Introducing Designs by Sonya - Card Collection:
At Designs by Sonya, I approach creativity differently. I'm would tell you I am not a creator; I'm an enhancer. Like an alchemist of old, I take bits and pieces from what I like, transforming them into something uniquely mine and leaving the rest behind. This knack for enhancement has shaped my life in unexpected ways.
Every time I begin working on a design, I'm filled with excitement, eager to see how my God-given talents will evolve. The process is unpredictable, and I never quite know how each design will turn out. But one thing is certain: all the credit for each of my creations belongs to God. Without His guiding hand, I wouldn't be able to craft these unique arrangements and cards for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
Experience the magic of Designs by Sonya, where each creation is a testament to the power of transformation and the beauty of divine inspiration.
As the oldest grandchild on my dad's side and the fifth on my mom's, I grew up in a family of sharecroppers, hunters, farmers, carpenters, blacksmiths, dairy farmers, dog trainers, and even a few pastors. They raised their own food, from animals to vegetables, ensuring fresh, homegrown meals every day. Every morning featured homemade biscuits and gravy, bacon, and fresh eggs, followed by homemade rolls and a hot meal for lunch, and another hearty dinner in the evening.
Born in Houston, Texas, I am grateful my parents visited "the country" every chance they could. I thought this was all done for me, their little princess, but little did I know that my grandmothers prepared these meals daily with what was available. They made quilts to stay warm, sewed clothes for their children, often using flour sacks, and, of course, crafted Christmas presents for us.
From a young age, I noticed that everyone in my family used their hands for "work." I was fortunate that I had this special opportunity to spend time with my grandparents and great-grandparents. Spending time with them taught me the value of hard work. They were up before dawn and worked until dark, focused on survival and feeding the family; therefore, little time for Emily Post's book of etiquette.
Yet, an unexpected twist of fate came through one of my uncles, who joined the armed forces and married a proper woman from the original thirteen colonies. As a Yankee, she introduced our southern family—especially me—to the world of etiquette at an early age. Most importantly, she taught me the art of making a bow out of ribbon. Little did she know, she was creating a monster—a designer "snob" obsessed with details. I made my first bow at ten and never looked back.
In the late '70s, feeling dissatisfied with the generic graduation cards offered by my school, I took matters into my own hands and crafted my own from a wedding collection. It was completely unheard of at the time, and yes, I faced criticism, but I remained unfazed. I was determined to stand out and be different from the crowd. Thankfully my mother supported me in this endeavor. After all, it was my parents money I was spending.
After college, I discovered the joy of sending handwritten notes. I would regularly mail thank-you notes on my Crane stationery. At that time, Hallmark and American Greetings dominated the market with limited options. Then came Papyrus, with their unique and special cards, but even they couldn’t fully satisfy my desire for variety and personalized messages. I sought the perfect card for every occasion but never found one that truly spoke to me. This led me to start designing my own cards.
Enter Anna Griffin. Oh, the countless hours I spent in pure bliss, creating beautiful cards from her kits. Despite the remarks from family members, who couldn’t understand why I didn’t just buy a card from Walmart, I persisted. To me, a card is more than just a piece of paper; it is a piece of art and a reflection of who we are.
One year, to make a point, I handed a family member a random scrap of paper folded up, with the sentiment, “It’s just a piece of paper.” They got the message. Cards are special, heartfelt sentiments.
E-cards never appealed to me, but I reluctantly embraced technology when I recently sent a birthday card via messenger. Today, with tools like Canva and Cricut, I can design stunning designs that elicit smiles and wows from my loved ones. These tools have allowed me to convey how much I care, ensuring my messages are heartfelt and special. Now, there's AI. Initially skeptical, I found that AI could enhance my words, making my messages even more profound.
And you know what? Even after all these years, not much has changed. I still have some of my old Crane stationery and that same desire to break the mold and design my own unique collections. Being different isn't just a phase for me—it's a way of life, and I embrace it wholeheartedly. Because at the end of the day, each card is more than just paper—it’s a piece of my heart.