Nuts and Bolts – Perfect Pairing for Valentine’s UPS LOVE Stamp.
Nuts & Bolts – Perfect Pairing for Valentine’s USPS LOVE Stamp
Consider joining this social media with the Greeting Card Association (GCA) and the US Postal Service to share some love for the LOVE stamp paired with your favorite Valentine’s Day card.
The GCA is excited to announce the next Perfect Pairing in our marketing collaboration with the United States Postal Service (USPS). The goal is to increase the number of greeting cards sent through the mail by creatively pairing our members’ greeting cards with USPS stamps. This Perfect Pairing partnership aims to showcase cards that perfectly match various USPS stamps, with opportunities for all GCA members to join in through various social media platforms.
You can purchase the LOVE stamps or use these digital stamps for mocking up for your creative.
GCU will be doing the same like the below posting so follow along and see what perfect pairings are being made. Don’t forget to tag GCU at @GreetingCardUniverse
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
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Wanted New Cards – Congratulations Surviving Jury Duty.
Wanted Cards – Congratulations Surviving Jury Duty
The dreaded letter – a jury duty summons! Participating in jury duty in one most people don’t look forward to nor have the time for. It is an important and necessary civic duty.
Please consider creating cards for Congratulations surviving jury duty. They should go here:
Occasions >> Congratulations >> Surviving Jury Duty cid#38454
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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February Holidays: Creative Greeting Card Ideas for Designers
February is a month filled with love, reflection, and unique celebrations. As a card designer for Greeting Card Universe, you have the opportunity to create designs that resonate with these themes while keeping your production methods simple and effective. Here’s a fun and informative guide to inspire your February creations:
1. Valentine’s Day (February 14th)
The hallmark holiday of February, Valentine’s Day, is a must for card designers. While traditional hearts and roses are classics, consider these fresh ideas:
- Non-Romantic Love: Design cards for friends (Galentine’s Day), family, or even pets. Use playful phrases like “Paws-itively Love You” with cute animal illustrations.
- Minimalist Aesthetic: Create modern designs with clean typography and simple heart motifs in unconventional colors like teal, mustard, or lavender.
- Humor: Add lighthearted messages such as “Roses are red, violets are blue, I tolerate you!” to appeal to those who enjoy a laugh on Valentine’s Day.
2. Groundhog Day (February 2nd)
This quirky holiday is perfect for humorous and lighthearted cards:
- Pun Cards: Use phrases like “Don’t be a shadow of yourself!” or “Spring is just around the corner!” paired with adorable groundhog illustrations.
- Interactive Designs: Illustrate a groundhog popping out of its burrow with fun captions like “Ready or not, here comes spring!”
3. Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17th)
Encourage spreading kindness with uplifting and encouraging cards:
- Motivational Messages: Include quotes like “Kindness is free—spread it everywhere” with cheerful designs featuring flowers or sunshine.
- Bright Colors: Use warm yellows, oranges, and greens to evoke positivity and joy.
4. Black History Month (All February)
Celebrate this important observance with thoughtful and empowering designs:
- Inspirational Quotes: Highlight quotes from influential Black leaders paired with bold typography and vibrant patterns inspired by African art.
- Cultural Motifs: Incorporate elements like kente cloth patterns or symbols of unity and strength to honor heritage.
5. National Love Your Pet Day (February 20th)
Pet lovers will adore cards celebrating their furry friends:
- Pet Portraits: Create customizable designs where customers can add their pet’s photo or name.
- Playful Themes: Use phrases like “You’re paws-itively the best!” or “Fur-ever in my heart” with whimsical illustrations of cats, dogs, or exotic pets.
6. Leap Year Themes (If Applicable)
If it’s a leap year (next in 2028), February 29th offers a rare chance for unique cards:
- Playful Puns: Try messages like “Leaping into another year of fun!” with frog illustrations or dynamic typography.
Design Tips for Greeting Card Universe Artists
- Bold Typography: Make your messages the star by experimenting with font styles and layouts that catch the eye without relying on special materials.
- Color Palettes: Use seasonal colors—reds, pinks, whites for Valentine’s Day; greens and yellows for spring themes; bold primary colors for cultural celebrations.
- Simple Illustrations: Keep your artwork crisp and scalable to ensure it prints beautifully across all formats.
February offers endless opportunities to create meaningful and memorable greeting cards that customers will love. Whether it’s celebrating love, kindness, or cultural heritage, let your creativity shine!
Happy Designing!
Corrie
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Nuts and Bolts – Reminder January 2025 Challenge.
Nuts & Bolts – Reminder January 2025 Design Challenge
Friday, January 31st is the last day to submit your entries for January’s DesignChallenge – the first challenge of the new year!
See January’s 2025 Design Challenge here.
Theme: Pantone Color of the Year 2025 – Mocha Mousse
Take a peek at:
- Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Page
- GCU Pantone Color of the Year 2025 Blog Post
- GCU Pinterest Color of the Year 2025 Inspiration
NOTE: Please do NOT use trademarked terms “Pantone” in your meta-data. You can however use individual terms like: color of the year, etc.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
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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
GCU Community 