LONDON, Ohio  — The holiday season is an especially creative time for long-time arts and craft enthusiast and owner of Paisleyfire Designs Julia Thornhill. 

“I really enjoy making things that sparkle. And this season lends itself very well to that,” said Thornhill, a Columbus native who works out of her London, Ohio studio. 

What You Need To Know

  • Julia Thornhill is the founder of London-based Paisleyfire Designs 

  • The small business specializes in precision-laser crafts made from wood
  • Thornhill started the venture during the pandemic after leaving a career as a sign language interpreter 

She made the decision to leave her long-time career in sign language interpreting and go into business for herself two years ago after her health took a turn for the worse. 

“I have a genetic disease called Ehlers-Danlos and from Ehlers-Danlos there are many associated conditions, I have Lymphedema and Lipedema. Those things have really affected my mobility,” said Thornhill. 

But Thornhill's condition hasn't taken away her spirit, especially her holiday spirit. 

When she added a state-of-the-art precision laser to the mix, it was a game changer, leading to endless possibilities. 

“I love the creating from my end and when you connect with another person who sees your art in a way that is also pleasing to them, it gives you all the warm feels inside,” said Thornhill. 

A wife, mother, and grandmother, Thornhill said this is her favorite time of the year, and she looks forward to making new and treasured holiday memories. 

“I really love the traditions, and the feeling, the family, the baking, and the colors and the smells and the sights and the sounds of the season,” said Thornhill. 

Thornhill is always getting new ideas, as well as learning from fellow vendors,. 

And for those looking to take on a challenge in precision laser artwork, she has this advice. 

“Don't look at what the top sellers are. If you have a heart for creating, it kind of just all starts to flow," said Thornhill. "You have the machine that will do the work for you, you just need to tell it what you want it to do.”