery: Playful symbols like horseshoes, four-leaf clovers, or black cats.
- Typography: Mix elegant scripts with bold, quirky fonts to balance the traditional and the unconventional.
Embracing the Uniqueness
Friday the 13th celebrations offer a chance to stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s a birthday or an anniversary, the key is to embrace the day’s uniqueness with humor and affection. These occasions remind us that luck is what we make of it, and love and joy can flourish on any date of the calendar.
Remember, the best greeting cards come from the heart. Personalize your message to reflect the recipient’s personality and your relationship with them. With a touch of creativity and a sprinkle of superstition, your Friday the 13th card will surely be remembered for years to come.
So, here’s to turning superstition on its head and celebrating the extraordinary individuals and couples who make Friday the 13th a truly special day!
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted New Cards – Friday the 13th Birthday or Anniversary.
Wanted Cards – Friday the 13th Birthday or Anniversary
There is only one Friday the 13th in 2025. It falls in June – Friday, June 13th.
Please consider creating some new cards for a Friday the 13th birthday or anniversary.
They will go here accordingly:
Birthdays >> Holiday Birthday >> Birthday on Friday the 13th cid#26512
OR
Anniversary >> Anniversary – Wedding >> Holiday Anniversaries >> Anniversary on Friday the 13th cid#4537
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:
REMINDER: please follow guidelines for superscript ordinal indicators if you use (13th) in your design, 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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Nuts & Bolts – GCU’s GCA 36th Annual Louie Awards Submissions
Nuts & Bolts – GCU’s GCA 36th Annual Louie Awards Submissions
Announced originally in July and recently this October, as part of the winnings and bragging rights of the GCU Founders’ Choice Awards, GCU has submitted select 2023 winning cards to the Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) annual greeting card competition called the LOUIE awards. It is a very prestigious event like the Academy Awards for the greeting card industry.
The following 2023 FCA winning cards have been entered by GCU on behalf of the artist:
Best New Series Card – Teri Francis of Squirrel Hugger PID#1765188
Hottest Seller – Christmas – Randi Perez Helm of Something to Say PID#1798898
Hottest Seller – Chinese New Year – Ramelle Richardson of Eloquence by Ramelle PID#1810038
Hottest Seller – Birthday – TMS International PID#1788146
Hottest Seller – Thanksgiving – Teri Nelson Kuster of Che Bella Nota PID#1797782
GCU has also selected these 3 older uncommon cards as entries this year:
Italian Sympathy by Doreen Erhardt PID#628523
Pet Sympathy by Stephanie Laird PID#1592914
Grandparent Congratulations by Kathleen Johnson of Encouragers of Christ PID#1547788
A few notes for all artists who may want to follow along GCU’s entry journey in the 36th Annual Louie Awards:
- Follow @usagca on Instagram to get some glimpses into the behind-the-scenes!
- The finalists will be announced on Monday, February 24th – we’ll share the news here
- Winners will be announced in July in Las Vegas at the Louie Award Celebration held the night before NOTED
Take a peek at last year’s 35th Annual Louie finalists and winners by category.
Since becoming a member of the GCA and attending NOTED, there is one thing we’ve learned – “paper people” are great people. Although this is a competition everyone supports everyone with the mindset of there is a place for all art and the market is big enough for all of us. Participating alone is exciting, fun and is great exposure in the industry. We are beyond proud to represent the above submissions on behalf of the artists.
We’re excited to participate on behalf of our GCU community – wish us and all the best of luck!
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted New Cards Extra – Class of 1985 40th Reunion Invitations.
As we step into 2025, it’s time for the Class of 1985 to celebrate a major milestone – our 40th reunion! Here are some engaging greeting card text ideas for your reunion invitations:
Nostalgic Throwbacks
“1985 Called… It Wants Its Cool Kids Back!”
Join us for a totally rad 40th reunion celebration. Let’s party like it’s 1985 again!
“We Survived High School Without Google… Now Let’s Celebrate!”
40 years later, and we’re still awesome. Come reminisce about the good old days!
Pop Culture References
“Where’s the Beef? At Our 40th Reunion!”
Don’t miss out on this bodacious bash. It’s time to reunite and relive the glory days!
“We’re Not in Kansas Anymore… We’re at Our 40th Reunion!”
Follow the yellow brick road to an epic celebration of friendship and memories.
Humorous Approaches
“40 Years Later: Still Totally Awesome, Just a Bit More… Vintage”
Join your fellow ’85ers for a night of nostalgia, laughter, and maybe a few aches and pains.
“From Big Hair to Dad Jokes: Our 40-Year Evolution”
Come see how we’ve changed (or haven’t) since our glory days. No Aqua Net required!
Heartfelt Messages
“40 Years of Friendship, Memories, and Laughter”
Let’s come together to celebrate the bonds that have lasted four decades and counting.
“From Classmates to Lifelong Friends: Celebrating 40 Years”
Join us as we honor the journey from our school days to today. Your presence makes our reunion complete.
Customization Tips
When creating reunion invitations for the Class of 1985, consider these additional tips to make the cards more appealing and informative:
Essential Details
Include crucial information such as:
- Date and time of the reunion
- Venue location
- Any specific themes or dress codes
Engaging Extras
Add a catchy P.S. to generate excitement, for example:
“P.S. Don’t forget to bring your yearbooks and old photos for our gnarly memory wall!”
Personalization Options
Offer customization choices to make each invitation unique:
- School colors or mascot incorporation
- Class motto or song lyrics
- Iconic local landmarks from the 1980s
RSVP Information
Clearly state how and when to respond:
- RSVP deadline
- Contact person or website for responses
- Any additional event options (e.g., pre-reunion mixers)
By incorporating these elements, the reunion invitations will not only inform but also excite the Class of 1985 about their upcoming 40th reunion celebration. These cards can serve as the perfect kickoff to a memorable event, blending nostalgia with modern communication methods.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted New Cards – Class Reunion Invitation 1985
Wanted Cards – Class Reunion Invitation 1985
With this new year of 2025 means the graduating class of 1985 wil be upon their 40th reunion – a big one!
Please consider creating reunion invitations for the Class of 1985. They should go here:
Invitations >> Reunion >> Class Reunion > Class Specific >> Class of 80s cid#2017
Similarly, consider creating invitations for a 40 year reunion, here:
Invitations >> Reunion >> Class Reunion > Year Specific cid#2028
NOTE: be sure to follow the guidelines for original indicators in your cover design (40th) 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
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Celebrating a Legacy of Hope and Equality
On January 20, 2025, we will commemorate the 30th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a National Day of Service. This federal holiday, observed on the third Monday of January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement.
Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to racial equality and social justice through nonviolent resistance has left an indelible mark on our nation’s history. His famous “I Have A Dream” speech continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the ongoing quest for a more just and equitable society.
This day is not just about remembrance; it’s a call to action. Designated as a day of service, it encourages all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities, embodying Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.
Greeting Card Ideas for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
When designing greeting cards for this important day, it’s crucial to focus on themes of unity, equality, and service while being mindful of copyright restrictions. Here are some ideas that respect these guidelines:
- Unity Hands: Create a design featuring diverse hands joined in a circle, symbolizing unity and cooperation.
- Dream Clouds: Illustrate a sky filled with dream-like clouds, each containing words like “Equality,” “Justice,” and “Peace.”
- Candle of Hope: Design a card with a single candle, its flame representing the enduring light of Dr. King’s message.
- Inspirational Quotes: Use general quotes about equality and justice, being careful to avoid direct quotes from Dr. King due to copyright issues.
- Service Silhouettes: Depict silhouettes of people engaged in various community service activities.
- Dove of Peace: Incorporate a dove, a universal symbol of peace, with olive branches or rainbow colors.
- Bridge to the Future: Illustrate a bridge spanning from past to present, symbolizing the ongoing journey towards equality.
- Tree of Diversity: Design a tree with leaves of different colors and shapes, representing diversity and growth.
Remember, when creating these cards, focus on the spirit of Dr. King’s message rather than using his direct words or image. By emphasizing themes of unity, service, and hope, we can honor his legacy while respecting copyright laws.
As we approach this meaningful day, let’s reflect on how we can contribute to our communities and continue the work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Dash of Inspiration: January Design Challenge
Happy New Year, fellow artists! We are kicking off the year with our usual Color of the Year from Pantone, so let’s get to it …
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Theme: Pantone Color of the Year 2025 – Mocha Mousse
Requirements:
- Create a new design using the 2025 Pantone color: Mocha Mousse
- Any category which your card speaks to.
- No Stock card creations will be accepted.
- Blank verse will not be considered for entry in this challenge.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do NOT use trademarked terms “Pantone” in your meta-data. You can however use individual terms like: color of the year, mocha, mousse, etc.
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Entry Deadline: Friday, January 31st
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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.
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Category:
Any
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Rules:
- Submission must meet GCU’s Submission Guidelines and be Approved through the usual Review Cycle– Fast Track your submission with this in the Notes to Reviewer: January Design 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.
- Stock Card Creations entries will not be accepted.
- Your designs should differ from those already offered in the category of your choice to offer shoppers a variety of choices, not more of the same.
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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.
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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 – over 55,000 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: 14.9k!
- 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 10.6k 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 10.6k 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:
- Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Page
- GCU Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Blog Post
- GCU Pinterest Color of the Year 2025 Inspiration
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Be inspired to create and learn something new!
GCU Community 