Whimsical and lovely, Butterfly Wishes Hugs and Kisses celebrates life’s most precious moments. Each handmade card by Sanwada Dharmasena is a unique, beautifully crafted keepsake.
Words Jennifer Paldano Goonewardane. Photography Sujith Heenatigala.
When Sanwada Dharmasena sent her handmade cards to friends and loved ones, they assumed she’d picked them up on her travels—so exquisite were the designs. The surprise that followed when they learned the cards were handcrafted was always the same: awe and admiration. Encouraged by their glowing feedback, Sanwada took the leap into entrepreneurship in 2024, debuting her collection at a Christmas charity sale. Her cards and gift tags sold out completely. That first overwhelming response lit a spark. Strangers asked if she had a shop, affirming what her inner circle already knew—her work was exceptional. With that encouragement, Butterfly Wishes Hugs and Kisses was born.
Each card is a one-of-a-kind creation—no two alike—crafted with love, patience, and a keen eye for beauty. From a fabric pattern to a piece of wrapping paper, inspiration strikes Sanwada anywhere. Every card is a delicate expression of thoughtfulness, curated in limited editions for all occasions. This is not mass production—it’s meaningful artistry made by hand and heart. Armed with die-cutting machines, designer papers, embossing tools, stamps, inks, and a flair for the unusual, Sanwada creates handmade cards that are simple, striking, and undeniably elegant. A seasoned traveler, she sources unique papers—sometimes even gift wrap—floral prints being her favorite and enhances each card with delicate embellishments and her signature quirky headings. Every piece is a limited-edition creation, refined and thoughtfully made, a perfect combination of colors, a colored border to enhance a simple surface, maybe a touch of gold, a pop-up butterfly, or a balloon; they simply add that little touch that transforms a creation. Though self-taught, Sanwada’s innate sense of style shines through in every card she makes— whether it’s for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or expressions of sympathy. Money cards are her specialty, an innovative format she discovered abroad and adapted for Sri Lankan celebrations, making gifting elegant and personal. Her connection to florals is unmistakable, and that’s what makes her cards so graceful and charming. Butterfly Wishes Hugs and Kisses holds a special, deeply personal meaning. It’s inspired by Sanwada’s childhood fascination with butterflies—delicate, fleeting creatures she watched in wonder, their beauty leaving a lasting impression on her creative soul.
Sanwada Dharmasena, Founder, Butterfly Wishes Hugs and Kisses.
Butterfly Wishes Hugs and Kisses is a true reflection of Sanwada’s passion, creativity, and lifelong love for the little things that make a big impression.
Sanwada’s creative process is deeply personal—shaped by her mood, guided by music, and inspired by emotion. A slow romantic tune might accompany the making of a wedding card, while her love for detail and design flows naturally into each piece. For Sanwada, card-making is more than a craft—it’s a heartfelt ritual.
She laments the fading tradition of sending cards in today’s busy world, but she hopes to rekindle that joy through her brand Butterfly Wishes Hugs and Kisses. It all began with one-of-a-kind cards made for friends and family when she noticed the market’s lack of beautiful, meaningful options. Today, her thoughtfully curated packs—designed for various occasions— are perfect for those who still value the charm of a handwritten message.
Each card is still made one at a time, with love and care, just as it was from the beginning. Sanwada’s hope is simple: to one day offer her creations in a dedicated store, giving people a chance to choose something truly special—cards that aren’t mass-produced but made with heart, by hand. Butterfly Wishes Hugs and Kisses is a true reflection of Sanwada’s passion, creativity, and lifelong love for the little things that make a big impression.
Butterfly Wishes Hugs and Kisses (+94) 77 302 1311
Instagram: @butterfly_wishes_2024_
An enchanting array of handmade cards, each crafted with love to celebrate every occasion.
