Wanted Cards – National Mole Day
Wanted Cards – National Mole Day
Mole Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated among chemists, chemistry students, and chemistry enthusiasts on October 23 between 6:02 a.m. and 6:02 p.m.,making the date 6:02 10/23 in either MDY or YMD date formats. The time and date are derived from the Avogadro constant, which is approximately 6.02×1023, defining the number of particles (atoms or molecules) in one mole (mol) of substance, one of the seven base SI units.
Please consider creating National Mole Day. They should go here:
Holidays > National & International Days Cards > National Mole Day cid#24370
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
Share this:
| Nuts & Bolts – Vote for GCA Consumer’s Choice Card of the Year by 9/15 Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) NOTED 2025 was held in Las Vegas on July 27 – 30. Greeting Card Universe did not attend this year. Featured at the show was the 36th Annual Louie Awards, akin to the Academy Awards for the greeting card industry. You can view the 36th Annual Louie Award Competition finalists and winners gallery here. (click on the category and then scroll to the bottom to see the three finalists and the winning cards.) |
| There is still one final award to be given out – the Consumer’s Choice Award. By September 15th, vote for your favorite card of the year from the GCA’s LOUIE award winners. The Consumer’s Choice Award is unlike any of the rest because the judges don’t choose who wins it – you do. Vote here. The winner will be recognized later this year. See last year’s Consumer’s Choice Award winner was this Encouragement/Friendship card. |
See more about GCU, the LOUIE awards and the NOTED greeting card expo here.
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy Rosso
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
Share this:
Wanted New Cards Extra: Earlobe Repair Surgery.
🎉 Little Lobe, Big Deal!
Card Ideas for Earlobe Repair Surgery
You might not think of earlobes as greeting card-worthy—until you realize how common earlobe repair surgery really is! Whether it’s from an accidental tear, a stretched piercing gone rogue, or simply a change of heart (and hole!), people are saying so long to saggy lobes and hello to fresh starts.
This relatively quick and simple cosmetic procedure can actually be a pretty big moment for someone—it can mark healing, confidence, or just getting something finally fixed. And that deserves a card!
We’re inviting you to add some new designs to these brand-new subcategories:
- Congratulations >> Surgery/Medical >> Earlobe Repair Surgery [cid#39342]
- Good Luck >> Surgery / Surgical Procedure >> Earlobe Repair Surgery [cid#39344]
- Get Well / Feel Better >> Plastic / Cosmetic Surgery >> Earlobe Repair Surgery [cid#39346]
Let’s get those creative juices (and maybe a little ear humor) flowing with these text ideas:
🎯 FRONT + INSIDE TEXT IDEAS
💌 Congratulations Cards
Front:
- “Lobes Lookin’ Lovely!”
Inside: - Congrats on the fresh fix! Here’s to earrings staying right where they should from now on.
Front:
- “You Nailed It — Or Should I Say, Needled It?”
Inside: - Congrats on a smooth and successful earlobe repair. Time to rock those studs again!
Front:
- “Two Thumbs (and Two Lobes) Up!”
Inside: - Way to go on taking care of YOU. Your ears are back and better than ever!
🍀 Good Luck Cards
Front:
- “Wishing You Luck, Snips and All!”
Inside: - You’ve got this. Sending smooth-surgery vibes and speedy healing your way!
Front:
- “Here’s to a Quick Fix and an Even Quicker Recovery!”
Inside: - Good luck with your earlobe repair—you’re in good hands (and soon, good earrings!).
Front:
- “Repair, Refresh, Repeat!”
Inside: - Best of luck with your surgery. May your lobes be symmetrical and fabulous once again!
💐 Get Well / Feel Better Cards
Front:
- “Rest Up, Lobe Star!”
Inside: - Take it easy and heal up soon. Can’t wait to see you rocking your favorite earrings again!
Front:
- “Hope You’re Lobe-ving the Results!”
Inside: - Get well soon and enjoy that post-surgery sparkle—your ears deserve it.
Front:
- “Sometimes the Littlest Fix Feels Like the Biggest Win”
Inside: - Wishing you comfort, confidence, and a beautifully healed you.
🖼️ ART IDEAS
Keep it light, positive, and fun! Consider designs like:
- Bandaged or smiley cartoon ears
- Earrings with signs like “Under Construction” or “Coming Soon”
- Illustrated before & afters (tastefully done!)
- Whimsical ear-themed puns with hearts, flowers, or glitter effect
- Glamorous makeover-style scenes (“Glow up, but for ears!”)
🏷️ KEYWORDS FOR TAGGING
earlobe repair, cosmetic surgery, ear surgery, get well, congratulations surgery, plastic surgery recovery, ear lobe fix, earrings, body confidence, surgery humor, ear healing, small surgery, good luck surgery
Even small procedures can mean a big emotional shift. Whether it’s about confidence, correction, or closure, your cards can help people feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Happy designing—and lobe on! 🧡👂✨
Corrie
Share this:
Wanted Cards – Earlobe Repair Surgery.
Wanted Cards – Earlobe Repair Surgery
A common and relatively simple surgery is earlobe repair surgery. This is repairing from an injury, stretched or misplaced piercings.
Please consider creating new cards for this surgery. They should go here:
Occasions >> Congratulations >> Surgery/Medical >> Earlobe Repair Surgery cid#39342
Occasions >> Good Luck >> Surgery / Surgical Procedure >> Earlobe Repair Surgery cid#39344
Occasions >> Get Well / Feel Better >> Plastic / Cosmetic Surgery >> Earlobe Repair Surgery cid#39346
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
Share this:
Dash of Inspiration: AUGUST 2025 STOCK Design Challenge
You all know it’s time to be focusing on the upcoming holiday season, so let’s be scary!
……………………………………………………………
Theme: Halloween
Requirements:
- Create a new stock card, judges will weigh heavily on how well your 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.
……………………………………………………………
Entry Deadline: Sunday, August 31st
……………………………………………………………
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.
……………………………………………………………….
Category:
Any Halloween category.
…………………………………………………………….
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: August 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.
……………………………………………………………………
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.
……………………………………………………………………
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.
-
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!
-
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!
………………………………………………………………………
Tips:
- Visit all the available tips, tricks and guidelines offered on the Big Stock Creation blog page!
- Halloween Quote Inspiration from Pinterest
Share this:
Wanted Cards – Stonewall Riots Anniversary / Day (June 28)
June is Pride Month, a vibrant time celebrating diversity, self-expression, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. At the heart of this month is Stonewall Day (June 28), commemorating the pivotal Stonewall Riots of 1969. It marks a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and liberation, sparked by brave individuals standing against injustice at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
On June 28, 1969, police raids and persecution of LGBTQ+ establishments were met with resistance, igniting six days of protests and demonstrations. These events galvanized the movement toward LGBTQ+ equality, creating a legacy that still inspires today. Creating greeting cards for Stonewall Day is an opportunity to honor, educate, and inspire by acknowledging this significant historical milestone.
Why create Stonewall Day Cards?
Greeting Card Universe artists have a unique chance to:
- Celebrate History: Acknowledge the bravery and resilience of those involved in the Stonewall Riots.
- Support Visibility: Raise awareness and foster dialogue about LGBTQ+ rights and history.
- Promote Solidarity: Help communities express pride, solidarity, and ongoing commitment to equality.
Creative Card Ideas for Stonewall Day:
Here are some inspiring and meaningful card concepts you can incorporate into your designs:
1. Honoring Courage:
- Front: “Pride Started with a Riot”
- Inside: “Celebrating the bravery that changed the world. Happy Stonewall Day!”
2. Celebrating Progress:
- Front: “Remember Stonewall, Celebrate Progress.”
- Inside: “Together we rise, united by pride.”
3. Historical Recognition:
- Front: “June 28, 1969 – A Night that Sparked Change”
- Inside: “Honoring the history that makes Pride possible.”
4. Pride and Visibility:
- Front: “Visibility Matters – Stonewall Lives On”
- Inside: “Proud of our past, inspired for our future.”
5. Unity and Love:
- Front: “From Riots to Rights, Love Unites.”
- Inside: “Happy Stonewall Day! Standing proudly together.”
6. Strength and Resilience:
- Front: “Resilience in Every Color”
- Inside: “Remembering Stonewall, celebrating our strength.”
7. Educational and Reflective:
- Front: “Do You Know Your Pride History?”
- Inside: “June 28, 1969 – Stonewall Day. Celebrating history, embracing pride.”
8. Legacy of Pride:
- Front: “We Walk Because They Marched”
- Inside: “Forever grateful for the legacy of Stonewall.”
Design Tips:
- Colors: Utilize vibrant rainbow and inclusive pride flag colors.
- Symbolism: Incorporate significant symbols like brick walls, protest signs, rainbow flags, and fists raised in solidarity.
- Tone: Balance prideful celebration with respectful acknowledgment of the struggles faced.
Keyword Ideas for Tagging:
- Stonewall Riots
- Stonewall Day
- LGBTQ+ History
- Pride Month
- Gay Rights Movement
- LGBTQ Equality
- Queer Liberation
- Rainbow Flag
- Visibility
- Solidarity
- Pride Celebration
- Activism
Creating greeting cards for Stonewall Day is more than just crafting beautiful designs—it’s about participating in the powerful narrative of LGBTQ+ history and pride. Let’s commemorate, educate, and inspire together.
Happy designing!
Corrie
Share this:
Wanted Cards – Stonewall Riots Anniversary / Day
Wanted Cards – Stonewall Riots Anniversary / Day
Observed on June 28, Stonewall Day commemorates the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots and helps raise awareness for the fight in LGBTQ equality and liberation. Thus Gay Pride month is the month of June.
Please consider creating cards for this observation. They should go here:
Holidays >> Stonewall Riots Anniversary / June 28 cid#39340
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
Share this:
Nuts & Bolts – Update Chinese New Year YEAR of the SNAKE
Chinese New Year in 2026 will be the Year of the Horse (beginning February 17th), so we say sssssee ya to 2025’s Year of the Snake for 12 more years until 2037.
Please update your 2025 Year of the Snake cards to 2037. After 9/01/25, GCU will take any outdated cards offline.
Be sure to review the Chinese New Year specific rules on Change or New Submission.
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.
Also consider creating new cards for 2026’s Year of the Horse: – many of the subcategories are in need of cards:
The difference is made in the details!
Mindy
GCU Community Manager
mindy@gcuniverse.com
Share this:
Thinking Ahead: Timely Tips for Greeting Card Artists.
Thinking Ahead: Timely Tips for Greeting Card Artists
Hey artists! Just like the fashion world plans winter coats in July and swimsuits in December, greeting card designers need to stay ahead of the calendar curve. Even though we’re currently in the warm embrace of summer, it’s the perfect moment to start thinking about cards for the winter holidays and early spring celebrations. Here’s your cheerful roadmap to get a jumpstart and keep your Greeting Card Universe shops stocked and ready to impress!
1. Holiday Magic (Yes, Already!)
Believe it or not, now is prime time to sketch out your festive lineup. Think beyond classic Christmas trees—customers also love:
- Humorous Christmas Cards: Quirky Santas, mischievous elves, and reindeer puns always fly off the shelves.
- Inclusive Holiday Greetings: Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Winter Solstice—embrace diversity in celebrations.
- Unique Themes: Try Gothic Christmas, Victorian-inspired holidays, or retro mid-century festive designs.
Tip: Look back at last year’s best sellers and put your own creative spin on proven winners!
2. New Year’s Celebrations
It’s never too early to celebrate new beginnings:
- Funny Resolutions: “This year, I’ll definitely stop procrastinating… starting tomorrow!”
- Optimistic Outlooks: Bright, bold typography with positive affirmations about the year ahead.
- Themed 2026 Cards: Incorporate trends, pop culture, or clever references to the new year number itself.
Tip: Think about social media-friendly designs. Customers love cards they can share digitally as well.
3. Love is in the Air: Valentine’s Day
Cupid will be here before you know it! Valentine’s Day is about more than romantic partners:
- Galentine’s Day: Friendship-focused cards are a growing trend.
- Anti-Valentine Cards: Humorously sarcastic, perfect for those who love to hate Valentine’s Day.
- Inclusive Love Cards: Reflect all relationships, identities, and expressions of love.
Tip: Bright colors and playful typography are always popular, but don’t overlook subtle elegance and minimalist designs.
4. Springtime Celebrations: Easter and Beyond
Hop ahead to spring holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, and spring birthdays:
- Nature and Renewal: Florals, baby animals, spring pastels, and fresh, earthy themes.
- Playful Characters: Funny bunnies, mischievous chicks, and clever egg puns never fail to delight.
- Mother’s Day Reinvented: Cards that celebrate all types of motherhood, including stepmoms, pet moms, foster moms, and mentors.
Tip: Watercolor styles and delicate line art are especially appealing in springtime designs.
5. Unexpected Occasions
Greeting Card Universe thrives on niche moments and personalized cards:
- Wedding Season Prep: Not just congratulations, but also “will you be my bridesmaid,” pre-wedding encouragement, and post-wedding thank-yous.
- Life Milestones: Graduation, retirement, or even adopting a pet—capture those heartfelt, personal moments customers search for.
- Quirky Observances: National Donut Day, Star Wars Day (May the Fourth), or Pi Day—tap into fun and trendy occasions.
Tip: Keep an eye on emerging pop culture trends to quickly design timely, humorous cards.
6. Freshen Up Your Shopfront
Customers love seasonal visuals. Consider refreshing your shop banners, categories, and keywords early to match your upcoming designs and help customers find exactly what they’re looking for.
Final Word: Embrace Experimentation!
The key to greeting card success is blending timely preparation with your unique creativity. Stay ahead, have fun, and your customers will too!
Happy designing!
Corrie
Share this:
Graphic Design Trends for 2026: Fresh Inspiration for Your Greeting Cards
Hello, GCU artists! Ready to refresh your creative toolkit for the upcoming year? Graphic design trends for 2026 are shaping up to be exciting, expressive, and full of potential for your greeting card designs. From the playful return of retro aesthetics and the creative embrace of AI-generated art, to bold minimalist layouts and eco-inspired motifs, there’s something for every style and taste.
We’ve rounded up the top graphic design trends you can tap into right now to keep your cards fresh, relevant, and irresistibly appealing to buyers. Let’s dive in and explore the inspiring possibilities waiting to grace your shopfront in the coming year!
Here are the key graphic design trends heading into 2026, updated with insights from recent forecasts:
🌟 1. AI‑Powered & Generated Design
AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a creative partner. Generative AI will be used for ideation, dynamic layout generation, and even personalized card designs. Designers will integrate AI to spark initial concepts and refine typography or colors (merehead.com).
How GCU artists can use it:
- Use AI tools to prototype patterns or styles, then add handmade finishing touches.
- Create multiple AI-driven drafts and blend them to form a unique card.
2. Extreme Minimalism & Bold Minimalism
“Maximum minimalism” combines streamlined layouts with impactful typography and strategic color pops—a trend set to grow in 2026 (Walsworth Yearbooks).
Application for cards:
- Opt for clean landscapes or simple elements (e.g., single flower or snowflake) paired with bold fonts.
- Use vibrant colors like canary yellow or neon accents on mostly white space (Pinterest, merehead.com).
3. Grainy Textures & Hand‑Made Touches
After digital perfection, designers crave imperfections. Grain overlays, paper textures, and raw organic effects add depth and warmth (Piktochart).
On cards:
- Apply subtle grainy overlays to backgrounds.
- Embrace uneven brush strokes or hand-lettered typography to mimic tactile feel.
4. Retro Revival & Typographic Innovation
Expect nostalgic resurges—from ’70s/’80s throwback aesthetics, punk-inspired elements, to gothic or serif fonts—reimagined for a modern context (Adobe, Looka, merehead.com).
Try this on GCU cards:
- Pair bold serif fonts with muted jewel tones for winter designs.
- Use retro stamp-style icons (cassette tape, old TV) for summer nostalgia.
5. Geometric Simplicity & Altered Type
2026 is about playing with shapes and type: cropping photos into custom geometric forms, distorting letterforms for artistic impact .
Card design ideas:
- Frame an illustration inside a hexagon or half-circle.
- Distort key words like “Thanks” or “Joy” with curves, overlaps, or cutouts.
6. Punk & Expressive Visual Language
A raw, rebellious aesthetic is emerging—think hand-scrawled lettering, collage elements, and punk-inspired glitches. This trend embraces visual honesty and individuality .
For greeting cards:
- Incorporate torn-edge collage or sticker-style graphics.
- Use vibrant, mismatched colors and playful “anti-design” layouts.
7. Climate & Sustainability Motifs
Symbolic, data-driven visuals like “warming stripes” are becoming popular to represent environmental themes (Looka, Wikipedia).
Potential uses:
- Use striped patterns to subtly represent seasons or environmental awareness.
- Create cards supporting eco-campaigns with subtle climate visual motifs.
🎨 How GCU Artists Can Leverage These Trends
| Trend | How to Use in GCU Cards |
|---|---|
| AI‑Generated Design | Prototype with AI, refine with hand-drawn elements |
| Maximalist Minimalism | Choose bold fonts and a few striking elements |
| Grainy Texture | Add subtle digital grain for holographic vibe |
| Retro Typography | Use nostalgic fonts and muted palettes |
| Geometric Crops | Frame illustrations in custom shapes |
| Punk Expression | Add collage, uneven edges, glitchy accents |
| Climate Stripes | Feature seasonal or eco-friendly motifs |
Why This Matters for Greeting Cards
- Emotional impact: Authentic, handmade textures and visible imperfections feel human and personal.
- Modern appeal: Bold minimalism balances sophistication with readability—great for front‑of‑card messaging.
- Relevance: Sustainability themes connect with conscious consumers; retro and expressive trends attract emotion and nostalgia.
Happy Designing!
Corrie
GCU Community 