Nuts & Bolts – 2024 Top Nine Instagram
Nuts & Bolts – 2024 Top Nine Instagram
Social Media is a great way to share your creative works and things that inspire, entertain, and maybe even annoy you. It’s also a great repository or chronicle of your past years. Again, let’s have some fun and share your best 9 posts of 2024, hopefully they are greeting cards or your creative works!
Here is some info about the Top Nine app and image creation.
Similarly, many artists are posting a grid of ArtvsArtist recaps featuring themself and an array of their favorite or representative work from the past year.
Be sure to tag us @greetingcarduniverse
Looking forward to seeing your best nine on Instagram and much more of all of our artists in 2025. Happy new year everyone!
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Nuts & Bolts – Year End Holidays Office Closure
Nuts & Bolts – Year End Holidays Office Closure
For your planning purposes, in observation of the Christmas and New Year holidays, GCU offices will be closed on the following days:
Tuesday 12/24 – closed
Wednesday 12/25 – closed
Wednesday 1/1 – closed
This includes our dedicated Card Review team members who will not be reviewing cards on either of those days / times.
ALSO our Card Review team members and GCU personnel will be taking some additional days off between December 23nd and January 2nd so staffing will be present but very light.
Thank you for your understanding & patience while we all enjoy the holidays and hope you are doing the same!
From all of us at GCU, Happy Holidays and best wishes for a prosperous, healthy, and joyful 2025!
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Greeting card artists, it’s time to tap into the luck of the Irish and create some heartwarming St. Patrick’s Day cards for students away at college! Here are some text ideas to inspire your designs, tailored for different relationships:
From Parents to College Students
Loving Messages with a Touch of Green
- “Missing you more than a leprechaun misses his pot of gold. Stay lucky and study hard!”
- “May your dorm room be filled with four-leaf clovers and your exams be blessed with Irish luck!”
- “We’re proud of you, our little shamrock. Keep growing and shining at college!”
- “Remember, you’re our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”
Humorous Notes with Parental Wisdom
- “Don’t rely on the luck of the Irish for your grades. But if you do, don’t tell us!”
- “May your coffee be strong and your homework be light this St. Patrick’s Day!”
- “We hope you’re wearing green and not just drinking it. Miss you!”
From Grandparents to College Students
Warm Wishes with Traditional Flair
- “May the road rise to meet you in all your college adventures. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, grandchild!”
- “Sending you a warm Irish hug across the miles. You make us proud every day!”
- “May your studies be blessed with the wisdom of St. Patrick himself!”
Playful Messages with a Dash of Nostalgia
- “Remember when we used to bake green cookies together? This year, we’ll eat an extra one for you!”
- “Your grandfather/grandmother says to study hard and party harder… just kidding about the latter!”
From Siblings to College Students
Cheeky Remarks with Sibling Love
- “Miss having someone to pinch on St. Patrick’s Day. Hope you’re wearing green!”
- “Bet you miss mom’s corned beef and cabbage now, don’t you? Happy St. Paddy’s Day, nerd!”
- “May your beer be green and your roommate be clean. Miss you, bro/sis!”
Supportive Notes with a Twist
- “You’re luckier than a four-leaf clover to have me as a sibling. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!”
- “Keep acing those classes! Remember, I need someone to mooch off in the future. Love you!”
From Friends to College Students
Fun Messages for Long-Distance Friendships
- “Wishing I could share a green beer with you! Let’s FaceTime in our leprechaun hats later!”
- “May your St. Patrick’s Day be as awesome as finding an empty laundry room on campus!”
- “Missing our shenanigans! Save some luck for when we reunite!”
Encouraging Words with a Festive Touch
- “You’ve got the determination of the Irish. Crush those midterms and then celebrate!”
- “May your college days be as rich as Irish folklore and twice as entertaining!”
Remember, the key to creating great St. Patrick’s Day cards for college students is to blend humor, encouragement, and a touch of homesickness. Use playful Irish-themed puns and references to campus life to make your cards relatable and fun. Don’t forget to incorporate traditional St. Patrick’s Day symbols like shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold in your designs to complement these messages. Happy creating, and may the luck of the Irish be with your card sales!
Happy designing!
Corrie
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Wanted Cards – St. Patrick’s Day Away at College Relationship Specific
Students that live away at college love to get mail and receive something special from home. St. Patrick’s Day is no different.
Please consider creating relationship specific St. Patrick Day cards for students away at college. They should go here:
Holidays >> St. Patrick’s Day >> Away at College and in the relationship specific sub-category.
See important tips and guidelines for St. Patrick’s Day here and 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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Nuts & Bolts – Updated Color Picker
Nuts & Bolts – Updated Color Picker
There have been a few changes to the site for both artists and shoppers.
Primarily to inside verse color selection. GCU receives a lot of complaints from shoppers who change their inside verse color and then are unhappy that they can’t read it (too light) so in the new and expanded dropdown of colors we have chosen a suite of colors that will print well in hopes shoppers will go here first to make color changes and minimize them picking a color that will not print legibly.
Color Picker – now offering two color picker modes (default by name dropdown and full palette)
For inside verses, there is now a default set of colors offered in a drop down menu. In addition to that, “Other” offers the traditional larger offering color palette to choose from, both of which display HEX color codes for easier matching.
See screen capture below of inside verse drop down and color palette color pickers:
This also applies to the front of Custom Front cards as well as allowing the full expanded list of font styles (plus removing the long disallowed Papyrus font).
NONE of these changes apply to the Stock Card Creations tool.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted New Cards Extra: Thank You Assisted Living Staff
Blog Post: Creative Thank You Card Text Ideas for Assisted Living Staff
Designing thank you cards for assisted living staff is a meaningful way to show appreciation for their dedication and compassion. These caregivers play an essential role in the lives of senior residents and their families, often going above and beyond to ensure comfort, safety, and happiness. This week we’ll explore thoughtful text ideas you can use in your greeting card designs to express gratitude to these incredible individuals.
1. General Messages of Gratitude
These messages are versatile and can be used for any staff member or the entire team.
- “Thank you for your unwavering dedication and care. Your kindness brightens the lives of so many, and we are deeply grateful.”
- “Your compassion and hard work make all the difference. Thank you for everything you do!”
- “To the amazing staff: Your patience, care, and love do not go unnoticed. We are forever thankful for your efforts.”
2. Messages Highlighting Specific Qualities
Focus on traits like patience, kindness, or reliability that make caregiving special.
- “Your endless patience and kindness have touched our hearts. Thank you for being such a light in our loved one’s life.”
- “Thank you for always being dependable and providing peace of mind to our family. Your care means the world to us.”
- “Your compassion inspires us every day. We are so thankful for the gentle care you provide.”
3. Appreciation for Going Above and Beyond
Acknowledge their extraordinary efforts with these heartfelt messages.
- “You go above and beyond every single day, and it does not go unnoticed. Thank you for making such a positive impact on our family.”
- “Thank you for always giving your best. Your dedication has made a world of difference in our loved one’s life.”
- “Your extraordinary efforts bring comfort and joy to so many. We are forever grateful.”
4. Family-Centered Messages
Express gratitude from the perspective of a family member.
- “Knowing that our mom is in your capable hands gives us such peace of mind. Thank you for treating her like family.”
- “Your care has brought so much joy to our dad’s life—and ours too! Thank you for being there when we can’t be.”
- “From our entire family: Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and tireless care.”
5. Uplifting Group Messages
Perfect for cards addressed to an entire team.
- “To the incredible team: Your hard work, dedication, and love create a home filled with warmth and care. Thank you!”
- “You are all heroes in every sense of the word. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many.”
- “Your teamwork is inspiring, and your care is unmatched. We appreciate each one of you!”
6. Inspirational Messages
Use these to uplift spirits while expressing thanks.
- “The work you do may not always be easy, but it is always appreciated. Thank you for being a source of hope and comfort.”
- “You have a gift for bringing light into people’s lives during challenging times. Thank you for sharing that gift with us.”
- “Every act of kindness you show makes the world a better place. We are so thankful for all that you do.”
7. Short Notes of Gratitude
Sometimes less is more—these concise messages pack a punch.
- “Thank you for all that you do—you are truly appreciated!”
- “Your care means everything to us—thank you!”
- “We’re so grateful for your hard work and kindness!”
By using these text ideas in your designs, you’ll help families convey their heartfelt gratitude while creating beautiful keepsakes that assisted living staff will cherish forever!
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Wanted New Cards: Thank You Assisted Living Staff
Wanted Cards – Thank You Assisted Living Staff
From a shopper:
Thank you for your service – I live in a senior living home with many residents. We owe many thanks to the dining room servers, the housekeeping, etc. and other employees.
Please consider creating general cards and staff role specific that should all go here:
Occasions >> Thank You >> Occupation Specific >> Assisted Living / Senior Living Staff cid#38402
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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Weekly Font Fix – Groovy Christmas, Luciena Font, Bedtime Story
Hello, fellow creatives! 🎨 Are you on the hunt for the perfect typeface to elevate your designs? Look no further! In this weekly blog series, “Font Fix,” I’ll be sharing a curated selection of stunning fonts that are not only free but also licensed for commercial use. Whether you’re crafting greeting cards, branding materials, or digital content, these fonts will add that extra flair to your projects. Join me as we explore unique styles and discover new favorites that will inspire your creativity and enhance your artistic endeavors. Let’s dive into this week’s font treasures!
Disclaimer:
These fonts are free, but to be safe always remember to check the specific licensing terms to ensure they meet your commercial use requirements.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Nuts & Bolts – December Design Challenge – 2024 Founders’ Choice Awards
Can you believe that we are beginning to wrap up another year? During the end of year sales and holiday hustle and bustle GCU looks forward to pause for this annual closure – December’s Design Challenge.
Winners to be announced in 2025, it’s the Best of 2024 – GCU’s Founders’ Choice Awards!
This end of year challenge will consider ALL cards created in 2024 – not just from prior design challenge submissions. There will be countless cards recognized! This means all artists and all 2024 card submissions are candidates. Stay tuned in January for the “best of” 2024 winners.
Winners will receive the same recognition rewards as in prior design challenges (except no card credits), PLUS winners will receive prestigious and coveted Best of 2024 digital awards for their online promotion and bragging rights.
See 2023’s Founders’ Choice Awards Winners
Taking a look back at your creative year is very nostalgic. Take some time to reflect on all of your hard and creative work over the past twelve months. Reflect on a top seller, a popular new series, a design that took you out of your comfort zone, experimenting with a new style or technique, or just the sheer number of new submissions you made. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back! We’ll be doing the same. If you’re not impressed with your year’s work, maybe take this as an opportunity to set a goal for 2025.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Rainbow Connection: Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Mocha Mousse
Pantone has unveiled its highly anticipated Color of the Year for 2025, and it’s a delectable treat for the senses: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. This rich, warm brown hue evokes the comforting essence of cacao, chocolate, and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort and indulgence.
A Sensory Experience
Mocha Mousse is more than just a color; it’s a sensory journey. This soft, velvety brown tone has the power to transport us into a world of pleasure and deliciousness. Its visual appeal is complemented by its ability to stimulate our other senses, particularly taste and smell. Who can resist the aroma of freshly baked chocolate cookies or the smooth, rich flavor of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee?
Sophistication Meets Comfort
While Mocha Mousse exudes sophistication and luxury, it remains unpretentious and classic. This duality makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for various applications from fashion and beauty to home decor and industrial design. The color strikes a perfect balance between modernity and timeless artistry, making it a harmonious choice for those seeking both style and comfort.
Reflecting Global Trends
The selection of Mocha Mousse as the Color of the Year 2025 is not arbitrary. It reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior and societal values:
- Emphasis on Wellness: The color resonates with the growing importance of self-care and mindfulness.
- Sustainable Living: Its earthy tone aligns with the increasing appreciation for natural beauty and sustainable practices.
- Little Treat Culture: Mocha Mousse embodies the concept of finding joy in small, everyday luxuries.
- Versatility in Uncertain Times: As a neutral yet distinctive shade, it caters to the need for versatile, seasonless, and genderless products in an economically uncertain world.
Applications Across Industries
Pantone’s Color of the Year influences various sectors, and Mocha Mousse is no exception. We can expect to see this rich brown hue making waves in:
- Fashion: As a versatile neutral, it’s likely to become a staple in wardrobes.
- Interior Design: Expect to see Mocha Mousse in furniture, wall colors, and home accessories.
- Technology: Companies like Motorola are already planning to incorporate this color into their product designs.
- Beauty: The warm undertones of Mocha Mousse will likely inspire new makeup and skincare trends.
Tonal Shift
Mocha Mousse marks a departure from the vibrant and bold hues of recent years:
- 2024: Peach Fuzz (a soft, nurturing peach tone)
- 2023: Viva Magenta (a vibrant crimson red)
- 2022: Very Peri (a dynamic periwinkle blue)
- 2021: Ultimate Gray & Illuminating (a pairing of neutral gray and bright yellow)
Mocha Mousse introduces a rich, warm brown that hasn’t been seen in Pantone’s selections for over a decade
Emotional Resonance
While previous colors often aimed to evoke specific emotions or reactions, Mocha Mousse takes a more nuanced approach:
- 2020’s Classic Blue aimed for calm and confidence
- 2019’s Living Coral promoted playfulness and optimism
- 2018’s Ultra Violet was provocative and enigmatic
In contrast, Mocha Mousse appeals to multiple senses, evoking comfort, indulgence, and a connection to nature.
Symbolic Meaning
Mocha Mousse carries a different symbolic weight compared to its predecessors:
- 2021’s Ultimate Gray & Illuminating symbolized strength and hopefulness in the face of the pandemic
- 2020’s Classic Blue represented stability at the dawn of a new decade
Mocha Mousse, in contrast, symbolizes a return to simple pleasures and everyday luxury, reflecting a shift in global priorities post-pandemic
PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse represents a more subtle, sensory-driven choice compared to recent Colors of the Year. It reflects a global desire for comfort and authenticity while offering versatility across design applications, marking a new direction in Pantone’s influential color forecasting.
A Global Celebration
To mark the 26th anniversary of Pantone’s Color of the Year, special events and experiences featuring Mocha Mousse will be held worldwide, from New York and London to Shanghai and Mumbai. The London Eye will even light up in this delectable shade to celebrate its unveiling.
As we look forward to 2025, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse invites us to savor life’s simple pleasures, find comfort in our surroundings, and embrace a sense of grounded luxury. Whether you’re a designer, artist, or simply someone who appreciates the power of color, Mocha Mousse offers a rich palette of possibilities for the year ahead.
For more Pantone Color of the Year 2025, also visit:
And don’t forget to pay a visit to our own GCU Pinterest Page on the color of the year!
Happy Designing!
Corrie
GCU Community 