The Origin Story: Sisterhood, Crafts & Philanthropy

Hi! I'm Cheryl, the graphic designer, crafter, and proud Zeta Tau Alpha alumna behind The Sisterhood Craft Studio.

My story began in 2020, when I was looking for a new hobby to fill some unexpected free time, and a friend suggested diamond art. From my very first canvas I was instantly hooked, like a can’t-put-it-down, obsessed kind of hooked! I loved the focus, the shimmer, and the satisfaction of every little gem snapping into place. But I quickly ran into one problem: I couldn’t find designs that truly reflected my style or spirit. So, I did what any creative soul would do, and started designing my own. Before long, I found a manufacturer and began producing my own diamond art canvases.

   

From Hobby to Heart-Led Business

In early 2022, my dear friend and artist Yvette and I decided to team up and share a studio space at Mainframe Studios, which I called my portion Bella Diamond Studio.

That spring, my sorority reached out after hearing about my “sparkly hobby” and invited me to bring diamond art to the 2022 Zeta Tau Alpha Convention in Dallas, TX. Over 100 sisters crafted their first strawberry diamond art that weekend, and that’s when I knew I had found my niche.

I'd realized diamond art didn’t have to be limited to the “super crafters” who spent 40+ hours on giant canvases. It could also be for sisters and busy women looking for a fun, relaxing creative outlet they could finish in an evening. That shift in focus became my first major pivot, and the start of something special.

Working closely with my manufacturer, I designed officially licensed pieces, the ZTA crest and crown. 

    

Meanwhile, Yvette and I had the opportunity to move into a larger studio, where we began hosting First Friday events, Paint & Sip nights, and Diamond Art Parties for the public. 

The Birth of Sorority Diamond Art

In spring 2023, I was invited to be the featured craft at “Gal's Weekend” for the ZTA chapter at the University of Iowa. Over 150 sisters and their loved ones crafted strawberries together, and Sorority Diamond Art was officially born.

With the successful launch of Sorority Diamond Art, I wanted to expand my market to reach those in need, so I designed a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon. While I do sell these ribbons, 80% of the kits I have are donated for fundraisers or are given to women who are currently receiving treatment or are in recovery.

And Now The Sisterhood Craft Studio

While serving as House Director for ZTA’s Alpha Omicron Chapter, I was surrounded by young women overflowing with creativity. I had the tools, a Cricut, heat press, and button maker, and the passion to help them bring their crafting visions to life! We spent so many late nights making Big/Little reveal merch and buttons for fun weekend events, and I realized this was more than diamond art. It was about connection, creativity, and community, and most of all, sisterhood.

And so, The Sisterhood Craft Studio was born, an evolution of Sorority Diamond Art, expanding our mission to include coloring pages, magnets, Big/Little gifts, custom buttons, and our popular Diamond Art Party Packs, which let sisters craft from home or on campus.

What’s Next

Today, Bella Diamond Studio is our physical space at Mainframe Studios, and The Sisterhood Craft Studio is our growing online home, where every creation celebrates the bond of sisterhood.

We’re continuing to grow, adding more licensed designs, expanding into new sororities, and creating fresh ways for women to connect through creativity.

Thank you for being part of our story and here’s to crafting something beautiful together.

Cheryl and the Sisterhood Craft Studio Team